purebred german shepherd puppies for sale texas

The long adolescent period that ends the puppy years is highly individual, but most dogs mature somewhere before 3 years of age. The Neonatal Stage This is the very earliest stage your German shepherd will pass through. Simply put, this is the helpless baby stage when your puppy's eyes will still be closed and he is completely dependent upon his mother. She will feed him, wash him and clean up after his accidents for the first two or three weeks. His eyes will open at around 10 days. At this time, your puppy is little more than an eating machine -- filling his belly to help his tiny body grow and develop. The Transitional Stage Though it is short and indistinct, the transitional stage from the neonatal to the socialization stage is important to your pup's development nevertheless. This brief phase -- lasting only about a week after his eyes open -- marks the period when your German shepherd begins to notice his environment. He will start to look at things curiously and be aware of sounds around him. Prior to this he has been in his own little world with no sights or sounds beyond his own body and that of his mother. When his eyes open, the immediate environment -- with other living beings -- is suddenly a part of life that he must face. The Socialization Stage At around 3 weeks, your puppy begins to learn how to interact with others -- both animals and the humans around him. He has already had some practice with dogs through the daily contact with his mother and litter mates, but now he begins to expand his circle of acquaintance to other dogs or cats in the household and to the family of humans around him. This is the most critically important phase in your German shepherd's development and helps decide his later suitability for work in rescue, service or as a family dog. At this time, he should have opportunities to meet as many new animals and faces under differing circumstances as possible, so he becomes comfortable with meeting people and other animals in a variety of situations when he grows up. This stage lasts to about 3 months of age and is the period when puppies are at their most impressionable and playful. The Juvenile Stage From 3 to 6 months old, your puppy will begin to look beyond the biological world of dogs, cats and people to the larger world around him. He will want to explore new places more than new faces at this point -- which may often get him into trouble. This is an active and trying age for puppy parents. Your puppy looks like a mostly grown-up dog but behaves entirely like a pup. His attention span is about as long as that of the average teenager, so this is not a particularly easy time for obedience classes. Your shepherd will have other things on his mind, but pet parents should continue to persevere because this is the best stage to resolve any obvious aggression or anxiety issues your pup may display. If those issues are not addressed early, they could become larger problems later on. To make things a tad more difficult, at around 5 months of age, your German shepherd starts to mature sexually. The Adolescent Stage The teenage angst that human children go through is roughly equivalent to what pet parents can expect from their adolescent German shepherd. Beginning with the onset of sexual maturity and lasting through the first two years of his life, your puppy's hormones will rage uncontrollably unless he is neutered early. This stage is usually marked by mounting -- anything and everything -- marking his territory and even fighting with other male dogs. Females will enter their first estrus period at this time and may try to escape the yard or otherwise pose problems. The pup's body has become adult, and his brain is fully alert and capable, but his emotions are still in the turbulent transitional phase from teenager to full adult. If he were human, this would be the stage at which you would hide the car keys. As an adult, your German shepherd is finally the calm, dignified, courageous and respectful dog you always knew he would grow up to be. If you were patient and dedicated through those early, sometimes difficult, years, you now have a well-trained and disciplined companion for life. More Articles. A German Shepherd is no longer a puppy at two years old. Therefore, your German Shepherd will no longer gain significant weight, height, or size at that age. Additionally, two years old is when your German Shepherd has changed all his puppy teeth and reached full sexual maturity. Some minor growth variations happen between both genders throughout those two years. Additionally, male and female German Shepherds reach adulthood milestones at different times. His online resource contains Hundreds of Excellent Dog Training Videos that will take you step-by-step through the process of developing a healthy, happy well-behaved dog. When Does a German Shepherd Mature? The process is a lot more gradual than that. Puppy Stage At birth, German Shepherds have a lot of energy. During this stage, your German Shepherd puppy would want to play all day and every day. Yet, as your puppy gets closer to six months of age, things gradually calm down. Adolescence Stage After six months, your German Shepherd puppy is now an adolescent dog. The extra energy stays, but the clumsiness reduces to a noticeable extent. Around that age or a little earlier is when you should start training your German Shepherd. Your dog's instincts at this age allow him to begin adapting to your training. In this stage, your German Shepherd will start to understand basic commands like sit, eat, and stay. The dog is now mature enough to stop all the children's hassle he used to do. Physical Maturity: Physical maturity is the only aspect of the German Shepherd's development that may stay for up to three years. Your German Shepherd might still get bigger after the second year, but it will be barely noticeable. Because German Shepherds keep growing for almost two years after birth, new owners might be a little puzzled about that dog that seems never to stop growing. Both genders will keep growing until they are two years old. However, remember that males and females will have slight weight and height differences as they grow up. Males: Around six months old, a male German Shepherd reaches around half his maximum weight. The average weight range is between 49 and 57 pounds at this stage. As for the height, your dog should be around 17 inches tall. This should be the fastest growth stage your German Shepherd will experience. Once your male German Shepherd ventures into adolescence, the growth rate begins to slow down gradually. At 1 year old, your German Shepherd will weigh 71—79 pounds and be 23 inches tall. Once he reaches adulthood at 2 years, he may add 3 or 4 extra pounds to his weight. A year later, your German Shepherd may add an additional 4 pounds and may or may not gain an extra inch of height. However, you will hardly notice any change between the second and third years. Females: Females of most species have slightly smaller physiques than males, and German Shepherds are no exception. At 6 months, your female German Shepherd should weigh between 44—49 pounds. She should also have an average height of 16 inches. At 2 years, she may add a couple of pounds, but the height will mostly remain the same. However, she may gain an extra inch after the third year, which she often pairs with an additional 4 pounds of weight. It should be no different for your dog. But you need to help him. The Ultimate Guide to Dog Health is the answer. This handy guide will help you recognize the symptoms of the health problems above. Get the knowledge to stay ahead of these terrible issues that can rob your lovely dog from vigor and life. Sexual Maturity: The average age of dog sexual maturity is between 7—10 months. German Shepherd males lie well within this category as they reach sexual maturity between 6—9 months. Female German Shepherds take a little longer, though. A female can reach her sexual maturity as soon as 12 months. The heat of female German Shepherds starts between 6—12 months. If you want to avoid accidental pregnancy, your ideal neutering window is between 6—8 months. Much like any other puppy, German Shepherds begin their lives with nothing but those soft baby gums. Soon after, at the three-week mark, to be specific, they start to get their first baby teeth. After that, they will keep teething until 30 weeks around 7 months. Remember that your puppies could be easily aggravated and uncomfortable during this period. That will scare them. Scared puppies will be harder to approach, train, and socialize. Instead, invest in some dog toys that they can chew on to alleviate the pain and even help them change their teeth. Paul S. Paul has been creating content for the dog niche for many years. The information he shares comes his first hand experience growing up in dog lovers household and then owning multiple dog breeds of his own as an adult. Paul enjoys doing the hard research to collect, analyze and present our dogtemperament. Puppyhood The first growth phase — puppyhood — has six development stages. During each of these stages, a puppy learns a lot of things. Neonatal Stage This period lasts from birth to 13 days. The puppy needs a lot of nursing from its mom because it is rather helpless. Its ears and eyes are closed, so it does not have any senses. The little pups should completely rely on their mothers for nourishment and care. By 2 weeks, they double their birth weight. They start crawling, and then their eyes and ears begin to open. The first milk teeth appear. The puppy can even stand up, but too unstably and shakily. This makes it possible for little ones to hear, smell, and taste. They even try to walk. Their baby teeth continue growing. The period between weeks is also called a transitional one. At the end of the third week, the motor skills start developing fast. The puppy can already control its temperature and body, namely, bowel movements. It begins to interact with its littermates. Nevertheless, the pup is still largely dependent on its mother. Though, you can interact with it. At the end of this period, the little cub is ready to explore the world. Its baby teeth are almost complete, and it can stand up more stably. It starts barking and growling a bit. The puppy grows quickly now. It actively interacts with its littermates. The baby dog can walk, and its baby teeth are complete. You can also consider the German Shepherd behavior stages from now. Its mental development starts because it discovers the world actively with its senses. Its walking improves, and it can make attempts to run, so it can even sometimes get in trouble. The puppy can start eating dog food. That is why it is important to begin weaning. The little one can recognize and greet its littermates and people, get interested in new things, and continue to explore the world. However, at this age, the first fear period can be experienced. Read our detailed guide about 6 week old German Shepherd puppy. It is the best period for taking your pet home. This period can be psychologically traumatic, so be careful not to expose the pet to direct sunlight because it may be afraid of it for its entire life. All the fears need your special attention. You need to nurture, but not encourage them. Read our detailed guide about 2 month old German Shepherd puppy. So, your puppy is three months old now. It is playful and active. Its teeth are complete. It is weaned and eats dog food. The feeding recommendation here is the overall one and a half cups, three times a day. It is also time to get your pet vaccinated against distemper and parvovirus. At the end of the third month, your little GSD can simulate its behavior after other dogs and humans. Training can start. Read our detailed guide about 3 month old German Shepherd puppy. Your puppy already has all its baby teeth, and adult canines and incisors begin to push through. It can even try to bite or nip you. The puppy coat begins to disappear and gets ready for replacement by the adult double-layer coat. You can see a racing stripe on its spine where the adult hair will grow. The puppy displays quick growth at this time, and it becomes stronger to withstand the possible fierce competition with its siblings if it is still staying with its family. It needs a lot of biting and chewing now for the correct growth of its adult teeth. Your pet needs consistent socialization and potty training now. After three months old, you should think about such vaccination as DHPP — distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza, and parvovirus. The juvenile phase lasts from 3 to 6 months, and it can be divided into three stages by month. Continue socializing and start more substantial training. You can consult the German Shepherd weight chart here to see whether your pup develops properly. So, be attentive to the games you play with your pet. Some of them can be dangerous and traumatic because your puppy may not know how to manage its body during them. You can give it two cups of kibble totally three times per day because it needs a lot of nutrition to grow. DHPP and rabies vaccines are recommended at this age. Your little pup is ready to explore the world. However, as a true teenager, it can become more stubborn and try not to listen to your commands. It starts to understand dominance and tries to persuade you in its leadership. Read our detailed guide about 4 month old German Shepherd puppy. During this month, it can gain about 10 pounds 4. Its ears have stably perked up by this time. It looks more like an adult dog but, as a true teenager, it is very playful and is always ready to go around. The adult teeth continue to appear. Sexual maturity starts emerging. You should feed your pet around two cups three times per day. A lot of training is also needed. Read our detailed guide about 5 month old German Shepherd puppy. It needs a lot of training and positive reinforcement. Now, your pet is fully house-trained, and it needs a lot of new experiences. The sixth month is a transition period to the Adolescent Phase. The ears are completely upright. Males achieve sexual maturity, while female puppies can experience heat cycles. Hormones start working, and male puppies can start marking the territory and looking for females to mate. The adult coat grows longer and gets its normal double layers. Adult teething is about to finish, and all 42 teeth appear. You should feed your dog with the overall two or three cups two times per day. Read our detailed guide about 6 month old German Shepherd puppy. Adolescence Phase Months German Shepherd males are thought to be grown-up when they are 3 years 36 months old. Females become adults when they are 2 years 24 months old. However, these criteria differ for every puppy. That is why the adolescence phase lasts from the end of the 6th month to the end of the second year of age 24 months on average. By the end of this phase, the puppy reaches its full size though it will continue slightly growing. Your dog can display testing boundaries, so disobedience is widely encountered if the dog is not properly trained. German Shepherds do not look like puppies anymore. Within this period, some dogs can display their second fear period at approximately months old , though to avoid long-lasting psychological trauma, you should ignore the fears. Some dogs may occasionally forget their skills that they have already acquired, so you may need to repeat training again. Here, the reinforced training is useful because some puppies can become entirely rambunctious. Your pet will also need more socialization since it reaches its sexual maturity, and some of its reactions can be pretty unexpected. Its sexual maturity continues, which may cause some aggression because of increases and decreases in hormones. The puppy does not gain weight so fast. Teething is finished. The German Shepherd starts looking more similar to an adult dog, with its standing up ears and well-developed muscles. The food your dog needs involves two or three cups total, given two times per day. Read our detailed guide about 7 month old German Shepherd puppy. It displays a lot of aggression. It can bark or lunge at other animals, kids, and unfamiliar people. A lot of training and reinforcement is needed. You can teach the