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Breeds The link has been copied! Golden Retrievers are a beloved breed among dog owners and enthusiasts, known for their friendly nature, intelligence, and loyalty. However, many people may not be aware of the variety of colors that Golden Retrievers can come in. From the classic golden retriever hue to creamy white and even a striking red, the coloration of these dogs can vary greatly. Understanding the different Golden Retriever colors can provide insight into the breed's genetics, as well as help potential owners choose the perfect pup for their family. So today we will explore the various colors of Golden Retrievers and what they can tell us about these beloved dogs. All of the Golden Retriever Coat Colors There are three primary colors of Golden Retrievers recognized by most kennel clubs: golden, cream, and dark golden or red. However, it's important to note that these Golden Retriever colors can appear in various shades, leading to a broader range of hues within the breed this includes light golden retrievers and dark golden retrievers. The coat color of a Golden Retriever is determined by its genetics, with certain genes dictating the intensity and shade of its coat. These light golden retrievers have a soft, almost white hue that makes them stand out from the more traditional golden color. Cream Golden Retrievers still have the same friendly temperament, intelligence, and loyalty as their golden counterparts. They are known for their distinctive dark red or mahogany coat color, which differs from the more common lighter gold shades found in many Golden Retrievers. The Red Golden Retriever is not a separate breed, but rather a dark Golden Retriever color variation within the same breed. They make excellent family pets and are known for their gentle nature and patience with children. They are also highly trainable and excel in various dog sports , such as obedience, agility, and search and rescue work. The breed's origins can be traced back to the midth century in Scotland, where they were initially bred as gun dogs to retrieve waterfowl and game birds. The breed's development was primarily focused on function, and as a result, Golden Retrievers became highly skilled retrievers both on land and in water. As the name suggests, these dogs have a darker coat color, ranging from a rich gold to a deep reddish-gold hue. Like Red Golden Retrievers, Dark Golden Retrievers are not a separate breed but a color variation within the same breed. Dark Golden Retrievers possess the same temperament, intelligence, and trainability as other Golden Retrievers. They are friendly, eager to please, and make excellent family pets. Their gentle nature and patience with children, as well as their compatibility with other pets, make them a popular choice for households. As sporting dogs, Golden Retrievers excel in various dog sports and activities, including obedience, agility, and search and rescue work. They were originally bred in Scotland as gun dogs to retrieve waterfowl and game birds, which explains their instinctive love for water and retrieving. The Light Golden Retriever Light Golden Retrievers are a color variation of the popular Golden Retriever breed, characterized by their lighter gold or cream-colored coat. They are not a separate breed, but rather a variation in Golden Retriever colors Light Golden Retrievers possess the same temperament, intelligence, and trainability as other Golden Retrievers. They are known for their friendly, eager-to-please nature, which makes them excellent family pets. Their gentle disposition and patience with children, combined with their compatibility with other pets, make them a popular choice for households. Originally bred in Scotland as gun dogs for retrieving waterfowl and game birds, Golden Retrievers have an instinctive love for water and retrieving. The Golden Retriever can excel in various dog sports and activities, such as obedience, agility, and search and rescue work, thanks to their high level of intelligence and willingness to work. This coat color ranges from a medium gold to a dark gold, reflecting the breed's name. Like other color variations, the classic Golden Retriever is not a separate breed but a part of the same breed with a specific coat color. Golden Retrievers, regardless of their coat color, are known for their friendly, intelligent, and eager-to-please nature. They make excellent family pets due to their gentle disposition, patience with children, and compatibility with other pets. Originally bred in Scotland as gun dogs for retrieving waterfowl and game birds, Golden Retrievers have a strong retrieving instinct and an affinity for water. Their intelligence and trainability make them excel in various dog sports and activities, such as obedience, agility, and search and rescue work. Cream-colored Golden Retrievers are not exactly rare, but they are less common than the classic golden shades typically associated with the breed. The cream color is more prevalent in European lines of Golden Retrievers, particularly those from the United Kingdom. These lighter-colored dogs are sometimes referred to as English Cream Golden Retrievers or British White Retrievers, although they are still the same breed as their darker counterparts. It is essential to note that the American Kennel Club AKC standard for the American Golden Retriever states that the coat color should range from a light golden to a dark golden, with extremely pale or overly dark shades considered undesirable. On the other hand, the UK Kennel Club standard accepts the cream color, and these lighter-colored dogs can be successfully shown in conformation events in the UK and other countries. Differences in Cream Golden Retrievers vs Other Golden Retriever Colors While the most obvious difference between cream Golden Retrievers and other Golden Retriever colors is their coat, there are a few other distinctions as well. The cream colored sGolden Retriever can often have a blockier head and a more muscular build compared to their golden counterparts. This can be attributed to their English lineage, as English Golden Retrievers generally have these physical traits. In terms of temperament, the cream colored Golden Retriever shares the same friendly, intelligent, and loyal nature as other Golden Retrievers. However, some owners report that cream Goldens may have a slightly calmer demeanor than the traditional golden color. It's essential to understand that color does not dictate the quality of a Golden Retriever, and all colors within the breed can make excellent family pets. The most important factor when choosing a Golden Retriever puppy is to find a responsible breeder who prioritizes health, temperament, and breed standards over coat color. The breed was developed in the midth century in Scotland by Sir Dudley Marjoribanks, later known as Lord Tweedmouth. His goal was to create a versatile hunting dog that excelled in retrieving waterfowl and game birds, both on land and in water. Lord Tweedmouth started his breeding program by crossing a yellow-colored retriever named Nous with a Tweed Water Spaniel named Belle. The Tweed Water Spaniel, now extinct, was known for its excellent retrieving abilities and curly, liver-colored coat. The offspring of Nous and Belle were subsequently bred with other retrievers, Irish Setters, and possibly Bloodhounds to refine the breed further. Over time, the Golden Retriever breed developed, with its friendly temperament, intelligence, and strong retrieving instincts. The coat color of Golden Retrievers has always had some variation, ranging from light golden to dark golden shades. The dark Golden Retriever, with its rich red or mahogany coat, is simply a variation within the Golden Retriever breed, likely influenced by the genes from the Irish Setter and other breeds involved in the development of the Golden Retriever. The Red Golden Retriever has a dark auburn or mahogany coat, which sets it apart from the more common lighter gold or cream-colored Golden Retrievers. This color variation is still within the breed standard and is not considered a separate breed. Apart from the coat color, the dark Golden Retriever can share the same breed characteristics and temperament as other Golden Retrievers: Temperament: These Golden Retrievers, like all Golden Retrievers, are known for their friendly, affectionate, and eager-to-please nature. They are great with children and other pets, making them excellent family companions. Intelligence and Trainability: Golden Retrievers are highly intelligent and easily trainable. They excel in various dog sports and activities, such as obedience, agility, and search and rescue work. Exercise and Energy Level: Like other Golden Retrievers, they have a moderate to high energy level and require regular exercise to maintain their physical and mental well-being. Grooming: All Golden Retrievers, including the dark Golden Retriever, have a double coat that requires regular grooming to reduce shedding and maintain a healthy coat and skin. Health Concerns: Golden Retrievers are prone to the same health issues as other Golden Retriever colors, including hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and certain types of cancer. Regular veterinary check-ups, a healthy diet, and proper exercise can help maintain their overall well-being. Coat color doesn't impact health or longevity. Instead, the lifespan of your pet depends a lot on its ancestry. You can read more about Golden Retriever lifespan here. Black Golden Retriever - Does it Exist? Black Golden Retrievers , as a true variation within the breed, do not exist. The Golden Retriever breed standard includes coat colors ranging from light golden to dark golden shades, but not black. If you encounter a dog that looks like a black Golden Retriever, it is likely a mix of a Golden Retriever and another breed, such as a Labrador Retriever or a Flat-Coated Retriever. The Flat-Coated Retriever is a separate breed that is similar in appearance to the Golden Retriever, with some differences. Flat-Coated Retrievers have a solid black or liver-colored coat, which is sleek, shiny, and lies flat against their body. They have a more refined and slightly longer head than Golden Retrievers, with a unique "Peter Pan" or "happy" expression. Both Flat-Coated Retrievers and Golden Retrievers were bred as hunting dogs with strong retrieving abilities. They share similarities in temperament, being friendly, intelligent, and outgoing. However, Flat-Coated Retrievers are often more exuberant and have a higher energy level than Golden Retrievers. Picking a Golden Retriever Puppy Color When picking a Golden Retriever puppy, the color should not be the primary factor in your decision-making process. The temperament, health, and overall compatibility with your lifestyle are far more important aspects to consider. However, if you have a preference for a specific coat color, here are a few things to keep in mind: Breeder reputation: Choose a reputable breeder who focuses on producing healthy, well-socialized golden retriever puppies with good temperaments. A responsible breeder will prioritize the health and well-being of the dogs over coat color. They should also provide health clearances for common genetic conditions, such as hip and elbow dysplasia. Breed standards: Familiarize yourself with the breed standards for Golden Retrievers in your country. Coat color and maintenance: All Golden Retrievers require regular grooming , regardless of their coat color. Be prepared to brush your dog's coat at least once or twice a week to reduce shedding and maintain coat health. Keep in mind that lighter-colored dogs may show dirt more easily, while darker-coated dogs may be more prone to overheating in hot weather. Personal preference: Ultimately, the choice of coat color of your golden retriever puppy is a matter of personal preference. Some people may prefer the classic golden shades, while others may be drawn to the darker red or lighter cream colors. Remember that coat color does not affect the dog's temperament or personality, so focus on finding a dog that suits your lifestyle and has a compatible personality. Final Thoughts on Golden Retriever Colors In conclusion, when choosing a Golden Retriever puppy, prioritize the dog's temperament, health, and compatibility with your lifestyle over coat color. If you have a preference for a specific coat color, work with a reputable breeder and consider factors such as grooming and maintenance. The most important thing is to find a dog that will become a beloved and well-suited companion for you and your family. For more helpful articles about pet-parenting tips, check out the Off Leash blog at TryFi. Want to know more about TryFi. This is the fastest way to find your dog after an escape. Try the Fi Dog Collar today! The link has been copied! You might also like. Today, Goldens continue to solidify their place as one of the best family dogs. Golden Retrievers are medium to large canines, often weighing around pounds kg and standing inches cm tall. Despite their size, this breed has a reputation for its own brand of fun docility. Simply put, Goldens are just as lovable as they are big! Much like your favorite potato chip, Goldens come in multiple varieties. Canadian Golden Retrievers tend to be taller than the other two types. Their coats are generally shorter with less fluff, as well. British or English Golden Retrievers are known for their long, wispy cream-colored coats. With a strong chest and large skull, British Goldens are good choices for owners who prefer a dog with a sturdier build. American Golden Retrievers are a bit more slender than their counterparts. They frequently sport a dark golden coat—a beautiful contrast to their light brown eyes. But what if we told you that this is just the tip of the proverbial iceberg? Can Golden Retrievers be different colors? Goldens tend to be one solid color, with lighter bellies, legs, and tails. There are an infinite number of golden tones and hues, and your pooch could be any one of them! Others have so little pigment, they look like four-legged, furry snowballs. We thought you might be. Also called English cream , light golden is an extremely popular Golden Retriever color in the UK hence the moniker. This variant is quite common the world over! Golden A young Golden Retriever dog with a toy bone Standard gold or just golden is arguably the most prevalent of the Golden Retriever shades. Bright and honey-toned, this is probably the color you think of when you envision a traditional Golden Retriever. Goldens with this coat color can actually be incredibly hard to differentiate from red Goldens. The easiest way to tell is to look for amber undertones. In reality, red Goldens are shades of mahogany, amber, red-gold, and dark brown. Historians theorize that interbreeding between Goldens and Irish Setters is what introduced the red hair gene to the Golden bloodline. Is one Golden Retriever color better than another? It all comes down to personal preference. If you intend to show your Golden competitively, stick to one of the AKC-approved colors: light golden or cream, golden, or dark golden. Otherwise, your pooch could either be barred from participating or hit with a penalty. If your Golden Retriever puppy is training for a life of couch cuddles and playtime, feel free to go for whichever color you like best. Which Golden Retriever colors cost more? In short, no color is more expensive than another. That said, some breeders coax unaware shoppers into paying more for English cream Goldens. Any Golden puppy that appears white is really just a very pale cream. Do Golden Retriever puppies really change color? If you were shocked to learn that there are red Golden Retrievers, you might want to have a seat for this one: Golden Retrievers do indeed change color. Goldens are canine chameleons. And to really spice things up, even Golden Retriever puppies from the same litter can look totally different! Looking at the group of snuggle muffins below, we can tell that the Golden Retriever puppy on the far right will likely stay a cream color into adulthood. The other pups, however, seem to have a deep golden coat brewing! Brush your Golden Retriever every day to prevent this. Daily brushing can help keep shedding at bay, too. Feel free to brush your Golden more often during spring and fall, their heaviest shedding seasons. Contrary to popular belief, shaving a Golden Retriever does far more harm than good. Which Golden Retriever color will you choose? If you appreciate the classics, look for a Golden with a traditional light to dark golden coat. Have a flair for the avant garde? A vibrant red Golden might be your jam! So, which of these shades catches your eye? Let us know in the comments! With a background in animal science, dog training, and behavior consulting, her hands-on experience and extensive knowledge make her a trusted source for dog owners. When not writing or leading the K9 Web content team, Cess can be found volunteering at local shelters and participating in dog-related events. Leave a Comment. Unless you got your dog from a breeder who specializes in one of these types or breeds English Cream golden retrievers your golden is probably a mix of both. But here are some characteristics of these two dogs: Field Bred Golden Retrievers These are dogs that were bred to hunt. And the most interesting thing, as it pertains to this article, is that many field golden retrievers are red. These goldens still have that sweet, loving golden retriever personality we all love. Show Golden Retrievers Show golden retrievers are stockier than field golden retrievers with blocky heads and longer coats. They also tend to be a little more calm and need less mental stimulation and exercise. Read this article for more about different types of golden retrievers. But how common are each of these three colors? White and black. The big misconception here is black golden retrievers. Looks just like a golden, right?! Because of this, they will always be some shade of gold or red, and will never have a black coat. Your puppy will most likely be some blend of their parents. Sure, two dark gold golden retrievers may produce some lighter-color puppies, but the chances of two red goldens producing a cream-colored golden are unlikely. Does Color Matter? You can do that by ensuring the parents have their health clearances and meeting the parents beforehand to see if you like their personality. Yet, cream is still a popular color in these dogs. To call these dogs anything but a Golden Retriever is wrong, though they get mistaken for Labradors all the time. The coat color of cream Golden Retrievers looks like an off-white. In other words, they might not accept cream Golden Retrievers in the show ring. They have the same great personality as any other Golden Retriever. In your specific country, they may be slightly more rare than elsewhere. For instance, cream Golden Retrievers generally have a thinner coat, so you may experience slightly less hair around the home. However, they shed just as much. Physically, the cream variations have rounder eyes with a stockier build. And similar to a cream colored Golden Retriever, the red variation is not recognized by the American Kennel Club and thus, not permitted to compete at shows. This dark red color can vary quite a bit from dog to dog. However, most of the top historians and researchers suspect that these red dogs originated from Ireland. A number of historians believe that breeders were able to achieve this color by crossbreeding standard Golden Retrievers with the Irish Setter , thus getting this magnificent mahogany color. It makes a lot of sense because the Irish Setter has this same hue of color. In addition, these red colored Goldens have a lot of physical features that resemble that of an Irish Setter. At least, more than a typical standard Golden. However, there are a few key differences in appearance — other than the coat color. Just like with the cream Golden Retrievers, these dogs tend to have shorter hair. Their hair can sometimes be straighter too — almost like a Labrador Retriever. You can also expect these dogs to have less feathering on the legs and tail. However, it can vary because there is no official breed standard with Red Golden Retrievers. Furthermore, Red Golden Retrievers also have a leaner and more compact frame than the standard Golden Retriever. As such, you are able to competitively show these dogs at AKC shows. And despite the dark color, you still get the lively energy, cheerful attitude and friendliness of these dogs. A good way to gauge how dark they will get is by looking at the color of the ears. Literally the only difference is the darker coat color, which is perfectly fine. In fact, many owners think this color is the most stunning of them all. For the most part, I agree with them. They may be the second most popular Goldens. The color is difficult to differentiate for the average person. However, dog enthusiasts and breeders will tell you that this color is somewhere between the standard classic gold and cream color variations of these dogs. The light Golden Retriever may be the second most common color for Golden Retrievers — second only to the standard gold. The light variation, like with the dark, also has the same temperament as any other Golden Retrievers. Most owners raise them because of their personalities, before appearance. What else do you need in a family dog and companion? Though they do shed, especially during peak seasons, Golden Retrievers are relatively low maintenance — making them great for all types of owners. Like with most large dogs, they still require a moderate amount of physical activity on the daily basis. They are some of the best dogs in the world. The only decision you need to make is what color you want. Which color of the Golden Retriever do you like the best? And if you have on already, which color do you think your dog is? Leave a comment below! Posts you may like:. Golden Retrievers are a popular dog breed known for their friendly, loyal, and intelligent personalities. While they are all the same breed, they do come in three different types. All three types are similar, and there can be a lot of overlap between the types. This means that although some individual Goldens may be obviously of one type, others may not be easy to place into one of these types just by looking at them. The differences are mostly in how they look. The traits that define a Golden Retriever: loyalty, devotion to their family, intelligence, and fun-loving attitude are present in all the types. While each of the types above have their distinct colors, there are also many shades of each color. To learn how to quickly identify the difference between each type of Golden Retriever, be sure to read on! American Golden Retrievers Probably one of the most iconic types of Golden Retrievers, the American stands out against its counterparts as a delicate, family-friendly dog. This subcategory of the Golden Retriever family has quite a few physical aspects that make it recognizable. These aspects are: Overall Size — The overall size of the American Golden Retriever is usually more petite than its counterparts. They are categorized as having lankier and less muscular bodies. This darker coat is emphasized when compared directly to English and Canadian cousins. Trotting Gait — Oddly enough, the American Golden Retriever has a very specific gait or way of walking. Physical Requirements of American Golden Retriever This subcategory also has very specific physical requirements that have to be met before a dog can be officially deemed an American Golden Retriever. The specific measurements of the national standards for American Goldens are defined by the American Kennel Club. Nothing should be super prominent, especially the forehead or any sunken eyes. Neck — Should be strong in character with no obvious obtrusions and smoothly transition into the shoulders. Body — The body should be well-balanced and have no barrel-shaped ribs. Topline — The topline should be smooth and even with no bumps or out-of-place areas. Forequarters— A bit more on the muscular side, with everything still sitting relaxed. Hindquarters— Should be the most muscular part of the dog with a pelvic bone that sits at an angle of 30 degrees from the horizon. Almost indistinguishable from their American Golden Retriever counterparts, there are still a few main physical differences that set them apart. According to the Australian National Kennel Council , there are three main physical properties of an English Golden Retriever, but I have added a few more that are often noted. Skull Shape — The skull of an English Golden Retriever is usually broader with a balanced and chiseled muzzle. These are most likely remnants of the original breeding process with the now-extinct Tweed Water Spaniel. Coat Color — The coat color is usually lighter when compared to the American or Canadian counterparts. Even the light golden is brighter for the English Golden Retriever than the other nationalities! Eyes — English Golden Retrievers have a rounder eye shape, as well as a darker eye color. This can be emphasized when compared to the American standard for Golden Retrievers. Coat Type — English Golden Retrievers tend to have shorter waiver fur than American Golden Retrievers, although the difference can be subtle. According to Golden Rescue , there are three main physical differences between a Canadian Golden and an American or English Golden that will make them easier to differentiate from one another. It is also thinner than its counterparts. Denser Fur — Not only is a Canadian Golden Retriever coat shorter and thinner, but their fur is usually denser. Body Type- Typically, a Canadian Golden Retriever is taller and leaner than the other two types by as much as two full inches! Regardless of the type of Golden Retriever you have, they will all share the same gentle mouth, high intelligence, and a tendency for pleasing. The easiest way is to ask your Breeder which of the types of Golden Retrievers they breed. Luckily, there are a few key factors that can help determine the exact type American, English, or Canadian and color Light Golden, Golden, or Dark Golden your retriever could be! Check Their Build As stated before, each type of Golden Retriever will have its own unique build and general body size. Although it can be harder to distinguish between Canadian and American Golden Retrievers, you can usually tell by their eye shape. In fact, they have a few different coat colors although not all of them are acceptable in traditional dog shows. Do not fall for these traps. Standard Golden Retriever Colors There are five typical Golden Retriever Colors, although these can be mixed and matched into different combinations. Standard Golden Retrievers Image Credit: lecreusois, Pixabay This is probably the first thing that comes to mind when picturing a Golden Retriever color. Be sure to give them a good proper brushing at least twice a week to keep their golden coats shining their best. Another key to keeping their coats at their peak condition is to ensure that your Golden maintains a healthy diet full of Omega-3s. They fall between the cream Golden Retrievers and the standards on the color spectrum. This is the second variety of Golden Retriever color that is accepted by International Kennel Clubs for show. These are often among the most striking of Goldens with their deep gold coats. One thing to note about their color is that while they do bear a close semblance to the Red Golden Retriever—more on them later—they lack the amber or red hues found on the former. Their golden coat is a pure gold color just deeper than that of the standard variation. Often, the ears will be darker than the rest of the coat, and a good sign of how dark these pups will get as they mature. But there are also some different peculiarities about this color when compared to the rest. Cream Colored Retrievers normally have a thinner coat than their darker-haired relatives. However, they shed just as much. However, these are just shameless marketing tactics. The origin of this breed is believed to come from Ireland where standard Golden Retrievers were crossbred with Irish Setters. This theory does make sense as the dogs are generally leaner and more compact than other Golden Retrievers. They also have less feathering around their legs and tail. However, that may change in the future. Golden Retrievers shed a lot , especially during peak seasons. Your Golden may require two or three brushings a week when they start blowing their coat. And the best way to do this is with a slicker brush. A slicker brush is normally a wide, rectangular brush with firm wire bristles. These are absolutely perfect for grooming Golden Retrievers as the brush is designed to easily pull out tangles without causing any damage to their skin. Conclusion There are 5 true Golden Retriever colors, each of which shares the same wonderful, loving temperament. For more info, check out:. 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. There are also different personality and physical characteristics that coincide with the different coat colors. They tend to be calmer and more docile than other Goldens. If you plan on showing your dog in the U. The American Kennel Club breed standard states that extremely pale or extremely dark body colors are undesirable. However, gold or cream are preferred instead of red if you live in the U. Differences in Cream Golden Retrievers Other than color, there are a few minor differences between cream Golden Retrievers and their Golden counterparts. Their hair is usually thinner, and they have rounder eyes and a stockier build. Sometimes they have a longer neck and a broader head. They are also slightly shorter than other Goldens. Gold-colored Golden Retrievers can have a variety of physical characteristics and temperaments. Some are slender and athletic, while others are stocky with thin coats. Red Golden Retrievers are often field-bred Goldens that are bred for their hunting instincts. They have a higher energy level and prey drive than other Golden Retrievers, as they are bred as working dogs. The hair is also straighter and more closely resembles the coat of a Labrador Retriever than a typical Golden Retriever. Red dogs usually have less feathering on their tail and legs, but since there is no breed standard for red Golden Retrievers, this can vary significantly. Their frame tends to be smaller and leaner than other Goldens due to their working dog nature. Cream Goldens are a very light gold, while red Goldens are a very dark shade of gold. Golden Retrievers do not come in white or black — assuming that they are a purebred dog. If you find a black Golden Retriever, they are a crossbreed. Flat-Coated Retrievers look similar to Goldens and are often mistaken for them. They can have a black coat. Does Color Matter? Your primary goal is to obtain a dog or puppy that is healthy and has a personality that will mesh well in your household. This should also be the goal of any reputable breeder. The only circumstance where you may want to consider the color of your Golden Retriever is if you intend to use them as a show dog. Conclusion Golden Retrievers come in three primary colors: cream, gold, and red. Gold is the most common color, and red is the least common. Red Golden Retrievers are primarily bred as working dogs and have slightly different energy levels and temperaments than the other two colors. Featured Image Credit: Rala, Shutterstock Written by Chelsie Fraser Author Chelsie is a freelance writer who is passionate about helping owners and pets live their best lives. She resides in rural Alberta, Canada with her husband and two sons, and is currently a pet parent to four horses, four cats, and a border collie.