youngster new tricks to deal with their aggression. The dog has strong adult teeth, and its ears are well-formed and perky. The transition to adulthood continues. As for food, your dog needs two-three cups in total two times a day. Read our detailed guide about 8 month old German Shepherd puppy. It does not grow fast, gaining about a couple of pounds per month. The dog needs two-three cups of food two times a day. Read our detailed guide about 9 month old German Shepherd puppy. They are very active and need a lot of attention and training. Sometimes, they can be really goofy or clumsy because they are still learning and do not know how to behave in many events. Your pup is very smart and clever but tends to display a lot of aggression if not supported and reinforced properly. The dogs should eat two-three cups in total per day. Read our detailed guide about 10 month old German Shepherd pupp y. It starts to challenge you as an owner and likes to demonstrate its leadership. You should teach it to be responsible and obey your commands. A lot of training and reinforcement is crucial. Still, give it two or three cups in total per day. It becomes a bit destructive, but be sure not to get angry or upset with it. It needs your patience and positive attitude. Such vaccines as DHPP and rabies are recommended at this age. It should also transit to adult food. Give it three or three and a half cups total twice a day. Read our detailed guide about 1 year old German Shepherd puppy. Years 1. This time is considered a transition period. The dog may have problems with fears and memory breakdowns. It may even forget how to do familiar things and should be trained again. However, its attention span is longer at this age, so it can have a more thorough obedience training. The dog should eat three or three and a half cups two times a day. Year 2 months — The Second Transition Phase This is one more transition period known as young adulthood. Your dog still displays some aggression. That is why they continue to need reinforcement, training, and socialization. It has already gained its athletic frame and strong muscle, and only several pounds are lacking for reaching its adult weight. In fact, you get a German Shepherd full-grown pet now. The DHPP vaccination is recommended at this age. Continue to feed your dog with three to three and a half cups in total twice per day. It has become a loyal and protective family pet or an obedient and enduring working dog. The young adulthood stage lasts from the second to the third year after the puppy was born. Its size is typical now for an adult dog. However, it may continue to grow slightly, but the changes are not noticeable at all. At this phase, you can also notice that your pet becomes more and more active. It needs a lot of exercise and training. A lot of physical activity is essential for the dog to stay in high spirits. The period between the second and third years of life is also called the adult growth stage. This is the time when your friend gets its excellent breed characteristics. It loves attention very much and continues to learn new things eagerly. The dog enjoys training sessions and strives for new experiences. It becomes calmer and more confident. Its hyperactivity slightly decreases. It displays a lot of self-control and discipline. Continue feeding your dog with three to three and a half cups twice per day. It will be its constant adult diet. Vaccination against rabies is recommended and required by authorities at this age. Seniority Phase This is the last phase of German Shepherd development. It may seem wonderful, but your dog can continue to slightly grow. The phase is divided into two periods — early senior years old and late senior years old. Unfortunately, you need to focus on its health rather than on training. Such health issues as hip dysplasia, joint pain, and decreased stamina can appear at this age. You need to have consultations with your vet more often. During this period, your dog does not change its weight and height considerably. Though, you can observe slight changes in weight. On average, these dogs live years. You need to attend to their health and comfort. The dog may remain energetic and playful, but it slightly slows down. It wants to rest more and gets much calmer. The animal may suffer from some pains, so it may need pain relievers for spine and joint problems and arthritis. It may also need nutritional supplements and changes to its diet. Special senior and sensitive stomach food may become the best choice. Avoid jumping and hard playing. Continuous veterinary monitoring is needed if some symptoms are worsening. The accepted proportion that is considered ideal is .The weight is usually not taken into consideration. If your pet does not correspond to this proportion, there may be a health issue you do not know about yet. That is why you need to monitor the parameters carefully. To be sure that everything is OK, multiply the length of your dog by 0. You will get the perfect height. However, there can be some divergences. If they are minor, you have nothing to worry about. The German Shepherd is rather thin, or even skinny. This results in bad proportions. The ideal weight of your German Shepherd is lbs kg for males and lbs kg for females. You can get either a heavy or obese dog, and it can be a result of overfeeding or certain health issues. How to Check the Weight of Your German Shepherd The simplest method to see whether your dog is underweight is to check whether the ribs are visible on the sides. If you can see that the shape of your dog reminds you of a barrel on the ribs, it means that it is overweight. If you cannot feel the ribs, but there is too much skin on the sides, your dog is overweight. However, if you feel the ribs and only a thin layer of skin, it is underweight. It does not matter whether your dog is underweight or overweight. In any case, it can cause health problems if you do not repair the situation. The best way to succeed is to make changes to the diet. If your German Shepherd is underweight, you should enrich the content of its food. However, do not make it eat if the dog does not want to. That can lead to more severe problems. Make a slow transition to food with higher fat content. Or you may even give your dog puppy food because it is rich in nutrients. If your pet is obviously overweight, the best thing is to cut off the food. However, you also need to do it step by step so that the dog finally can eat just half of the amount you have recently fed it. The adult dog has a height of inches cm at the shoulder and an average weight of pounds kg. Nevertheless, some German Shepherds can grow bigger and even reach pounds kg. You need to be sure about its proportions though to understand if your pet meets the standards. If you see some deficiencies, meet your vet for a more thorough evaluation. When does a German Shepherd stop growing? German Shepherd males are thought to be grown-up when they are 3 years old. Females become adults when they are 2 years old. How tall is a German Shepherd? The adult dog has a height of inches cm at the shoulder. An average male reaches inches cm in height, while an average female should be inches cm tall. The body of both males and females should be longer than their height. How big do German Shepherds get? How much does a German Shepherd weight? In general, an average male reaches pounds kg in weight, while an average female should be pounds kg heavy. This is a very strong and brave dog that can become a perfect guardian and protector. If you decide to take a GS puppy, you need to follow its growth stages accurately to be sure that it develops properly. You should follow a high-quality diet, provide your dog with a lot of exercise, and ensure its proper training and socialization. Your German Shepherd cannot stay healthy and active if it gets some health problems related to its weight or height. Sometimes, these issues are not obvious and understandable to the owner. That is why it is important to know the main development parameters of your German Shepherd growth stages to cope with possible challenges. We hope that this article, together with the weight and height chart, will become your effective and helpful guide. David W. I admire German Shepherds. They are magnificent dogs! I have been dealing with dogs, namely German Shepherds, throughout my life. I have been working part-time as a dog trainer and instructor for about 5 years, dealing mainly with German Shepherds. So I know a bit about these animals. Therefore, I decided to share my knowledge and experience about this fantastic breed. If you need help with advice and care tips or want to know more about German Shepherd dogs, welcome to this blog. What are these milestones, and when can you expect them to meet them? We break it all down here, so you know exactly what to expect each step of the way. When you adopt a German Shepherd puppy, it can seem like they just keep growing. A fully grown German Shepherd will stand between 22 and 24 inches tall and weigh anywhere between 50 and 90 pounds. This manifests itself in many ways, but the most notable factor is their energy level. Puppies tend to have far more energy and be a little clumsier than fully mature dogs. German Shepherds leave their first puppy stage at around the 6-month mark, when they reach adolescence. When a dog reaches sexual maturity varies drastically depending on their sex. Male dogs tend to reach sexual maturity anywhere from 6 to 9 months, while female dogs tend to wait until adulthood. If you want to neuter a dog, you have a much smaller window to prevent puppies than with females. Their adult teeth are much larger and less sharp than their puppy teeth. Image Credit: aleksandra85foto, Pixabay Final Thoughts With so many age ranges that your German Shepherd can mature in various ways, it can be hard to keep track of everything. Related German Shepherd Reads:. Now it is time to focus more on gender and german shepherd growth rates. The official breed standard for the German Shepherd dog states that adult dogs can stand between 22 and 26 inches tall paw pads to shoulders and weigh anywhere from 50 to 90 pounds. The official breed standard also specifies that adult male german shepherds often stand taller and weigh more than an adult female german shepherd. Typically, an adult male German Shepherd will stand two inches taller and weigh anywhere from 15 to 20 pounds more than an adult female german shepherd. This is exactly why a bigger German Shepherd male dog is likely to continue growing for a longer period because the skeleton can only grow so fast. It uses an average German Shepherd pup that weighs 64 pounds at one year of age. One month old A one-month-old German Shepherd puppy may weigh up to 9. Two months old A two-month-old GSD puppy may weigh up to .Three months old A three-month-old German Shepherd puppy may weigh up to .Four months old A four-month-old German Shepherd puppy may weigh up to .Five months old A five-month-old German Shepherd puppy may weigh up to .Six months old A six-month-old German Shepherd puppy may weigh up to .Seven months old A seven-month-old German Shepherd puppy may weigh up to .Eight months old An eight-month-old German Shepherd puppy may weigh up to .Nine months old A nine-month-old German Shepherd puppy may weigh up to .Ten months old A ten-month-old German Shepherd puppy may weigh up to 72 pounds, representing about 94 percent of the growing left to do. Eleven months old An eleven-month-old German Shepherd puppy may weigh up to .Twelve months old A twelve-month-old German Shepherd puppy may weigh up to 76 pounds, representing about percent of the growing left to do. Female German Shepherd For a female German Shepherd puppy, the weight range in adulthood typically varies between 50 pounds and 80 pounds. Puppies will be between 22 to 24 inches tall paw pads to shoulders on average. It uses an average female German Shepherd that weighs 64 pounds at one year of age. One month old A one-month-old German Shepherd puppy may weigh up to 7 pounds, representing about 11 percent of the growing left to do. Two months old A two-month-old German Shepherd puppy may weigh up to 16 pounds, representing about 26 percent of the growing left to do. Three months old A three-month-old German Shepherd puppy may weigh up to 27 pounds, representing about 41 percent of the growing left to do. Four months old A four-month-old German Shepherd puppy may weigh up to 36 pounds, representing about 55 percent of the growing left to do. Five months old A five-month-old German Shepherd puppy may weigh up to 44 pounds, representing about 66 percent of the growing left to do. Six months old A six-month-old German Shepherd puppy may weigh up to 50 pounds, representing about 75 percent of the growing left to do. Seven months old A seven-month-old German Shepherd puppy may weigh up to 54 pounds, representing about 82 percent of the growing left to do. Eight months old An eight-month-old German Shepherd puppy may weigh up to 58 pounds, representing about 87 percent of the growing left to do. Nine months old A nine-month-old German Shepherd puppy may weigh up to 60 pounds, representing about 91 percent of the growing left to do. Ten months old A ten-month-old German Shepherd puppy may weigh up to 61 pounds, representing about 94 percent of the growing left to do. Eleven months old An eleven-month-old German Shepherd puppy may weigh up to 63 pounds, representing about 97 percent of the growing left to do. Twelve months old A twelve-month-old German Shepherd puppy may weigh up to 64 pounds, representing about percent of the growing left to do. The bone marrow will become inflamed and sore, sometimes to a level where it becomes excruciating to your dog. In most cases, panosteitis will last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks or even longer and then dissipate. However, it may recur several times while your GSD puppy is still growing. While panosteitis lasts, your puppy may limp, whine, whimper, and exhibit lameness that seems to move from one leg to another in no apparent pattern. Panosteitis is thought to have genetic heritable origins and is unfortunately quite common in the German Shepherd breed. Treating panosteitis usually involves giving a German shepherd puppy pain medications. Unfortunately, many pain medications have uncomfortable side effects, including stomach upset, and gastrointestinal distress. But the fact is that the German Shepherd dog breed was not created to be a big, bulky dog. These dogs were created to be livestock herding working dogs. To do this, they need to be light on their feet, athletic, and rangy so they can move and navigate quickly. While some GSDs are naturally bigger than others, and males tend to be taller and heavier than females, this is not always the case. Here is more information regarding German Shepherd puppy development. Start with the Dog Breed Standard According to the German Shepherd Dog Club of America , the German Shepherd as a breed typically stands between 22 and 24 inches tall paw pads to shoulder tops for female adult dogs and 24 to 26 inches tall for male adult dogs. No weight range is given for the official dog breed standard. However, the standard does say the dog typically measures between 8. So these can give you some good starting measurements. The American Kennel Club AKC gives a 50 to 90 pounds weight range, with about 10 pounds differences between adult females and adult males. Find out from your breeder the exact height, weight, and length measurements for each parent dog. You can also ask the breeder about how long it took each parent dog to complete its growth. The greatest influence will come from learning as much as possible about which parent dog your puppy seems to most favor in looks. Your breeder will be in the best position to weigh in on this question, both from the point of view of the parent dogs and the lineage as a whole. You can also ask where your GSD puppy falls on the size spectrum within their particular litter. While a smaller puppy may end up being a bigger adult dog, this is more the exception than the norm. For example, if you know that your puppy was the middleweight in the litter, you can expect your adult GSD to maintain that position as all the puppies grow up. The growth process is not unlike what