Our dogs have mellow, affectionate, and playful temperaments, love water, and especially children. They are living as trustworthy family members, as emotional support dogs, service dogs, and medical alert dogs around the world! Content Link Block Polarbear is our Name. Or perhaps just looking for the total package in a dog? Health and longevity remains the foundation of all we do. Take for example, the standard German Shepherd dog as seen in this photo: View fullsize …Dogs bred with these traits often end up with crippling disabilities and premature death. This is so inhumane. The focus of our kennel, on the other hand, is to produce dogs with straight backs, broad heads, and short coats, as in the photo of Polarbear's foundation sire, Shack Von Hammer below. Aside from their magnificent appearance, Polarbear White Shepherds are calm, sociable, and affectionate. They are gifted empaths and comedians at heart. Their goofy personalities and love of children make them perfect nannies for even the youngest child. They love water, retrieving frisbees, and diving into the occasional swimming pool. What kind of dogs do all that? And they are living fulfilled lives, as medical detection dogs, service dogs, and family and companion dogs in nearly every state in the United States! World Map of our Clients Before leaving, you might like to click on some of our pages. Our "Words of Warning" for those purchasing a purebred dog for the first time on the internet is a favorite. Just remember this quote…. No amount of training or special food will fix a problem dog. If you want to view videos of our dogs, check out our Youtube Channel page. If you appreciate our breeding philosophy and love what we do, do let us know by becoming a fan! Hiding treats for your dog to find. Obedience training Grooming The White German Shepherd is a heavy-shedding dog with a double white coat and requires regular brushing. Ideally, a White Shepherd should be groomed every other day, possibly daily, during the peak shedding season. Male vs. Female While for many animal species, the female is larger, with the German Shepherd, it is the males that are larger. While German Shepherds are all loyal and loving family dogs, it is often noted that females are more docile than males. This makes a female Shepherd a better choice for homes with young children. A female White Shepherd reaches sexual maturity at two years of age and has a litter of between five to ten puppies. They have an intelligent and fearless personality and are eager to learn and please. These traits make them wonderful family pets. A determined personality also makes shepherds adept at being working dogs. The White German Shepherd is a loyal and loving dog that quickly forms an unshakable bond with its family and is fiercely protective of them. It is vital for all dog owners to understand that training is important. Any German Shepherd breed needs to be trained and socialized correctly. Failing to do so leads to problems with jealousy and distrust of strangers. White German Shepherd Health and Care All dogs come with their own potential health problems and care requirements. For the White German Shepherd, there are several critical quality-of-life considerations to make. While both White and regular German Shepherds suffer from a lot of the same health issues, there are some with a higher prevalence in white breeds. Hip Dysplasia Hip dysplasia is one of the most common health issues faced by White German Shepherd dogs. Caused by a misformation of the hip joint, dysplasia is a painful condition resulting from bone-on-bone grinding. While it can be seen in White German Shepherd puppies as young as four months, it is more common in older dogs. It can be treated with the help of CBD Oil for hip dysplasia. Sadly, this painful condition is very prominent in German shepherds. This is largely due to their combined size and energy levels. Unfortunately, arthritis is a progressive condition that cannot be cured. In the White GSD, arthritis is more common in their hind legs than in their front. Gastric Bloat Gastric bloat is the common name for a serious medical complaint known as gastric dilatation volvulus GDV. Bloat commonly occurs in larger dogs, particularly German Shepherd breeds. There is no time to waste with this condition. If a dog is showing signs of bloat, they need immediate medical attention, as it could quickly become fatal. Canine Degenerative Myelopathy CDM Canine degenerative myelopathy is a degenerative disease that affects the spinal column. German Shepherds are one of the most commonly affected breeds. The result of CDM is commonly rear-leg paralysis. Middle-aged dogs between 4 and 14 years are more likely to be diagnosed with CDM. Pay attention to any limping or signs of motion impingement. Other Diseases Deafness is another disease that is more common for the White German Shepherd than other breeds. As a general rule, deafness is a common health concern for white-coated dogs and other animals. Some of the core allergies that affect this breed are related to chicken, wheat, and dairy. Dental decay is also a serious problem that is frequently observed in German Shepherds. More so with them than many other breeds. Using dental chews in combination with a healthy diet is a great way to promote healthy teeth and gums. They love to be challenged, while their loyalty sees them eager to please. While Shepherds make great pets, it is important to train them from a young age. Below are five training tips for White German Shepherds. Be consistent: White and other German Shepherds all respond better to training when there is consistency to things. Everything from your manner to the commands you use needs to be consistent from one training session to another. Layer your training in easy-to-iterate steps. Master one of two commands before introducing something else. Be a leader: It is important to remember that dogs are looking for you to be a leader and not a dominator. You must be prepared to take charge rather than use aggression as a training tactic. Communicate properly: Dogs do not communicate the same way humans do. It is important to understand the right way to communicate with your White Shepherd. Short and clear commands yield the best results. Also, avoid using similar-sounding commands, as these are likely to confuse your dog. Practice positive reinforcement: Never punish a dog for not doing well in training or for struggling to recognize a command. Instead, positive reinforcement is the recommended training practice. Reward your furry friend for every good deed. However, the exact costs will vary depending on where you are and the size of the litter. The price also relates to buying White Shepherd puppies from a recognized breeder and not from a puppy farm or through shelter adoption. White German Shepherds are different from other German Shepherd dogs in so far as they have a white coat rather than the traditional tan and brown. However, genetically, there is no difference between White Shepherds and other shepherds. The difference between them is that the White German Shepherd carries a recessive white gene that changes its fur color. This is the same way some humans are born with blond hair. Conclusion The White German Shepherd is the rare form of one of the most easily recognized dogs in the world. Wonderful family dogs. German Shepherds love to be part of the family. They struggle when home alone for long periods. Luckily, this breed is very good with children. The same as any other dog, White Shepherds need to be trained. Exercise is also crucial for this breed, as they can become destructive if they do not get enough physical and mental stimulation. If you work from home or have a family member at home a lot of the day, then a White German Shepherd is an ideal dog. Just make sure ahead of time that you understand the amount of work it takes to train a shepherd puppy from a young age. Whether you are a new or experienced dog owner, the White Shepherd is a great choice for your house. All dogs need love and affection, but the hyper-intelligent German Shepherd needs more than most in order for them to truly feel settled in their home. Luckily, the effort you put in is returned multiple folds in the affection your dog shows. Related Guide:. Your browser does not support the audio tag. It has a stiff, long, or longhaired coat. The longhaired types do not have an undercoat. The color is always white. Temperament White Shepherds are courageous, keen, alert and fearless. They are cheerful, obedient and eager to learn. Tranquil, confident, serious and clever, White Shepherds are extremely faithful and brave. They will not think twice about giving their lives for their human pack. They have a high learning ability. White Shepherds love to be close to their families, but can be wary of strangers. This breed needs its people and should not be left isolated for long periods of time. They only bark when they feel it is necessary. Often used as police dogs, the White Shepherd has a very strong protective instinct, and is extremely loyal to its handler. Socialized this breed well starting at puppyhood. Aggression and attacks on people are due to poor handling and training. This breed needs owners who are naturally authoritative over the dog in a calm, but firm, confident and consistent way. A stable, well-adjusted and trained dog is for the most part generally good with other pets and excellent with children in the family. They must be firmly trained in obedience from an early age. They should be trained and socialized from an early age. White Shepherds will not listen if they sense that they are stronger minded than their owner, however they will also not respond well to harsh discipline. Owners need to have an air of natural authority to their demeanor. Do not treat this dog as if he were human. Learn canine instincts and treat the dog accordingly. White Shepherds are one of the smartest and most trainable breeds. With this highly skilled working dog comes a drive to have a job and a task in life and a consistent pack leader to show it guidance. They need somewhere to channel their mental and physical energy. This is not a breed that will be happy simply lying around your living room or locked out in the backyard. The breed is so intelligent and learns so readily that it has been used as a sheepdog, guard dog, in police work, as a guide for the blind, in search and rescue service and in the military. The White Shepherd also excels in many other dog activities including schutzhund, tracking, obedience, agility, flyball and ring sport. His fine nose can sniff out drugs and intruders , and can alert handlers to the presence of underground mines in time to avoid detonation, or gas leaks in a pipes buried 15 feet underground. The White Shepherd is also a popular show and family companion. Height, Weight Height: Males 24 - 26 inches 60 — 65 cm Females 22 - 24 inches 55 — 60 cm Weight: 77 - 85 pounds 35 — 40 kg Health Problems Some of the diseases that have been found in this breed are hip and elbow dysplasia be sure both parents have their hips certified as OFA good ; malabsorbtion syndrome; degenerative joint disease including osteochondritis ; megaesophagus; pannus and other forms of eye disease not commonly seen ; bloat ; allergies food, fleas or airborne ; other skin or coat problems and missing teeth. At this point in time, autoimmune problems are fairly rare in the breed. Living Conditions White Shepherds will do okay in an apartment if sufficiently exercised. They are relatively inactive indoors and do best with at least a large yard. Exercise White Shepherds love strenuous activity, preferably combined with training of some kind, for these dogs are very intelligent and crave a good challenge. They need to be taken on a daily, brisk, long walk , jog or run alongside you when you bicycle. While out on the walk the dog must be made to heel beside or behind the person holding the lead, as in a dog's mind the leader leads the way, and that leader needs to be the human. Most Shepherds love to play ball or Frisbee. Ten to fifteen minutes of fetching along with daily pack walks will tire your dog out quite nicely as well as give him a sense of purpose. Does best with a job to do. Life Expectancy. Less - The White Shepherd is a medium-sized, well-balanced, muscular dog, slightly longer than tall, with a medium length, pure white coat, erect ears, and a low-set natural tail that normally reaches to the hock and is carried in a slight curve like a saber. The outline of the White Shepherd is made up of smooth curves rather than angles. Gender differences are readily apparent. Working dogs are not to be penalized under any conditions for scars or blemishes that are due to occupational injuries. The White Shepherd has a distinct personality marked by self-confidence. The breed is poised, but when the situation demands, they are eager, alert and ready to serve in any capacity. White Shepherds demonstrate both herding and protective instincts. They enjoy running, playing fetch or any activity with their human family. This is a joyful, active, intelligent and easy to train working dog with the ability to adapt and integrate to all kinds of social events and situations. Timidity in a mature dog or aggressive behavior is not typical of this breed. White Shepherds are very loyal and tend to be especially protective of the young of various species. With their playful and curious personalities, they make wonderful companions although some do have the tendency toward being quite vocal by exhibiting whining, grunting, moaning and sometimes howling. In the first half of the twentieth century, German cavalry officer Max von Stephanitz, created the German Shepherd Dog using a variety of German sheepdogs as his foundation stock. Initially, color was not considered as long as the dog demonstrated working ability. During the late 30s, however, the white color fell into disfavor. There were, however, always breeders who appreciated the beauty of the white dogs and who continued to breed them. Because of their exclusion from most German Shepherd Dog breeding programs, the whites rather quickly evolved into a distinct type, and eventually into a separate breed. For this reason, American White Shepherds evolved as a separate breed, and the United Kennel Club recognized it as its own breed. They are indistinguishable from their German Shepherd ancestors except for the dense white coat. Keep reading for detailed information. Dogs that are harder to train will require a bit more patience and practice. Proper exercise, nutrition, and hygiene also play an important role in the lifespan of your pet. More social dogs have a tendency to run up to strangers for pets and scratches, while less social dogs shy away and are more cautious, even potentially aggressive. American White Shepherd Puppies A post shared by White Shepherd Way whiteshepherdway Despite being considered a fault by some leading kennel clubs, White Shepherd dogs are highly sought after by dog enthusiasts. This dog also requires obedience training. You may spend extra on advanced training sessions, depending on the nature of the work involved. These pups have well-balanced temperaments, a trait that has earned them employment as guard dogs, herding dogs, search and rescue missions, guide dogs, and family pets. They are cheerful, devoted, tranquil, and not aggressive by nature, although they can exhibit a serious personality at times. American White Shepherds tend to be wary of strangers and react instantly if a situation requires its protective services. Are These Dogs Good for Families? However, always supervise their playtime since White Shepherd dogs can be pretty heavy for small kids. White German Shepherds are efficient companions and eager to learn new things. They can adapt to various social situations and events, so expect a pup that can live in different places and not mind about the conditions. However, these pups require to be socialized as they can show aggression and attack people due to inadequate socialization and training. White Shepherds are people-oriented, and you should not leave them alone for extended periods. They are equally playful and highly interested in expressing their fun-loving side by playing fetch, flyball, running, and other activities as long as they do it with their family. Therefore, you need to be authoritative but in a gentle, considerate, and consistent way to raise your pup into a well-adjusted family pet. The American White Shepherd is attractive, protects its owner, is excellent with kids, and gets along with other pets! These traits are enough to turn any household into a happy one, right? A stable, socialized, trained, and well-adjusted White Shepherd is, for the most part, great with other dogs and other animals. Breeders seldom breed these pups for aggressive dog activities, so they tend to be softer and mellower Shepherds, unlike their German cousins. For this reason, they have milder dispositions that fit well into many multi-pet households, particularly if they grew up with other household pets. However, they can be aggressive toward other same-sex dogs. Ensure to socialize your pets right from puppyhood to ensure they coexist. Raising dogs for you and your family. Call or text .Every breed has different requirements, whether the space they must have or the amount of exercise they need. If you are not certain yet, check out our essential White German Shepherd breed info to find out everything about the White German Shepherd. How to find White German Shepherd puppies for sale? When buying a puppy, it is important to consider not only the pet but also the breeder. Because a responsible breeder will ensure their dogs come from the strongest bloodlines and have the best start to life. Ask about the health and temperament of their White German Shepherd pups as well as their living environment. But also find out about the breeder's practices and commitments. A good breeder will be happy to answer everything before you decide. After all, they will want to ensure that their dog goes to a good home. When you have done your research and got all the info you need, you can then choose the right breeder with confidence. To help ensure you choose a responsible breeder, all the White German Shepherd kennels you see listed here are verified by Pets4You. You will also find that the best breeders will provide a guarantee with their dog. This information, and more, is available on the breeder's website within Pets4You. Browse through our dog breeder directory with complete breeder profiles and current puppies for sale to find your dream dog. Disclaimer It is the duty of every person that is considering buying a puppy or dog to confirm all the information provided to them by the breeder is accurate. Pets4You makes no warranties, expressed or implied, as to the condition of any dogs offered for sale, the standards or practices of any breeder, the quality of their canines, or the accuracy of any information contained within our site. Pets4You does not endorse, recommend, or guarantee a particular kennel, breeder or dogs listed on the Pets4You website. For Buyers.

Yet underneath that strong and active exterior is a lot of labor and commitment to protecting their loved ones. When it comes to maintaining their health, you need to understand how much to feed a Boxer puppy. We have included a Boxer puppy feeding chart to help you take care of this breed. The daily food intake for a Boxer may range from one cup to four cups. Meal sizes for Boxers depend not just on weight but also on the sort of food they eat. Due to their medium size, boxer puppies need three daily meals and around four cups of food every day. Keep in mind that RER is only a rough estimate of how many calories your dog requires per day; other variables, including their age and activity level, will need to be included in as well. Keeping the puppy clean and warm is essential during this time, as is giving it enough milk or formula to help it thrive. Choose a premium puppy food that has been developed with their unique nutritional requirements in mind. Provide modest, regular meals three to four times a day. At the beginning, feed the puppy just a quarter to a half cup every day, and gradually increase the quantity as it grows. Always have clean water available, and keep an eye out for any symptoms of food intolerance or gastrointestinal distress. To keep them healthy, give them high-quality puppy food in many little meals throughout the day. Exercise, socializing, and the introduction of obedience training should all be high priorities. Keep a close eye on their eating habits and weight gain, and alter their food intake accordingly. This is a pivotal time for training and socializing, so be sure you provide lots of both. It is important to keep feeding them three times a day, and to stick with a high-quality puppy food. Provide around 2 and a half cups of food daily, split between three meals. Starting now is a great opportunity to introduce more advanced training methods like obedience or agility programs. Throughout a day, give them around 2 and a half cups of food. This is a pivotal time for further education and integration into society. Feed them around two and a half to three cups each day. Throughout this phase, they are still learning new skills and interacting with others, making it an essential part of their development. Provide two meals daily, adjusting the quantity of food based on their weight. Maintain a program of regular exercise and training, and watch out for any signs of age-related health decline. Boxer pups need a high-protein, moderate-fat diet for optimal growth and energy. Bone health may be supported by making sure the meal has enough calcium and phosphorus. Depending on its age and degree of activity, the calorie requirements of a Boxer puppy may range from around to 1, per day. A Boxer puppy requires between — calories per day when they are 8 weeks old, and — calories per day when they are 6 months old. Authentic meats and seafood, whole grains, and produce should all be included as ingredients on the label. Puppies of different ages have different dietary needs and feeding schedules. A Boxer puppy of 6 weeks old has to be fed times a day, with each meal consisting of only a few bites. Puppies need to be fed three times a day until they are three months old, then twice a day until they are 12 months old. Training and housebreaking are aided by establishing a consistent eating pattern. Yet, the two are not identical. Dry kibble offers the advantages of being portable, simple to store, and lasting for a long time. Crunchy kibble is good for your teeth because it encourages chewing, which may reduce plaque. Yet, some pups may prefer wet food because to its increased moisture content and inherent tastiness. In addition, it may help you stay hydrated, which is crucial to your health. The preference and dietary requirements of each puppy are unique, thus the choice between kibble and wet food must be made carefully. An animal hospital is the best place to get advice on what to feed a Boxer adult dog. Many factors might be at play if a Boxer puppy suddenly stops eating. Illness, stress, dental issues, and even just a change in habit may all cause lack of appetite in Boxer pups. Sometimes getting a puppy to eat may be as simple as presenting a more appetizing food, feeding it by hand, or making mealtime less of a stressful experience. Leaving food available for a puppy to graze on all day is considered free feeding, which is not advised for Boxer pups. Since free-feeding might induce overeating and weight gain, it is not recommended for Boxer pups. High-quality protein from genuine chicken initially supports muscular growth. This natural dog food has all the nutrition your puppy needs with whole grains, garden vegetables, and fruit. Pros Real chicken first ingredient for protein Contains DHA and ARA for cognitive function Wholesome whole grains, garden veggies, and fruit A blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals No chicken by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy 2. Real chicken is the first ingredient in this tasty, nutritious puppy chow, delivering protein for strong muscles and a healthy heart. It also has a SmartBlend of high-quality, readily digested omega-6 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals for a lustrous coat and healthy skin. Four antioxidant sources for strong immune system High-quality, easily digestible ingredients. Delicious crunchy bites and tender meaty morsels. Cons Contains some corn and wheat 3. This high-quality kibble for pups under 1 year old has actual chicken as the first ingredient and no chicken by-product meal, maize, wheat, or soy. Omega-3 fatty acids like DHA help brain and ocular development and deliver protein. Pros High-quality protein for muscle development and growth No GMO, chicken by-product meal, corn, wheat, or soy. Brain and eye growth from omega-3 fatty acids like DHA. This formula contains high-quality protein from lamb and omegarich fish oil to create lean muscles and enhance brain and eyesight development. Pros Protein-rich lamb is the first component. Omega-3 fish oil DHA for puppy brain and visual development. Calcium, phosphorus, and other minerals for bones and teeth, Vitamin A and omega-6 fatty acids for skin and coat Cons Lamb, may not suit all pups 5. Pros Flaxseed and salmon oil contain omega-3 fatty acids Grain-free Created by vets with protein, fat, and minerals Cons Not for ingredient-allergic pets. Raw feeding a Boxer puppy is a contentious issue with no clear consensus on whether or not it is healthy for the dog. Yet, some owners and vets are worried about the potential for bacterial contamination and nutritional imbalances in a raw diet, despite the fact that others feel it might give advantages including better digestion and coat health. Also, choose a reliable raw food supplier. The typical growth rate for a Boxer puppy is pounds per week for the first several months of life. A Boxer puppy, depending on its size and gender, may gain pounds by the time it is 6 months old. To make sure your Boxer puppy is developing normally, keep an eye on his or her size and weight. A constant supply of cool, fresh water is essential for the health of a Boxer puppy. Puppy development necessitates that they consume more water than an adult dog would. Puppies need half an ounce to an ounce of water per pound of body weight every day. A Boxer puppy weighing 20 pounds, for instance, should need 10 to 20 ounces of water each day. Puppy water consumption should be closely monitored to prevent dehydration. Peter My name is Peter and I am a dog lover. I have two German Shepherd dogs, one of which is called Biscuit because his coat is very light with brown patches. My wife and I moved from the UK to Ohio where we now live with our two daughters. We love squash on weekends and following the English Premier League closely! Previous Article. Your dog may suffer from indigestion if they are fed too late at night. A Boxer may struggle to acquire weight at times. Having three meals each day, including snacks, can help during this time. Adult Boxers should be fed in the morning, noon, and evening. Scheduled feeding times should be established early on to prevent weight-related diseases. Adult Boxers on a two-meal diet should eat in the morning and evening. Never let your dog exercise vigorously after a large meal, especially if they eat rapidly. This prevents bloating , intestinal obstruction, and other serious digestive problems. Introduce fewer carbs and consider nourishing their intestines and giving them micronutrients that help fight off disease-causing microorganisms. The following is a top-notch selection of Boxer food: Dry Food: Your best bet is to feed your Boxer dog grain-free kibble or dry kibble. Some even advocate dog food with human-grade ingredients. High-quality kibble containing animal protein formulated specifically for the growth and development of lean muscle mass in Boxers. Wet Food: Wet food is another commercial dog food option. If you want raw feeding for your Boxer, be sure to consult a veterinarian first, as raw diets can be tricky to prepare. Home-Cooked Diet: Aside from raw food, you can feed your Boxer home-cooked food as well. Always get your meat and other ingredients from reputable butchers and merchants to avoid potential problems. There are benefits and drawbacks to each of these dog food options mentioned above. But, for the most part, these are the best food options for the Boxer. If you are in doubt, seek the advice of an animal nutritionist or veterinarian. However, Boxers are susceptible to skin allergies caused by these products. To have a grain-free diet for your dog, you should look out for ingredients like brown rice, wheat, corn, and barley. Chocolate: While chocolate is a delicious treat for us humans, it can be harmful to your Boxer. The stimulants in chocolates, known as methylxanthines , make them toxic for dogs. It could be fatal if your dog has consumed cocoa powder, cocoa butter, or cooking chocolate. Fatty Meals: Pancreatitis outbreaks in dogs can be blamed on fatty meals. A veterinarian should always be consulted before feeding a dog a new diet. Call a veterinarian immediately if you believe that your Boxer dog has consumed something hazardous. Some dogs may have stomach upset and even appetite loss if you suddenly switch to a new high-quality food or diet. This shift should occur within a five- to seven-day time window. American Kennel Club AKC advocates starting with 25 percent of the new food for your Boxer and gradually increasing it until all of the old food has been replaced with fresh food, based on the same ratio. Below is a table showing what the AKC recommends as a standard diet transition plan for most dog breeds, including Boxers: Day. Your vet can run the necessary tests and examine your puppy to determine the cause. Male Adult male Boxers are slightly larger than females. Males weigh an average of 60 to 70 pounds, requiring 3 to 5 cups of food. This weight range requires 2 to 4 cups of food per day. On top of a caloric increase, an active Boxer will also need a protein-rich diet to feed their muscles. A protein-friendly, calorie-dense dry kibble should be offered, and you should follow the instructions based on their weight. Image Credit: boxerdogmadness, Pixabay Sedentary Boxers tend to become overweight quickly if you overfeed them—blame their voracious appetites and love for snacking. This food offers a low-calorie alternative without skipping out on necessary nutrition. However, what really happens is that it decreases their metabolism rate, slowing their energy. This slowing process can cause weight gain if you continue to feed them the same amount of food. The puppies always get the nutrients first. So, if you have a food that is lacking in certain areas, the mother will suffer. Image Credit: Pixel-Shot, Shutterstock Boxer Feeding Guide for Seniors Just like puppyhood has special dietary requirements when dogs reach a certain age, so does old age. Seniors need to eat foods that cater to their life stage to keep them capable, happy, and healthy for their remaining years. A Boxer transitions into the senior category, usually around 6—9 years of age. If