happens as children grow up! In other words, for your puppy to grow bigger, its bones first have to grow bigger. This requires a partnership between bone and cartilage. This partnership takes place within centers called growth plates. The growth plates are located at the ends of the long skeletal bones. Inside each growth plate is an area that is responsible for generating new bone tissue. This is the most important fact to cement into your memory. As long as the growth plates are still producing new bone tissue, they are relatively soft. This is because the tissue the growth plates are producing is also soft and flexible. Only once your German Shepherd puppy has finally grown up as much as they will do will these growth plates and their tissues harden fully. You need to do two important things to protect and support your GSD puppy to reach their full adult height, weight, and size safely and healthily. In most cases, you will be guided to feed a puppy food formulated specifically for large breed puppies that will grow up more slowly over a longer period. Guard against over-exertion in play, exercise, and athletics As the American Kennel Club AKC points out, large breed puppies are known to be more vulnerable to exercise-induced injury while they are still growing. This is because the growth process takes longer, and their skeletal systems support a great deal of weight. While no official study exists to definitively say when it is safe to let your GSD make use of their considerable natural athletic ability, your veterinarian can help you assess when and how to add in additional activity as your puppy grows up. Here, you might be wondering how you will deal with so much rambunctious puppy when you have exercise restrictions! But it is important to remember that mental activity is just as stimulating and tiring to smart dogs like the German Shepherd! GSDs are intensely people-oriented and eager to please and will readily take to training sessions and obedience school. German Shepherd puppies can still exercise by trying interspersing walks or short runs with the mental stimulation of training sessions to keep your pup from over-exerting. As the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals RSCPA explains, over-exercising a growing puppy can lead to several musculoskeletal problems even as they are still growing and in adulthood. In general, you want to aim for a moderate daily activity that combines training, free play, interactive play with you, and walks of one mile or less. Tug of war, frisbee, tethered bike rides or runs, and any activity that forces your dog to keep up with you should be avoided at all costs. These issues include the following: Hip dysplasia. May 10, Dogs , Pets John When you adopt a German Shepherd as a puppy, you bring home this tiny, cute, cuddly, bundle of fur that fits in your hands. Fast-forward by a year and you probably wonder if your dog decided to grow at the 98th percentile. The five-pound puppy you brought home will become a full-grown dog of about 90 pounds. Essentially, she or he will grow to the size of a teenager in weight, but about 26 inches in length. You chose one of the largest dog breeds in the world. While these dogs reach physical maturity at three years of age, they typically have a median life expectancy of about ten years. Many German Shepherds live longer than that. Your puppy might grow up to live until the age of 12 or 13 , which equates to 77 to 82 years old. You will get many years of love from this breed of dog. While every dog differs, in general, female German Shepherds reach the age of full maturity before the males do. A female German Shepherd typically grows to two inches shorter than the male and a weight of about 70 pounds. All in all, German Shepherd growth is divided into seven stages. The Stages of Growth: Newborn to Adulthood Perhaps you got to visit with the puppies when they were firstborn. Enjoy it while you can. They gain weight quickly in their early days. Each day, your puppy will gain between 2. As a newborn, your German Shepherd probably weighs around four pounds. That means that in its first year of life, the dog goes through childhood, pre-teen or tween years, and half of its teen years. They gain weight and height accordingly. At the end of one year, the dog typically weighs about 49 to 50 pounds. The German Shepherd will nearly reach its full height by this time, too. Transitional Stage Veterinarians refer to every few weeks, then months as a different growth phase of early development. They call the two weeks to four weeks period transitional stage. T four weeks the typical female weighs between 4. The males may weigh between 5. When it comes to maturity stage for training, you can start even at the transitional stage, especially when you use positive reinforcement. Socialization Stage The socialization stage lasts through their third month. In the middle of this phase, the German Shepherd puppy usually experiences a growth spurt. By the end of the three months, your GSD puppy will measure about 10 to 11 inches in height. Females will weigh between 11 and 17 pounds, males will weigh between 22 and 30 pounds. Juvenile Stage Try not to think of your German Shepherd pup as a juvenile delinquent as they pass through this period from three to six months. At four months, your furry friend reaches the halfway point of height and weight. At the end of their fourth month, your puppy becomes a man or woman-dog. At this point of German Shepherd development, it reaches sexual maturity. At six months, the German Shepherd exits the juvenile stage. Your male German Shepherd exits this phase weighing between 49 and 57 pounds and at a height of 16 to 18 inches, but your female puppy will weigh between 44 and 49 pounds and attain a height of 15 to 17 inches. Adolescent Stage The adolescent stage ranges from six months to two years. At the end of one year though, your puppy becomes a dog. At one year of age, he or she enters adulthood. At this point, the female German Shepherd weighs between 60 to 64 pounds and has a height of 20 to 22 inches. The male German Shepherds weighs between 71 and 71 pounds and has a height of 22 to 24 inches. Some German Shepherds reach physical maturity at the age of two years, but most continue to grow until they reach the end of their third year. Female German Shepherds typically reach a height of 22 to 24 inches and weigh between 66 to 70 pounds. As long as their diet is stable, the adult German Shepherd dog should relatively stay the same weight for the rest of their lives. Genetics Plays a Large Part Like a human, your dog will grow to a smaller or larger size based on its genetics. To get an idea of how large your dog will grow, meet the parents. Tracing the genealogy can also help determine what are the potential German Shepherd health issues even German Shepherd skin issues to know your pup might have down the road. Regardless on the stage of growth, always make sure your German Shepherd pup is healthy. At Vetericyn , we have wellness products that can help keep your pup healthy and happy. Reviewed by Dan Richardson, Veterinarian Dan Richardson has been a practicing veterinarian for over 10 years. He specializes in surgery and orthopedics. Dan is originally from rural western Nevada and attended the University of Idaho for undergraduate study and Oregon State University for Veterinary School. The Richardson Family enjoys camping and spending time on the water fishing, paddle boarding, or digging their feet in the sand somewhere warm. Sources: All Shepherds. When do German Shepherds stop growing. Large dog breeds. GSD Growth Chart.

Bernedoodles are a cross between a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Poodle. They blend some of the best traits of each breed in an adorable, allergy-friendly package. To my knowledge, I was the first breeder to begin deliberately crossing the Bernese with the Poodle. That was in .I can say with confidence that all SwissRidge Bernedoodles are carefully and conscientiously bred, well-socialized, fun-loving family dogs. I can also say that each and every SwissRidge Bernedoodle is unique. As hybrids, they vary in size, color and coat type, and personality. Your SwissRidge Bernedoodle will truly be one-of-a-kind! I love the fact that no two Bernedoodles are exactly the same. But the range of possibilities does mean that you need a breeder you can trust to find the right Bernedoodle for you. I have been personally matching puppies to owners for more than a decade. The many testimonials here will attest to my success in doing so. For even more information, please check out my book, Bernedoodles: A Head to Tail Guide, and visit the SwissRidge Facebook group, where well over 2, members share photos, advice, testimonials and more. With so much experience under my belt, I can probably answer nearly every question you throw at me. The SwissRidge community has become so much more than I ever imagined. When you adopt one of my dogs, you get support not just from me but from hundreds of other owners. I believe that the success of SwissRidge Kennels is based on two key factors: an innovative and highly conscientious breeding program; and engaged, caring clients, who give amazing homes to my dogs, offer creative ideas, and support me and other owners. I want SwissRidge to be the very best kennel in North America, and I want this website to be everything you need it to be. I truly welcome ideas and feedback. Keep in touch! The First and Only Book on Bernedoodles! Bernedoodles: A Head to Tail Guide covers everything you need to know about this amazing hybrid and its creation at SwissRidge Kennels. This fun, easy-to-read book shares information that will help any prospective puppy owner raise a happy, healthy well-trained dog. About Bernedoodles About Bernedoodles The bernedoodle is a cross between a Bernese mountain dog and a poodle. This hybrid blends the clever goofiness of the poodle, with the placid loyalty of the Bernese. I believe the bernedoodle is the perfect companion dog. Although many are stunning, they are not bred for the show ring. They are meant to be at your side no matter whether you are hiking, snowshoeing, or lying on the couch watching a movie. Their only job is to be your best friend. No two bernedoodles are identical. That said, prospective owners must understand that there can be a lot of variation in a hybrid litter, and must therefore choose a breeder who can help match them with the best dog for their circumstances. Purebreds may be the preferred choice for people who want predictability. When I was writing descriptions of my dogs, I was struck by the consistency of the traits among the purebreds. With some minor variations, one well-bred Berner is very similar to the next: sweet, loving, and calm. One well-bred poodle is also very similar to the next: playful, intelligent, and goofy. This has led not only to health problems, but also to temperament issues. Poorly bred Berners may be extremely stubborn and skittish. Poorly bred poodles may be hyper and neurotic. It is incredibly difficult to find healthy Bernese and poodles with calm temperaments that also happen to be gorgeous. They are completely dedicated to their families, with a special fondness for children. In fact, they are so loyal that it can be difficult to re-home an adult Berner and break its original bond. Berners are known for leaning on people to soak up all possible attention. Berners are exceptionally beautiful dogs with their distinctive tri-coloured coats. Bred in the Swiss Alps as farm dogs that pulled carts or drove cattle to market, the Bernese thrives in cold weather, and has a double coat that sheds quite heavily. This versatile breed does well in agility, tracking, herding, and therapy work. A significant number of Bernese are afflicted with hip and elbow dysplasia, or succumb to inherited cancer, heart disease, or epilepsy in middle age. While cancer is the leading cause of death for dogs in general, Bernese have a much higher rate of fatal cancer than other breeds. Overall, the Berner is one of the shorter-lived dog breeds, with a life expectancy of just seven years. This is particularly sad when the Berner is known for being slow to mature, and somewhat challenging to train. Without proper socialization, these naturally cautious and reserved dogs can become skittish and suspicious and may develop separation anxiety. They can also be decidedly stubborn. Yet, the Bernese also has a deep need to please their humans and are surprisingly sensitive. As a result, training a Berner requires a great deal of patience and a gentle hand. The Poodle Everyone knows that the poodle ranks high on the canine intelligence scale. They are very trainable and excel in obedience. Most people are also aware that their low to non-shedding coat makes poodles a great choice for those with allergies. But the poodle is more than a clever show dog; it is believed to have originated as a water retriever in Germany. Poodles come in three sizes and a wide variety of colours. Where most dogs have double coats, poodles have a single-layer coat of dense, curly fur that sheds minimally, but does mat without proper care. A typical poodle is lively and playful, with a bouncy prance to its walk. It thrives best in a busy household, where it can get plenty of attention and stimulation. If bored, poodles may get into mischief. They are also quick to sound an alert, and have earned a reputation for barking. Some poodles are high strung and sensitive to stress. They may have serious health problems, including eye, skin, and digestive diseases, as well as immune system diseases. Bernese Meets Poodle…Magic Ensues If a breeder does their due diligence in selecting the right parents, crossing purebred dogs of different breeds results in puppies that are healthier than either of their parents. This is because the two breeds are generally prone to different genetic problems. Hybrids such as the bernedoodle are only likely to inherit a health problem that is common to both the poodle and the Bernese — two breeds that share few common diseases. A hybrid dog combines the traits and characteristics of its purebred parents. With careful, conscientious breeding, the resulting pups may end up with the best attributes of each. In the case of the bernedoodle, the blend of the Bernese and the poodle produces a smart, friendly, playful dog. They tend to have the sweetness and loyalty of the Bernese, and the goofy liveliness and intelligence of the poodle. Like the Bernese, they are gentle around children and the elderly, and because they love to work, they often make excellent therapy dogs. Most bernedoodles have a moderate activity level. Most of them have little need for personal space. My clients most commonly describe their bernedoodles as happy, goofy, smart, charming, curious, friendly, social, enthusiastic, cuddly, and loving. Despite my efforts to breed only the best purebreds, some offspring may inherit stubbornness or sensitivity from the Bernese. Their training requires patience, a light touch, and positive reinforcement. Further, from the poodle they can inherit an extremely high level of energy. In general, the bernedoodle is an intelligent, social, fun crossbreed with character and charisma. On the whole, bernedoodles tend to be quite similar to goldendoodles in nature, with the most notable difference being that the bernedoodle can be headstrong. This is more pronounced at the puppy stage, and tends to disappear when the bernedoodle is older and trained. Every dog has a different personality, but the two breeds have much in common, and those traits make them excellent family pets. Appearance Bernedoodles are usually pure black, black and white, black and brown, or tri-colour black, white and brown , but I have seen other colours. Their overall appearance combines elements of the Bernese and the poodle. Beyond colour, well-chosen parents tend to blend the traits of the poodle and the Berner in a fairly consistent way. In short, bernedoodles tend to look like shaggy teddy bears! Many clients want a tri-color bernedoodle, with markings as similar as possible to those of the Bernese mountain dog. That look is challenging to achieve, and people may have a long wait for it. Personally, I love bernedoodles of all colours. Temperament is far more important to me than colour and colours can fade. Coat Every bernedoodle has a different coat. The majority have a wavy coat that sheds minimally, if at all. Most people with allergies to dog dander i. However, the straighter the coat, the more it sheds, and the less suitable the dog will be for people with allergies. Bernedoodles with a curly coat are similar to the poodle and will not shed. While there are no guarantees, even if you have serious allergies to dander, you should do well with a curly-coated bernedoodle. Breeders can often tell by the time a dog is a few weeks old what type of coat it will have, and can help match you to the best coat type for your situation. If you are allergic to dog saliva, and your skin breaks out in hives when licked by a dog, you will most likely be allergic to all bernedoodles regardless of coat type. Since there are no absolute guarantees with coat type, responsible breeders will give you some time to see if you are allergic to your puppy and will allow you to return the pup if it is not working out. Since most bernedoodles shed little, if at all, they need to be brushed regularly to prevent matting, and must be clipped every few months. Sizes Bernedoodles come in different sizes, depending on the parents and the vagaries of genetics. Females are usually smaller than males. A Standard Bernedoodle results from crossing a standard poodle with a Bernese mountain dog. They will generally be 50 lbs and up, and around 23 to 29 inches at the shoulder. Most standards are in the 70 to 90 lbs range. A mini bernedoodle results from crossing a miniature poodle with a Bernese mountain dog. They generally range from 25 to 49 lbs, and are 18 to 22 inches at the shoulder. A tiny bernedoodle results from crossing a toy poodle with a mini bernedoodle. They range from 10 to 24 lbs, and are about 12 to 17 inches at the shoulder. These ranges capture the averages, but sometimes a pup will fall outside the expected height and weight. In terms of temperament, mini and tiny bernedoodles may have a slightly higher energy level than the standard, to reflect the same in the miniature and toy poodle parents. However, using calm poodles, regardless of size, tends to produce docile bernedoodles. Different Generations F1 is a first generation cross in which the pup is 50 percent Bernese mountain dog and 50 percent poodle. The F1 cross is considered the healthiest, as the parents have the least likelihood of contributing genes for common inheritable diseases. F1b is a backcross in which a bernedoodle is bred with a poodle. The puppy is 25 percent Bernese, and 75 percent poodle. F1b puppies are the most likely to be non-shedding and allergy-friendly. Some breeders have backcrossed a bernedoodle with a Bernese, which results in a dog with more of the Bernese traits. I prefer not to breed this backcross as there is a greater likelihood of shedding. F2 is a second-generation cross in which an F1 bernedoodle is crossed with another F1 bernedoodle. If this is done for seven generations, a breeder could apply to register this dog as a purebred. The closer the generations come together, the more consistency there will be in the lines, but the genetic problems of the purebreds are more likely too reappear, and hybrid vigor diminishes. Some F2 pups may have an improper coat instead of the fleecy softness we love in the doodles. While bernedoodles vary in appearance and coat type, an experienced breeder will be able to give you an idea of what the pup will look like as an adult, based on what the parents have produced in the past and what traits they see in the pup. Health and Lifespan As a breed, the bernedoodle is still young, so there is limited information about longevity and health concerns. Of the hundreds of bernedoodles I have bred in the past decade, only few owners have reported a genetic health concern. Therefore, I am confident that hybrid vigor is indeed creating a healthier dog that will be with you for a long time. At this point, I can only estimate an average lifespan: I predict standard bernedoodles will live years, mini bernedoodles up to 17 years, and tiny bernedoodles up to 18 years. Usually, the smaller the dog, the longer it lives. While bernedoodles tend to be healthier than their parent breeds, they can still be prone to conditions such as hip and elbow dysplasia and certain eye problems. Skin problems, such as hot spots and allergies, are also seen in this mix. Like any other breed of dog, they may get cancer. Genetic testing can reduce the risk of many diseases. A reputable breeder will perform a number of tests and provide evidence of the successful results. This investment is usually reflected in the higher cost of the puppy for the buyer. A higher upfront cost will most likely reduce vet bills down the road. Bernedoodle Mismatch I believe the bernedoodle is a suitable dog for most people, with a few caveats: This is a very social dog that thrives on plenty of human interaction; if you have limited time for a dog, this may not be the breed for you. A low- to non-shedding coat means more time, effort, and money spent on grooming. If your bernedoodle should happen to inherit the higher energy of the poodle or the stubbornness of the Bernese — or both! But if you have the time and enthusiasm, I predict your bernedoodle will become the best friend you ever had — at least of the canine variety. Watch me Grow. With two decades of experience in breeding dogs, we pride ourselves on selecting only the best dogs for our breeding program, which in turn ensures that we are producing the best puppies imaginable. We perform a series of strict health tests, including hip and elbow testing; eyes, heart, skin, and patella testing; and a series of genetic tests, on all of our breeding dogs. Please feel free to contact us with any questions. We look forward to matching you with your next best friend! We wrote the first book on Bernedoodles buy now This comprehensive, easy-to-read and entertaining book covers everything you need to know about this amazing hybrid. Since Bernedoodles can vary significantly in size, build, coloring, and even personality, prospective owners need advice from someone who knows the breed inside out. Who better than the breeder who created them? Often people will want one of my dogs because they are irresistibly adorable. Please take the time to consider if this breed is the right choice for you and your family. Click the link above to answer some questions to help you see if our doodles are the best match for you. Trained Dogs Available Available Now Below are puppies that we kept from previous litters and are selling with training and no wait times! Ariel Ariel is a Golden Mountain Doodle out of Rue and Henry She comes with 8 weeks of training buyers choice where she will learn the commands: sit, down, come, stay, leave it, watch me, walking on a leash and place. She will learn puppy manners and will be crate trained and started with house training. The trainers also do a handling exercise with the puppies and get them used to grooming. She is microchipped, up to date on vaccines, dewormed and comes with a 2 year health guarantee. Both her parents have all their required health clearances which can be viewed on our website. She enjoys meeting new people and exploring her surroundings. Ariel will make one lucky family a happy and loving little companion. Ariel loves playing with toys or exploring her environment with curiosity and a sense of adventure. She brings a sense of fun and excitement to those around her. Ariel has an affectionate, happy, and loving nature. She often seeks closeness and enjoys cuddling, snuggling, and receiving attention from everyone. Ariel is not only social, happy, playful, and affectionate but also quite intelligent and a fast learner. She loves training sessions and loves to please. Ariel has a remarkable ability to pick up on commands and learn new things. Her young mind is receptive and eager to please her people, making training sessions an enjoyable experience. Potty and crate training are important aspects of raising a puppy, and Ariel is doing well in both areas. Ariel is an extremely intelligent and well-rounded puppy. She has the personality that will do well with just about any family! She comes with 8 weeks of training where she will learn the commands: sit, down, come, stay, leave it, watch me, walking on a leash and place. The trainers also do handling exercises with the puppies and get them used to grooming. She is extremely loyal and joyful once she comes to trust you and is compliant and content once she is comfortable in the hands of her handler. Once that trust is earned you will have an unbreakable bond with her. A pup like Pip benefits from long term training to give her a positive task to focus on which is the perfect way to keep her mind busy and create positive associations to different scenarios, while also forming an unbreakable bond between her and her owner. While training in different environments, she is indifferent to her surroundings as she is focused on the task at hand, always giving her something to do in public settings and encouraging focus and engagement regardless of her surroundings. She does enjoy interacting with people as long as she chooses the pace and initiates the interaction and they do not come on too strong. She is goofy and happy and often dances around the training room or the yard and is welcome to be her complete self. She loves being outdoors and there is nowhere she is happier than an open field or on outdoor walks. She is great with other dogs and often sets a good example for the younger pups as she is very well behaved and relaxed in the crate, car and around the home. Her focus is easily directed to a bone and she has amazing food drive, making her easy to work with and teach behaviors. I think Pip would do well with either someone who is experienced with dogs or lives in a country or suburb setting. She would do well with other dogs, especially confident ones. She is ready to go to her new home this week! He comes with 8 weeks of training where he will learn the commands: sit, down, come, stay, leave it, watch me, walking on a leash and place. He will learn puppy manners and will be crate trained and started with house training. He is microchipped, up to date on vaccines, dewormed and comes with a 2 year health guarantee. Both his parents have all their required health clearances which can be viewed on our website. He is carefree which makes him easy to engage with and train. He showcases his manners when meeting new people, making him a delightful companion in any social setting. Thor is a social butterfly and would jump in any strangers car! He has a very adaptable personality and adores everyone he meets! He loves to explore and fearlessly embraces unfamiliar surroundings, all while remaining responsive to commands. He will be ready on September 23rd. Please message if you have further questions about Thor. Pictures coming soon. Playful is an understatement when it comes to describing Phoebe. Her days are filled with enthusiasm, as she eagerly explores her surroundings, always on the lookout for new adventures. Her silly antics are sure to bring laughter and smiles to anyone around. Outgoing and social, Phoebe is a natural charmer. She thrives on human and canine companionship, making friends wherever she goes. She has a very friendly nature as she approaches each new interaction with a wagging tail and a bright sparkle in her eyes. Her zest for life is unparalleled, and she will inspire those around her to live in the present moment. In summary, Phoebe is not your average puppy. She is a bundle of joy and has a warm and outgoing personality. With Phoebe by your side, life will become a journey filled with love, laughter, and adventure. A family who wants to involve their dog in their adventures. She will be ready for her new home September 16th. Please message if you have further questions about Phoebe. Here is a little more information about Peppers personality from her trainer! She has a more reserved personality, and we are working on building up her confidence. Once she is comfortable around someone then she is a very happy, excited puppy. We are working on building up her food drive and motivation to do training. For the most part she is quiet and content in her crate. She adapted to the crate very quickly. Pepper has gone on some car rides and sat in the crate in the back with no issue. She just relaxes. Pepper is incredibly sweet with every child she has met. She will curl up on their lap and stay with them for as long as they want. I have young kids in the house and she is always approaching them wanting to play or lay with them. Although she can be a bit hesitant to approach some adults, she always eventually warms up to them. She is a puppy who will love and be devoted to her owners but is not a dog who will love to be pet by every stranger on the street. As I walk around the house, she loves to follow me around but she is also happy to hang out in the gated off area and play with some toys without any humans this shows her affection towards people she knows, but also shows that she can be independent. Pepper loves smaller sized dogs and plays very well with them. She is a little nervous of the larger sized dogs. She will be best for a family who wants a quiet dog and a family who does not live in a busy environment. A calm environment in the country or suburbs with a fenced yard is best. She will be perfect for a family who wants a house dog that they can cuddle with and spoil. She is ready to go home September 9th. He has an outgoing personality, and he enjoys meeting new friends. He is active but not high energy; he is perfectly content to just go with the flow. He is cuddly and loves to be around people. He has a funny personality that will make you smile. He likes being held and will try to curl up in your lap if you let him. He is being raised around both dogs and cats. He loves to play with other dogs, and he quickly makes new canine friends. He enjoys going for brief strolls and he loves to explore outdoors. He is not much of a chewer, but he does like to carry toys around the house. Bernard is smart but he can be a little stubborn when it comes to training. He is food motivated and he responds well to praise, however, he gets distracted often. This will get better as we build more on engagement. He learns best during shorter training sessions that are kept interesting and engaging. His potty training is coming along very well! He is doing well with his loose leash walking, and he is eager to go out and explore. Bernard has had some brief interactions with children, and he would be comfortable in a home with kids. He loves other animals and would do well in a house with other pets too. He is already starting to sleep through the night in his crate 11 PM to 6 AM. He is rocking his potty training and he will bark in his crate when he needs to be let outside. Bernard would be the perfect addition to any family looking for a puppy to join them on a new adventure! Please message if you have further questions about Bernard. On a side note I noticed with this pup is his bottom k9 teeth are going into the upper palate just a tad, which if I has to guess, I think this will self correct. This can correct itself when the adult teeth come in, sometimes if I see this in pups and they go to 8 weeks of training, when they come back the teeth are the way they should be. This is caused either because the canines come in a bit crooked or the lower jaw is a bit narrows and as the puppies continue to grow and develop that self corrects. Saje Saje is a Standard Bernedoodle. She has learned the commands sit, down, come, stay, leave it, watch me, walking on a leash and place. She has learned puppy manners, is crate trained and well on her way to being house trained. Here is a little more information about Sajes personality from the trainer! She has so much personality and carries it with her everywhere. She likes to meet new people given she initiates the interaction and absolutely adores dogs of all ages and sizes. She can be vocal at times, in the yard or alert when people enter her environment but is easily redirected into work. She is willing and excited to learn new behaviours and has incredible food drive.