you have your dog on dog food for all life stages, it might be appropriate to continue this diet. A lower-calorie food will also help to prevent your dog from becoming overweight. If your senior has specific health issues, it might be best to feed them a specific diet that helps with their condition. As time goes on, you can work with your vet to accommodate their special dietary needs. It is formulated specifically for later years. Some dogs have voracious appetites that are never satisfied. It seems like you barely get it into the bowl before they suck it up like a vacuum cleaner. Free-Feeding—this practice involves making food available to your dog at all times. The danger with this method is that large dogs like Boxers are susceptible to bloat, or gastric dilation-volvulus GDV. Bloat happens when the dog eats too quickly, causing gas to fill the abdomen. It can be fatal. This method can also make overeating seem like the norm, which causes bad manners. Feeding your dog smaller, more frequent meals is a better alternative to free-feeding. Slow-Feeder Bowls—a great way to slow your pooch down, allowing them to digest their food properly, is to give them food in a slow feeder. It gives your Boxer unique designs to eat around, stimulating their mental curiosity while slowing them down. What Foods Are Bad for Boxers? Some things to look out for are: Corn. And, I'll go out on a limb to say I bet those early Boxers ate dog food with less additives and fillers than found in today's formulas. That is of course, unless you're armed with information on sourcing the best possible modern foods for feeding Boxer dogs! Adult Boxer dogs require 1, to 2, calories of good quality dog food per day depending on age and activity, with an averagely active adult dog somewhere midrange. Being a muscular breed that is highly active, Boxers require quality protein in food at a slightly higher level than many less active breeds. Credence should be given to invest in a quality kibble dog food with high protein and caloric value or go with a Raw Dog Diet , especially for active Boxers. Bloat Concerns This breed is prone to bloat, Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus , so grain free kibble and raw diets are a great option for feeding Boxer dogs. Carbohydrate and fat levels are less a concern when feeding Boxer dogs, yet Boxers are know to put on extra weight rather easily. Low carbohydrate diets should be fed to overweight dogs and the breed ideally should be slim, stocky and muscular. To learn how we choose quality kibble formulas, or for help selecting your own, visit our Feeding Dry Dog Food section. For a great alternative to kibble and food we highly recommend for Boxer dogs, visit our Raw Feeding Dogs section. Supplements As with any medium to large breed dog, providing a food that includes supplements adds additional insurance towards good health. To maintain your Boxer's joint health, foods containing chondroitin and glucosamine are awesome. If your kibble doesn't include these compounds, they can be supplemented separately with a product such a Cosequin. For a shiny coat and to promote skin health, foods with Omega-6 fatty acids are wonderful. For control of inflammation or arthritis pain in older Boxer dogs, support the heart, kidneys and stabilize overall mood, Omega-3 fatty acids are great to see on an ingredients panel. Just like Cosequin however, Omegas can be fed separately and as needed by simply squeezing a gel capsule over your Boxer's meal. In summary, feeding Boxer dogs about 2. Amount fed may go up or down based on your dog's size, weight, age and overall daily activity. Feeding Boxer Dog Puppies Quality formulated all life stages food and several small meals a day for a Boxer dog puppy. Your Boxer puppy will grow rapidly through the first six to eight months. Similar to any medium or large breed puppy that is susceptible to bone growth issues like hip dysplasia, feeding a quality all life stages, large breed puppy formula, or Raw Dog Food diet will help regulate growth. Boxer puppies can eat! Two to three regulated servings per day is recommended, do not free freed. There's an unwritten rule in among Boxer enthusiasts to feed at least twice as much food daily that your puppy would eat as an adult, In multiple regulated servings. Begin by following feeding guidelines per the label provided on your chosen Kibble Dog Food Formula. Increase or decrease the amount fed by assessing your Boxer's body weight and energy as he or she grows. From age 6 to 8 months on, the rapid growth phase should cease and while still technically a puppy, your Boxer can be transitioned to an adult diet. This includes higher protein foods yet many who were already feeing an all life stages formula can continue with the same. As always with both puppies and adult Boxers, keep an eye on your dog's weight. You should always see a trace of the last rib with this breed and they should appear slim, yet muscular. Adjust amount fed per serving accordingly to maintain that perfect Boxer appearance. And lastly, with all dog breeds that are prone to bloat, feeding Boxer dogs several small meals a day is a safer bet than free feeding, or one HUGE serving! Don't forget to check out our Feeding Dry Dog Food articles which focus on selecting a quality kibble for your Boxer dog. And, if there's another mid-size dog in your pack, Feeding Medium Size Dogs provides access to a library of breed specific feeding guides. For help choosing kibble dog food for your Boxer Dog plus additional info about raw feeding, visit our Homepage for quick banner access to the major sections of our website! Besides a nutritious diet, Boxer owners must know the right time to feed their pups. Boxer puppy feeding schedule is made easy with this Boxer feeding chart. Larger and stronger Boxer pups push their weaker siblings aside to get the most food. This is why many Boxer breeders and owners make sure that all puppies get enough food. Two week old tiny Boxer puppies are new to this world and rely completely on the Boxer mother. They should always stay with their mother because her breast milk is their main and only source of nutritious food. During this period, two week old Boxer puppies open their eyes for the first time. However, they are still dependent on the Boxer mommy. Even though they are double the size at three weeks of age, Boxer pups are still nursing. During the period between four to six weeks, their teeth grow bigger and the Boxer mommy will wean them off soon. At four weeks of age, the Boxer mother starts weaning her puppies. To help the Boxer puppy transition from milk to store-bought puppy food, it is time that you try making puppy mush. Try offering your Boxer pup this mixture up to four times per day but make sure not to overfeed it. Too much puppy mush can cause your Boxer pup loose stools and diarrhea. However, most Boxer puppies will need some time to fully get used to their new diet. That said, you will need to soften the puppy food that your seven week old Boxer puppy is eating. You should give your Boxer puppies high-quality food three to four times a day. Boxer puppies at this age love to eat, so make sure not to overfeed them two cups per day. This means that your Boxer puppy is totally ready for proper mealtime! The feeding schedule should include: breakfast, lunch, and dinner. They will also have more energy, which may necessitate consuming more calories or eating larger portions. Its little body needs all the nutrients from high quality food it can get. At this point, your Boxer puppy eats twice the amount of food an adult Boxer dog would eat. Even though your eleven week old Boxer puppy has an enormous appetite, you must not leave food to its own will. So, every time it is done eating, you should pick up the leftover dog food. Make sure to separate the amount of food in 3 to 4 smaller portions through the day. At six months of age, the Boxer puppy is growing rapidly and you might want to consider home-cooked dog food or introducing it to a raw diet. High-quality commercial dog food is packed with necessary nutrients, but nothing can replace a good home-cooked meal! The period between seven to twelve months of age is when you will want to give your Boxer puppy less food than you would feed a 5 month old Boxer. At twelve months of age, Boxer puppies will do well with two meals per day. However, this depends on the health state and development of your Boxer puppy. If the Boxer pup is more on the skinny side, then you should feed it more food than described in feeding charts. Just make sure to ask your vet to help you develop a balanced diet for your Boxer pup. Fully grown male adult Boxer dogs reach between 65 to 80 pounds, whereas adult female Boxer dogs weigh a bit less, reaching anywhere from 50 to 65 pounds. Adult Boxer dogs should be fed two meals per day — breakfast and dinner. The most important thing is to take away leftover dog food when your Boxer dog is done eating. Due to the fact that the Boxer dog breed is prone to bloating a life-threatening condition , owners and breeders should be cautious around feeding them too much food. If you have owned Boxers or if you are currently a proud owner of the Boxer, then you know how highly energetic these pooches are. Well, due to their high energy levels, Boxers require a lot of exercise. With frequent exercise comes heavy calorie burning after which your Boxer dog needs more food! Besides high energy levels, Boxer dogs are medium breed dogs that inherit faster metabolism than an average medium-sized dog. That said, Boxer dogs require food that is rich in calories and nutrients to make up for the energy that they use during the day. The best Boxer food will be one that is made for active dogs and includes all the vitamins and minerals they require to stay healthy and fit. Young Boxer puppies should eat more than a cup per day, while older Boxer puppies can consume up to three cups daily because their nutritional needs are higher. Adult Boxers require about 40 fewer calories per pound of body weight than puppies. That said, daily food intake for adult Boxer dogs typically ranges from 3 to 5 cups, depending on their weight. Adult Boxer dogs should be fed twice a day, while Boxer puppies must be fed 3 to 4 meals per day. All dog breeds require basic ingredients in dog food such as protein, carbs, fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. But the Boxer dog breed is a bit different. Because Boxers are hyper dogs with insane energy levels! So, a good diet for a Boxer pup must consist of basic ingredients, but you may also want to boost it with home-cooked food and supplements. This is why you have to choose the best source of protein for your Boxer dog. Poultry, beef, and seafood are excellent sources of animal protein for Boxer dogs because they are easy on their digestive system. Fatty acids like omega-6 and omega-3 are great for your Boxer dog because they give its coat extra shine and make its skin healthier. With a proper diet that is packed with vitamins and fatty acids, Boxer coat colors become more vivid and its coat sheds less! Fruit and veggies are also great for Boxer dogs because they are packed with vitamins and minerals which are essential for a healthy metabolism. Dairy products like whipped cream and blue cheese should either not be given at all or given in very small amounts. Grain-Free Diet What makes the Boxer dog breed different from other medium-sized dogs is that they are prone to developing Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus bloat. This means that the majority of Boxer dogs will have to go on a special diet. Grain-free diets are usually recommended for adult Boxer dogs in order to avoid bloat and other digestive system issues. We can say that Boxer dogs have more sensitive stomachs than other dog breeds. Not only can these ingredients trigger canine bloat, but they can also cause food allergies. Supplements Sometimes a simple diet for your Boxer dog is simply not enough. Due to their rapid growth and high activity levels, Boxer dogs need to keep their joints in tip-top condition. So, you want to search for food supplements that contain glucosamine chondroitin — compounds that are essential to joint health. Moreover, Boxers are prone to elbow and hip dysplasia which is why these supplements are of utmost importance. But, the Boxer dog breed is a bit different than the rest. Now, I know that this is an ongoing dilemma to the majority of Boxer owners, as there is no correct answer. Dry Dog Food Despite the fact that many Boxers dogs may prefer wet over dry dog food, dry kibble is preferable to keep their teeth and gums healthy, and their jaw strong. The crunch of a hard kibble will help to some extent to remove plaque, but you will still need to provide some at-home dental care. Pure kibble diets are perfectly acceptable to give to your Boxer dog. Additionally, you can boil some chicken or give your Boxer dog some raw meat. Boxers love those! It is perfectly fine to feed your Boxer dog a pure kibble diet. But, you will want to make it a bit more interesting by adding some dog food toppers, cooked or raw meat, fish, and vegetables. Wet Dog Food Wet food has more water, which keeps Boxer dogs hydrated throughout the day. Compared to dry dog food, wet food has higher fat content which is a no-no for Boxers that are prone to canine obesity. For most Boxer dogs that are prone to heart disease like cardiomyopathy, wet food with high fat content may be too much. Different Boxer dog life stages require different food amounts. Besides the life stage your Boxer dog is in, we should take into consideration that Boxers are medium-sized dogs, which means that they require a healthy diet that is specially designed for medium breed dogs. Age Earlier in this article we have mentioned that Boxer puppies need a special diet that consists of a higher percentage of protein, carbs, vitamins, and minerals. This is perfectly understandable because Boxer puppies need a healthy diet to grow. Additionally, Boxer puppies are always on the go and their bodies burn calories like crazy! In contrast to young Boxer puppies, old Boxers need to be fed a healthy diet that has a lower content of protein and fat. Naturally, the metabolism of a Boxer dog slows with age. So, due to the fact that many senior Boxer dogs are less energetic and more on the lazy side, they burn fewer calories. A slower metabolism is one of the main reasons why older Boxer dogs become obese because excess calories from high-calorie dog food are converted into fat. Failure to feed a diet designed for the unique requirements of medium to large-breed puppies like the Boxer can lead to health issues such as canine arthritis , hip dysplasia, cardiomyopathy, and obesity. This is why you have to choose Boxer food that is designed to control the amount of calories and calcium consumed in order to reduce the risk of these health issues. Gender Regardless of the gender, all Boxer dogs need the right nutrients that will help them stay healthy and strong as they grow. However, the nutritional needs of male Boxer dogs greatly differ from those of female Boxers. Research shows that intact male Boxer dogs eat more than their neutered counterparts. Which is pretty obvious due to the fact that intact male Boxer dogs go crazy when they show signs that they want to mate. In fact, intact male Boxer dogs are known to roam and jump fences in order to get to their ladies. Roaming and chasing those female Boxer beauties burns away all the calories! So, intact male Boxer dogs are always hungry! Neutered Male Boxer Dog Upon reaching sexual maturity, intact male Boxer dogs often become restless and impossible to handle. This is the period when you can see signs that your male dog needs to be neutered. Neutered male Boxer dogs have lower energy needs than their intact counterparts. After having your Boxer dog neutered, you have to put it on a special diet to ensure a fast recovery. In fact, you will need to cut the food portion in half because neutered Boxer dogs require fewer calories. If your neutered male Boxer dog starts to lose weight, you can reintroduce a gradual increase in food. Intact Female Boxer Dog Intact female Boxer dogs typically need fewer calories than both intact and neutered male dogs. Intact female Boxers that are fed the same diet as intact male Boxer dogs are more prone to obesity and heart problems. Spayed Female Boxer Dog Boxer dogs that have been spayed or neutered have lower levels of estrogens and androgens, which, just like in neutered male Boxer dogs, lowers their metabolic rate. Therefore, the spayed female Boxer dog requires less energy. After surgery, the appetite of a female Boxer dog might increase because estrogen has been shown to suppress hunger. To ensure that your spayed female Boxer maintains a healthy body constitution and condition, the amount and type of food must be changed. Pregnant Female Boxer Dog Once your female dog starts showing signs of pregnancy , get ready to learn more about what a feeding schedule for a pregnant pooch looks like. Start by offering your pregnant Boxer dog smaller and more frequent meals rather than large portions. Pregnant Boxers will have less space in their tummy for large amounts of food so make sure to keep the balance between small meals. Additionally, her diet should consist of a lot of soluble carbohydrates along with a little fiber. One of the most crucial minerals for pregnant Boxer dogs are calcium and phosphorus. These minerals support healthy bone development of unborn Boxer puppies. Activity Levels Boxer puppies, adolescents, and young adult dogs that are in perfect heath have insane energy levels! This means that their activity levels are high and they need regular exercise. When your Boxer pup runs all over the place, it needs a lot of nutritious food to feed those muscles! Boxer dogs that receive these optimal levels of dietary protein are more likely to perform to their full potential. Besides healthy protein intake, active Boxer dogs need a bit of carbohydrates. If you notice that your Boxer dog is gaining more weight , simply feed it less, and if they are becoming underweight, feed more. Lazy Boxer Dogs Adult Boxer dogs differ from one to another and have different activity levels. While active adult Boxer dogs normally active require 30 calories per pound of body weight, lazy Boxer dogs require less calories per day to maintain their overall health and avoid becoming obese. Senior Boxer Dogs The majority of senior Boxer dogs frequently prefer canned or raw food over dry dog food. Maybe it is because their teeth are not as strong as before, or simply because of the added moisture found in canned dog food. Even though senior Boxer dogs tend to eat less because they are less active and have slower metabolisms, they require dog food that is high in energy, antioxidants, and fatty acids. This is why senior dog food for Boxers features a healthy balance of antioxidants and fatty acids. Senior Boxer dogs typically prefer smaller portions that are given more frequently throughout the day rather than two fully loaded bowls a day. What Foods Should Boxers Avoid? As we mentioned in the grain-free diet part, Boxer dogs should avoid any dog food that contains wheat, corn, or soy. These ingredients are merely fillers for your Boxer dog, offering little to no nutritional value. In fact, the majority of food allergies in dogs are triggered by grains such as wheat and corn. Besides these common dog food ingredients, Boxer dogs should avoid human food like chocolate, macadamia nuts, milk, avocado, candy, and spicy food. Cooked bones should never be given to Boxer dogs. So, when cooking bone broth for your Boxer dog, make sure to get rid of all cooked bones. Boxer dogs are known to have sensitive stomachs. If your Boxer dog ingests food that is toxic to its digestive system, chances are that it will throw up yellow or develop diarrhea. It is best to consult with your veterinarian and go over any worries you have about what foods your Boxer dog should avoid. While many Boxer dogs simply have an insane desire for food, an increased appetite also known as polyphagia can also indicate a number of health problems. For example, Boxers with diabetes often show signs of polyphagia or an insatiable appetite. These can be signs that your senior dog with diabetes is dying. Besides health issues and all that serious stuff, Boxer dogs can simply inherit a faster metabolism which makes them always hungry. Owners are understandably worried when their Boxer pup abruptly stops eating or gradually loses interest in food. In the absence of other symptoms of health issues, a Boxer not eating is typically not a cause for concern. Normally, stress, reaction to medication, and changes in their environment, can all cause a Boxer pup to stop eating. Boxer puppies that are in their teething period like to nibble on people or objects, rather than consuming their puppy food. Some Boxer pups experience severe discomfort and pain while teething which reduces their will to eat. A Boxer puppy may frequently stop eating due to intestinal parasitic infestation or infections that cause upset stomach. The lack of appetite in Boxer puppies could be a sign of a serious issue like a blockage or poisoning. In other cases, Boxer dogs can lose their appetite due to internal obstructions, pain, and dental issues. The best food for your Boxer dog is usually food that is made for active dogs. While most Boxer owners prefer the Royal Canin brand, there are other commercial dog foods across the U. The majority of Boxer dogs inherit a sensitive stomach, so it is best to avoid bad food brands and to consult your veterinarian about the best dog food that you can find. Conclusion Give your hungry Boxer pooch all the nutrients they need to stay healthy and live a long life! The best way to keep a Boxer pup happy is by giving it nutritious food and lots of exercise. This Boxer feeding chart explains how much food a Boxer needs based on its activity levels. So, I believe that you have gotten the hang of this feeding guide! Make sure to ask your Boxer breeder for additional tips and tricks. Even though this Boxer feeding chart answers the most common questions about Boxer diet and feeding schedule, in case your Boxer puppy is showing signs of health issues, call your veterinarian for a check-up. Related Content. Male boxer puppies would be around 17 inches or more during their 6th month while females will be slightly smaller at around 16 inches. Birth to 3 weeks old When your boxer pup is still very young, they should be with their mom and be nursed properly. Keep in mind that your boxer should get equal amounts of milk, especially if they belong to a large litter. Observe the litter for any signs of bullying or some puppies being overpowered. This is also the case if the mother is too thin to supply milk to all of her pups. When your puppy reaches 3 weeks of age, you might start to notice rapid growth. That is normal for boxer puppies since the breed tends to grow faster than most dogs. Boxer pups of this age still need to be nursed. To do this mix 1 part puppy food with 3 parts water in a bowl and offer it to them. It also helps to train your pups to only eat when they are hungry. A good rule of thumb in terms of scheduling for the water and puppy food mixture would be 3 to 4 times a day. You want the process to be a pleasant one for your boxer pup. This is when the weaning process becomes slightly visible. The mother dog will slightly let go of her little ones for them to be independent. Keep them away from dangerous objects and supervise them as much as possible. Ensure that their food is easy to chew to avoid eating problems. If your vet allows for it, you can add some veggies or other food ingredients that are deemed safe for pups as advised. Your puppy will need more nutrition by this time so they need to learn to eat solid puppy food. After all, 6 weeks old is a time for exploration, playtime, and energy bursts whether indoors or outdoors. You may also want to feed them more if they spend a lot more time playing or running around. Once your puppy reaches 7 weeks old, they should already know how to eat their solid food. Give them the serving somewhere between 3 and 4 times a day depending on your available time and their hunger pangs. Your boxer pups will also get nursed less often during this time, as the mother will likely just stand up while giving milk reluctantly to her little ones. She might even run away from them at some point, allowing them to become more independent. Keep their meals served at 3 to 4 times a day, with at least 2 or more cups per day, divided equally. You can also follow the chart that we mentioned above, especially if your boxer pup is quite the active fellow. Having more cups a day is important for puppies that have far less weight than others. You can also ask your vet about how many calories they need depending on their energy levels. Know the activity levels of your puppy and adjust accordingly. If your boxer pup is always on the go, they might need more calories than usual. Moreover, a 9-week-old boxer pup might also roam around and pick various objects to ensure that their surroundings are kept puppy-proofed. Bloating comes from excessively gobbling food so make sure they only get equal portions for their daily meal schedules. While we did say that boxer pups during this period are likely to eat twice as much as a regular adult boxer, always observe if your puppy is getting overweight by checking their waist. Talk to your vet if you suspect your pup might be gaining too many pounds. Always keep in mind to avoid bloating problems with your pup by ensuring the schedule gets followed. Continue with the usual puppy food or as instructed by your vet. Recommended Food Now that your boxer puppy has a set schedule, what should you feed them? Here are some suggestions: 1. Quality Kibble Like most active breeds, dry kibble is the way to go if you want affordable and easy-to-store food for your boxer puppy. Worry not — there are grain-free options in the market. Wet or canned food If you want added calories for an active boxer puppy, consider wet food. After all, canned puppy food is tasty to most dogs, especially during their puppy years, since the smell is enough to get them eating. Omega fatty acid foods Boxers are prone to cardiomyopathy, which can be lessened if they take foods and supplements rich in omega fatty acids, such as fish. Talk to your vet for a diet plan that will help lessen the likelihood of such eye problems. Glucosamine foods Hip dysplasia is common in boxers so we recommend foods that are rich in glucosamine, such as chicken feet and seafood. Consider looking for either kibble or canned puppy food that has glucosamine to help prevent hip dysplasia and other joint problems. Look for primarily meat-based puppy food rather than cheap commercial brands. Commercial brands out there may have more corn and wheat than protein from meat. Instead, look for slightly pricier yet more quality brands of puppy food for your boxer. And, as usual, you should also stay away from human foods that are toxic to dogs, such as grapes, chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, artificial sweeteners, and the like. FAQs on Feeding a Boxer Puppy Boxer pups need extra care when it comes to their diet — here are some frequently asked questions with regards to feeding them properly: When do I switch to adult food for my Boxer puppy? By this time, you can slowly transition your puppy to adult food in portions. Should I give my Boxer puppy supplements? As a workaholic dog breed, boxer pups need protein and other nutrients, which are fortunately already in most quality dog food brands. Raw feeding a Boxer puppy A raw diet is okay for boxer puppies provided that you get expert advice from your vet about it. Raw feeding is no walk in the park since you need to do the math on calories and nutrients as compared to commercial food. Also, take note of food handling to avoid bacterial infection, especially if you live in areas where humidity is high. If you need help, talk to a breeder or someone you know tried raw feeding before — especially for puppies. Conclusion A healthy and energetic boxer puppy will be a satisfied life companion if you feed them properly. All you need to know is that boxers are typically workaholics so they need to have a balanced diet with sufficient calories based on their activities. We hope this helped you figure out how much to feed your boxer puppy! A boxer puppy needs 55 calories per pound each day. Aside from that, the amount of calories that you can give to your boxer puppy also depends on the type of food, their metabolism, activity levels, and any health issues along the way. You can raise that to 5 cups if the pups get older and if your boxer puppies have a lot of physical activity in a day. Likewise, it also helps to look for the kibble packaging to give the appropriate serving size in terms of calories for your boxer pup. Aside from that, adding the treats that you gave to your puppy is also important for the total calorie count per day. A 2-week-old boxer puppy will start opening their eyes to the world. Keep in mind that if you have different puppies in terms of size, always make sure that all of them have equal turns on getting the milk of the mother. It also helps to know if there are puppies in the litter that have considerably smaller weight than the others, and you should focus your attention on them. If you suspect that one of your puppies is underweight, talk to your vet for a possible milk supplement to get their weight back on track. The weaning process starts at 4 weeks of age for your boxer puppy. This will also prevent the food from spoiling easily as adding water to the mixture makes it more prone to mold and bacteria, especially in highly-humid areas. A 4-weel-old boxer puppy could have a little slow pace when it comes to the weaning transition and this is normal. Also, do keep in mind that not all boxer puppies let go at the same time as each other. Keep offering them the water and puppy food mix to make sure that they get used to it. They might not like it at first but when they try again, they will probably want to feed on the bowl much more. With that said, a 5-week-old boxer puppy should still be nursed by its mother although in slightly smaller amounts. Always remember that the weaning process of any dog breed is always gradual to avoid mishaps and health concerns in the future. Aside from that, your boxer puppy will also develop their milk teeth during this stage, which is why weaning should be done constantly. Teaching your pup to be more comfortable with solid food will help ease the pain and responsibility of their mother. The puppy food should be offered to your pet but divided into 4 different meals in a single day. With that said, eating solid food is still on the small side as your boxer puppy might still find it a little intimidating. Therefore, you can reduce the puppy food schedule from 4 times a day to only 3. This allows the boxer puppy to do their business regularly and not get their bellies too stuffed. This is when your puppy starts regularly taking in kibble or wet food, depending on your preference and availability of the product. The ideal amount of servings