Age Age is one of the most common reasons for pets going gray. This is a very similar process to the one we see in humans as we age. The majority of graying will happen around the muzzle and face. Graying usually starts with a salt-and-pepper look in dogs. Dogs that are naturally gray can also show signs of aging, but you might have a more difficult time spotting these changes. Also, gray dogs might start to turn more white than gray as they age. While the reason is unknown, it is possible that stress somehow causes the body to stop producing pigment in the same manner as it used to. Do you have a friend that started graying before 30? Think of your dog in the same way. Even perfectly healthy dogs might be genetically predisposed to early graying. In fact, even puppies can have graying hair, and it can start to become more silvery with age. A few breeds are more likely to be genetically predisposed to graying. Schnauzers are known for their gray beards, while greyhounds and Weimaraners are naturally gray in color. It is also common for black dogs to start showing gray earlier than lighter colored dogs. Vitiligo is a rare skin condition that can cause pigment loss in certain patches of skin and fur. While the causes of vitiligo are unknown, many scientists believe that the condition is hereditary. Vitiligo affects all dogs a little differently. Some dogs will lose pigmentation on their entire body, while others will only be affected in certain spots. Vitiligo can also cause skin lesions and dandruff. Fortunately, all of the symptoms of vitiligo are painless for your pooch. While vitiligo is very rare, the following breeds are the most likely to have vitiligo: Rottweiler. Since their emergence in the 20th century, they played their part as loving dogs like their counterpart yellow and black Labradors. A chocolate Labrador can vary from a dark brown coat to a medium brown coat along with brown colored nose and eyes. Hence in appearance, your chocolate Lab looks like a Labrador dog dipped in brown chocolate. Then what about a Chocolate Lab with white spot on tail? What about other spots and markings? Let us discuss this in the below article. Chocolate lab with white spot on tail Some chocolate Lab owners observe the appearance of a small white spot on the tail after bringing home a chocolate Lab puppy. This white spot appears to grow in size as the dog grows. In such cases, many Lab owners have doubts in their minds regarding the purity of their Labrador breed. Whether their chocolate Labrador is a purebred or not? Actually, it is important to understand the Labrador color genetics before discussing regarding this white spot on tail. Labrador color genetics Our early Labrador retrievers were predominantly black and some of them have the genetic material to produce chocolate colored puppies. When a black Labrador containing brown genes is paired up with another black one containing brown genes, you can find brown puppies in the litter. And these little brown ones are our chocolate Labs. Do you know that the present-day Labradors derive their ancestral identity from St. In the above information, we have come across the presence of black, brown and white colors in the genetic code of Labradors. Hence you should not be surprised if a chocolate Labrador has white spots on its coat. In a black Labrador, yellow Labrador or a chocolate Labrador the predominant difference is the coat color. And this is completely true. What is a mismarked Lab? A Labrador that inherits color oddities on its coat which is different from its predominant coat color is known as a mismarked Lab. These mismarks can be of various kinds such as White spots on tail, white stripe on chest, white spot on Labrador chest, white ring around the tail, black and tan markings, brindling and other forms of markings. All these color peculiarities are known as Labrador retriever markings and this is the topic which we are discussing here. Hence a white spot on the tail of a chocolate Labrador is a mismark. Thus a mismark such as a white spot on the tail is neither unusual and nor an abnormality. Is a mismarked Lab purebred? Many dog owners get this doubt after observing any kinds of mismarks on their Labrador. A mismark can occur if a Labrador is not purebred, it does not mean mismarks only occur in mixed breeds. Mismarks can also occur in pure breeds. Hence mismarks does not disqualify your Labrador from being a pure breed. I have seen Labradors which have mismarks even though they are per cent purebred. Hence Labradors with mismarks are pre cent Labradors with a genetic peculiarity in its coat color. It is important to check whether the Labrador puppy with mismarks is a purebred or not. Some breeders claim the puppy with mismarks as pure breeds and try to sell them. What AKC says about mismarks? AKC has a clear standard on how a Labrador should look like. Color combinations of any type are not included in the AKC breed standard. Hence a chocolate Lab should not have yellow fur or black fur. This is a disqualification from the breed standard. Sometimes chocolate Labradors have a white spot on their chest. According to AKC, a small white spot is permissible on the chest but not desirable. Labradors grow white hair due to ageing. White hair due to ageing is not criteria for disqualification. If you are not into dog shows these mismarks are not at all an issue to worry about. A mismark will never make a Labrador unfit for being a beloved pet. A Labrador with mismarking will love you the same way as a Lab without markings. Reading Pa. Don't worry too much though, I was just interested Am just going on a theory that there are some obscure recessive genes being expressed and was interested to know if his parents were closely related. The dog who had the white on his ear and it looked like a splash of white paint, like you said had parents who were half brother and half sister ie his parents had the same Dad. Click to expand.Unfortunately my documentation only shows names and registration numbers. On the Reddit thread someone posted this information in response to my query but I'm afraid it's all greek to me: "This condition, which is often not limited to the tail, is actually found frequently in both black and chocolate Labs and most likely indicates that the Lab is heterozygous at the Extension E Locus "Ee" and does not carry the As allele at the A Locus. These Labs also can be observed as having red tones in their coat occasionally causing a two-toned appearance especially obvious during shedding season. This two-toned appearance is not attributed to chocolate undertones, as some breeders may believe, but is rather due to the production of the red pigment, phaeomelanin, in "e" yellow carriers that also carry "ay-" or "as-". As a result, both Mc1 receptor types will be present in the dog: one that continuously makes eumelanin and one that will only make phaeomelanin. Since the recessive Agouti alleles control synthesis of phaeomelanin during particular times of hair growth with phaeomelanin produced only during the mid to late portion of hair growth , phaeomelanin will only be seen at the base of the hair shaft. If these Labs also carry the "cch" as the dominant allele at the C locus, the red pigment will be diluted allowing the base of the hair shaft to appear very light in color. Toggle Menu This Is Why Your Labradoodle Puppy Is Going Grey Your labradoodle puppy was either black or chocolate brown when you added the new family member, and now he or she seems to be changing color. Why is my labradoodle puppy going grey? The genetic influence of the poodle tends to fade the coat to a lighter shade as the puppy matures. When you get a Doodle puppy it is very rare that you know exactly what color coat you will get, but you will always love whatever you end up with! Coat color is, of course, affected by parentage, and the colors can range from a single, even color to a wide multi-colored fur. Did you know that the colors can skip a generation or two? The grandparents and great-grandparents can have an effect on the final mature coat pigmentation. As mentioned earlier, coat color is determined genetically and there are several genes that are involved. Genes occur in pairs, one gene being contributed by each parent. This combination of genes will have some being dominant and some being recessive. The combination of the two determines what color the dog will be. Taking the Labrador Retriever as an example, colors that can occur are yellow, chocolate, or black. A black coat will appear charcoal, chocolate will appear silvery, and yellow will appear light gold or champagne. What Is Kemp Hair? Kemp hairs, when they appear, are usually found in a fleece-type coat of the labradoodle. The hair has a hollow middle and a comparatively thin outer layer so that it is quite brittle and breaks easily. Usually, kemp hairs appear in mature Labradoodles around the eyes and along the spine but have been known to appear in puppies as young as 4 or 5 months old. Stress or anxiety Stress and anxiety can cause fur or hair to go white. Although the reasons are debatable, sometimes stress can cause the body to stop producing pigmentation as well as it used to. Health Issues Although rare, hypothyroidism is a condition that can cause your Labradoodle to start greying. This condition is a result of the thyroid gland underperforming. Getting treatment for this disease from your vet should reverse the greying. There are a variety of liver and kidney diseases that can cause grey hair but are very rare. Always check with your vet if you suspect a health problem. I am a dog parent in Hot Springs Village, Ar. I created this site to help fellow Doodle owners with up-to-date information and tips for raising your puppy right! Post navigation. Joined: Tue Aug 22, pm Location: Surrey My 8 month labradoodle has loads and loads of grey hair! Post by loi » Sun Mar 11, pm Hi is anyone else sharing in my experience? I have a beautiful 8 month old male chocolate Labradoodle, which we purchased when he was 9 weeks old. He has been an absolute pleasure from the day we got him, easy to train and he has a lovely nature. He is playful and bouncy when in the garden and on walks, but has a lovely gentle and calm way around the house. He is now nearly fully grown and has that lovely puppy way about him, but has loads and loads of grey hair. If he didnt have that bouncy way about him, to look at you would think he was a much older. He started showing some grey hair at around 6 months the odd one here and there like some get, but by the time he was 7 months he had loads of grey hair around his eyes, and two very big patches on his back. One close to his neck and one close to his back end. He also has a large patch of grey on his tail. Do you own a young Labradoodle that also has lots of grey hair, or do you have any suggestions, I would love to hear from you. I love my dog dearly, but wonder why he is going so grey when he is just a puppy? Is there anything I can do?

Use the same commands and cues consistently. Improved obedience and communication. Reward good behavior with treats and praise. A motivated and happy pup. Socialization Introduce your pup to various people and dogs in a slow, positive manner. Well-adjusted and confident around others. Structured Play Mental stimulation and reduced boredom. Leash Training Teach leash manners to enjoy peaceful walks. Enjoyable walks with your well-behaved companion. Obedience Classes Enroll in obedience classes for professional guidance. Enhanced training skills and socialization. Training a 6-month-old German Shepherd puppy involves consistent positive reinforcement methods. Start with basic commands like sit, stay, and come. Use rewards like treats and praise to encourage desired behavior, and keep training sessions short and engaging. Socialization with other dogs and people is essential, and enrolling in puppy training classes can provide structured guidance. Use these puppy training tips to have less stress with your puppy: 1. Stay on top of their exercise needs. Your GSD needs the proper exercise. Increase exercise slowly to avoid an injury that comes from too much impact on unfused joints and bones. While your puppy still lacks maturity and focus, you can increase training to help teach your dog obedience skills. Increase daily obedience and practice to help them learn training basics. Your beautiful German Shepherd puppy will grow very quickly! Teaching them when they are puppies will pay off for the rest of their life. Simple training should start the moment your puppy arrives home. Using the same word for the same activities will help them learn quickly. Give them the right chew toys. Your pup needs balls and toys that are safe and chew-worthy. Look for more indestructible toys to keep your German Shepherd busy and continue to offer chew treats to work their jaws. Find the right chews for you puppy so you minimize the potential for choking and their jaws get a good workout. Use some of these balls for German Shepherd puppies as a distraction toy to get their focus away from your fingers and onto the toy. Giving your puppy a chew toy when they are biting an unapproved item redirects their attention to the right item. Include mental stimulation for their minds. This puppy needs mental stimulation to help them exercise their brilliant minds. This intelligent dog need more than physical exercise. Their minds need to learn and become involved in their world in new and interesting ways. There are many ways you can include mental stimulation. Many of these ways involve teaching a new brain challenge or mental game. Keep them supervised. Even a young GSD can cause lots of trouble when left unsupervised. If your once potty-trained pup has now forgotten their potty manners, then use pet-safe baby gates to contain them or leash them to you to supervise their actions at all times. Pet safe gates like these allow your dog to still see you and feel they have watched over their family. Pet gates are a safe option that prevents your dog from getting its head stuck or worse. Shutting a German Shepherd behind a closed door increases their anxiety and can make unwanted behavior worse! Instead, use the baby gate in a safe area to give them less run of your house. Behaviors you like can improve daily. Every day is an opportunity for you to become a more successful leader. For example: If they want to go outside ask them for a sit first. If they bring you a ball to throw, ask for a down before you engage in play. Setting up expectations of accepted behavior helps them learn how to behave more appropriately. And these successful moments can help speed up how long it takes to train a German Shepherd. Even tiny successes are great confidence builders for your puppy and for you. These bursts of training are easier for your pup to understand. The most telling sign of your little puppy growing up is unpredictable behaviors. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, but in a furry adorable body! Hormones, rebellion, confusion, and curiosity all add up to puppy puberty. But with the proper home management techniques and setting expectations, you can overcome these common puppyhood challenges. And my short Happy Puppy Guide is packed with helpful tips and tricks to ensure your furry friend grows up to be a happy and well-behaved companion. Your 6-month-old German Shepherd will thank you for it. I fetched it for you right here! She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. Final Thoughts Remember that your 6 month old German Shepherd is not a puppy anymore. It is the age when your pet officially enters the adolescence stage. What does this mean for it and you as its owner? The most troublesome period starts here. Your doggy can become rather unpredictable, and it is sometimes frustrating. It may still seem like a big fur ball, but it shows its temperament and character, so you need to be very careful. Moreover, it is very strong, too. So if your puppy is not properly trained, you may experience some difficulties in controlling it. Size and Appearance Your 6 month old German Shepherd puppy continues growing. It has already gained pounds .It is a large dog breed, and it has become obvious now. Your boy weighs pounds kg , and the girl, though smaller, is pounds kg heavy. The height of a male puppy at this age reaches inches cm at the withers, while female dogs are inches cm tall. Now, teething is almost completed, and your doggy can normally show all its 42 adult teeth already. However, some puppies continue teething until they are months old. The fur coat is also almost adult, with its double layers and a lot of shedding. It means that you need to develop a direct schedule for brushing and grooming. Buy a high-quality undercoat rake and brush your pup at least once a week. Since teething is finished, the ears stand up straight at this age. However, some puppies do not have perky ears until they are 12 months old. Another very important thing to consider in your six month old German Shepherd is that its sexual maturity begins. This stage is equivalent to teenagership or puberty in people. The hormones start kicking in, so males may want to look for a mate when outside. That is why it is so important to keep your puppy away from stray dogs at this time. Your boy may also start marking its territory and displaying aggression toward other animals and people. Estrogen in females also results in uneasiness and aggressive behavior. Walking in a dog park is not the best idea for your girl at this period. On average, a 6 month old GSD sleeps hours a day. Most of them are at night, but it may also need several naps in the daytime. Your puppy is very active at this age, so it needs a lot of walking and running. It is capable of walking long distances or even jogging. It is a truly great breed that can be very energetic. The puppy can walk up to 6 miles or 10 kilometers, and many believe that it is OK, since wolf pups as their ancestors could walk and run with their pack for many miles. However, every veterinarian will tell you that too much exercise of this kind can be dangerous for your pup because it can result in problems with joints at this age. So, choose other types of activities for exercising. Teach your doggy to walk on a leash, with frequent breaks, increasing the length of the walk gradually. Never walk your puppy in very hot or cold weather. If your pup shows the slightest signs of lameness, talk with your vet about it. The age of 6 months is the time when many behavioral problems can appear. It is connected with the period of puberty and hormonal disbalances. Your pup needs more independence, so it may wage a war against all your belongings if not trained properly. Chewing, tearing, and demolishing everything around is common. Even if your doggy has been potty-trained properly, it may have more accidents indoors now because it finds pleasure in looking for secret places for doing its business when indoors. Therefore, you have to show it who the boss in the household is and become a true leader of the pack for it. When playing, your pup may become rougher and try to dominate. It can get pushier with other dogs due to the start of its sexual maturity. Your pet can display a lot of boldness and attack other dogs fearlessly when walking in the park. It may also develop more aggressive reactions to other people, especially strangers. Even if it does know most commands, it may pretend to forget them because its hormones fluctuate. So, you need to be very careful to avoid incidents. Scent marking is another sign of puberty. The pup can do it inside your home and display disobedience if you try to prevent this. Female pups can experience the beginning of heat. It may cause them to feel subdued and insecure, so they become less sociable and even aggressive to their owners. You need a lot of patience and knowledge to train your doggy to behave properly at this age. Try to be persistent, provide it with more outdoor exercise, and never use force or physical punishment in response to its misbehavior. Increase the amount of exercise gradually to avoid bad injuries to the bones and joints. Find the most appropriate and appealing activities and games for your puppy to keep it healthy and out of trouble. Include mental stimulation in your everyday exercise. Offer it new brain challenges or mental games. Health and Care You need to be carefully observing whether your pup meets its weight and height requirements for this age. Learn to measure your doggy regularly to be on the safe side. Your pup has already had three vaccination sessions by this time. Neutering or spaying your pup is an issue that you may have to consider. However, most veterinarians do not approve of this at such an early age. It can result in joint disorders, incontinence, musculature injuries, and even cancer. They can be explained by lessening or eliminating the production of hormones associated with growth. The cartilage in long leg bones may get soft or even be missing, contributing to skeletal weaknesses. That is why you should delay neutering until your boy is one year old. Or, if your little male displays too many signs of disobedience and aggression due to its sexual development, delay neutering until the veterinarian X-rays your doggy and ensures that the growth plates are hardened and completely closed. As for female German Shepherds, the additional safety considerations for spaying should also be taken into account. Too early spaying can increase the risks of mammary cancer and urinary incontinence, along the common joint and bone issues. It is recommended to wait until your girl is one year old or even longer. Most breeders will tell you that a female German Shepherd should go through one or two heat cycles before spaying to reduce the risks of severe health issues. That is why the most desirable time for spaying the GS female is 18 months of its age. As for other health problems at the age of 6 months, you do not need to worry. If you want to know what to expect further, research the pedigree and ancestors of your pup to see whether there were any hereditary issues in their bloodline. You can also have a DNA test to predict future problems, such as degenerative myelopathy. However, you need to be watchful and careful about different signs and symptoms that may signal some temporary disorders. These symptoms may not mean anything serious. Though, it is always better to be sure. Feeding You need to feed your 6 month old German Shepherd puppy an appropriate diet with the correct number of calories and protein rates. It still grows rapidly, so you should be careful when choosing between high-quality puppy kibble and raw homemade feeding. The latter should include raw meats fish, turkey, or chicken are good and different vegetables and fruits. Do not offer your puppy too many treats during the daytime. Remember that they can be full of fats and lead to obesity. You do not want your pup to suffer from hip dysplasia or other health issues caused by being overweight. Arthritis, hypertension, diabetes, and even cancer can also result from improper diets. Give your puppy cups of kibble per each of 2 meals daily. Develop a feeding schedule and be consistent with following it. Self-feeding can also lead to obesity. Provide clean and fresh water to your dog, and you do not need to take the water bowl away. Your pup should have access to it whenever it wants. Never add any supplements or extra treats until your veterinarian recommends them. If your puppy refuses to eat for more than two subsequent meals, have a talk with your vet. You do not need to make a transition to adult food at this age yet. However, in some cases, it may be appropriate and recommended, even if normally such a transition is due closer to the age of one year. If you do not do it gradually, you may face digestive upset in your puppy. The start for a 6 month old GSD is not the best option because the socialization window closes at 4 months in German Shepherds, and you may encounter some behavioral issues now. Never use harsh, negative, or punishment-based methods of training. Your pup is very sensitive, and all this can damage its psyche. The positive, reward-based methods are more appropriate, and they will produce better results. Continue socialization by exposing your pet to unfamiliar animals and people in a friendly environment. Though, you need to be very careful now because hormone disbalance can evoke unpredictable reactions. German Shepherds tend to be enthusiastic barkers, so you have to discourage your pup from barking all the time. Teach it to inform you when someone unknown is approaching, but keep from barking all other times. Always control your doggy persistently. Instill that you are a leader to obey. Do training for at least minutes per day regularly and always use positive reinforcement. If you need help, ask a professional trainer to assist or teach you. It is pretty tall, with the height of a male reaching inches .Female dogs are a bit smaller, with inches cm in height. How much should a 6 month old German Shepherd weight? Your pet continues growing quickly, so its weight also increases. The average weight of a boy puppy is pounds .How much should a 6 month old German Shepherd eat? You can give your puppy cups of kibble per each of 2 meals daily. How much should a 6 month old German Shepherd sleep? Because of its almost full-sized bladder, your pup does not need a potty at night or may need it just once. Therefore, it can sleep peacefully the whole night. Normally, the average sleeping time is hours, with the biggest amount at night. Though, it may also need several naps in the daytime. How far can a 6 month old German Shepherd walk? Even if you think that your pup needs a lot of exercises, walking and running should not comprise the largest part of it. The puppy can walk up to 6 miles or 10 kilometers if it is needed, but never make it walk for such a long distance. Its bones and joints are not formed completely yet, so much walking can cause many health issues. Choose some other activities for exercising, then. Final Thoughts Now, you can see that your 6 month old GSD puppy is a source of both enjoyment and trouble. You should be very patient, persistent, and careful about feeding, training, and exercising your little one to raise a healthy, energetic, and loyal dog, the best companion and protector for all your family. Follow the advice of your veterinarian relating to health and care. You can also consult with a professional dog trainer or hire them to help you. We hope that some recommendations and tips in this article will also be helpful. David W. I admire German Shepherds. They are magnificent dogs! I have been dealing with dogs, namely German Shepherds, throughout my life. I have been working part-time as a dog trainer and instructor for about 5 years, dealing mainly with German Shepherds. So I know a bit about these animals. Therefore, I decided to share my knowledge and experience about this fantastic breed. If you need help with advice and care tips or want to know more about German Shepherd dogs, welcome to this blog. A 6 month old German Shepherd is now out of the juvenile growth stage and is officially an adolescent. You will need patience now more than ever as these big fur balls show their true colors and try to see exactly how much they can get away with. Overall Behavior: At 6 months old, they are still big kids with plenty of youth and enthusiasm to go around. But watch out because they are still quite the trouble makers at this age. However, hopefully by now some of biting, chewing, and jumping has subsided and they are a bit more mature than the previous month. Especially if you have been busy socializing and training them consistently. They will now begin to exert their independence and do a lot of exploring. They can also start to get a bit rowdy around other dogs and may get a bit rough with younger children. Resource Guarding: One month ago, you were most likely dealing with biting and zoomies. Unfortunately, this behavior should not be tolerated and must be dealt with to avoid future issues. It can lead to possible aggressive confrontations with other people especially at a dog park or public location. It is much better to find local dog owners for play time. Training: At the 6 month mark, your German Shepherd should have the basics mastered. They are still highly susceptible to training at this stage so you want to continue consistent training. The window for socialization typically closes at around 16 weeks, so at this point they should be fairly comfortable around other animals or dogs. If not, it will be more difficult at this stage. Some helpful tips for training effectively: Continue to instill that you are the leader but never force them to into listening and learning. Learn how your dog communicates and try to relate on their level. Practice patience and be consistent, training them for at least minutes daily. Use positive reinforcement to instill obedience rewarding them with praise or treats. Intermediate Commands: Crawl — Get your dog in the down position. Lure them forward by holding a treat a few inches from their nose. Get them to follow the treat as you move back. Reward them when they obey. Fetch — Get your GSD to chase a ball or stick. Reward them for chasing it. Then call them back to you. Reward them with praise and a treat when they obey. We recommend teaching your German Shepherd two new intermediate commands a month. If you are ahead of the game and your GSD already knows crawl and fetch, you can check out the full list here. If you need a little help with training, this video has some great tips and tricks: Physical Development: At month 6, they are still growing like a weed and should be at least half of their future adult size. They most likely packed on another pounds since the previous month. Males should now be standing almost a foot and a half tall and in the range of 16 to 18 inches at the withers. Females are only an inch or two behind and should be standing around 15 to 17 inches at the withers. By now the males should be half of a hundred pounds and officially considered a large dog breed. Any dog over 50 pounds and under pounds is considered a large dog breed Males should be somewhere in the range of 49 to 57 pounds. Females on average are 5 pounds less and should weigh in the range of 44 to 49 pounds. Their full adult double coat of fur should also be completely filled in. That means a good weekly brushing with a good undercoat rake is advised. Sexual Maturity Begins: Now that they are half a year old, they will begin the sexual maturity stage of development. This is equivalent to puberty in humans. They will also simultaneously begin to mark their territory. Females on the other hand, may begin to go into heat as their estrogen kicks in. They are still young and should either be eating a high-quality puppy kibble or a homemade diet. We recommend feeding your dog an all-natural diet that includes raw meats such as chicken, fish and turkey. Combine that with fruits and veggies and your dog will be healthy and happy. Just make sure to avoid any toxic foods in their diet. As much as you are tempted, avoid giving them too many treats throughout the day. And if you are training make sure to use small, lean treats without too much fat. Obesity can exacerbate health issues that German Shepherds are already susceptible to including hip dysplasia. Being overweight also increases the risk of your GSD getting various diseases such as arthritis, diabetes, hypertension and even cancer. Try to be consistent with your feeding times. Health: We mentioned earlier how fast they are growing but you want to make sure that they are meeting the recommended height and weight requirements for their age. You can keep up by referring to this size chart and writing down their size each month. If you are thinking about neutering or spaying your German Shepherd , you may want to reconsider. While some vets recommend getting it done at the 6 month mark, most breeders disagree and recommend you wait until they are at least one year old. This can be hard with a female that is going into heat but keep her lean and try to wait as long as you can when possible. The reason for waiting is because GSDs that are neutered or spayed before 6 months of age are at a higher risk of the joint condition hip dysplasia. Overall, your German Shepherd should be thriving at this age with a healthy diet and plenty of exercise. That being said, it is a good idea to take preventative measures for any future health issues. You can get a step ahead by doing some research into their parents and pedigree for any possible hereditary problems present in their bloodline. You can also use tools such as a DNA test to possibly predict future conditions. While it is too early on to worry about major diseases, you still want to keep an eye out for any type of sickness your GSD may encounter. Signs and symptoms to look for: Change in normal sleeping pattern Coughing, gagging or sneezing in excess Decrease in appetite Drinking and urinating a lot Dry itchy skin. If you have recently welcomed a 6-month-old German Shepherd puppy into your home, you are probably feeling a mix of excitement and overwhelming responsibility. At six months, your GSD puppy is starting to look and act a lot like an adult. He is also starting to explore his surroundings and may be roaming a lot more than usual. He is also going into puppy puberty, which comes with many behavioral changes including marking, aggression and acting on sexual desires. In this blog post, we will provide a survival guide for new owners of a 6-month-old German Shepherd puppy. We will cover essential topics such as feeding, exercise, training, grooming, and health care, and offer practical tips and recommendations to help you navigate this particular stage with your new companion. What to expect from a 6-month-old German Shepherd puppy? If you have a male puppy, for instance, you will notice that they are becoming overly territorial or intolerant of other male dogs and generally aggressive to unfamiliar people. In addition to the hormones, are the raging sexual desires which will make your puppy want to be around dogs of the opposite sex. Female puppies will start to go into heat, while male puppies will start roaming looking for females. Other changes to expect include: Playful and energetic Your young dog is also likely to be more energetic and playful than before. Becoming independent GSD puppies at this age are also starting to become more independent and may be less reliant on you. Enhanced communication skills Puppies at this age also have enhanced hearing skills and can process instructions a lot better. This is the time to advance obedience training to help them learn good behavior and become well-behaved adult dogs. Resource guarding Additionally, they may experience what we refer to as resource guarding. This is where puppies become so possessive of their toys that they become harsh when someone or another dog tries to touch them. American Kennel Club recommends early behavior training to prevent this possession aggression from escalating into nasty bites. Your six-month-old German Shepherd puppy will need quite a lot from you. First and foremost, they will need a consistent routine and structure. The routine should incorporate everything from feeding to play. A routine will help make life so much easier for both of you. Other needs include A good leader As an owner, you should also provide your puppy with good leadership. Part of being a good leader is giving clear instructions and being consistent with reinforcing the behavior. For a GSD puppy, establishing yourself as a pack leader is crucial in instilling good behavior. Consistent exercise You will also need to take your dog for daily walks or for play dates at the dog park to keep them mentally stimulated and physically active. Even as puppies, German Shepherds are extremely energetic dogs, and therefore daily exercise is a basic need for them. You will need to commit to at least 30 minutes of exercise in the morning and another 30 minutes in the evening. In addition, you will need to have a list of games and activities to keep them busy and mentally stimulated. Here are some activities you can try. Proper socialization It is also important to continue socializing your German Shepherd puppy at this age. This can involve exposing them to a variety of people, places, and other animals in a controlled and positive manner. This will help your puppy develop into a well-adjusted adult dog. Proper nutrition Proper nutrition is also important for a growing German Shepherd puppy. You will need to feed your puppy high-quality food appropriate for their size and age. It is generally recommended to feed puppies three to four times per day until they are about six months old, after which you can gradually transition to twice-daily feedings. Love and attention In addition to these basic responsibilities, you are also expected to provide your German Shepherd puppy with plenty of love, attention, and positive reinforcement. This will help them feel secure and build a strong bond with you. There are plenty of ways to bond with your dog. You can make use of the morning and evening exercise to bond, go on weekend hikes and trips together, walks at the dog park or play interactive games indoors. The goal is to create as much quality time with your dog to enhance the bond. Regular grooming Regular grooming is another thing your pup will require from you at least once every week. Now that their coat is fully filled up, they will start to shed a lot. This means you will need to create a schedule for brushing their coat and general grooming, like cleaning their ears and teeth. Ensure you get a good-quality brush for this job. They look a lot like a large breed dog at this point. Males will have an average weight of 53 pounds and a height of between inches, while females will weigh 46 pounds on average and will be inches tall. However, some German Shepherds puppies may be larger or smaller than others at this age. The puppies will have a more developed a more muscular appearance than they did when younger. They will have a longer, thicker coat, and their ears may be fully upright. Their paws may also be larger and more in proportion to their body, and a majority will have all their adult teeth on. Also noticeable will be their strong, muscular build and their intelligent and confident demeanor. It is normal for some puppies to grow more quickly or more slowly than others. To help speed up their growth, focus on proper nutrition. You also want to get your puppy a variety of chew toys to help with ear erection. This new stage