per day is 3 to 4 times, which is usually in the morning, noon or afternoon, and at night. The best amount of food you can give to your boxer puppy is at least 2 cups a day, which translates to about calories or so. Again, this depends on how much activity they are getting and their initial weight. A word of advice, though: boxer puppies are prone to bloating so they cannot be free-fed at all. For a boxer puppy, consider getting a food dispenser, a food puzzle toy, or a slow-feeder to avoid any potential health hazards and mishaps. When you need to switch brands of dog food or puppy food in this case , make sure to do it gradually. At 9 weeks old, boxer puppies also tend to be a little curious and will pick up objects and even food scraps from the ground. Be wary and keep your house safe for them to live. When your boxer pup turns 10 weeks old, they are going to live an active lifestyle. Therefore, they will need 2 times the amount of food that a regular adult boxer would chow down. A boxer puppy needs a lot of calories and fat since they are a sporty breed. With that said, we did mention earlier that bloating is a common problem with boxer puppies. You can also cut down on the treats, if ever. Aside from that, you can also talk to your vet if you see any signs of food allergies or any potential health inconveniences when giving them certain brands of dog food. At 12 weeks old, your puppy should be fed 3 times a day and after that, you can just stick to the regular schedule. They are going to eat in a more refined manner as compared to their growth stages so the chances of weight gain lessen here. Check their ribs and if they are visible, that means you can add more cups of food to their daily meal portions. Feeding Schedule Putting up a feeding schedule for the boxer puppy is important since they are prone to bloating. This means that they cannot be free-fed during their later puppy stages. With that said, here are some tips on how to manage their feeding schedules: Age of boxer puppy. Every bite of food will be detrimental or beneficial to this breed's health. Overview Food is fuel both for a growing Boxer pup and large strong adult Boxer dogs. The type of food that you offer for both meals and snacks has a direct affect on your Boxer's health both now and in the future. Also of importance is a feeding schedule and making sure that you offer the proper amounts. This section will cover everything you need to know in order to provide a well-balanced, nutritious diet for your Boxer puppy, adult, or senior. How Often to Feed a Boxer Puppy or Dog Let's look at a summary and then the details: Puppies under 12 weeks: free-fed Puppies and up to the 2-year mark: 3 meals per day Adults 2 years and up: 1 to 2 meals per day Young pups 8 to 12 weeks old: Very young pups, and particularly those that are a bit underweight, should be free-fed for at least the first month at their new home. This is the method of having fresh food accessible at all times. For a pup still trying to gain their bearings, you may need to lead them to their bowl throughout the day. Note that food should be thrown out and the bowl washed and then refilled several times per day as opposed to just topping off the food since pups may not be interested in stale food. Growing pup to 2 year mark: It's best to get a Boxer onto a feeding schedule as soon as possible. Schedules of anything feeding, exercise, sleep time, etc. Young Boxers often struggle a bit to fill out and during the 1 to 2-year mark Boxers can go through a 'skinny phase', so 3 meals per day, plus snacks, can work well during this time. Adults 2 years and up: Most adult Boxers that have reached their final adult weight and height do well with 2 meals per day, plus snacks. If snacks are regular and of substance, a Boxer may be perfectly content with 1 main meal per day. Note that this breed is prone to bloat, so you want to avoid letting a Boxer get so hungry that he rapidly gulps his food down. If that is the case, increase the frequency of meals or use a slow-feed bowl; stainless-steel is best, something like Mr. How Much to Feed a Boxer Puppy or Dog The exact serving size that is appropriate for each Boxer varies and depends mainly on age and current weight but also is affected by activity level, health status, type of food wet vs dry , and individual metabolism. This said, there are general guidelines: Puppies usually require about 55 calories for each pound of body weight. Young pups might eat a bit over a cup a day, older pups can eat up to 3 cups a day. Adults need fewer calories per pound of body weight than their younger counterparts, about .Depending on an adult Boxer dog's size, food is usually in the 3 to 5 cup per day range. To know exactly how much to give your Boxer, know your dog's weight. Don't guess since that can be wildly off. Then, look at the feeding guidelines on the bag of kibble; these are listed by age and weight and are usually pretty spot on. Dry Kibble vs Wet Canned Though many Boxers may prefer wet canned food, dry kibble is better to maintain healthy teeth and gum and a strong jaw. You'll still have to provide some level of at-home dental care , but the crunch of a hard kibble will work to some extent to remove plaque. Additionally, dry food seems to keep the stools firmer and healthier. If your Boxer is a finicky eater and balks at dry food, try mixing in just a bit of canned stick with the same brand or add just a bit of water or low-sodium chicken or beef broth. Grain vs Grain-free It's wasn't that long ago that putting a dog on a grain-free diet wasn't much of a big deal. Some grains, especially those with gluten, can cause excessive gas , upset stomach, and other issues. And, some dogs are allergic to wheat or gluten which can manifest as itching and other skin problems. But recently, a suspected link between certain grain-free dog foods and dilated cardiomyopathy DCM, a canine heart disease caused veterinary experts to take pause. And, since Boxers are one of the breeds prone to DCM, it's important to understand where things are on this. Though it was first thought that any grain-free diet may be the cause, the current thought is that it is a BEG diet, meaning boutique small specialty brands that have exotic meats non-traditional meats like alligator, kangaroo, bison, venison, etc. Many more studies need to be done for conclusive answers to be found. For now, it is recommended to offer healthy grains and this can be done while avoiding gluten if your Boxer has an issue with it. Navigating the Many Choices of Dog Foods What to Avoid: Many brands are guilty of having at least one of these elements that you do not want your Boxer's food to have: No grains at all. Until conclusive studies are complete, play it safe and offer a kibble with some level of healthy grains unless the veterinarian recommends otherwise Boxer needs to be on a specific grain-free diet, etc. Synthetic preservatives. These can be toxic. Butylated hydroxyanisole BHA , butylated hydroxytoluene BHT , and ethoxyquin, just to name a few, are linked to behavioral issues, organ damage, and some forms of cancer. Artificial coloring. Common dyes like Yellow 5 and 6 and Blue 2 are linked to behavioral and health issues. Artificial flavor enhancers. MSG is one of the worst, it is linked to anxiety, rapid heartbeat, and breathing issues. Generic animal digest, meats, oils, or fats. When anything is listed as 'animal', it is derived from a 4-D animal: dead, dying, diseased or disabled animals and can literally be any meat from any animal at all: minks from mink farms, roadkill, zoo animals, expired meats from supermarkets and butcher shops, etc. Fillers are cheap ingredients that are put into dog food to bulk it up but they have little to no nutritional value. The 'food' goes right through their system; a dog will eat but be hungry again soon afterward and this is one cause of coprophagia eating feces. These are the animal parts that are not fit for human consumption and includes such things as spinal tissue, lungs, spleens, hooves, tails, undeveloped eggs, etc. Made outside North America since meats from overseas can be questionable. The kibble will be preserved using a vitamin blend often listed as mixed tocopherals and will be naturally flavored and colored. Some level of grains. Grains that are generally well-tolerated include rice, oatmeal, and quinoa. Wholesome real meats, veggies, and fruits. Some ingredients sourced from Norway are fine; this country has very strict guidelines. If you are not sure what is in your Boxer's food, investigate it. Know about grain content and the presence or lack of additives and subpar ingredients. Recommended Dog Food for Boxers Please note that the following recommendations are formulas with some level of healthy grains; if you did not read the previous ' Grain vs Grain-free ' you may wish to do so before continuing on. This meets all of the requirements of what you're looking for. There are no synthetic preservatives; vitamins are used instead shown as mixed tocopherals. The grains in this formula are generally very well tolerated: quinoa technically a seed , oatmeal, and barley. There are 3 different recipes to choose from: beef, chicken, or lamb. Other ingredients include peas, salmon, carrots, apples, blueberries, and flaxseed. There are good levels of glucosamine chondroitin vital for joint health , antioxidants, and omega fatty acids important for skin and coat health. There are no by-products, fillers, or generic meats or oils and this is sourced and made in the USA. For this one, the base is chicken a very classic tasty protein that most dogs love , along with oatmeal, brown rice, ground barley, peas, flaxseed, carrots, tomato pomace, spinach, sweet potatoes, apples, and blueberries. All other ingredients shown on the label are either vitamins and minerals or natural preservatives. This has no wheat, corn, soy, meat by-products, artificial flavors, colors or preservatives, and this is made in the USA. This brand offers a top-quality formula that is gluten-free. There is no wheat, corn, soy, by-products, artificial flavors, artificial colors, or chemical preservatives. The base is chicken and brown rice and other ingredients include white rice, oatmeal, rice bran, avocado, flax seed, herring, and kelp. It has good levels of omega fatty acids and antioxidants. The one trade-off for having it be gluten-free is that it does not contain any fruit; however, it does have all required vitamins and minerals and you can always offers a small amount of fresh fruit as snacks. Homemade Vs Commercial Commercial dog food is convenient and, if you choose a superior brand, it will ensure that your Boxer receives all needed nutrients and is on a well-rounded and well-balanced diet. And, home cooked food gives you complete control over what your Boxer eats and does not eat and can be tweaked to satisfy a finicky eater. So, there are pros and cons to each. Whether you opt for a top-quality kibble or you use good cuts of meat and fish and fresh produce in homemade meals, neither option is super-cheap. Because, of course, you get what you pay for. But, if you buy in bulk and lean toward frozen vegetables and fruits, home cooking may be a bit less expensive. That said, when you prepare meals at home, you'll need to offer a good daily vitamin and mineral supplement even good brands of kibble need to add this in because it's nearly impossible for a dog to receive all nutrients just from food alone. Some of the foods that can be incorporated into meals include: Proteins: Chicken, turkey, veal, beef, fish mackeral, haddock, salmon, whitefish, cod, and others , eggs, and certain beans kidney, lima Vegetables: Carrots, broccoli in moderation , potato, sweet potato, sugar snap peas, green beans, spinach Fruits: Blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, pumpkin Grains: Quinoa, oatmeal, rice Related Articles: Best Snacks, Chews, and Treats for a Boxer - A great rundown of the difference between these 3 things and top recommendations. How many calories does a Boxer dog need - Requirements based on age, size and activity level. Recommendations to lower or raise intake. Boxer dog weight issues - This breed can become overweight, usually due to a combination of eating too much and being sedentary. Boxer begging behavior - Boxers are pretty good at playing their humans and it's easy to fall into the trap of giving in to begging. Read how to stop the cycle. Choosing the Best Bowl for a Boxer - Size, height, material and design are all important. How much food to feed a boxer puppy How much food to feed a boxer puppy May 15, Let Everyone know For decades the Boxer dogs have been loved and cherished all over the world. Their imposing build along with their gentle and playful personalities captured the hearts of many dog lovers. This broad and muscular breed burns a massive amount of energy in their day-to-day life course, and thereby their diet and feeding formulas are subject to additional requirements. So the food to feed a boxer puppy must be taken in to consideration. To provide the boxer with quality and meaningful life, it is rather important to know how much food they should be fed, what and how often they should be fed. Concerns when feeding a Boxer puppy Boxers are a medium to large dog breed of German descent. Bred to bait bulls in the 19th century, they were fed a lot healthier than they are today, and their dietary habits were managed better. They are, by nature, lovely and enthusiastic, not to mention, far more involved when they are puppies. Their dietary requirements are a little different from other dog races due to certain anatomical variations. What food to Feed a Boxer Puppy Although it is undoubtedly not a fact that boxers are picky eaters, they may have special nutrition requirements when it comes to their feeding. Puppies typically need a nutritious feeding formula with a minimum of .Also, calcium and phosphorus are needed to maximize bone growth for your boxing puppy with ratios of at least or even .However, more is not always better. This will keep your Boxer pup from developing joint problems like osteochondritis or hip dysplasia. Boxers are also vulnerable to food-related allergies that can occur as food intolerances such as itching and inflammation. So choosing the right feed for your Boxer Pup might necessitate some experimentation. And indefinitely the feeding rate varies with the growth of your boxer. Boxer puppies, however, demand about 55 calories of food per pound of body weight, from a general viewpoint. A Boxer puppy is likely to become a medium to large muscle and a lean dog between 50 and 70 pounds if it feeds the correct food type and amounts. Since they are a highly active muscle species, they need high-quality protein foods to feed their energy slightly more than other less active breeds. Many dog food brands have just 25 percent protein formulas, which could prove to be inadequate for a Boxer puppy. It is therefore critical that you do your research and invests in a feeding formula of good quality. There is a common misconception that Boxer puppies should be fed twice as much food as they can consume as adults. It is still a good idea, however, to weigh your puppy every week or every two weeks and change the food intake accordingly. Some puppies may be susceptible to elevated protein, in which case food with moderate protein and fat content is recommended. Besides, Boxers will require a Calcium-to-Phosphorous ratio as near as possible to .In the first 6 to 8 months, your puppy can develop steadily in size and maturity. When your puppy grows older, you should decrease food consumption progressively as it can go longer without food. Kibble specifically intended for Boxer puppies is what is widely recommended as a choice of food as it helps preserve both intestinal and oral health and is nutritious. Some Boxer puppies tend to be a bit sensitive to food, in which case you may have to try a few options before you settle on your favorite puppy. Food with Omega-6 fatty acids is great for a sparkling coat and to support skin health. During their development, Boxer puppies need the recommended quantities of high-quality food and feeding formulas in different ranges. They can be fed up to 4 times a day between 2 and 4 months. Individual pups can still be eaten 3 times daily between 4 and 6 months. The frequency is reduced 2 to 3 times daily over 6 months. It is also possible to maintain this level of food in adulthood. This is the stage where you can teach your pup some food or sleep or exercise discipline and whatnot. In these cases, three meals a day can be considered. However, 2 meals per day are the preferred feeding schedule for your dog to train. You can feel some pressure from its ribcage or spine as you place your hands on the chest or back of your puppy. And you can encounter several problems by over-feeding your puppy. Bloating Bloating is a problem that is particularly common among boxer puppies. It can happen if you feed your puppy too much or too little. Constant bloating may contribute to other more severe gastrointestinal problems that could prove fatal to your dog. For this reason, boxer puppies are often recommended eating kibble-free foods and raw diets as they use more plant-based protein and carbohydrate formulas. Other food sources containing items such as grain, wheat, rice, and oats are frequently discouraged and may trigger excess gas in boxer puppies, which in turn causes bloating problems. Obesity As previously described, boxers are ideally supposed to have a slim, muscular build. They are not specifically susceptible to gaining too much weight, which is why the level of carbohydrates and fats in their food formulations is less of concern. However, boxer puppies or any dog are considered to be opportunistic when it comes to feeding. They will also continue to eat as long as they have food at their mercy. Boxer puppies may end up overeating for these reasons, which could cause them to become obese and overweight. This, in essence, will make their joints weak and cause arthritis, heart disease, liver disease, and kidney problems. There may be a variety of reasons why your puppy does not eat enough. Very frequently, loss of appetite is also one of the first symptoms of a more severe illness. This can also occur due to various reasons, such as; Anorexia Anorexia is indeed a problem for dogs, just as it is for human beings. Symptoms of anorexia include fever, pain, shortness of breath, and tiredness. In certain cases, it can also induce changes in the size of the organ and the weak lungs. If left untreated, it can end up being fatal to your dog. Lack of exercise may also be a source of anorexia, which is why exercise has become so crucial to your puppy. They will likely burn calories at the same amount of consumption to maintain balance. Short Life Span If you consistently underfed your Boxer puppy during its stage of growth, it will most likely grow into an undernourished and extremely unhealthy boxer, with far less engagement and energy than most other boxers. This could also affect his life span. Since Boxers are muscular dogs with a reasonable level of activity, they do need a constant supply of nutrients as described above, otherwise, they will not accompany you for a long time. Recap Boxer puppies need great care and consideration when it comes to their diet since they have some particular and unique dietary needs compared to other dogs with the same level of activity. What to Avoid when feeding your Boxer Puppy? There are no grains at all. Until ultimate research has been completed, play it safe and offer kibble with some level of healthy grain unless otherwise recommended by the veterinarian Boxer Pup must be on a specific grain-free diet, etc. Another one is synthetic preservatives, which could certainly be toxic. Artificial Coloring Ingredients, Blue 02, Yellow 05, and 06 are the most common types of dyes that we can find in feeding formulas that cause behavioral problems in puppies. Additional taste enhancers like MSG, which is one of the worst taste enhancers, are linked to anxiety, stress, rapid heartbeat, and respiratory problems. Fillers are inexpensive additives that are mixed into dog food to pump it up but have little or no nutrient properties. A dog could eat a massive amount of food and yet still be hungry again shortly after. Because of that fast metabolism function, this has become one of the major causes of Coprophagies eating feces. By-products — There are animal parts such as some intestines that are not suitable even for a boxer. Consumption and feeding formulas that involve such food might cause troubles with spinal tissue, lung failure, spleen removal, issues in hooves and tails and undeveloped ovum, etc.

Acne Skin allergies most often present when a Frenchie is years old. These dogs also often have more than one allergy, which can make it that much harder to diagnose and treat. Fortunately, there are several treatment options available. However, these are often lifelong and can add up in cost over the years. Ear Infections 1. Allergies, which often cause ear infections in dogs 2. The shape of their ear canals French Bulldogs have narrower-than-normal ear canals, making it harder for debris and moisture to make their way out of the ear canal once it gets in. This makes it easier for infections to develop. Ear infections can easily be treated, but chronic ear infections in dogs can also change the skin that lines the ear canals. This further narrows the canal and leads to even more ear infections. Frenchies come with a slew of medical problems that can cost a lot of money to manage. You need to be financially prepared to handle any health issues that develop, and purchasing pet insurance is highly recommended. Birthing Issues French Bulldogs are rarely able to give birth naturally and almost always need a cesarian section C-section. The reason? Again, it comes down to their breeding. Frenchies have been bred to have notoriously large heads but very narrow hips. This causes the puppies to get stuck in the birth canal, which puts both the mom and puppies at risk of death. Back Injuries French Bulldog puppies can be born with a spinal deformity known as hemivertebra , or an incomplete vertebra spinal bone. While this deformity does not always cause issues, it can result in compression of the spinal cord, which can cause weakness in the hind legs, as well as fecal and urinary incontinence. If compression of the spinal cord does occur, advanced imaging techniques such as myelography, CT scans, or MRIs are usually required to diagnose it. Mild cases of spinal cord compression can often be treated medically but severe cases may require surgery. Because of their narrower trachea and congenital airway abnormalities, it can be much more difficult to insert an endotracheal tube, which is needed to help dogs breathe under anesthesia. When recovering from anesthesia, if their endotracheal tube is removed too soon, they may not be awake enough to compensate for their airway issues when breathing. This can cause respiratory distress and the need to be re-intubated. Frenchies are also more susceptible to inflammation of their already small airway after anesthesia, which, again, puts them at higher risk for respiratory distress. Frenchies are also predisposed to several stomach issues, which puts them at increased risk for vomiting and regurgitating, either after their pre-medication is given prior to anesthesia to help them relax or while under anesthesia. This then increases their risk of developing aspiration pneumonia after anesthesia. Because of these risks and issues, veterinarians typically take extra precautions with this breed to help mitigate risk. Cataracts Cataracts are a hardening of the eye lens, causing it to be opaque cloudy rather than clear. As cataracts progress, they eventually lead to blindness. French Bulldogs are genetically predisposed to cataracts, and the only treatment is surgery. Corneal Dystrophy and Corneal Ulcers Corneal dystrophy is another French Bulldog health issue that causes the cornea the outer surface of the eye to become opaque cloudy. However, as it progresses, it does make dogs more susceptible to corneal ulcers scratches on the surface of the eye , which are painful and require medical treatment. Ocular Dermoids Dermoids are a growth of skin in an abnormal place. French Bulldogs are predisposed to having dermoids in their eyes. This is a congenital condition typically present at birth. Distichiasis Distichiasis is an abnormal growth of eyelashes in dogs. Instead of growing out of their normal hair follicles along the eyelid, they can grow out of the glands along the edge of the eyelid. This causes the eyelashes to rub on the eye, which can lead to discomfort, inflammation, and corneal ulcers. This can be corrected with surgery. When the eyelid rolls inward, the hairs on the eyelid may touch the eye. This can cause irritation, increased tearing , conjunctivitis , and corneal ulcers. Surgery can correct the issue. Tear Stains Dogs and cats have a duct that runs from the inner corner of the eye down through the nose. This duct is typically where most tears from the eye are drained. This causes their tears to run down their face, causing brown or rust-colored tear staining. Retinal Dysplasia Retinal dysplasia is an inherited trait in dogs that causes abnormal formation of the retina the part of the eye that sends images to the brain. Unfortunately, there is no treatment for this disorder. Cherry Eye Dogs and cats both have a third eyelid in the inner corner of the eye. Cherry eye occurs when the tear gland attached to this third eyelid prolapses flips outward. This often appears as a pink or reddish round mass at the inner corner of the eye. Frenchies are genetically predisposed to this disease. Surgery is needed to correct this. Chronic Diarrhea French Bulldogs are predisposed to a number of gastrointestinal issues. One of the most common is food allergies, which can cause off-and-on diarrhea or soft stools. Frenchies are also genetically predisposed to inflammatory bowel disease IBD , which causes chronic inflammation of the intestinal tract, leading to chronic diarrhea. Treatment for both allergies and IBD is lifelong, and often requires special prescription diets and medication. Hiatal Hernia Another commonly inherited health issue in French Bulldogs is a hiatal hernia. Regurgitation most commonly occurs after eating and is a passive process where food slides back up the throat. This is different from vomiting, an active process that involves contraction of the stomach. Surgery can be performed to fix the diaphragm so the stomach can no longer slide through it. Pyloric Stenosis French Bulldog puppies can also be born with an abnormality known as pyloric stenosis. The pylorus is a valve-like structure that allows food to pass from the stomach to the intestines. Brachycephalic dogs such as French Bulldogs are genetically predisposed to a thickening of this structure, resulting in narrowing of the opening that passes food into the intestines. Common symptoms include regurgitation, decreased appetite , weight loss, and dehydration. Hip Dysplasia Hip dysplasia is a commonly inherited joint issue in French Bulldogs that results in a loose hip joint. This typically leads to arthritis and degenerative joint disease, which causes chronic pain. Medical management with pain medications, joint supplements , and physical therapy can be used to help with symptoms. Dogs with severe cases may need surgery. Always ask your breeder for all health information on your Frenchie puppy and their parents. Luxating Patella Luxating patella occurs when the kneecap slips out of place. You might see your pet with luxating patella suddenly limp for a few steps while running. They may kick out their leg a few times, then continue running like nothing happened. In mild cases, this condition can cause arthritis. Severe cases may need surgery to correct it. Dental Disease Dental disease is the most common chronic disease in dogs and cats. Frenchies and other brachycephalic breeds are even more predisposed. Overcrowding makes tartar build up faster. Frenchies also usually have an underbite, which further causes tartar buildup. As the tartar builds up on the teeth, it gets under the gumline, leading to gingivitis and deterioration of the gums and surrounding bone. Bladder or Kidney Stones Intact adult male French Bulldogs are predisposed to bladder and kidney stones made of a crystal called cystine. The cause for this is suspected to be genetic, but the gene has not yet been identified. Bladder and kidney stones can be incredibly uncomfortable. Fortunately, they can often be dissolved with a prescription diet that adjusts the acidity of the urine to help dissolve the stone. Pulmonic Stenosis Pulmonic stenosis is a congenital heart disease in which the pulmonary valve and artery the valve and artery that lead from the heart to the lungs are narrowed. This makes it harder for the heart to pump blood to the lungs to pick up oxygen, and in severe cases can lead to congestive heart failure. While not all cases require treatment, those that do will need a relatively high-risk procedure to widen the pulmonary artery and valve. Because this is an inherited trait, a good French Bulldog breeder will have a cardiologist assess their dogs prior to breeding. But if you are going to get one, you need to be prepared. Budget for Medical Care Frenchies come with a slew of medical problems that can cost a lot of money to manage. Find a Reputable Breeder Because French Bulldogs are purebred dogs, most people find them through breeders. This is a number given by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals once the pet has had the recommended testing for breed-specific issues. You also can use this number to check the results of the tests through the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals website. The breeder should ask you a lot of questions as well. This means they care about making sure their dogs go to the right home and that the breed is a good fit for you. They will want to meet you, whether in-person or via a video call. The breeder will let you look at their facilities and be proud of their setup. The mother should be on site with the puppies. You may have to wait. A good breeder will give you veterinary records for your puppy. Brittany Grenus graduated from Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine in with her doctorate in veterinary medicine and a.Help us make PetMD better Was this article helpful? Yes, French Bulldogs are known for drinking a lot of water — fast. This is especially true after they get home from a walk or just were playing… they will usually drink a lot of water faster than they should… and throw it right back up. Why do Frenchies eat poop? This behavior is known as coprophagia. Here are a few reasons why your French Bulldog eats its own poop. Nutritional deficiencies: Some dogs eat feces to compensate for missing nutrients in their diet. Behavioral instinct: An inherited instinct from ancestors, dogs may consume feces to keep their living area clean. Boredom or attention-seeking: Dogs may engage in coprophagia due to boredom or to gain attention from their owners. Cleaning up the environment: Dogs have a natural inclination to keep their immediate surroundings clean. Medical issues: Underlying medical conditions can affect digestion and nutrient absorption, leading to coprophagia. My Frenchie has diarrhea — what do I do?! If your French Bulldog has diarrhea, there are a few steps you can take to help them recover: Monitor their condition: Keep an eye on the frequency and consistency of the diarrhea. Provide access to fresh water: Diarrhea can lead to dehydration, so make sure your French Bulldog has access to clean, fresh water at all times. Encourage them to drink small amounts regularly to stay hydrated. Adjust their : Consider withholding food for hours to give their digestive system a rest. However, ensure they still have access to water. After the fasting period, reintroduce a bland diet consisting of easily digestible foods such as boiled chicken and rice. Gradually transition back to their regular diet once the diarrhea improves. Probiotics and digestive aids: Probiotics can help restore the balance of beneficial gut bacteria. Consult your veterinarian about appropriate probiotic supplements for your French Bulldog. Additionally, digestive aids such as pumpkin puree without additives can help firm up the stool. Maintain hygiene and cleanliness: Clean up any accidents promptly to prevent the spread of bacteria. Wash your hands thoroughly after handling your Frenchie to avoid potential transmission of any pathogens. Your veterinarian can evaluate your French Bulldog, perform any necessary tests, and prescribe appropriate medication or treatment. Remember, diarrhea can be caused by various factors, including dietary indiscretion, dietary changes, infections, parasites, or underlying health conditions. There can be several reasons why your French Bulldog is not eating. Here are some possible explanations: Illness or pain: Loss of appetite can be a sign of an underlying illness or discomfort. Stress or anxiety: Dogs can experience a loss of appetite due to stress, changes in routine, or environmental factors. Events like moving to a new home, the presence of new pets, or loud noises can cause temporary appetite loss. Providing a calm and comfortable environment can help alleviate stress and encourage eating. Dental problems: Dental issues such as tooth decay, gum disease, or oral pain can make it uncomfortable for your Frenchie to eat. Inspect their mouth for any signs of dental problems, and if you suspect an issue, consult with a veterinarian for an oral examination. Recent vaccination or medication: Some dogs may experience a temporary loss of appetite after receiving vaccinations or starting a new medication. If this persists for more than a day or two, consult with your veterinarian to ensure there are no adverse reactions. Food preferences or boredom: Dogs can be selective eaters or get bored with their food. Adding variety or engaging in interactive feeding activities can also stimulate their interest in eating. Dogs can be sensitive to sudden dietary changes. Gradually transitioning to a new food over a week or two can help avoid digestive upset and encourage eating. Posted on. French Bulldogs are playful, affectionate, and charming. They get along well with their human families and other animals. These qualities as well as their adaptable quiet nature makes them a popular choice with residents of cities everywhere. Unfortunately, Frenchies are prone to various health problems. According to a study conducted by Royal Veterinary College in London , .The study also found that male Frenchies are slightly more susceptible to health issues than females. These health issues usually begin when the dog is only two to three years old or even younger depending on the genes. In fact, over the course of their lifetime, Frenchies will most likely suffer from one or more of the common health problems associated with the breed. Ear Infections Frenchies have very narrow ear canals. This makes them very vulnerable to ear infections. They're also prone to allergies which can also give them these infections. When this happens, their ear glands swell up to combat the infections and produce more wax than usual. This would result in an overproduction of ear tissue and makes the ear canal even narrower, and inflamed. In serious cases, the eardrum could rupture and cause your Frenchie a lot of pain. Watch out for redness inside the ear and excessive ear scratching as warnings of this problem. Conjunctivitis Because of the genetic makeup of Frenchies, they are more susceptible to conjunctivitis. Conjunctivitis is usually caused by viral and bacterial infections or allergic reactions to substances. Look out for pink or red eyes in your Frenchie. Other symptoms include blinking more than usual, pus, mucus, or discharge leaking from their eyes. Viruses, parasites, or e. If their stool is runny, wet, tarry, or has blood in it, your Frenchie may have a serious digestion problem. Other tell-tale symptoms are loss of weight, loss of appetite, vomiting and fever. This can lead to dermatitis. It can also occur in other parts of their bodies that are folded, such as their necks, armpits, and crotches. Symptoms of this health problem include biting, itching, and scratching the area. The affected skin area may also be red and have sores. You can prevent dermatitis from occurring by keeping their skin folds dry. Every bulldog is likely to suffer from these infections at least once in their lives. Watch out for symptoms like coughing, nasal congestion, and lethargy. Skin Problems — Pyoderma bacterial skin infection Another common skin problem in French Bulldogs is bacterial skin infections. This happens when your dog has a scratch or cut that becomes infected. Also watch out for itching, pus, red skin, and loss of hair in your Frenchie. Chronic Allergies Allergies are one of the most difficult diseases to diagnose. They can be as a result of various factors. Food allergies in French Bulldogs are usually reactions to ingredients like dairy, wheat, and different types of meat. Environmental allergies may also be due to substances like cleaning products, mold, pollen, dust, and fleas. Symptoms of allergies in Frenchies include excessive itching, sneezing, watery eyes, raw patches, and vomiting. To combat environmental allergies use hypoallergenic clothing made especially for French Bulldogs. All of our Frenchie dog clothing are made with percent organic cotton without harmful chemicals that can cause skin irritation or worsen your French Bulldogs' allergies. This can lead to sleeping difficulties, trouble breathing, shortness of breath, and heat intolerance. This problem tends to occur during exercise and in warmer temperatures. Some include injuries, congenital conditions, and degenerative disease. Medical conditions like luxating patellas and hip dysplasia can also be caused by old injuries. Heat Stroke Being small and having a short nose and flat face makes French Bulldogs very prone to developing heat stroke, even in moderate temperatures. Symptoms of heatstroke in Frenchies include reddened gums, confusion, excessive panting and drooling, rapid heart rate, and bloody vomit or diarrhea. In severe cases, heatstroke may also lead to seizures, fainting, coma, and death. If you suspect that your Frenchie has a heat stroke, contact your vet immediately. Your Frenchie requires emergency treatment and you need to know how to safely lower his body temperature. Sometimes the symptoms may be difficult to detect. Some of the signs that may indicate that your Frenchie is sick include: Cough Coughing is pretty common amongst humans. However, if your Frenchie begins to cough, it's a major red flag. It often indicates heartworms, as well as other ailments. Whichever way, take your Frenchie to the vet immediately. Discharge or Eye Buildup This could be indicative of infection or eye irritation. Check to see if the eye is turning red. Also, examine the color of the discharge. If it's green or yellow, your Frenchie may need antibiotic eye drops. Vomiting Some dogs vomit their food particularly if they have difficulty breathing. Frenchies that drink a lot of water can even vomit stomach acid that looks like foamy water. However, if your pet throws up very often and vomits everything he eats, then take him to your vet as soon as possible. He may be dehydrated, ingested something bad, or have some underlying conditions. Not Eating and Drinking When we feel sick, we tend to lose our appetites. The same goes for your Frenchie. They may have caught a virus or could be in pain. In such cases, don't take any chances and contact your vet immediately. If you love learning more about french bulldogs, go ahead and sign up for our Frenchie Blog. There's a lot to learn about them even if you're still thinking about getting one. Find out about their personality, traits, and training tips on our blog. I have taken her to the vets and they say ot maybe a sprain to her back leg. How long does it roughly take for frenchy to get over a sprain. Thank you Leave a comment. It only takes a few minutes to perform and does not require sutures. This procedure can usually be performed at the same time as a neuter or spay. Laryngeal collapse is a condition that happens when there is a loss of the rigidity and support for the laryngeal cartilage, causing the larynx, or voice box, to collapse. This leads to severe respiratory problems that make it hard for your dog to breathe in. This condition usually develops in dogs older than two years of age, but can happen earlier in brachycephalic breeds such as the French Bulldog. What causes laryngeal collapse in French Bulldogs? Laryngeal collapse usually develops as a complication to long-standing brachycephalic syndrome. What can you do if your French Bulldog is suffering from laryngeal collapse? Luckily, there are many different treatments options depending on the severity of the laryngeal collapse. Treatment of Mild Cases of Laryngeal Collapse Mild cases of laryngeal collapse may be treated with less-invasive procedures, such as shortening the elongated soft palate, enlarging the nostrils stenotic nares , and removing excessive, obstructive tissues within the throat. Shortening the elongated soft palate involves removing a portion of the tissue to help open up the airway. Enlargement of the nostrils stenotic nares : Stenotic nares are nostrils that are too narrow, which can make it difficult for a dog to breathe. Enlarging the nostrils involves removing a small amount of tissue from the nostrils to help improve airflow. Removal of excessive, obstructive tissues within the throat: In some cases, other tissues within the throat, such as tonsils or adenoids, may be obstructing the airway and making breathing difficult. Removal of these tissues can help to open up the airway and improve breathing. These procedures can help to open up the airways and improve breathing in dogs with mild laryngeal collapse. Treatment of Moderate to Severe Cases of Laryngeal Collapse Moderate to severe cases of laryngeal collapse may require more invasive procedures, such as partial removal of the collapsed cartilage. Partial removal of the collapsed cartilage: The cartilage in the larynx may collapse or become deformed, obstructing the airway and making breathing difficult. In moderate to severe cases of laryngeal collapse, partial removal of the collapsed cartilage may be necessary to open up the airway and improve breathing. Treatment of Severe, Persistent Cases of Laryngeal Collapse In severe, persistent cases of laryngeal collapse, a permanent tracheostomy may be required. This procedure is reserved for severe, persistent cases of laryngeal collapse when other treatment options have been exhausted. Regular veterinary care can help identify and manage laryngeal collapse early on, which can help prevent the condition from worsening over time. Hemivertebrae Hemivertebrae is a congenital present at birth condition of the spine. It refers to when the vertebrae of the spine are deformed and fuse or develop abnormally. This can result in twisting in the spinal cord and compression of the spinal cord. Compression of the spinal cord is a serious condition as the spinal cord is the central nervous system structure; it can result in nerve impulses not able to transmit their signals to the final destination. Symptoms of a more severe case of hemivertebrae include Weakness of the hind limbs Inability to control urinary and bowel movements Hemivertebrae can be diagnosed with a simple x-ray. Intervertebral Disc Disease This is a condition in which the discs between the vertebrae in the spine bulge or herniate into the spinal cord space. These discs can press on nerves, causing pain, nerve damage, and paralysis. What are the symptoms of Intervertebral Disc Disease? Damage to the discs in the spinal cord can be caused by forceful impacts such as jumping and landing. Degenerative Myelopathy Degenerative myelopathy is a rare, progressive disease of the spinal cord that usually develops in older dogs between the ages of 8 and 14 years old. While French Bulldogs are actually less likely to develop this genetic problem when compared to other breeds, it is still a possibility. Symptoms generally begin to manifest with a loss of coordination in the hind legs, progressing to buckling limbs and difficulty standing. Within 6 months to a year from the beginning of the onset of degenerative myelopathy, most dogs will become paralyzed in their hind legs. After this point, the dog may experience a lack of control over their bladder and bowel movements. Weakness will eventually develop in the front limbs. What causes Degenerative Myelopathy? Degenerative myelopathy is caused by degeneration of the white matter within the spinal cord. The white matter in the spinal cord contains fibers that transmit nerve signals for movements from the brain to the limbs. Research has shown that a mutation in a gene is correlated with a higher risk of developing this disease. Unfortunately, this number is expected to rise in the future and we may start seeing many more French Bulldogs affected by degenerative myelopathy as time goes on. How is Degenerative Myelopathy Diagnosed? Degenerative myelopathy is diagnosed once other causes of the weakness have been ruled out. Your veterinarian will most likely rule out herniated intervertebral disks, tumors, cysts, infections, injuries, and stroke. There is no definitive testing available for diagnosing degenerative myelopathy; the only way to confirm the diagnosis is when an autopsy is performed and the spinal cord is examined. What Treatment Options are Available for Degenerative Myelopathy There are currently no available treatment options for dogs affected by degenerative myelopathy; nothing has shown evidence of stopping or slowing the progression of this disease. There are a few ways that you can improve the quality of life for dogs affected by degenerative myelopathy Treatment options include…. Your French bulldog may not want to lie down Unusual movements Pain in the neck or throat Esophagitis will usually mean a trip to the vet for your Frenchie and the condition can usually be managed with medicine or a change in diet. A high in carbs and low fat diet that contains low protein foods with no allergens in them can help heal the oesophagus. Antacids may be prescribed along with other drugs to help your French bulldog swallow. In extreme cases a balloon catheter can be installed to help manage the narrowing of the oesophagus. This condition is often hereditary and diagnosed by barium swallows and x-rays, so again this will mean another trip to the vet for your four-legged friend. Unfortunately, there is no cure for this problem and will have to be managed over the life of your Frenchie. Managing it is not particularly easy. It requires your dog to be in a vertical and upright position whilst feeding and drinking. Hiatal hernia A hiatal hernia is usually detected when your dog is exercising or particularly excited. This causes an opening in the diaphragm called the oesophageal hiatus which the oesophagus passed through prior to entering the stomach. A hernia can sometimes develop in this location due to an issue caused by one of the below: A protrusion of the oesophagus Lower oesophageal sphincter Part of the stomach A hiatal hernia will mean a trip to the vet again for your French bulldog and quite possibly some surgery. Anti-inflammatory drugs can also be used to help reduce inflammation inside the oesophagus. However medication will only reduce the frequency and severity of the hiatal hernia but will not remove it totally. Surgery may be needed to put the oesophagus and stomach back to what is considered the normal position. Related questions about Frenchie vomiting Why does my French bulldog throw up after drinking water? Frenchies wolf down their food and water. Our own dog Claude will lap his water and food up really quickly, which will often lead to vomiting. How can I help my French bulldog after he has been sick? If the problem is down to a food allergy, they will require a specific food for life. Your vet will be able to advise you with this. Never self-medicate your French bulldog as you could end up doing them more harm. French bulldogs often become frightened and distressed after throwing up. You should offer them plenty of comfort and cuddles and monitor them very closely to ensure that they are able to breathe properly. How can I prevent my French bulldog from vomiting in the future? If you think that your French bulldog has food allergies you can buy specially formulated dog food for them; but always consult your vet first before making any dietary changes. You can also buy your Frenchie a food bowl which has been designed specifically to slow down the eating process which in turn makes it easier for them to eat without gulping so much air. Do French bulldogs throw up less as they get older? As your French bulldog matures it is likely that they will vomit less frequently. Vomiting is more common in French bulldogs when they are puppies and it is not uncommon for them to throw up two to three times a day. This will decrease as they age, and your French bulldog can end up going for years without throwing up. Talking from personal experience, when Claude was a puppy, it seemed like he was throwing up on an almost daily basis. When should I take my Frenchie to the vet after throwing up? If your French bulldog is vomiting frequently and seems to be distressed and in pain it is always better to get professional advice. Try and remain calm and just explain exactly what it is that you saw. As unpleasant as it sounds, if you can video your French bulldog whilst being sick or even take a photo of what they produce it would help the vet to identify the problem and therefore get your dog the best treatment. All Frenchies throw up. Nine times out of ten its usually nothing to worry about. If it begins to dramatically affect their personality and is persistent then please give your vet a call. What other health problems should I look for? Frenchies are notorious for having various health issues. Click here to view the list of French Bulldog health issues. It seemed like every few hours we were having to get paper towels and anti-bacterial wipes to clean up the kitchen floor. We very quickly started to learn what the sick symptoms of a French Bulldog were and what we needed to keep an eye on. It was vomited food, sometimes undigested. Grass from the garden see why they eat grass. Small pieces of Lego that he had chewed up. Fur from our cat. You name it, he vomited it. If you do see anything unusual though, please do get your Frenchie looked at, as it could be the sign of something more serious. Unwilling to lie down Unusual movements Treatment is varied depending on the cause but often managed by a diet that can heal the esophagus. Other treatment approaches may be considered if the condition is severe. Brachycephalic syndrome This is a major cause of vomiting, gagging, and regurgitation of undigested food. Food allergy French bulldogs have sensitive stomachs and allergic to some food. So if you are likely to see your Frenchie vomit undigested food if you serve food that can trigger allergic reactions. Do French bulldogs vomit less when older? Yes, your Frenchie will vomit less when older. She may throw up once in a while but not often as compared to when she was younger. Sometimes, she can go for years without throwing up. Is your Frenchie actually being sick? Vomiting is not the same as regurgitation. When your bulldog vomit often, there is a need to be concerned than when it just regurgitates. Basically, vomiting occurs when food is expelled from the stomach. Regurgitation is when food is expelled from the esophagus or throat before it even reaches the stomach. How to help your Frenchie when vomiting If the problem is mild and controllable, try switching the diets for a few days and remember to keep your dog hydrated. If you notice the problem is down to food allergy and other causes unknown to you, talk to your vet. It is also recommended to keep food away for hours. After 24 hours have elapsed, give your Frenchie bland food, and slowly switch to the usual diet. Never self-medicate your dog as that can worsen the current condition. Finally, offer as much comfort as you can and observe for other symptoms. How can you prevent your French bulldog from vomiting in the future? The best approach is to provide the best care possible. For example, buy a Frenchie food bowl that is designed to slow down the eating process. Also, avoid serving food that can trigger allergic reactions. When should you take your Frenchie to the vet after throwing up? It is always a good idea to worry first and relax later. So if your Frenchie is throwing up frequently and seems distressed, visit or call a vet. Make sure to tell your vet what you saw. How do I know if my French bulldog has a cold? The causes of colds in dogs are similar, and several different viruses can cause cold symptoms in dogs. Some of which are more serious than others. Symptoms of colds in dogs Coughing Watery eyes Runny or congested nose The above symptoms could also be symptoms of more serious conditions. So it is a good idea to call your vet if not sure your dog has a cold. Resting is key to a quick recovery. Fluid When recovering from cold, your pet does need enough fluid to recover fast. Give your Frenchie some soup and any other suitable fluids. Love Showing your pet love is the best way to make them feel better when recovering. Just do anything that will make your Frenchie happy. Keep it hot and steamy Make sure you have enough blankets for your pet to snuggle into while they are resting. Use a vaporizer if you Frenchie is stuffed up and congested. Do dog colds go away on their own? While it is a good idea to call a vet anytime you suspect your dog has a cold, mild cold is not a cause of concern. It will resolve on its own. A vet will be able to advise you on the possible treatment after a thorough examination. If treatment is indispensable, it will depend on the underlying condition. How do I tell if a dog has a fever? What are common general sickness symptoms in my Frenchie? A puppy will show he is sick primarily by being extremely lethargic and unresponsive to his food. Since puppies love playing and food, both of these signs can be cause for concern. Of course, there are other symptoms, such as weight loss or lack of weight gain, since puppies are still growing , whining and panting, and vomiting. Sick adult Frenchies will show the same lethargy and lack of interest in food. However, you can also spot other symptoms a little easier—for example, restlessness, trouble urinating, fever, breathing problems, and pale gums. This is part of being a responsible pet parent. The other question to take a look at in recognizing sickness symptoms is paying attention to whether your French Bulldog is sick with a cold, flu, respiratory illness, etc. Since French Bulldogs commonly have allergies, understanding how to distinguish allergic reactions from illnesses through understanding the symptoms is essential! Is my French Bulldog stomach sick? Have you noticed that your sweet French Bulldog is shaking all of a sudden? Most pet parents assume that it is anxiety or over-excitement. FOr example, shaking could be shivering, and it could mean that your dog has a fever. Shaking with panting could also be a sign that your dog is in pain. Speaking of which… What should I do if my Frenchie is sick? Feeling a little panicky? Their playful and affectionate nature, and quirky antics have seen this breed become the third most popular dog breed in Australia! Do French Bulldogs have health problems? Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome and allergies are also some of the more common health problems that French Bulldogs experience. Many of these issues persist throughout their lifetime, significantly impacting their quality of life and leading to extensive veterinary expenses. The most common French Bulldog health problems include: Allergies Similar to humans, all dog breeds are susceptible to allergies. Unfortunately, Frenchies are genetically more susceptible to chronic allergies including food and environmental allergies. Symptoms of allergies in your Frenchies include: Excessive itching or licking, especially of the paws. Watery eyes, ear infections or sneezing. Diarrhoea, bloody or smelly stools, vomiting, abdominal pain, weight loss, inappetence or lethargy. If you suspect your Frenchie has an allergy, veterinary advice should be sought to diagnose the allergen. This will then allow for appropriate management strategy dietary, environmental or medication to be put in place to improve their quality of life. As the name suggests, this form of dermatitis can occur in other folded areas of skin, including the armpits, neck and vulva. Signs of skin fold dermatitis that owners can look out for include: Excessive scratching, biting and itching around folded areas of skin. Development of redness and sores around affected skin. Luckily, pyodermas are very easily treated with topical or oral antibiotics from your veterinarian. Similar to skin fold dermatitis, signs of pyoderma include: Itching around the wounded area. Development of redness, loss of hair, crusting or pussy discharge from the wounded area. The best way to prevent skin fold dermatitis and pyoderma is regular and careful cleaning and drying of skin folds with pet approved products. Otitis Externa The highly desirable flat face of the Frenchie often means they have smaller ear canals. These narrow canals mean Frenchies lose the ability to naturally clean their ears resulting in their canals remaining warm and wet. This provides an environment that promotes yeast and bacteria growth, leading to ear infections or otitis externa. Symptoms of ear infections include: Excessive scratching of the ear or head shaking. Redness or scratches inside the ears. Excess wax when cleaning the ears. Keeping your Frenchies ears clean and moisture free is the best way to prevent ear infections. Your veterinarian will be able to show you the best way to clean and dry your Frenchies ears with pet approved products. Conjunctivitis Pinkeye and Corneal Ulcers The flat face appearance of the Frenchie makes them more susceptible to conjunctivitis. Also known as pinkeye, conjunctivitis can be caused by allergies, other irritants or a condition known as dry eye. Additionally, the large, prominent eyes of a Frenchie mean their eyes are more prone to scratches and ulcers. Signs to watch out for that can indicate conjunctivitis or corneal ulcers in your Frenchie include: Red or swollen eyes or discharge from the eyes. Pawing at the eyes, blinking or squinting. Ensuring your Frenchies eyes are kept clean and avoiding irritants getting in their eyes such as dust or sand will help prevent these eye conditions. Their short snouts mean the soft palate is too long in length, causing wind pipe obstruction. Another component of BAS is stenotic or narrow nostrils, resulting in a degraded ability to breathe through their nose. Retching, regurgitation and vomiting. Exercise intolerance and intolerance to heat. Maintaining your Frenchie at a healthy weight is one way of minimising the effects of BAS however, surgery is the best of improving a Frenchies quality of life. Surgical correction involves shortening of the soft palate and widening of the nostrils to help increase air flow to the lungs. Heat Stroke Did you know flat faced dogs, including the French Bulldog, are twice as likely to suffer from heat stroke? Their long soft palate and stenotic nares make breathing difficult for these brachycephalics, in turn affecting their ability to cool themselves down. This results in flat faced breeds overheating quickly and suffering from heat stress, potentially culminating in heatstroke. In hot or humid weather, your Frenchie should be kept in a cool or air-conditioned space to avoid them overheating. Signs your Frenchie may be suffering from heat stress or heatstroke includes: Excessive panting. Blue or bright red gums. Vomiting, diarrhoea or convulsions. If your Frenchie starts showing any of the above signs they should be immediately moved to a cooler area and cool not cold water should be run over their body, especially the back of their head and neck. Veterinary assistance should also be sought as soon as possible. This occurs when the knee cap or patella is dislocated from its groove at the front of the stifle knee joint. Signs that your Frenchie may suffer from patella luxation include: Occasional skipping or abnormal hindlimb movement. Sudden or hindlimb lameness. Surgery to deepen the groove the patella sits in is an extremely effective way of treating this condition. If left untreated, patella luxation can lead to osteoarthritis due to repeated damage of the patella to the inside lining of the joint. Hip Dysplasia Hip Dysplasia is another genetic condition Frenchies are prone to and results in the ball and socket hip joint not developing properly. This leads to joint deterioration as the hip joint rubs and grinds as opposed to sliding smoothly. Environmental factors such as obesity as well as excessive growth and exercise also contribute to the progression of Hip Dysplasia. Symptoms of Hip Dysplasia include: Bunny hopping, decreased activity or difficulty standing up. Hip pain or sensitivity. Inability to climb stairs. Avoiding over exercising and over eating when your Frenchie is a young pup as well as maintaining a healthy diet and weight will assist in preventing the progression of Hip Dysplasia. Arched or hunched posture, crying out when touched or picked up. Sudden paralysis. Keeping your Frenchie at a healthy weight as well as preventing jumping on and off furniture slows the progression of Intervertebral Disc Disease. If your Frenchie shows signs of paralysis they must be seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible. The selection of an ethical and reputable Frenchie breeder will greatly reduce the risks of your French Bulldog suffering from major health issues; however, the highly desirable flat faced appearance of the Frenchie means not all health problems can be eliminated. Need Veterinary care for your Frenchie? At Southern Cross, we are here to help. Book an appointment to see one of our Vets with an interest in French Bulldogs.