comes with its own set of behavioral changes, as expected, like aggression, territorial marking, and moodiness. Other changes that your pup may experience to indicate sexual maturity include bloody discharge and swelling of the vulva. As the hormones kick in for both males and females, they will begin to act on their sexual desires. For males, particularly, they will start to prowl for females, and for females, they will start to go into their first heat cycle. But yes, from 6 to 12 months, your pup will develop aggressive reactions to other dogs as well as to unfamiliar faces. They will start to get pushier when playing with other dogs. They will also become bolder and more fearless when with other dogs. This is their innate need to want to dominate and protect their territory, which they are slowly marking. This sudden aggressiveness is also due to the hormonal fluctuation they are experiencing. Ideally, your puppy should have been trained as early as 4 months when the aggressive behavior starts so that by the time the aggression is heightened at 6 months, it is easier to deter. Be aware that even though they will not be aggressive to you as their owner, they will start to show disobedience when you give them commands. You will need to stamp your authority so that the puppy understands that you are in charge. This will also make training even with aggressive behaviors easier. Puppy puberty: What do owners need to know? The sixth month in puppies is marked with a surge of hormones. This makes it pretty hard to predict their behaviors. In fact, they may show some aggression and pushiness. They however like to hang out around female dogs because their sexual desire is heightened. For female puppies, you will notice a shift in their moods. They are also likely to become insecure and less interested in activities they once enjoyed as they start getting on heat. They may also become irritable and aggressive to other dogs. Both genders will also start showing some disobedience and unruly behaviors like not responding to commands they once did. Nutrition needs of a 6-Month-Old German Shepherd puppy At six months old, your German Shepherd puppy will still have some growing to do, and it is important to ensure that they are receiving the right balance of nutrients to support their growth and development. There are a variety of meat proteins that you can incorporate into the diet, such as chicken, beef, lamb, turkey, and salmon. Fats Fats and oils from fish, chicken, and meats are essential in developing healthy and shiny coat, skin, and fur. Carbohydrates Your 6-month-old puppy is going to need a lot of energy to keep up with his current activity levels. According to PetMD good sources of carbohydrates are plants and grains. Other essential nutrients Your puppy will also need essential nutrients minerals and vitamins to help in stabilizing their surging hormones as well as dental health and a multitude of other body functions. These nutrients can be found in cereals, meats, and vegetables. Like many large breeds, a German Shepherd dog is not considered fully grown until they are about 18 months old. Female German Shepherds continue to fill out until they are around two years old, while the male German Shepherd growth rate continues until they reach two and a half years of age. Males are larger and require more time to fill out their chest and abdomen. As you can see by the German Shepherd weight chart, these dogs can continue to grow until they are three years old, but the majority of growth occurs within 24 months. If your GSD is older than 36 months and continues to put on weight, contact your veterinarian to ensure weight gain does not lead to obesity. How big should a 6-month-old German Shepherd be? A six-month-old German Shepherd puppy will be quite large, as many German Shepherds undergo massive growth spurts between two and five months old. By six months, a male German Shepherd will weigh 53 pounds on average, whereas a female will weigh about 46 pounds. How much bigger will my German Shepherd get? There are a few ways to gauge how much bigger a German Shepherd will get. First, check your puppy's age. If your GSD is younger than two years old, they definitely have room to keep growing! Another way to tell if your pup still has a lot of growing to do is their paw size. Do their paws look large compared to their legs and body? This is a classic adolescent feature of a dog and means your pup is likely still growing! Most of the time, a dog will not grow bigger than its larger parents. What is the size of a full-grown German shepherd? An adult male German Shepherd is typically 24 to 26 inches tall, while adult female German Shepherds are 22 to 24 inches tall, according to the American Kennel Club German Shepherd Standard. The estimated full-size varies significantly between sexes. In terms of weight, an adult male German Shepherd weighs anywhere from 75 to 90 pounds. A female German Shepherd weighs notably less at 55 to 70 pounds. Please keep in mind that these numbers are only estimates to give you an idea of how much bigger a German Shepherd puppy may get. Some dogs will be both smaller and larger than these weight ranges when fully grown due to a variety of genetic and environmental factors. Learn all about your puppy's physical characteristics, breed history, personality traits, and more in our comprehensive guide. Preventive care is key in helping your German Shepherd live a healthy and long life. Helping your dog maintain an optimal weight is one of the best things you can do for their health. Taking your German Shepherd to regular veterinary appointments is one of the best things you can do to ensure that they are healthy and feeling their best. Compare German Shepherd health insurance plans before they get sick or injured. They are also more susceptible to gastrointestinal tract and hip issues. A veterinarian should regularly assess your pet for these health problems and run tests for anything they may be more prone to due to their breed. Treatment for many conditions, including bloat and GI issues, can cost thousands of dollars. Dog insurance is a wise investment that can give you peace of mind by covering pet emergency expenses. Wellness plans are also available to help cover the cost of vaccinations, vet exams, microchips, and more. Some people can predict the future. For everyone else, there's pet insurance. Use Pawlicy Advisor to easily compare plans from top providers so you can find a great deal with great coverage. Get Peace of Mind Today Do you want to find the best pet insurance? Let's analyze your pet's breed, age, and location to find the right coverage and the best savings. Analyze My Pet About Pawlicy Advisor The pet insurance marketplace endorsed by veterinarians, at Pawlicy Advisor we make buying the best pet insurance easier. But your dog is still a puppy on the inside, and this is very important to remember. Your dog still has a lot of growing to do on the inside! A six-month-old German Shepherd puppy is going to need a lot of socialization and structured crate training and enough gentle exercise and play to keep all that energy under control. What to Expect as Your German Shepherd Turns Six Months Old German Shepherds are really smart , strong dogs, which can mean they are a handful to raise and train as they grow up and get bigger. If you are caring for a German Shepherd puppy right now or have ever done so in the past, you already know this! One of the biggest areas of anxiety for first-time German Shepherd owners is whether what they are experiencing with their dog is normal or not. For example, is it normal for a six-month-old German Shepherd puppy to be biting everything in sight? How about if a six-month-old German Shepherd puppy whines and barks a lot? What about appetite, portion size, and treats for a 6 month old German Shepherd? When should you transition to adult dog food and an adult dog portion size? And what about that all-important question — should you get your German Shepherd spayed or neutered and, if so, when should you do it? These are all intelligent questions that caring dog owners typically ask. So if you are wondering what the answers are, you are not alone — and you are about to find out in the sections to follow here. In most cases, the timing of neutering a male German Shepherd puppy is going to be different than the spaying of a female GSD. So we will look at each procedure separately here. When to neuter your male German Shepherd puppy However, as the University of California at Davis points out, a scary new study in the Journal of Veterinary Medicine and Science highlights the health risks of too-early neutering. Specifically, joint disorders, musculature injuries, cancer, and incontinence are all risks that are linked to neutering a German Shepherd before the age of 12 months one year old. Researchers believe the risks arise from how neutering lessens or eliminates the production of important hormones associated with reproduction and also with growth. When a male dog is neutered too early, the hormones that tell the soft cartilage growth plates in the long leg bones when to close go missing. This can delay reaching the final German Shepherd growth stages, cause bone overgrowth, contribute to skeletal weakness throughout life and might cause German Shepherds to stop growing. To reduce these risks, you may want to delay neutering your male puppies until after their first birthday and they are a full grown German Shepherd. Alternately, you may want to delay neutering until after your veterinarian has X-rayed your dog and determined that the growth plates have closed and hardened. When to spay your female German Shepherd puppy Choosing when to spay a female German Shepherd puppy comes with additional safety considerations and health threats beyond simply preventing unplanned pregnancy. Female German Shepherds that are spayed too early in life have an increased risk of mammary cancer and urinary incontinence along with more frequent and serious joint and skeletal issues. To lessen the risk of these issues, it is definitely important to wait until your female German Shepherd puppy has had her first birthday. But you may want to wait even longer, and here is why. Many breeders believe that a female German Shepherd should go through one to two successful full heat cycles before spaying. As owners posting on this popular German shepherds Forum explain, waiting until your female German Shepherd has had her second birthday can reduce the risk of later-in-life urinary incontinence even further. And then some owners and breeders will choose to spay at the halfway point of 18 months. Other neuter or spay considerations for a German Shepherd puppy It is also important to keep in mind that some K-9 programs, such as participation in formal military or police K-9 work, are only open to intact German Shepherds. If you want to enroll your dog in this type of program, be sure to check the requirements before proceeding with a neuter or spay procedure. For this reason, the German Shepherd Dog Club of America GSDCA explains that weight monitoring is an essential aspect of adjusting food portions during the age of three to six months old. By the age of six months old, your puppy should be eating twice per day. Make sure clean, fresh water is always available to your dog. Only feed your puppy a high-quality, complete, and balanced puppy food made for large-breed puppies ask your breeder or veterinarian if you are not sure what to feed. As we mentioned earlier in this article, a six-month-old German Shepherd puppy is likely going to look very similar to how it will look like an adult German Shepherd. But on the inside, there is still so much growing and developing to be done. What you feed, how you feed, and how much you feed can have everything to do with how strong and structurally healthy your GSD puppy grows up to be. Start by mixing 90 percent old food with 10 percent new food. Do this for one to two days. Then switch to 80 percent old food mixed with 20 percent new food. Continue until you are at percent new food. This system can ease digestive upset and temporary elimination issues like constipation or diarrhea that may arise when there is a big food switch. As the Central Texas Veterinary Hospital explains, German Shepherds as a breed can be particularly prone to issues of a sensitive stomach. This makes planning for a slow food transition especially critical to success for this breed. Training a Six Month Old German Shepherd Puppy According to expert dog trainers with the German Shepherd Dog Club of America , the type of puppy training your dog receives from the ages of two to six months is vital to raising a healthy, happy adult dog. Quite the contrary! So your GSD puppy may still be teething and biting on everything in sight to deal with that painful process. German Shepherds are high-strung, sensitive dogs and they are also strong and powerful. You can accomplish the same and even better training results using positive rewards-based reinforcement methods that will not damage your bond with your dog. Continue socialization with strange people and animals Your German Shepherd puppy will need ongoing exposure to strangers — people and animals — as part of the socialization and training process. You have total control over how you want your German Shepherd to respond when a strange person or animal crosses their path. You can teach your puppy how to alert you when an unknown individual approaches your home or crosses your path. If you are firm and consistent with your training through the teenage phase, hiring a professional K-9 trainer if you need to, your reward will be a well-behaved, well-trained adult dog that will guard, defend and protect you with their life. One reason for this is that as long as the growth plates stay soft, you risk injury if you over-exercise your dog. But the soft growth plates can be damaged if your German Shepherd puppy is allowed to run for extended periods of time, race up and down the stairs, do a lot of jumping or agility work or play too vigorously. Games like tug-of-war also bad for developing teeth. Throw-the-toy ball, stick games. Too-vigorous or rough play with other dogs or people. So at six months of age, your German Shepherd puppy should be exercising for 30 minutes six months times 5 minutes each day. But here again, make sure the exercise is appropriate for a young large breed dog that is still growing and developing internally. Using mental and sensory exercise aids like snuffle mats and treat puzzle toys and teething aids like iced Kongs and safe flavored chew toys can also provide much-needed exercise and enrichment for mind and body. This will help ensure your 6 month old German Shepherd grows up to be a healthy adult dog. It is fun to watch Sam demonstrate how he has mastered basic commands from multiple owners, which is very important to help your GSD puppy socialize and bond fully with all family members. The owner also talks about the formal K-9 training program Sam is enrolled in through their local German Shepherd dog club. This is a fun option for you and your dog that is worth checking out if you happen to have a local German Shepherd club in your community. The bottom line How to Train a 6-month German Shepherd Once you bring home a 6-month-old German shepherd for the first time, the first thing that you should do is to take him for an introductory walk. This helps the pooch familiarize with the surrounding, and to make it easier when you take him for a talk or backyard play. When training a 6-month-old German shepherd, you should start by teaching him basic training commands like sit, stay, come, and kneel. These are useful GSD commands for different situations, and you can use treats as an incentive during the training exercise. Reward your dog when he does what you ask — this will encourage them to keep trying because they want that reward again! How much should a 6-month-old German shepherd eat? You should serve your German shepherd puppy about two to three cups of premium puppy food per day. The quantity served may vary depending on the size and age of your pup but in general, this is roughly how much to feed him each day. A good rule of thumb when deciding how much to give your puppy is to determine their weight and size. For instance, if your pup weighs around 20 pounds then you should feed him two cups of food per day. If he weighs 40 pounds then this will translate to three cups. If your 6-month-old German shepherd has a sensitive stomach then you may want to consider feeding them wet food. Wet puppy food has a high water content, which will help their digestive tract maintain the right balance and prevent inflammation of the colon. In addition, wet food also contains healthy prebiotics that promotes healthy digestion. How much water does a 6-month-old German shepherd drink? A 6-month-old German shepherd needs sufficient water to drink. You should provide a water bowl that is large enough so that your pup can drink sufficient water. If you are out of the house and cannot give them constant access to fresh water, then it might be best for you to invest in an automatic water fountain. A water fountain ensures there is a continuous flow of clean drinking water throughout the day. How much exercise does a 6-month-old German shepherd need? A 6-month-old GSD needs about thirty minutes to an hour of exercise each day and they should be given some form of mental stimulation as well. One way you can do this is by teaching him or her tricks that will help stimulate her brain. How to Potty train a 6-month-old German Shepherd? A 6-month-old pup requires a lot of time and attention to potty train. The easiest and most popular potty training method is using urine and feces training pads. If you are not sure how to groom your GSD puppy, hire a professional pet groomer at a fee. A pet groomer is specially trained to groom puppies and adult dogs. You will need dog shampoo , towels, conditioners, or other products that might be needed depending on the type of hair coat your pup has i. You will also need a leash and harness for outdoor walks. If you live in a wooded area where dogs are likely to get lost, you can have a microchip implanted by a veterinarian. While 6 months might be considered too soon to be microchipped, it will come in handy later when the dog grows older so consider getting one done now! See the best undercoat rake for German Shepherd 6-month-old German shepherd behavior and temperament: Are they aggressive? You can even invest in an invisible wireless fence to keep them contained. When buying a German shepherd puppy , you should first check with a licensed breeder. Make sure that you find a reputable fully-licensed breeder who has the time and space needed to care for GSD puppies. Ask the breeder if they have any 6-month-old puppies available. Breeders should be able to tell you how many dogs are currently in their care and what types of breeds they typically raise so that it is easy for you to make a decision about where to buy and if there are several puppies to choose from. They should also have a contract that spells out your responsibilities as the owner before you sign it so there are no surprises down the road. See the distinction between King Shepherd vs. German Shepherd The bottom line German shepherd pups are little bundles of energy!