Thus, it will do good for both you and your pet. First, however, you must pick your future pet to adopt from a good rescue. Rescue should have active and preventative programs to reduce animal killing. The Rescue or Shelter must have an aggressive public education about overpopulation. Further, they should exert efforts to apply differential licensing. Thus, a good rescue should comply by neutering all animals before going to their new homes. All these should always direct towards the well-being of the animals. A clean and comfortable place means the animals are also well-cared. Further, it echoes a skilled, compassionate, and good hygiene and healthcare program. How do I pick a good rescue Golden Retriever? Thus, you may want to do the following in choosing a good Golden Retriever. Observe the dog Most shelters have an observation room for you to do this. If it has none, just do your best to find some quiet place. As soon as the dog gets comfortable, you may start observing. The Golden Retriever should be friendly. It should come at you with no hesitation, sniff you, or even jump for attention. If you see it exhibits exciting behavior, like tail wagging, it means it wants you to pet him. Thus, you need to give it different tones and noise, especially with your voice. Touch the dog with caution Shelter or rescue dogs are usually under stress. Thus, you always need to be cautious when touching it. You may also see how it reacts when you touch it. A Golden Retriever likes getting touched or petted. Thus, if you cautiously touch it and begs for more, it can be a good sign for you. Other things you can note would be tail-wagging and endless sniffing and licking. Play with the dog Since Golden Retrievers are playful by nature, you should also play with the dog. Moreover, you need to take note of how well it interacts as it plays. Golden Retrievers are born to play. Thus, it should get excited upon seeing a ball or any other toys. At other times, excitement means circling and moving enthusiastically. Walk with the dog Golden Retrievers like to walk, so you may want to test that out as well. Observe how it reacts when on a leash or when it sees other dogs, people, or anything on the road. A good Golden Retriever does well with walking. So anything it sees around, like cars, bikes, or even other people and animals, would draw its attention. Let the dog interact with other dogs or animals. It may or may not be possible, but you may ask to observe how the dog interacts with other animals. It will also be necessary if you have other pets at home. Golden Retrievers play and interact well with other pets. Thus, if you have a pet at home, it would be great to take it to the shelter and allow it to play with the dog. Summary If you live in New York, you will have numerous alternatives to explore, owing to a large number of Golden Retriever shelters in the area. As a result, if you contemplate adoption, you will not have a difficult time finding your pet. As always, if you want to adopt a pet, you will need to put in a lot of time and work. Other States. Breeders VS. The sad truth is that many pet store purchased pups actually come from puppy mills. Basically, there is zero authenticity with pet stores. When it comes to adopting any animal from a pet store, there is an increased risk of unforeseen health or genetic problems. You also cultivate a life-long relationship with the breeder, meaning support is available to you anytime you may need it. With My Golden Retriever Puppies , you have the option to come and visit both the puppy and the breeder in person! Golden Retrievers are an adaptable breed, meaning they are better at adapting to seasonal changes and various types of climate than certain other breeds. Goldens sport a double-coat, which ensures that these sweet pups are able to tolerate slightly colder temperatures than their friends from other breeds. Your pup deserves better than that, which is why here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we ensure high-quality care is taken of your pet at all times. For more about the true price of a golden retriever puppy, you can read our full price breakdown here. Location Information for New York Customers Our home office is located in Ohio, but we understand that long-distance travel can be inconvenient. If you prefer to meet a breeder in person, they may be able to offer private visits at their home. Of course! Here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we value family and authenticity, which is why we always guarantee our pups through our 2-year genetic health guarantee. Like adopting a Golden Retriever from a pet store, there is an increased risk when adopting a pup from a rescue center or shelter as well. For example, pups purchased through a shelter or rescue center are far less likely to come with the kinds of health guarantees and reassurances that a breeder can provide. What type of Golden Retrievers are sold in New York? We have some good news! Ready to make your Golden Retriever dreams come true? Take a look at our convenient list of available puppies. How do I know which breeders to trust in New York? Our independent network of trusted breeders have already been pre-screened and verified, so that you can focus on what really matters: choosing your dream puppy. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved. Thank you! If you are looking to add to your fur family, consider adopting a dog. You will save the life of that dog and allow another to come into the shelter to be saved. Golden retrievers are well-mannered, loyal companions that love to play. They love meeting new people, and their enthusiasm is contagious. Goldens make great family dogs and hiking partners. Check out all 25 golden retrievers looking for their forever homes and share with a friend. Bruce Wayne Bruce is a 7-year-old sweetheart who is looking for a forever home. He loves to go for car rides and is completely housebroken. This perfect gentleman knows basic commands and just wants a loving home where he can cuddle next to his family at night. The rescue said his transition into a new home would be easier if he was the only dog but he is learning that other dogs mean him no harm. Bruce loves everyone he meets but will bark to alert his family someone is there. If this faithful pup sounds like the perfect match for you, you can find out more by clicking here. The playful girl will need a home with a fenced in yard to play fetch and run around. Does Layla sound like the perfect dog for you? Adopt her. He has the biggest heart and just wants to find a family who will love him the way he is. He gets around just fine thanks to a custom wheelchair. If you are ready to experience unconditional love — adopt him! The six-year-old loves attention and looking at herself in the mirror. She would do best in a home with another dog as she is unsure of loud noises and new things. A patient family with a fenced in yard would be perfect for Peaches. They arrived with three other siblings but these two would love to find a home together. They are incredibly smart, eager to learn, and ready for a forever home. If you are able to open your heart and home to two adorable puppies click here. The seven-year-old gentle giant loves children and people. He does not do well with other male dogs but could live in a home with a female dog. If this handsome boy caught your eye, you can adopt him here. While he still has bursts of energy, he prefers attention over play and has not shown any interest in playing fetch. Adopt him here. He can be a bit bossy so a home with older children or no children would be best. Rocko is too interested in cats to live with them but can live with another dog, after a meet-and-greet. Looking for an adventure buddy? Marley Mae is your girl and she loves car rides. Daily walks will be required but fresh air and exercise is good for everyone. Oliver is a love bug and just wants a family of his own. If you are willing to spoil him with attention and cuddles, apply to adopt him here. Boyd is currently in Texas looking for a loving forever home. Adopt him! The gorgeous pup will shed and is still learning to walk on a leash. He needs a family who will teach him basic commands and house train him. If you are ready for a lifetime of fun and learning, apply to adopt Asher here. Missy is a friendly gal rescue estimates she is 18! She prefers a home without children. Let her show you how to enjoy the little things in life, like a relaxing care ride. If she is the dog you have been looking for, adopt her here. Colin is 7 years young and a total sweetheart. He enjoys walks and meeting new people but also loves cuddling. The affectionate boy does have separation anxiety so he would do best with a homebody. She is 5-years-old and gets along well with other dogs. This loving girl is looking for a forever home. Adopt her! He needs a family that will take the time to teach him how to be a good boy. He is a year-old boy who loves other dogs, cats, and children. He is looking to enjoy his golden years with a loving family. Bring him home! He is missing hair due to a skin infection that is being treated by a vet. This good boy is ready for his forever home. She just wants a family of her own to go on walks and cuddle with. Anyone ready to give her a life of luxury and love her unconditionally can adopt her here. The young boy loves to play with a ball and will do so for hours. He loves people and would do best with a family that prefers to stay in or take him along on adventures. He loves treats and is a quick learner. An active family would be the best fit for Samson as he needs to go on a couple mile walk every day. He gets along well with other dogs and just wants a home of his own. Does he sound like the perfect dog for you? He loves going for walks and to the beach. As soon as he sees his leash his tail starts to wag. While he is always up for adventure, the big fella also loves to relax and cuddle. If you are looking for a best friend who will never leave your side, then look no further. Adopt Harlow here! The golden mix boy is inquisitive and energetic. He needs a patient family who will teach him how to be a good boy and watch him grow into his huge paws. She walks well on a leash and is as sweet as can be. She enjoys playing with other dogs but can be a bit bossy. The sweet dog is looking for a calm and quiet home to enjoy his golden years. He enjoys cuddling and going for short walks. FAQ about golden retrievers and how to start the process of adoption. What is the lifespan of a golden retriever? Golden retrievers are active dogs with a life span of years. How much exercise does a golden retriever need? The breed is part of the sporting group and was originally bred to retrieve ducks and fowls for hunters. They need daily exercise consisting of a walk, a game of fetch, or a trip to the beach. Ideally, they should have 60 minutes of intense exercise a day and a great way to achieve that is through hiking. How to adopt a golden retriever? If you think a golden retriever is the right dog for you, contact your local shelter. Be sure that your lifestyle is a fit for a golden and consider adopting an older dog. No matter what type of companion you are looking for, you can find a perfect fit in a rescue pet. Read the full disclosure here. Originally bred to retrieve shot waterfowl and serve as gun dogs, golden retrievers are one of the most popular family dogs. Despite their huge popularity and purebred status, you can still adopt purebred goldens from golden retriever rescues in New York state. Before you start researching different golden retriever breeders in New York state, consider adopting or fostering a rescue dog. While it might not seem like it at first, rescued dogs come with certain benefits! If you decide to purchase a puppy from a breeder, be prepared to spend a lot of time on obedience training and house training. On the other hand, most rescued golden retrievers are already fully potty trained and know basic commands. Keep one reading to find out how to adopt a golden retriever in need! Best Golden Retriever Rescues In New York State Highly trainable, friendly, and active, golden retrievers make awesome pets to people of all ages and families with children. Medium to large in size, these athletic and energetic dogs need a lot of exercise to stay healthy and in good shape. Whether you are interested in adopting or fostering a golden retriever, you are probably wondering what are the best golden retriever rescues in New York state. Furthermore, most of these rescues are always looking for helping hands and you can always sign up to be a volunteer and help find homes for goldens in need. Without further ado, here are some golden retriever rescues in New Your state you have to check out! Their goal is to find new homes for purebred golden retrievers and their mixes who have been abandoned, mistreated, or lost by their previous owners. This rescue also takes in goldens whose owners are no longer able to continue caring for them. Like most other reputable rescue organizations, GRROWLS is strongly committed to helping prospective owners understand the golden retriever breed. They are also there to help new owners get prepared for bringing a new puppy home and to know what to expect from the first couple of weeks. This rescue has a fairly straightforward adoption process. If you are interested in adopting a golden retriever through this rescue, you will have to fill out an adoption application first. Before matching you with a particular dog, the rescue will arrange a home visit so they can understand your environment and lifestyle. The Sunshine Golden Retriever Rescue takes in dogs from different backgrounds. Some of these dogs are well-behaved and cared for pets whose owners have passed away, while some goldens come with a history of abuse or neglect. A thing worth noting about Sunshine Golden Retriever Rescue is that most of their dogs come from kill shelters in the South and are placed as direct adoptions. This means that approved applicants will meet a dog through pictures, email, and adoption coordinator. Operated solely by volunteers, this organization is dedicated to improving the lives of golden retrievers that were neglected, abandoned, or abused by their owners. The Long Island Golden Retriever Rescue provides veterinary care and loving forever homes to all golden retrievers, from puppies to seniors. The best thing about this rescue is that they have been involved in several international rescue operations. This organization has a list of available adoptable dogs on their site and you just need to fill out an adoption application if you are interested in adoption. Once the staff reviews your application, they will contact you to set up a home visit. Like all other non-profit rescue organizations, the New York State Retriever Rescue has set adoption fees. All golden retrievers that come in New York State Retriever Rescue are evaluated and taken to their vets for a complete health exam. Before leaving for their forever home, all dogs receive the necessary shots and have fecal and heartworm tests. And if for whatever reason you can suddenly no longer care for your adopted golden, this rescue will take the dog back and try to find it another home. Bear in mind, since they are located in Long Island, this organization generally only adopts their dogs in a mile radius.

Quickly place your dog in their designated potty area. Praise them when they urinate or mess in the correct area. You must always watch them when they are loose in the house, or else they will have an accident. Follow this guide on potty training your German Shepherd , step-by-step, for a stress-free experience. Enjoy Gentle Daily Exercise German Shepherd puppies have lots of energy but still need gentle exercise. Your breed is highly active and loves the challenge of new activities! But these activities must consider their age. Start with a shorter walking session and work on building up the time and distance as your dog matures. Increase distance very slowly to avoid injuries to your dog. Begin with only 5 minutes of slow walking for every month your pup is old. An 8-week-old pup can walk 10 minutes at a time. A week-old pup can handle 15 minutes of walking at a leisurely pace. Your large-breed pup needs time to let its bone fully fuse and to gain an increase in strength. Here are a few more safe, healthy German Shepherd puppy exercise for steady growth. This is the same program I used for my GSD and she now jogs a 10k routinely. Mental Exercise and Training are Essentials Without proper mental exercise, your dog becomes bored. Boredom leads to destructive and annoying behaviors such as: excessive barking biting and nipping you and your guests mouthing your hands or digging up your yard Brain games mentally stimulate your dog. These games require your dog to figure out a small task to receive a reward. Mental activity is shown to help keep dogs more engaged in their environments and prevent boredom. They help control unwanted behaviors from boredom. I started my German Shepherd with this activity flip board dog brain puzzle. As your dog becomes proficient in a game, you make the game more challenging. There is no end to how easy or hard you can make these games! Learn the Joys of Grooming Start puppies out with grooming gloves, which are gentle and easier on their skin. GSDs need a brushing routine that keeps them and your house free from excessive loose hair and helps their skin stay healthy. Use these grooming gloves on your puppy while in a quiet area. They are soft and gentle and create a positive association with future grooming. Offer tasty treats to keep the grooming upbeat. Use a soothing voice and tell them how good they are. Above all, help make grooming and brushing positive experiences from the very start to save yourself and your dog stress later. A baby German Shepherd that tolerates and even enjoys a daily brushing is a dog that is easier to keep in better health and experiences less frustration when you bring out the grooming tools. While a puppy gets immunity through nursing in the first weeks of life, the immunity wears off shortly. Therefore puppies get a series of shots during their initial vaccination schedule. Vaccines prevent illness and keep your pet safe from disease. Your breeder should give your pup their first vaccination series before you bring them home. Bring this vaccination history with you to your vet on your first visit. Your Priority of Care What to Do 1. Make your house puppy ready for your new dog Prepare their sleep area, have the right supplies on hand, and make sure any hazards are put away out of reach. Communicate the essentials Have a list of words printed out so that you and your family know what to say to help your puppy learn what you want and what he needs to know. Meet their daily needs Your puppy has a lot to do each day for their basic care, so understand what routine you must develop for them to thrive. Set sleep routines Having a sleep routine in place keeps your puppy from becoming too unruly. Teach potty training Start from day 1 to teach potty and house training by using a structured schedule. Daily gentle exercise German Shepherd puppies need gentle exercise so avoid running, jumping, or jogging with them until around 18 months or so to prevent joint issues later. Brain training and mental stimulation Your smart breed needs to keep their mind occupied by using a training program to brain train their obedience skills and include mental stimulation with fun games and puzzles. Early introduction to grooming A grooming glove is your best friend for a safe, easy introduction to later brushing and coat maintenance. German Shepherd Puppy Care for Life While there are many aspects to puppies, this guide is a great start on learning how to take care of a German Shepherd puppy so you feel confident with your new puppy. These early encounters set the pattern of his future relationship with you. Use these ideas to make your German Shepherd love you and give them plenty of love and affection throughout the day. With proper care and attention, you and your GSD will enjoy a long, happy life together. Want more help with your German Shepherd puppy care for even smoother sailing? Are you prepared for any unusual and surprising behavior changes? Do you know what training your dog needs and when? She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. All rights reserved. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. Since German shepherds are large, active dogs and are known to have hips that give out, it's important to make sure they have good nutrition throughout their lives. Make sure to buy healthy food that is not full of filler ingredients. For example, make sure you are feeding a quality food that contains animal protein and doesn't use corn for protein. You can feed your German shepherd dry or wet food, or a combination of both. If you choose to feed your German shepherd homemade meals, it's important to talk to your veterinarian about what they need to include. This will help ensure that the dog will get a balanced diet. Try to resist giving your dog table scraps, especially if it is begging for them. People food can be unhealthy for the dog and can impact its interest in its healthy food. As your dog ages, it will have different nutritional needs. Feed your dog a food that is designed for its specific age, such as a puppy food when it very young, an adult food when it is in middle age, and senior food when it is in old age. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source There are also specific formulas you may need to consider at some point, for example, special foods for large breeds or weight control food for overweight dogs. Talk to your vet about what food will work best for your dog. Because your vet will understand your specific dog's health issues, they may want it to get specific nutritional needs met. Instead, mix the foods together, gradually increasing the new food and decreasing the old food over the course of several weeks. Look at the packaging of the food to determine the suggested serving size. This should be based on the size and age of your dog. You can also talk to your veterinarian about how much they think your dog should be eating. It is best to divide your German shepherd's daily food into 2 or more smaller meals. Giving smaller meals helps to minimize the risk of bloat, which is a life-threatening swelling of the abdomen. Go to source When you feed your dog several times a day, your dog will need to relieve themselves shortly after each meal. Never exercise a German shepherd right after they eat since this could increase the risk of bloating. In addition to feeding it healthy food, the snacks you feed your German shepherd can have an impact on its health. Pick low calorie treats that are satisfying for dogs, including crunchy vegetables and kibble in a feeding toy that slows the dog's consumption down. Dogs can drink a lot of water every day and it's important that they do to prevent dehydration. Fill up its bowl with clean water every day and leave it where your dog has access to it. Also, check up on the bowl throughout the day, if possible, to make sure there is plenty of water available. However, German shepherds should drink small amounts of water throughout the day, instead of drinking a large amount at one time. Gradually hydrating throughout the day will ensure that the dog doesn't get bloat. Dehydration can be a threat to your dog's health. Signs that it might be dehydrated and needs more water include excessive panting, loss of appetite, and dry nose or gums. If you see these symptoms, give your dog water immediately. Go to source Advertisement. German Shepherd dogs are known for their athletic capabilities, intelligence, and loyalty, making them one of India's most sought after breeds. Dog lovers are enamoured by the German shepherd's majestic appearance, intellect and guarding abilities. If you have decided or have recently become a German Shepherd's parent, you should be grateful to have such a loving and loyal companion who will stand by you no matter what in the years to come. However, parenting a German Shepherd is not an easy feat. Multiple factors need to be taken into consideration before you are confident that you will be able to provide for the needs of this dog. Parenting a German Shepherd is a highly gratifying affair, but the first step is choosing your puppy and caring for it. It needs to be planned out carefully to ensure that you and your dog spend all your days enjoying maximum satisfaction. This article will run you down through all the crucial decisions and actions that must be taken, starting from whether you should parent a German Shepherd, all the way to how you can care for your puppy. Is a German Shepherd is right for you? Before answering this question, it is imperative to check if parenting any German Shepherd is right for you to begin with. This breed is a very demanding one. It requires plentiful exercise to remain physically and mentally healthy. Without adequate playtime and activity, dogs of this breed can become destructive. So the question here is, do you have the facilities required to give your German shepherd this level of exercise? Do you have a yard, a park or a lawn near you where you can exercise your dog? Do you have the time to take them out on frequent walks? German Shepherds are usually suitable for people who engage in high-intensity sports such as running and bicycling. Will you be able to engage in such activities for the benefit of your dog as well as you? Similarly, German Shepherds are highly sociable animals and thrive in interactive environments. They need other dogs or people around them most of the time. Does your daily routine allow you to be near your dog for long periods of time? If you plan to leave your German shepherd at home for hours a day while you are working, this breed may not be suitable for you. Dogs of this breed are also prone to excessive shedding, and you need to be ready to find a lot of dog fur all around you. Being a large breed, feeding and taking care of these dogs are time and money intensive. They live long lives and can suffer from health problems too, and thus, caring for them can be an expensive affair. Thus, these are some of the questions that need to be answered to gauge whether a German Shepherd is indeed right for you to begin with. With these conditions in place, this breed may not be ideal for first-time dog parents. Coming to the type of German Shepherd that is right for you, this breed can be classified into two categories - work line type and show line type dogs. The differentiation is based on the heritage of the dogs of this breed and the purpose for which they were bred. Show lines were mainly bred for their look, colour and body type. Work Lines were primarily bred for their health and personality rather than to look a certain way. The line you choose depends on what you really want to be doing with your German shepherd. Work lines should be chosen if you seek a family pet or want some type of function to be performed because this type is known for its trainability, knowledge and skill. However, if you are more concerned with your dog's appearance, then going after show lines might be more appropriate. It must be mentioned, though, that it is possible to find show line dogs with the same characteristics as work line dogs and vice versa if they have been bred by individuals who are concerned with their appearance as well as health. Beyond work and show lines, age is another essential factor to consider. A good breeder would not offer puppies that are lesser than 8 weeks old as they still require their mother's milk as well as other social skills. Puppies who have received this from their mothers will be less likely to engage in destructive and unruly behaviour. First and foremost, verify that the puppy's parents have good health and desirable temperaments. Then examine the puppy in terms of health and hygiene by checking the eyes, ears, teeth, skin, coat, paws, etc. Study the gait of your puppy; it should be even. With German Shepherds, in particular, it is vital that you choose a pup that does not have undesirable traits. Visit the breeder at least four to five times before making a decision. Choosing a pup from the litter that is neither the timidest nor the most dominant would be wise if you want a bit of both traits. A German Shepherd puppy that is well built, energetic and sociable would be ideal. Next, to gauge the temperament of a puppy you want to select, you could perform a few simple tests, such as making eye contact with them. If they hold contact, it reflects confidence. It might be a sign of nervousness and anxiety if it looks away. Clapping your hands is another simple test. If the puppy runs away, it can be judged as timid, but it can signify that the pup wants to be friends if it approaches you. Similarly, other tests include calling the puppy to pet it, introducing it to a new toy, making a sudden noise, lifting the puppy and holding it above your head, or grabbing its paw. The reaction of puppies to such actions can provide much-needed insight into a puppy's temperament and help prospective dog parents make the right choice. On the one hand, if you prefer a dog that isn't prone to undermining your authority, it would be sensible to choose a moderately submissive puppy. On the other hand, if you want a dog for protection, it would be wise to choose a tough, trainable, and courageous puppy. After four to five visits, it would be possible for you to judge correctly - the personality and various character traits of the puppy you're interested in. As German Shepherds have highly individual personalities, you might bond more with one German Shepherd than the other. Lastly, before making a final decision, it is always good to ask the breeder for their opinion, as good breeders often have vital information about their puppies and can provide valuable insight into their characteristics and temperaments, thereby ensuring that you exactly find what you are looking for. Bringing Your German Shepherd Puppy Home Once you have established a rapport with a puppy and have made up your mind about becoming a dog parent, or a dog parent to another puppy, take a friend or companion with you who can help you clean up if your puppy is carsick. If you intend on making your puppy comfortable in a crate, give the crate to the breeder a few days before you bring the puppy home so that the breeder can help it acclimatize itself to the crate. The first day at home will be a traumatic experience for your puppy as it is away from its family. Thus, ensure that your puppy has a place to be comfortable and relaxed, with an adequate amount of food and water. It would be wise to spend some time exclusively with your puppy initially, such as an extended weekend plan so that your bond can grow. Be sure to collect your puppy's adoption contract and veterinary records. Furthermore, find out the exact kind of food that the breeder was giving the puppy you just adopted. Giving your pup entirely different food during the first few days can be traumatic for them. With their unfamiliar sights, smells, and sounds, your home and car can frighten your puppy, leading it to stress out and get anxious. Anticipate this and give your pup some time to adjust to the new environment. The first few days can be demanding as a dog parent because you need to adapt to changes in your schedule with the arrival of your puppy. Similarly, the puppy, too, can cry, whine or get overly affectionate, which can be regarded as coping mechanisms to deal with the sudden change in environment. During this time, make sure you don't scold your puppy or be overly affectionate either. Before bringing your newly adopted puppy home, it is essential for you to puppy-proof your home! Go down on all fours and check for sharp objects, hazardous materials, or any other dangerous substance that your puppy might end up chewing or swallowing. Cover your electrical outlets as well. Stock your home with food that your puppy has been eating while under the breeder's care. Keep an adequate amount of food and water, water bowls, treats, and grooming tools such as brushes, shampoos for puppies and nail clippers. Cleaning detergent for stains and smells will also come in handy in case of any accidents. Decide on that area of the house that will be where your puppy spends most of its time. This step is crucial as constantly changing your puppy's place can lead to disruptive sleep patterns and cause stress. German Shepherds, being extremely active, will tend to run across your halls, and in such cases, an accident or two are bound to happen. In such cases, it would be a good idea to restrict your dog's movements to areas that can be cleaned easily. Furthermore, German Shepherds have sharp claws and can ruin expensive hardwood floors, so it would be wise to keep them away from such flooring. As mentioned previously, your puppy will be nervous during the first few days. Frequent bathroom breaks will be a necessity for your pup, and thus, keep an area designated just for this purpose. Also, let your dog run around the house and acquaint itself with its surroundings. If your dog is chewing or biting furniture in a puppy-proofed home, you could offer a toy as a distraction. If you have children, teach them how to properly handle your puppy without being too rough. If you have other pets, give your pup a chance to meet and acknowledge them. Be careful while introducing your puppy to other puppies and grown dogs. However, most dogs are not aggressive with puppies, so it is doubtful that you will face problems on this front. Between eight and sixteen weeks of age, Puppies require plenty of clean water to drink and many meals a day. They also have small bladders and hence, will urinate often. Since they expend a lot of energy during the day, they will take several naps. It would be recommended to begin a daily routine for your pup and stick to it. Since German Shepherds require a lot of physical activity, taking them out in the mornings and evenings for an adequate amount of time religiously would be necessary. The faster you get your pup accustomed to a routine, the more beneficial it is to better sleeping schedules and better mental and physical health. When you begin house training your dog, be sure to praise them when they relieve themselves in designated areas but refrain from punishing them if they fail to do so. Remember that your home is a new environment for them, and thus, it will take a while to house train them. Training Your German Shepherd Puppy. Training your dog from the day they come home is very important. Clear rules should be set that should not be broken. For example, if you do not want your dog to get on the bed, do not let them come on the bed ever. Allowing them sometimes and then not other times gets confusing for your dog, and they may not be able to learn the desired behaviour effectively. Training your puppy can be divided into two stages, each with different objectives. The first stage of training needs to take place when your pup is between eight to sixteen weeks of age. In this period, socialization, house training and crate training goals must be accomplished. The second stage of training needs to occur when your puppy is three months of age until about 9 months. The main objectives of this training phase are obedience training, impulse control, and recall. From 8 - 16 weeks Goal: Socialization German shepherds are very protective of their owners. This makes it essential to make them see that other individuals are not necessarily threats. This period is critical to expose your puppy to different people in non-threatening situations. This can help them grow more confident around strangers instead of becoming hostile. Socialization creates a strong foundation for the rest of your puppy's training. One example of socialization comes from the grooming requirements of this breed. German Shepherds need to be groomed regularly so that they don't shed a lot. Thus, introducing them to groomers at a young age and to tools like blow dryers and nail clippers can help achieve this goal of adapting to social environments. Furthermore, to improve their mental development, expose your puppy to new sights, sounds and smells to help their confidence improve. Goal: Crate Training Training your puppy to sleep or stay in a crate can be difficult at first as they might face separation anxiety. Crate training is necessary if you prefer sleeping alone or washing the utensils in the kitchen and need your puppy to stay in one place for a couple of minutes. Patience is key to achieving this goal. Help them get over their separation anxiety with the help of treats and toys. You can also use your crate for feeding purposes to help your pup get more acclimated to it. Goal: House Training A strict schedule can help get your dog house trained. When your pup is around 8 weeks old, it should be taken outside for a bathroom break every two hours or so. At 12 weeks, it should be taken every 3 hours and around 16 weeks, every 4 hours or so. Begin teaching your puppy how to eliminate on cue by looking for signs such as sniffing the floor or circling a particular spot, or going to an area where it has made a mess before. Using a command to push your puppy to go outside to relieve itself can be helpful. Remember to praise your pup when it obeys such actions. From 3 - 9 Months Goal: Obedience Training German Speherds are acutely intellectual and have a commendable work ethic. Training that has begun early and consistently can help your puppy's best traits and features emerge with time. Dogs of this breed are excellent at obeying commands, and you can begin this type of training by teaching basic commands such as stay, down, and up. They can even be trained to walk on a leash easily during this period. Goal: Recall When obedience training is done right, the goal of recalling or successfully calling your puppy to come to you becomes relatively easier. Achieving recall takes patience and practice. It should be done diligently and on a daily basis, using treats and toys as incentives. Achieving this goal can come in handy during emergency situations as well. Goal: Impulse Control German Shepherds are highly susceptible to boredom, often resulting in excessive and inappropriate chewing, barking, chasing, etc. They also have a tendency to chase down cars and even cats. Such impulses need to be controlled as they can otherwise lead to destructive and problematic behaviour. Training for impulse control simply means getting your puppy to pay attention to you when required. You can begin such type of training by getting your puppy to sit before eating or using commands during playtime, which makes them focus on your voice only. Treats and toys could be attractive incentives to encourage your pup to respond positively to commands. Feeding Your German Shepherd Puppy. Remember to follow the breeder's diet in the initial days and gradually change this diet to incorporate different foods. Milk should not be given to puppies at this age as it can cause diarrhoea. Puppies need to be given food rich in protein, calcium and fats as they are still growing. Their food needs to be higher in calories when compared to the food given to a grown dog. When you give your puppy a food bowl, give it a specific window of time to finish eating, such as 10 or 15 minutes. After this period, remove the bowl. This will help your pup understand that it has to eat during a specific period of time only, which is a valuable component of obedience training. Between 4 to 6 months of age, you can start feeding your puppy increased portions of food four times a day. Foods such as meat and vegetables would be ideal. Treats should only be resorted to during training and not as actual food for mealtimes. Make sure to never give leftover human food to puppies as they contain spices, salt, sugar and so on, which are very unhealthy for dogs. FAQs: Are german shepherd puppies hard to take care of? Not just german shepherds, all puppies are hard to take care of initially. This is because it is exactly like getting a newborn baby home. There will be sleepless nights, vet visits, training, creating and sticking to routines and so on. However, these efforts will eventually pay off, because once your pup is trained, they will be socialized and can adapt to your lifestyle easily. How many times should a german shepherd puppy eat a day? For up to four months, puppies should be fed three to four times a day. Post this period, gradually reduce the number of times your pup is fed. After eight to nine months, two meals a day will suffice. Where should my german shepherd sleep? German shepherds are highly sociable animals and should not be left alone for too long. Puppies should be trained to sleep in a crate or share the bed with you if you so desire. As they grow older, they can be allowed to sleep in a crate, or in an area specially designed for them. What are the best foods for german shepherd puppies? Like other puppies, they too require meals that are high in protein, grain-free, rich in good quality fats without any chemicals, artificial additives etc. Is it okay to feed a german Shephard 3 times a day? Up to eight to nine months of age, it is okay to feed your German Shepherd three times a day. However, feeding them twice a day is more than enough beyond this age. The amount of food ultimately depends on your dog's age, size, weight, and levels of physical activity. When do german shepherd puppies stop biting and jumping? It is perfectly normal for your puppy to constantly bite, chew, or jump for the first four to six months. However, while teething is normal, you must redirect your puppy to chew on toys and other things that are appropriate instead of household furniture. Do not wait to think issues will be resolved after months. Get professional help from day 1 to teach your pup the right behaviours. By Barri J. Morrison, DVM on Jun. Today, the German Shepherd is one of the most popular dog breed in the United States. They are in the herding breed group, which means they are high-energy and love having a job or an outlet for regular exercise. They are known for their confidence, loyalty, and bravery, as well as their ability to thrive with expert levels of dog training and obedience. German Shepherds are commonly used as working dogs in the military and police for patrolling, bomb sniffing, and search and rescue. This large dog breed has an average weight ranging from 65—90 pounds. They are typically 22—26 inches tall with a life expectancy of 10—12 years. Caring for a German Shepherd German Shepherds are incredibly active dogs that require intense training and regular exercise to keep them out of trouble physically and mentally. They are best for active families and experienced pet parents. Socialization and consistent training will be essential when a German Shepherd is a puppy. This will help them to grow out of unruly behaviors such as nipping and jumping. German Shepherds have a double coat that sheds a lot. They will also typically go through a molting, which is a period of excessive shedding, one to two times a year. German Shepherd Health Issues While German Shepherds have a long life expectancy for a large breed dog, they are prone to several health problems. A trustworthy breeder will screen both male and female dogs being bred for health conditions such as degenerative myelopathy and hip and elbow dysplasia. German Shepherds commonly also get gastric dilation and volvulus GDV , commonly known as bloat, as well as cancer, allergies, heart disease, and a few other conditions. Pet parents of German Shepherds should be highly educated on the symptoms to look for, as early detection is the key to a good prognosis for any serious condition. Degenerative Myelopathy Degenerative myelopathy is a neurologic disorder that affects the spinal cord, slowly causing paralysis of the back legs. Early signs of degenerative myelopathy include weakness in the hind end and difficulty standing up. Watch your dog carefully for signs of pain and discomfort that come on gradually rather than suddenly. Check their claws at least once a month to watch for signs of uneven wear which would indicate a subtle lameness. There is no treatment for this condition, but physical therapy can help strengthen muscles and protect their ability to use their legs. While there is no cure, you can test for this condition using a DNA-based blood test submitted to the University of Florida or the University of Missouri. Elbow and Hip Dysplasia Elbow dysplasia is a degenerative joint disease that can cause lifelong pain in the front limbs. Hip dysplasia is another degenerative joint disease that affects the hind end. Clinical signs include limping, decreased range of motion, and other signs of pain—especially later in life, as arthritis sets in because of this disease process. The treatment for all degenerative joint diseases includes weight loss, reduced activity, joint protection supplements, anti-inflammatory and pain medications, or surgery. Cancer Cancer can develop in German Shepherds at any age, but usually occurs later in life. Common cancers include hemangiosarcoma and bone, lung, and intestinal cancers. Hemangiosarcoma is a malignant tumor that is most often detected in blood-rich organs such as the spleen and the heart. The signs of hemangiosarcoma are usually related to internal bleeding, with symptoms such as weakness, white or pale gums, trouble breathing, a distended abdomen, and collapse. Other signs are usually nonspecific and indicate overall malaise, including lethargy, panting, anorexia, vomiting, diarrhea, or weight loss. Depending on the extent of the cancer, treatment plans can include chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery. Bloat Gastric Dilation and Volvulus Bloat, or gastric dilation and volvulus GDV is a sudden life-threatening condition when the stomach enlarges with gas bloat and then twists upon itself GDV. This happens commonly in deep-chested, large-breed dogs such as German Shepherds. To limit the risk of GDV, German Shepherds should wait at least 30 minutes to one hour after eating to resume exercising. Another way to help prevent your German Shepherd from developing a life-threatening GDV would be via gastropexy. A gastropexy permanently attaches the stomach to the inside body wall. This fixation of the stomach prevents the stomach from being able to twist upon itself. Allergies Allergies in German Shepherds can be first seen with symptoms such as itchy skin, skin infections , ear infections , or digestive upset such as vomiting, diarrhea, or weight loss. A thorough medical history and physical examination, diagnostic testing of skin and ears, blood work, and fecal tests are warranted if you suspect that your dog has allergies. Allergies in dogs can be treated by avoiding the cause and the allergen and managing the symptoms that exist with diet therapy and medications. Heart Disease Heart disease, specifically DCM dilated cardiomyopathy , valvular disease, and heart murmurs, can be common in German Shepherds. A special diet should also be considered to restrict sodium intake and to increase the amount of certain amino acids to promote heart health. Dogs with significant heart disease should not be pushed to exercise beyond their limits. Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency EPI Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency EPI is a digestive health issue that occurs when the cells of the pancreas do not produce enzymes and hormones normally. The most common symptom is weight loss, despite your pet having a ravenous appetite. Other symptoms of EPI include soft stool or diarrhea; excessive gas; desire to eat feces and other unusual objects; flaky skin; or rough coat. Once the pancreas is damaged to the point that symptoms of EPI develop, you must give your dog pancreatic enzyme supplements and other treatments for the rest of their life. Nevertheless, with proper management, your dog can still live a happy life with this condition. Pannus Pannus, or superficial keratitis, is an immune-mediated painful eye condition that can cause blindness if not managed properly. It occurs more often in dogs that live at high altitudes, those with increased exposure to UV light, and in areas with severe air pollution. Keeping dogs indoors during the sunniest part of the day, providing a doghouse shelter, or trying a specialty pair of doggie sunglasses like Rex Specs may prove very helpful in preventing this issue. Most of these conditions have a genetic component and can be avoid by good breeding and preventive screening practices. They require a high-quality, age-appropriate diet to meet their nutritional needs. These diets are usually labeled puppy, adult, or senior. Offering table food and animal bones should be avoided, as they can cause stomach upset, vomiting, diarrhea, and anorexia, and they also have a much higher fat content than dog food. High-fat foods can also cause pancreatitis. How Much to Feed a German Shepherd In general, puppies should be fed 3—4 times per day and adult dogs should be fed twice a day. How much you feed is determined by the specific food your German Shepherd eats. You can ask your veterinarian, follow the package instructions, or contact the dog food manufacturer, as AAFCO-approved diets have veterinary nutritionists who help determine these requirements. There are some theories that German Shepherds that are fed smaller, more frequent meals have a lower incidence of bloat and stomach problems. How to Feed a German Shepherd Although there is a genetic component, science shows that rapid long bone growth in puppies such as German Shepherds and other large- and giant-breed dogs contributes to development of joint and bone conditions. Rapid bone growth is suspected to be caused by overfeeding and calcium supplementation. German Shepherds that are fed free-choice or overfed are at higher risk of rapid bone growth. Maintaining lean body weight will also help to decrease the rate of bone growth. Calcium supplements and adult dog foods rich in calcium should never be given to German Shepherd puppies under 6 months of age, as they cannot absorb calcium appropriately when they are that young. Conditions caused by rapid long bone growth and excess calcium supplementation can include: Hip and elbow dysplasia Osteochondrosis dissecans of the shoulder, knee, wrists, and ankles. This is improper growth and blood supply in a joint, which requires surgery to prevent osteoarthritis from developing. Hypertrophic osteodystrophy HOD. This is inflammation of the bone under the growth plate; it can cause severe joint swelling, pain, fever, anorexia, lameness, and not wanting to move. This is an inflammation of the long bones and associated blood vessels. Joint swelling is uncommon, but the symptoms are similar to HOD. MSM has all-natural anti-inflammatory properties. Omega-3 fatty acids high-quality fish oil are thought to have anti-inflammatory properties as well when given at appropriate doses. Research shows that reducing inflammation helps to control pain associated with osteoarthritis , which is a common problem in dogs with joint issues. Probiotics Probiotics such as Purina Calming Care can be helpful not just for digestive issues, but with minor behavioral issues as well. Digestive enzymes come in powdered form to assist dogs who have pancreatic issues, such as German Shepherds with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. Other vitamin and mineral supplements are generally not needed for healthy puppies and adults, as they get all they need from their AAFCO-approved diet daily. The breed is considered to be smart and easy to train. They are known to be gentle family dogs and loyal protectors of those they trust. This loyalty can make German Shepherds seem more standoffish around strangers. It does take them some time to gain the trust of other people and other pets. German Shepherds are a very active and athletic breed that require a ton of exercise for both their physical and mental health. Without exercise they will develop unfavorable behaviors, due to irritation and pent-up energy. Controlled leash walks and supervised free play in safe, fenced-in areas should be started when they are puppies. Keeping a German Shepherd on a leash at all times when in public places is a good rule of thumb, as even the most well-trained dog can be distracted and not follow regular commands, leading to a possible confrontation. These results should be provided to a pet parent by the breeder of the German Shepherd before the dog is purchased. Not all temperament and behavioral issues are evident in a growing puppy, and it is impossible to predict whether a dog will be free of these problems. Find a trustworthy breeder who is committed to breeding the healthiest animals possible. German Shepherd Behavior German Shepherds, like other herding dogs, tend to be on the nippy side. They have very powerful jaws, and unfortunately, they frequently bite. Most aggressive German Shepherds are aggressive because of their owners. The German Shepherd dog is a pack animal. They need you to be the leader of the pack, providing structure and guidance. The key to success is consistency and practice; you will get the behavior you reward. German Shepherds from working lines have an extremely strong drive to work and may be more dog than most people can or want to handle. German Shepherds are very smart companions and exceptional workers. This helps you build the right foundation for your puppy to evolve into a well-adapted and well-mannered adult dog. Conversely, when your dog barks at you to pet them, do not start petting them until they sit down and quietly wait for you to do so. Soon they will learn that they get what they desire without the excessive, unnecessary behavior. German Shepherds thrive on consistency, positive reinforcement, and a reward system, such as a treats or toys to help strengthen the human-animal bond. They become very bonded to all members of the family and will be willing to participate in many family activities. Fun Activities for German Shepherd Herding. The transition period can be a little intimidating once you get over the cuteness overload and realize that your new puppy has no training whatsoever and it's up to you how things will progress from there. We'll try to make it easier for you with this short list of things to do the first 2 weeks after bringing your new puppy home. Your puppy is in a brand new place and it's their first time being away from their mom and siblings. I know you want to bring the puppy with you everywhere, play all day and show him or her off to all of your friends and family. But take it slow at first so that your new puppy can get settled and relax. Hang out at home. Become a professional treat dispenser. And begin the foundation of building your bond with your pup. Crate training is the best way to house train. Introduce your puppy to the crate early on by making it a positive experience. Toss a high value treat inside and let them explore and go inside on their own volition. Place a chew toy that can hold treats into the crate and close the door. Make sure the puppy sees you do this. When the puppy tries to paw and get inside the crate, open the door and let them in. When they start chewing on the toy, close the door for a few seconds before opening. And remember to reward your puppy when it's playing quietly inside the crate and to ignore any whining. Also remember the rules of potty training using the crate. If the pup just ate or drank, let them outside. If the pup is coming out of the crate for any extended time, let them outside. If your pup is so much as sniffing the ground a little too much, you guessed it, let them outside. The fewer accidents inside the house, the less likely it is for the puppy to get into the habit of going inside the house. Start immediately with potty training and socialization. Puppies aren't fully protected until their final vaccination at weeks, so openly socializing in public isn't the best idea. But you can have friends and family come over to meet your puppy, as well as their fully vaccinated, well behaved dogs and puppies. You can also begin the foundation of basic obedience commands. All that's necessary later on is getting consistency and working around distractions. Unless of course you want to compete in obedience or a sport that requires obedience. Competition makes things a little more complicated than that. This step is often overlooked and it's arguably the most important step for a new puppy. Puppies love a routine. It's comforting knowing what's going to happen. Wake up in the morning, outside to potty. A little training with treats, breakfast, outside to potty again. A little play time etc. If you have to go to work, make sure you have a friend, relative, dog walker or dog sitter to let the puppy outside if you can't make it home during your break to let the puppy use the potty. They have a tiny bladder and can't hold it for a full workday. When you have a routine that works, things will go smoothly. If you stray from that routine or never establish one, you'll have more accidents, a confused puppy, and quite possibly a headache. Consistency is key, and make sure you throw in several short training sessions. Most places require these. It may sound silly that you're probably legally required to get a license for your dog, but.But rules are rules. Better safe than fined! A vet who has fair prices for your area, yet is also professional and competent is a must. You will see your vet often enough that they will eventually know your name without having to check the paperwork. So your best bet is to find a good one! Routine checkups, vaccinations, and minor or even major health issues will happen. So build a relationship with a local vet as soon as possible. Also, if you have a German Shepherd or any other large breed and ever intend to breed, you should try to find either an orthopedic vet or a vet who is experienced in taking and sending in hip and elbow x-rays to the OFA to be graded. This may not be your primary veterinarian, but it's good to plan ahead. Even if you don't intend to breed, most breeders state in their contract that they will cover hips and elbows, but only if you get preliminary x-rays or have x-rays graded within a certain amount of time usually 2 years. As a bonus, taking hip and elbow x-rays at 2 years old can help extend the quality of life for your dog if they do end up having dysplasia. You'll know to dial down exercise that is hard on the joints, and that can mean the difference between a dog with pain at 5, and a dog who lives its whole life without pain. It'll also give you a head start on a medication and treatment plan. There are dogs with moderate hip dysplasia that live a very comfortable, long life without the need for surgery thanks to their owner taking that extra step of getting x-rays done. The advanced notice gives their owner a head start on supplements and getting into therapy programs, like swimming, to strengthen the muscle around the joint before they're ever in pain. So this may not be a necessary step if you don't care about your breeder's guarantee, but it can help ease your mind or give you a heads up before a problem even surfaces. But it'll be much less stressful if you have a plan in advance and stick with these 6 tips. If you have any other tips or tricks, leave them down in the comments below and be sure to leave a like and share! They still have their cute side of course, but they are often a whole lot more work than most people expect. And when it comes to German Shepherd puppies, while not anymore difficult than any other breed, there are a few specific things that may help both you and your furry pup through the struggle of puppy-hood. German Shepherds, in general, tend to be very loyal, loving, and protective. But they do have other characteristics that are good to be aware of before getting a puppy, in order to ensure that they are the right match for you. German Shepherd puppies can be a little shy and anxious sometimes, which, if not treated properly could develop into fear-based aggression. Socialization becomes very important for these puppies in order to keep the shyness and aggression in check. German Shepherd puppies are very energetic and intelligent. So keep in mind that you may need to get creative with the doggie activities! If you like your privacy, you may want to reconsider getting a German Shepherd because these puppies will follow you everywhere. Training in this area becomes extremely critical if you want to prevent their biting from transitioning into a much more dangerous game. German Shepherd puppies are incredibly intense when it comes to playtime, so get ready for some heavy-duty wrestling. You will need to supervise any interactions with other dogs to ensure that nobody gets hurt. A German Shepherd puppy just might be the right one for you. Finding Your Puppy The first step in caring for your puppy is finding your puppy, and the best place to go for that is a reputable breeder. While you can find plenty of breeders on the internet, your best bet would be to ask for referrals from other German Shepherd owners that you know. This way you can ensure that you find a German Shepherd puppy that has been well cared for from birth, giving you a great head start. And while there will be many times for playing and cuddling during the first few days and onward, even the very first moments you spend with your puppy are extremely critical for training. Potty Training Little puppies have little bladders, which means they will have to relieve themselves every two hours or so until they are about six months old. Take your puppy to your designated potty area frequently and praise your pup if he goes in the right place. Using a specific spot, rather than just the entire backyard, will help immensely during potty training. Sticking to a schedule can help minimize accidents. A good starting point is to take your puppy outside 20 minutes after eating, as this is generally when he will need to relieve himself. You will also need to wake up two or three times in the night to check on your pup. And keep an eye on him throughout the day. If he is whimpering uneasily, he probably needs to potty. Crate Training Crate training your German Shepherd puppy will become a huge help while you are teaching him the house rules. It also helps give them a safe place they can call their own. Keep your crate somewhere in the home where there are people around to supervise, but not too public or chaotic of a place that he will feel scared or threatened. Also, make sure the crate is not so small that they feel trapped and uncomfortable. Your pup should be able to comfortably stretch and lie down if they want to. Even when your dog is in the crate, make sure he is on his best behavior. If your pup exhibits bad behavior in the crate and you respond by taking him out, he may develop bad habits. Once your puppy calms down or shows good behavior, reward him by letting him out and giving him praise. Socialization Especially as German Shepherd puppies can lean more towards the aggressive side, socialization is critical if you want to keep this aggression in check. Letting your puppy meet new people and new dogs during the first couple months of life can really make a difference in his social skills and overall behavior. Let your puppy spend quality time with the family and everyone who may frequent your home such as neighbors, relatives, and babysitters. General Training The first thing your puppy should learn during training is that you are in charge. Otherwise, your puppy will take on that role himself and you could lose control completely. German Shepherd puppies respond well to positive training techniques, so keep those treats handy! Feeding Although your German Shepherd puppy may be small, his diet should not be. Growing from a puppy to an adult dog is hard work, and he will need a strong, healthy diet in order to do it. Until 6 months of age your puppy will need to eat 3 to 4 times a day. The best way to ensure that he is getting the right amount of grub is to check his ribs. You should be able to feel them through his skin, but not see them. The most common type of puppy food is your everyday kibble, but actually, raw dog foods are the best way to go, even for the littlest of pups. About Emilyn Gil Hello! My name is Emilyn and I am currently studying English at Utah Valley University and working as a copywriter, researcher and mother. Although I have had just one dog throughout my life, my sweet Golden Retriever and Cocker Spaniel mix, Pup, has given me many fond memories that I hold dear. In addition, have also owned and cared for cats, fish, hamsters, rats, parakeets, chickens, goats, rabbits, frogs, and lizards. Every one of these adorable pets has given me a love for all kinds of animal friends, which is something that I hope to share here at TruDog.

Some breeders thought that another male had gotten to their female and the resulting brown looking puppy was a mutt. Others knew what they were and put them down as they did not want anyone to know they were producing anything other than traditional colored shepherds. However, with the canine genomic project and strong breeders who stood their ground for this color of GSD, they are beginning to be seen in several countries. I have always admired the liver coloration and wanted to incorporate liver into my breeding program; however, I found it to be difficult in the beginning to find them especially with AKC full registration as the breeders that did allow them to live, only sold on limited registration for fear that they were not as healthy as their colored siblings. I came across a litter of four liver female puppies and between myself and my best friend, Dawn, we rounded up three of the four, and the last sister went to a fellow liver lover. My search was far from over since the liver gene is inherited autosomal recessive I had to find a male that carried liver or was liver himself. Finally, I found an awesome four year old male, Dutch, for sale. His owner drove him to my kennel and I was in love as he is a big social, warm, gentle giant but will protect in a heart beat. Shortly after I found him, the liver pups arrived and I knew I wanted to go with chocolate names for my liver shepherds. Chocolate is a much more flattering word for these majestically colored GSD. She violated our agreement. She is a proven scammer. The color has been apart of the original gene pool from the start. The puppies born a brown chocolate color are registered as Liver. It is a recessive gene and in many pedigree's. In order for a GSD to produce Liver, both parents must pose the b gene. Brown is incomplete black. Thus giving all areas of the GSD that would normally appear black be a chocolate color. Since the colors and patterns are separate, they can come in all patterns: saddle back, bi-color, sable, solids, and various patterns. We are looking forward to meeting like minded people that want to work with the dilutes as well. We are open to discussing medical and color questions for anyone interested. Scroll through the albums and if you do not find what you are looking for please send me a message. Keep in mind you do not have to have a facebook page to see this page. Our breeding program has earned the the highest level of accomplishments that a kennel in the United States can achieve. Nadelhaus breeds purebred German Shepherds year round and we also import both German Shepherd puppies and adults direct from Europe for our clients. Long-haired German Shepherds are technically called a long coat German Shepherd, while a short-haired German Shepherd is called a normal coat or stock coat German Shepherd. Dogs with either coat have the same physiological structure and both have double coats: an undercoat and a top coat. The only difference between the two is the top coat. The long haired German Shepherd will have a heavier top coat than the undercoat. The double coat of a German Shepherd is an important feature of the breed. The double coat weathers and insulates the dogs—it protects them from the cold in the winter and the heat in the summer. The length of the coat of a German Shepherd has no impact on its ability as a working dog. What does a long haired German Shepherd look like? The skeleton and structure of a long-haired German Shepherd will be the same as a short-haired German Shepherd. Both dogs will have an undercoat, but the difference is that the top coat of a long-haired German Shepherd will be longer. The long coat GSD has longer and silkier hair on the chest, back, face, tail, and on the backside of its legs. Short on the head, including the inside of the ears, on the front side of the legs, on the paws and toes, somewhat longer and more strongly covered in hair on the neck, almost forming a mane. On the back side of the legs the hair extends to the carpal joint or the hock and forms clear trousers on the back side of the haunches. Historically, German Shepherds originated in Germany and were native sheepdogs. He firmly believed that the standard of the German Shepherd breed should not include dogs with long hair. Throughout the s, long haired German Shepherds were considered unsuitable and unacceptable for breeding. It is important to note that long-haired German Shepherds are the result of natural genetic diversity and not a separate breed. Their long coats are an inherited trait that can occur when both parents carry the recessive long-hair gene. This gene manifests as a more luxurious and abundant coat, offering a striking contrast to the traditional short-haired German Shepherd appearance. The breeding of long-haired German Shepherds follows the same rigorous standards and principles as their short-haired counterparts. The focus remains on maintaining the breed's exceptional temperament, working abilities, and overall health. Over time, breeders recognized the value of long-haired German Shepherds and began selectively breeding them to maintain and enhance their unique characteristics. Through careful pairings and strategic breeding programs, the long-haired variety established itself as a distinct and cherished branch of the German Shepherd breed. How big do long-haired German Shepherds get? Long-haired German Shepherds are structurally the same as short-haired German Shepherds, therefore they can both grow to similar sizes. Males: inches tall, pounds Females: inches tall, pounds Since both German Shepherds are physiologically the same, they also have the same temperaments: loyal, intelligent, energetic, courageous and protective. German Shepherds are ranked 2 on the AKC Breed Popularity list and make for wonderful family companions and working dogs. How can I identify a long-haired German Shepherd puppy? In the photo below are two litter mates from a recent Nadelhaus litter. The puppy on the left is a long coat and the puppy on the right is a normal coat. The long coat has wispier hair on the chest, back, face, tail, and on the backside of its legs. Long-hair female German Shepherd next to short-hair male German Shepherd. Genetically in German Shepherds, the short hair gene is dominant and the long hair gene is recessive. This means if two short-haired German Shepherds are mated, but neither carries the recessive long hair gene, then no long haired puppies can be produced. However, if two short-haired German Shepherds are mated and both carry the recessive gene, then long-haired German Shepherd puppies can be produced. Long-haired German Shepherds are considered a less common variant of the breed, adding to their allure and exclusivity. While short-haired German Shepherds dominate the breed standard, enthusiasts of long-haired Shepherds appreciate their unique beauty and elegant appearance. Due to their rarity, finding a reputable breeder or rescue organization specializing in long-haired German Shepherds may require some research and patience. However, the joy of owning one of these beautiful dogs is well worth the effort for those who appreciate their longer coats and exceptional qualities. Do long-haired German Shepherds shed more than short-haired German Shepherds? No, this is a common misconception. Although they shed less than short haired German Shepherds, their coats still require regular maintenance. They will need regular brushing and grooming, especially if you enjoy hiking or outdoor activities with your GSD. While it is a rare occurrence for a long-haired GSD to not have an undercoat, most of them do have undercoats. And just like short-haired GSDs, their undercoats will shed more or less throughout the year depending on the season. Should I trim my long haired German Shepherd's coat? The decision to trim a long haired German Shepherd comes down to personal preference, but it is not a necessity. Trimming can help make for more manageable living around the house. If you choose to trim, you can trim around the backs of the ears, on the back of the legs both front and back and then thin the bushy tail. Shaving a German Shepherd on the other hand is never recommended. Their double coats help keep them warm in the winter and cool in the summer. What are long haired German Shepherds called? Regular brushing: Long-haired German Shepherds require regular brushing to prevent matting and tangles. Aim for at least a few brushing sessions per week to keep their coat in good condition. Finish your brushing session with a gentle dog brush to clean up loose hairs. Bathing and drying: It's important to bathe your long-haired German Shepherd as needed, using a dog-specific shampoo. Be sure to thoroughly rinse out all the shampoo to prevent any residue. After bathing, use a high-velocity dryer or a cool air dryer to dry their coat thoroughly, as moisture trapped in the fur can lead to skin issues. Professional grooming: Consider taking your long-haired German Shepherd to a professional groomer for occasional trimming and coat maintenance. A groomer can help keep the fur around sensitive areas, such as the paws and ears, tidy and reduce the chances of matting. Watch for seasonal shedding: Like all German Shepherds, long-haired ones will undergo shedding seasons. Be prepared for increased shedding during these times and brush your dog more frequently to remove loose hair. A de-shedding tool can be helpful in managing shedding and keeping their coat healthy. Remember, each dog is unique, and the specific care requirements may vary. Does Nadelhaus sell long haired German Shepherd puppies? Nadelhaus breeds German Shepherds puppies year round and while the majority of puppies we sell are short hair, we do have occasionally have long haired puppies. We breed all our German Shepherds in the black and red color. If you are looking for a long haired adult German Shepherd, we can also import long-haired German Shepherds direct from Europe. Contact us for more information. He is the total package of beauty, brains and health! Bo has the typical old fashioned straight-backed structure that we strive for. He has great bone and a beautiful classic GSD head. Bo is always happy to go places with us. He frequents local stores with us all the time and is a perfect gentleman. He is always looking forward to accompanying us for daily ranch chores too. He is great with all the animals. He especially loves puppies and is so gentle with them, he is a great helper in socializing our litters with big dogs. He has great food drive, loves learning new things and always does his best to please you. He also loves doing scent work and I hope to get him entered into some trials soon. He is naturally protective of our home but as soon as I give him the okay he will be the first to greet you for pets and is known to try and sneak in your lap if you sit down! He is an easy-going, gentle, super sweet boy who is always steady and fearless. Like our other boys he can also have a goofy streak at times and he can always put a smile on your face! We just love Bo and are really looking forward to incorporating his lines into our breeding program.

If you are looking for a healthy, home-raised, well socialized Pug Puppy you have come to the right place! We occasionally have home-raised Pug Puppies with Champion Bloodlines and from health tested parents available to approved homes. We strive to produce beautiful, healthy pugs with plenty of wrinkles, that are very well socialized, and have gentle temperaments! Most of the families that have adopted a puppy from us are either return buyers or referrals! We believe this says a lot about us and the puppies that we produce! Even if you are looking to adopt your first pug please contact us and we will be glad to answer any questions you may have! But beware, once you have experienced the pleasure of owning a pug you will want another!!! A little about us: Our family consists of my husband and I, and our two young adult boys. We are located on a beautifully wooded 40 acres in Kewaunee, Wisconsin, just 20 minutes east of Green Bay. We have been breeding PUGS for almost 20 years now and could not imagine our life without them! We share our home with each one of our wonderful puggies! We do not consider them our pets, but members of our family! Thank you for visiting our website and please contact us with any questions you may have. Research your breeder of choice thoroughly. Take part in conversations online about the breeder. A reputable and ethical breeder will have health records for their dogs. Reputable breeders have the pedigree certificates from the AKC proudly listed. If they breed and raise their dogs in a healthy environment, they are bound to be happy and well-tempered. Be prepared to wait a while. For this purpose, they have waiting lists. Sometimes, you may have to pay a premium to be higher on the priority. The breeding schedules of the breeders may govern the availability of the puppies. It would be a wise idea to contact them and enquire about their breeding practice before you list yourself on the waitlist. Remember, the right breeder will prioritize the health and happiness of their dogs and be committed to producing only the best quality puppies. Pugs are prone to several health problems. Some common health issues in Pugs include: Breathing difficulties: Pugs have historically had breathing difficulties. This comes from their short snouts and flat faces. An ethical Pug breeder should prioritize health over this vanity-based malpractice. Eye problems: Pugs are prone to a variety of eye problems, including corneal ulcers and inward-turning eyelids. A good breeder should not breed a dog that already has more of these problems. Skin allergies: Pugs are also known to be prone to skin allergies, which can cause hair loss and infections. A responsible breeder will be happy to share this information. Above all else, they should prioritize the health of their dogs. More Information About Pugs in Wisconsin Pugs are small dogs known for their distinctive wrinkly face and playful personality. They were originally bred in China. They are lovable and very affectionate and love human companionship. They are big people pleasers, so they are a very easy breed to train. But their little hearts are easily broken, so they love to be handled with care and sensitivity. They come in many colors—all black, fawn and black, or silver. They can make a range of expressions; perhaps this makes them so popular amongst dog lovers. They are a small but stocky breed, squared off in the body and full of muscle. With proper care and attention, pugs can live long and happy lives, making them doting family members. Frequently Asked Questions How can you tell if a pug puppy is good quality? Generally if they look skinny, they are not fullbred Pugs. What did pugs used to be called? The Chinese who bred Pugs called them the lo-chiang-sze or the foo dog. Are pugs hard to potty train? These dogs are intelligent but stubborn. Have many breeders to choose from, all of whom have a different breeding program. Some like to produce family dogs, while others focus on show dogs. Choose a breeder with a paper trail of all health tests and screenings performed on your future Pug. The breeder should also be able to provide a guarantee. Remember, Pugs are susceptible to many health problems, particularly breeding issues, due to short snouts. Thus, have meaningful conversations about the breeding program with your prospective breeder before taking the plunge. Take the time to research and find a breeder who prioritizes the well-being of their dogs and maintains ethical breeding practices. Email: sheila kensheipugs. Kenshei Pugs mainly breed for the purposes of producing show dogs, but they do on occasion have puppies available to go to new loving homes. They love their dogs and show commitment to the betterment of the breed in everything they do. But how can you spot reputable breeders when you start searching for a Pug puppy? Here are some tips to help you out. A good breeder will… 1. Issue a health guarantee Make sure that your breeder of choice offers a health guarantee. A reputable Pug breeder will write up a binding health guarantee for all of their puppies. The guarantee protects you against any genetic defects or diseases. It shows that the breeder is confident that their puppies are bred according to best practices. This means if you can no longer look after your pup for some reason, you will be expected to return the puppy to the breeder rather than taking them to a shelter. Provide standard health clearances Your breeder should have full health clearances for both parent Pugs. Good breeders often provide some early health-check clearances for their pups too, although some health clearances simply cannot be carried on such young pups. Issue a written bill of sale Reputable breeders offer written bills of sale to all of their new Pug parents. This bill of sale should be signed and will outline all the roles and responsibilities to be taken on by the buyer and seller as part of the transaction. Vaccinate their puppies All puppies should be up to date on their vaccinations before being homed with new families. Your breeder of choice should be able to provide evidence of these vaccinations. Reputable breeders welcome prospective parents into their homes to see the puppies. Follow age guidelines Puppies should never leave the litter before 8 weeks of age. Any breeder offering pups for adoption before this time is not following best practices. In fact, this could be quite damaging for the puppy developmentally. A reputable breeder will keep their pups at home until eight to twelve weeks so that they can be properly socialized and spend that crucial time with their mother and litter-mates. Answer your questions Last, but not least, a reputable breeder will be knowledgeable. In most cases, they will also want to ask you plenty of questions to ensure that their precious pups are going to good homes. We have a strict selection process that takes a variety of factors into account. That way we can ensure that only the best breeders end up on our lists. This way we know that our chosen breeders offer genetically sound and healthy puppies. Health testing shows a commitment to the health and wellbeing of each Pug. Contact information Any breeder that does not offer up their contact information is a big red flag. A reputable breeder will make it easy for you to get in contact with them by providing telephone numbers, email addresses, and they will usually have a well-established website as well. It shows a commitment to breeding best practices. Event participation Breeders who also compete in doggie events are often some of the best. Because these people tend to be dog lovers par excellence. They live and breathe for their Pugs and are proud to show them off in public. They are also more likely to have a high level of breed knowledge — an excellent sign for a breeder. Breed club membership There are lots of breed clubs out there that breeders can register with. These clubs have rules, regulations, and membership fees. If your breeder is registered with the Pug Dog Club of America, this is a great sign showing commitment to the Pug breed. Recognition awards Lastly, we look out for awards! Institutions like the AKC recognize the efforts and achievements of top breeders. The very best will be awarded the AKC recognition of merit award. During this time we recommend getting everything ready before your new arrival rattles through the front door. Your puppy will need: a crate for sleeping and training during the early days quality puppy-grade food a leash and harness plenty of toys You may also wish to purchase a puppy gate if there are areas of your home that you want to keep your Pug away from. This is all about making your home as safe as possible for your new arrival. Make sure anything that could potentially cause harm to your pup is removed. Clear your schedule Having a Pug puppy is a bit like having a human baby. So make sure to clear your schedule and get all of those errands done ahead of time! Once they arrive… 4. Avoid crowds Hold your excitement. That means no crowds. Try to keep the home environment as stress-free as possible so that your puppy can settle in and start to feel part of the family. Crate training is the first step. Lay down a regular routine from the get to and your Pug will be good as gold in no time.

Bringing happiness and love through puppies!! Some of my story…. I have been in love with german shepherds ever since i was 20 and got my first German shepherd dog named Elsa. I decided about 10 years ago that i wanted to start breeding. I work hard on breeding only from the best lines. I breed for health, temperament, workability, beauty, and many other things. I try to stick to long coats because those are my favorite. Our goal with our breeding program is to promote healthy, sound dogs, who are suitable for any situation and be gentle enough to able to be handled by families as well. I have a variety of drives and energies and each puppy goes thru temperament testing to make sure they go to the right homes, as well as being raised on the Puppy Culture Program. I do not promote the extreme roach back shepherds. Mine either have the proper gentle slope or a more straight old fashioned back. All my dogs are part of the family. We do not have kennels, and I will never keep my dogs in kennels. That would make them very unhappy lol. Every dog i own lives in the house with us and is part of our family. I have recently acquired a nursery shed! It was bought as a shell and I am building the whole inside into puppy rooms, and after the puppies are raised indoors in my bedroom for the first couple weeks, they are then moved out to the nursery shed! They will still be in the house all the time, but they will be in the shed and outdoors when nice for a majority. I am so excited for the addition and have been waiting a long time for it!!!! My goals for are to get ALL my dogs various titles! I implement the Puppy Culture Program into our litters! Its amazing, and so much fun! I love being able to give puppies the absolute best start in their lives which will impact their whole life! Its an amazing program! Puppies are raised for the first 2 weeks in our bedroom so we can watch over them carefully and someone is always with them during that time, and during that time we also do the Early Neurological Stimulation with them. Then we move them to their bigger whelping pens which will be the nursery shed now where we play classical music and other varieties including thunderstorm all the time except bedtime when its quiet time. They learn to use the litter boxes and play with toys. We introduce to new sounds, smells, and textures daily. They are raised in our home and underfoot most of the time, and are handled all day everyday, so they get the full family setting and used to daily family activities and noises and such. This is all a HUGE learning process for me. I do my best and try my hardest at all times. I do not claim to be perfect but I always strive for perfection. I want to produce the best quality dogs I can and I want everyone to always be happy with their lifelong companions. I may make mistakes along the way, but I will always try to fix them and do better next time and move forward and take each mistake as a learning opportunity. My goal is to provide happiness and love to everyone thru my favorite dog- the German shepherd. I also provide transport for my puppies and others as well. They change so often, I cannot give a set price at any time until its actually time to book. If transport is needed to meet you someplace or take a puppy to meet you at the airport, it is the same, 50 cents a mile round trip. I will start a list in the menu at the top, of websites, or breeder names, whom I feel are deserving of recognition. Ill try to update this list whenever I think of someone or something I may have missed! With beautiful coats and colors, like red, black, and bi-colors, German Shepherds are companions and show dogs. Their power and endurance also make them participants in K9 sports and Schutzhund trials. If you feel like you are still confused about how to choose the right breeder, create a checklist and check off the items one by one as you go down the list. The breeder that checks all your boxes is the right one! Start your checklist with customer reviews. Read online reviews to find out what people say about your chosen breeders. Look for reviews on Google, social media platforms, and third-party sites like Yelp. If the reviews are generally positive on all channels, you can be sure they are authentic and trustworthy. Moreover, you can also ask about the breeder in local Facebook groups, your circle of friends and family, and your vet. Customer reviews are the best way to determine the authenticity of a breeder. The second item on your checklist should be health checks; check if the breeder of your choice religiously follows health checks. To make sure that the health of your adopted dog is not compromised or the health of all the dogs overall is ensured, ask the breeder about the frequency of health checks and genetic testing protocols. Make sure the breeder you are adopting from gives you the vaccination card for your dog that has all the latest information. Lastly, check for valid certifications and registrations. The certifications and registrations vary from place to place and breed to breed. American Kennel Club covers most species in America, but smaller species-specific clubs are also active. Do research the valid certifications of the dog and breeder of your choice. German Shepherd Puppies in Ohio — Top 5 Breeders In conclusion, we hope you find the German Shepherd puppy of your choice from the breeders listed above. GSDs are the right choice whether you are a new dog owner or a veteran. Even though they require firm handling, they can be the most obedient pets with the right training and trainers. We also hope the tips mentioned above prove helpful in choosing the right breeder and wish you the best of luck in finding your furry companion! You will also like:. Prices may also vary depending on the place of purchase. Finally, some breeders offer discounts for first-time dog owners and military personnel. This can cut costs significantly. You can also check online directories or breed-specific websites. These websites typically have detailed listings of breeders in your area, as well as reviews from previous customers. Social media can also be a great resource for finding reputable breeders. Many breeders have active Facebook pages or Instagram accounts where they post photos and updates of their puppies. Take the time to read reviews and compare prices. And above all, be sure to ask lots of questions. This will give you a chance to meet the puppies and their parents, as well as ask any questions that you may have. Good breeders will always welcome potential buyers to their homes. They should also be willing to provide references, health certificates, and other documentation about their puppies. Unfortunately, many pet stores and other third-party dealers are in the business of selling sick puppies. Instead, they focus on selling directly to buyers who are ready to take proper care of the puppy. Good breeders will be happy to provide references from previous buyers. This is a great way to get an idea of the quality of the puppies and the level of care that the breeder provides. References can also help you determine whether or not the breeder is reputable. If a breeder is reluctant to provide references, move on. A breeder is an individual who breeds dogs with the intention of selling their puppies. Dog kennels are facilities that house multiple dogs at once without breeding them themselves. This will give you the opportunity to ask them questions about their experience with the breeder and the puppy. Good breeders will also have reviews on websites or social media pages. Take the time to read through these reviews before making your final decision. This typically includes a health certificate from the veterinarian, as well as documentation of any genetic tests that have been performed. This is because your puppy will need regular vet check-ups and vaccinations. A good breeder will be able to provide you with the contact information for their veterinarian. They should also be willing to let you meet the veterinarian and tour their office. When you visit your breeder, there are a few questions that you should always ask. Here are some of the most important ones: How long have you been breeding German Shepherds? Do you have any references from past customers? Can I meet some of your past customers? What genetic tests have been performed on the puppy? Is the puppy up-to-date on his vaccinations and deworming? Who will be responsible for training the puppy? You should also be able to determine whether or not they are knowledgeable about the breed Look Out for The Signs of An Unethical German Shepherd Dog Breeder in Ohio There are some red flags that you should definitely watch out for when buying a German Shepherd puppy. The prices seem too good to be true. If you see any of these red flags, it might be best to move on and find another breeder in Ohio. If this is the case, the breeder should be willing to let you know which of their dogs have been affected by these diseases and give you some information about how it affects them. They should also be able to provide documentation from a veterinarian that states the dog has been tested for these problems. If a breeder tells you that none of their dogs have ever had any health problems, they may not be telling the truth. You will need a crate, food and water bowls, a collar and leash, and a bed. Set up a designated area for the puppy to potty. This should be a spot where you can easily clean it up. Buy some toys to keep the puppy entertained. Make sure you have a vet appointment scheduled for the puppy as soon as possible. Puppy proof your home by removing any objects that the puppy could chew on or swallow. When you bring your new German Shepherd puppy home, make sure you take the time to get to know them. Spend time playing with them, training them, and taking them for walks. Potty Training Your New German Shepherd Puppy One of the most important things you need to do when you bring your German Shepherd puppy home is to start potty training them. There are a few things you can do to make this process easier: Take the puppy outside frequently, especially after they eat or drink. Reward the puppy for going potty in the designated area. It will take some time and patience, but eventually your German Shepherd puppy will learn how to properly potty. Here are some tips to help you train your puppy from Ohio breeder: Start training them as soon as possible after they get home. Use positive reinforcement and treats to reward good behavior. It might take a little while for you to train your German Shepherd , but in return you will end up with a well mannered dog that knows the difference between right and wrong behaviors. I love animals and love helping people adopt a pet. It all started when attending Missouri State University and I began volunteering at an animal shelter. I only have pictures of the ones that aren't reserved as of yet. Very social have been around kids and family since born, Sire and Dam are Loving family pets. Puppies will have first shots and AKC papers when they find their furever home. Mom and dad are pure bred. Dad is standard black and tan mom is a sable shepherd. They've had shots and deworm. They have been playing outside getting used to water and baths. They are socialized, they will be dewormed, first round of vac shots, and first vet wellness check, they are AKC registered litter. Mostly black brown tan and some have gray color. Buy Now Looking for new home foe my German shepherd Three year old German shepherd looking for a great new family Buy Now German shepherd puppy free to a good home Have a AKC German shepherd puppy six months old who is great with family. Call me at xxx-xxxxxxx Buy Now German shepherd puppies Halloween puppies available! Will accept deposits and send pictures upon request. Attached are parents pictures feel free to call xxx. Local pickup only. Playfull, wormed, no Vaccination. Call for viewing. Southern Ohio area xxx-xxx-xxxx. Buy Now German shepherd puppies We have 4 male and 4 female puppies for rehoming. They are AKC registered. Have been vet checked, dewormed, and 1st shots given. They have shots and deworm. All up to date on shots and deworm. She very friendly and loves spending time outdoors swimming and scratches behind her ears. I am so excited to answer all your questions! Here is everything you need to know! Iris has a great personality and a wonderful temperament, she is my little shadow! She is a beautiful black long coat imported from Serbia. Greyson has a great personality. He is a beautiful plush coat blue sable imported from Canada. He is Canadian kennel club and AKC registered! Puppies will come with vaccines, dewormer, registration paperwork AKC , vaccine records and a puppy pack toys, treats, collar, leash, puppy pads, bones, blanket with moms scent on it and so much more! We are so very excited about this litter!! Love Kids and Love to cuddle. Buy Now German shepherd husky mix Looking to rehome a male and female German shepherd husky mix. They are 4 months almost 5 months old. If interested please contact me at xxxxxxxxxx. Buy Now 16 month old female German shepherd We have a 17 month old female German shepherd she is chiped and spaded is crate trained and house broken we have to let her go due to my husband health Buy Now Locations Where German Shepherd Puppies are Available in Ohio. If you have any questions or would like more info about our kennel or our dogs, please feel free to ask. We will gladly help you in any way, for it is our goal to make you feel welcome, comfortable and empowered in your decision-making process. Please take your time to look around, "meet" our dogs as well as ourselves, and have a pleasant time! Contact us at .Our dogs live inside with the family and all our puppies are whelped in our home and socialized extensively. We can also occasionally be found at various other venues such as AKC obedience. They can and should be able to do it all. Our goal is to breed dogs that conform to the standard for temperament, workability and conformation. In addition to that we strive for great health and long lives, high intelligence and a good sense of humor. After all, when you have the perfect dog, you want it around for many years. Our dogs are placed in homes with a wide range of jobs that prove our program. One area we do not send our dogs is the military. Our current military theatre is in very hot climes and neither my husband and I, former veterans, feel comfortable sending GSDs into that environment. RHK isn't just a kennel. We're a community. We keep in touch with one another, we share our knowledge and we help one another. We plan together, support one another, travel to shows and trials together whether they're across the state or across the country! If you are looking for a breeder who will be there for you for the life of your dog, you have come to the right place. Saundra Hill. Life Span Did You Know? The German Shepherd is one of the most versatile, well-recognized, and popular dog breeds in the world. The modern German Shepherd is descended from a family of various German herding dogs. Breed standards were not developed until the late 19th century when Captain Max von Stephanitz, a German cavalry officer, worked with Arthur Meyer and other breeders to develop the ideal German herding dog. Stephanitz and Meyer wrote the breed standard in and the American Kennel Club recognized the German Shepherd as a member of the Herding Group in .Although they were originally bred as herding dogs, they were also bred for versatility, which made the German Shepherd an all-around working dog that could excel in a variety of applications. German Shepherds are one of the common dog breeds employed in K-9 units in both police and military applications. They also make great service dogs and, of course, are still awesome herding dogs and farm dogs! The German Shepherd is a strong-willed and highly intelligent dog. They have a playful, energetic spirit and tend to get along with children, other dogs, and other pets, which makes them a great family companion. A born protector, the German Shepherd will provide a great sense of security for their family while their loving and lively personality will make them fit right in as a companion. German Shepherds are naturally protective and can be wary of strangers at first. A well-socialized German Shepherd will bark to alert you and tends to warm up to strangers once introduced. German Shepherds are dogs that were bred to herd and work. This, plus their high energy, makes them a better fit for homes with fenced yards where they can run. They can adapt well to larger apartments as long as plenty of time is dedicated to ensuring they get enough exercise, mental stimulation, and attention every day. A bored, ignored, or under-exercised German Shepherd can often become a destructive one. They also can be sensitive to their surroundings and large gatherings can be off-putting. With a longer coat, they tend to prefer cooler climates and are sensitive to heat. The German Shepherd is a generally healthy breed, but there are some potential health concerns and good breeding practices make a big difference. Potential health concerns to be aware of in a German Shepherd include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia , and degenerative myelopathy. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. So, make sure you are asking about the health and genetic history of both parents. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done. As a barrel-chested breed, the German Shepherd is also at risk for bloat. While the German Shepherd is highly intelligent and highly trainable, they are generally not recommended for novice owners. If you are a novice dog owner, enroll in puppy training classes or enlist the help of a professional dog trainer; not just for your dog, but for yourself as well. Training assistance will help you grow in experience and build a strong bond between you and your German Shepherd puppy, which is essential. Also, the GSD has a thirst for training and fulfillment. They get bored easily and especially with repetition, so continued training with your German Shepherd throughout their life will be necessary. German Shepherds have a medium-to-long double coat. They will shed year-round and heavier as seasons change. Brushing a few times a week is usually sufficient; brushing daily is even better and your GSD will likely love you for it. Bathing is occasional on an as-needed basis. Ear checks weekly with careful cleanings as needed can help prevent ear infections. German Shepherds are high-energy working dogs. Not only do they require a lot of daily activity, but they also are a herding breed that was made to run, guard, and observe, so they need a job to do to be happy and healthy. Daily walks plus playtime, time to run, and other activities are usually enough for a GSD, but they will likely be up for more activity if you are. With their versatility and athleticism, you can try a lot of different activities when puppies finish growing and they are cleared for higher-impact things. A fully-grown German Shepherd usually stands inches tall and weighs pounds. German Shepherds generally live for years on average. Corporal Duncan brought him back to the United States and Rin-Tin-Tin became one of the most famous dog actors in history. Featured German Shepherd Article.