Call Today! We breed from only the best quality bloodlines in the world adhering to the strict German SV standard. Our dogs are health tested hips, elbows, back and DM and are titled from both showline and working lines, raised in the house and already started before they go home! What else separates us from other Michigan German Shepherd Breeders? Von Buchmann German Shepherds, aka Michigan German Shepherds, is not a kennel but we are a home where our handful of dogs, bred to the strict German standard, stay inside with us and are a part of our family. They are family members to us. We stay small so every dog can get the attention and time they deserve, and our puppies can be raised in a family situation. Our puppies are not only born in the house, but they stay in the house. Our German Shepherd puppies go from our whelping box right to crate training and house breaking introduction. We get several comments from families they are very easy to finish housetraining. Phoenix von Buchmann IGP3 ang a normal hips and elbows dm clear, queen of the house and grandma to all of our showline babies Preserving the breed is at the utmost importance to us so our dogs are bred to uphold German SV standards. We breed to the German SV standard to ensure we have the most stable and healthy dogs for your family. I, Peggy Buchman, grew up with German Shepherd dogs and have loved them my entire life. My daughter started training German Shepherd Puppies and dogs in IGP, service work, and pet training and it has brought back all of my favorite memories of them. What a wonderful experience this has been, breeding and raising German Shepherd puppies. Watching the development of them as they grow with their new families, feedback has been amazing. Many families have come back for a second and third German Shepherd Puppy. We have dogs in sport homes, service homes, and mostly family companion homes where comes our most important focus, temperament! Since we raise our own dogs and keep from our own stock we have a great understanding what is behind your puppy and his or her pedigree. Raising and training our own dogs to the German standard takes a lot of commitment, time, expense, and is never easy. Please scroll down and slide left to scroll through our many Testimonials. We are hands on in all aspects of our German Shepherds. Training and Handling our own dogs for Titling, Showing and Breed Surveys Even down time is exciting with our acreage to take leisurely runs, even going on family travels Up North "I take pride in the German Shepherds I am producing here at von Buchmann German Shepherds" - Peggy Contact Us Today Real Testimonials Mia is such a little love at about 40 pounds now with beautiful markings! She has been easy to train since she is so food motivated. She has a great personality and temperament. We just love her so much and thank you for a great bloodline!! Susan S. He is an amazingly sweet, loving, playful and handsome little guy. Donnie D. Hank is doing great! His color is fantastic and his listening skills are superb!!! He very much enjoys our outings and meeting new people still!! And does very well with it! Simon E. My puppy, which I name Kimber has been nothing short of amazing. She is a very beautiful GSD, healthy, and very willing to learn new things. I have actually train Kimber to be a diabetic alert service dog for myself, which she picked up very well and is happy to work. Peggy was more than willing to help evaluate which puppy of the litter would have the best attitude for my life being around several young children. We interviewed other breeders but you could immediately tell that Peggy truly cared about her dogs and took care to ensure we would get a puppy that was a good fit for us. She answered all of our questions and continued to do so long after the actual adoption. Our dog has been a wonderful addition to our family and our next German Shepherd will be from Von Buchmann! High quality German Shepherds and a breeder who cares, you really can ask for more. Denise B. We purchased our first puppy from Von Buchmann German Shepherds in .Since then, we have been back to get two more puppies. Peggy is a very knowledgeable breeder and her dogs are beautiful and well trained with great temperaments. We are very pleased with Von Buchmann German Shepherds. April R. Besides his physical beauty, he has a protective yet loving temperament, listens and responds to all commands, was well socialized and mannered, and only barks when alerting me to perceived danger. You will not be disappointed. Susan H. We bought our first German Shepherd from this breeder and have been over the moon impressed with how this pup fits perfectly in to our family. Peggy did a great job of recommending the perfect puppy based on drive and temperament for our family with three young boys. Our pup is currently 11mo old and such a joy. Ever the professional, Peggy answered all of my possibly annoying first time dog owner questions with care and grace. She has been a resource for us months after our purchase and I would not hesitate to contact her with questions in the future. I highly recommend this breeder without reservation. Kelli S. Their temperament, physique, coats and general health are outstanding. Jodi H. I give Von Buchmann German Shepherds a 5 star! I have a beautiful 18 month girl from Phoenix. Peggy Buchmann matched the perfect pup with what our family wanted in a Shepherd. Our pup was used to a household environment, family life, and well socialized for her age when we got her. The follow up with Peggy has been amazing. She is quick to answer questions and offer support and suggestions. Peggy takes her breeding seriously and strives for great temperment, good health, and beauty with her pups. Tammy S. Very knowledgeable, caring and responsible breeder that is always responsive to concerns or questions! Our second male from her is now 7mos and is incredible! Mark M. We have had our beautiful Luca with us for nearly 10 years. We will not hesitate to look to Von Buchmann for our next family member. Thank you for such excellence. Kristen R. We uphold a strong belief that German Shepherds are the most versatile breed of dogs. As one of the highest quality German Shepherd kennels in Michigan , our standards for breeding are essential for maintaining the superiority of our bloodlines, which are a result of careful consideration and research. Each Vom Dinaburg German Shepherd puppy receives the love and tenderness of a family home, with the socialization needed for superior attitude, perfection in temperament, ease of trainability, and a stellar personality. This combined with their large bone, incredible black and red color, beautiful structure and breed type makes them the highest quality of German Shepherd. We believe these components are essential for dogs — whether owned as family companions, or used in more complex training. Our dogs often used for military or police training, Search and Rescue, Guide dogs, or Therapy dogs, or devoted and affectionate family pets. Vom Dinaburg German Shepherds are excellent companions. Our dogs are bred with SV standards as one of the most important criteria. When you own a Vom Dinaburg shepherd, you have one of the highest bloodlines in the United States. Vom Dinaburg Shepherds are able to complement their owners; they enjoy recreation, sports, and are constantly striving to further develop their skills for shows, protection, or Schutzhund competitions. Our puppies come from established bloodlines with a long history of positive people pleasing personalities, making them an essential aspect of any home. A Vom Dinaburg shepherd will quickly assume a primary spot in your home and in your heart. We provide dog training up to your specifications and needs. Private lessons are available in your house or in ours. We help with solving any behavioral problems in any breed of dogs. Our training methods are based mostly on positive reinforcement. Good handling in the show ring is very important and may result in a much higher placing of your German Shepherd Dog. Show handeling and conditioning are available upon request by experienced handlers. Helping with showing in the breed surveys. We offer world-class imported German Shepherd puppies for sale Please feel free to call us with any questions you might have regarding purchasing new pup or a young adult, Stud Service, and Dog Training. Please visit soon, as we have new information updates frequently. German Shepherds for sale in Michigan Regis Regal Specializes in providing world class German Shepherd puppies and trained adult dogs Serving Michigan with german shepherds since With over 30 years experience in the breeding and training of world-class German Shepherds from some of the top bloodlines out of Germany, here at Regis Regal German Shepherds we've been very proud to have sold our puppies and adult dogs to the residents of Michigan. We're a small family run operation with our main training and breeding facilities based in Spring Grove, Illinois. Because of the quality and pedigree of our German Shepherds there's been a demand for our dogs all over the world. The owner, Cynthia Kelly, has a lifetime of experience in creating the perfect family companion, service dog or therapy dog. Because of the lack of top quality German Shepherd breeders in some parts of the United States, we've carefully set ourselves up so that we can send our dogs direct to your home by use of a private courier service. German Shepherd Breeders in Michigan There are a number of great German Shepherd breeders in Michigan, from Detroit to Flint, but have you considered looking further afield for the perfect puppy? At Regis Regal German Shepherds we produce a select number of puppies at any one time, and take the utmost care when raising and training them ready for ownership. You should not forget that when it comes to buying a puppy you also need to be mindful of other costs outside of the purchase or adoption fee. Included within the cost of our puppies are: Lifetime health guarantee contingent on meeting criteria stated in the contract. Send us a message or give us a ring on .Emotional support dogs are suited for both children and adults and have the ability to work with their owners in all types of locations. We have placed many dogs with children and teenagers in MI that suffer from anxiety, depression, PTSD, and manic disorders. Service dogs provide a physical service to their owners. We have been incredibly successful in providing service dogs to children afflicted with Autism and Asbergers, as our dogs can help to enhance the verbal skills of non-verbal Autistic children and support their overall way of communicating. Some of our previous placements our dog courier service - we ship to your door in MI! You might find this a bit hard to believe but we actually ship right to your door, wherever you are based in the US! Such is the demand for one of our dogs we decided it would make things a lot easier for our customers if we could hand-deliver them right to you. For those people in need of a top class GSD, and who can't get to our premises, this is a bit of a lifesaver. We make use of a private courier service whereby they come to us and pickup the dog in their vehicle before making the journey to your home. Our driver is well trained in the handling and care of your dog on the trip, and due to their temperament our dogs always enjoy the journey! On rare occasions our dogs have flown out to their destination, again accommpanied by one of the Regis Regal team to ensure for a very smooth and calm trip. We also go through a very thorough process to make sure our dogs are going to the right kind of owner - at the end of the day it's really important that we can rest easy at night knowing they'll be going to someone that's going to love them as much as we do. Because of COVID we've held plenty of online meetings where you can ask us any questions about our dogs, and you can even get to meet-and-greet them virtually! Reviews from Customers based in MI We like to think we've made a lot of people in Michigan happy over the years that we've been in business. Take a look below at some of the feedback we've received to date. You can find more reviews of ours here too. She answered almost all our questions before bringing him home. She gave us guidance with how to raise the puppy correctly. We are looking forward to the training that comes with all of her puppies as well! Cindy loves all her dogs and truly cares for the families she works with. As you can imagine this can change quite regularly - so please send us a message below, or give us a call on .We look forward to hearing from you! Your name. Our German Shepherd Kennels are located in Southwest Michigan and we offer to ship nationwide, and delivery services. We created this German Shepherd Kennel for the serious German Shepherd enthusiast who is committed to maintaining these world-class pedigrees, and working heritage set forth over a century ago carried on through the Verein Fur Deutche Schaeferhunde Club. Our commitment is only matched by our love for the breed and its extraordinary capabilities. In Germany, Purebred German Shepherd Breeders would be required to show their dogs at the German Sieger Shows to obtain breeding titles, which would continue to improve the breed. VA4 Taifun vom St. DM stands for Degenerative Myelopathy. There has only been a few stud dogs in the history of the breed that have ever produced a vise world sieger and Uran is one of them. Kolenda Kennels is a German Shepherd Breeder that is a personalized kennel and dedicated to improving the breed, located at th Ave Dorr, Michigan , located in Grand Rapids Michigan area. When buying a puppy it is a good ideal to visit the kennel. You should be able to interact with their dogs, especially the mom and dad of the puppy you are considering. This is the only way to check the temperament of their breeding dogs. By visiting the kennel you can inspect the cleanliness of the facility, and how the puppies are being taken care of. You can interact with the puppies and also, check the temperament of the puppies themselves and over all health. By visiting the kennel you will also be able to see the over all looks and structure of the breeding dogs. By doing these things this would help improve the German Shepherd Breed itself. It would make it difficult to breed and sell inferior puppies, which would help keep the breed from deteriorating. When my wife and I decided to make being German Shepherd Dog Breeders our full-time career we decided to put together a German Shepherd Kennel that is dedicated to breeding the best Imported German Shepherds. This way, we could offer this beautiful, outstanding tempered dog to the public.

An 8 week old German Shepherd puppy is a bundle of antics and endless energy! Your 8 Week Old German Shepherd Puppy An 8 week old your puppy requires a daily routine and training to help them become the dog of your dreams. This article will not only help you understand your 8-week-old German Shepherd puppy but will also explain to you why your little puppy has certain behaviors. Raising a German Shepherd puppy can feel like an overwhelming task at first! Just remember, your 8-week-old German Shepherd puppy is also adjusting to its new life with you. You should expect your 8-week-old German Shepherd puppy to feel stressed and uncertain. They may seem timid and unsure of their surroundings. They might cry, whine, and not want your attention. Having structure and consistency will help create a bond and help you both in getting along more peacefully and calmly. Introducing A Puppy Crate Many dog owners choose to use a crate when it comes to caring for their 8-week-old puppy. While some people consider crates unnecessary, or even cruel, crate training is a useful skill to offer your dog. With the right training your pup will see its crate as their private safe space and will even go there to relax. Leaving your puppy at home unsupervised can get them and you into a heap of trouble. Crate training helps prevent your home from being a destruction zone. This useful guide to crate training a German Shepherd puppy gets you on the right track to success! Crate training your puppy can: help speed up housetraining teach your dog to settle calm down offer your dog privacy But you must introduce the crate slowly and positively so your puppy builds a strong connection to the benefits of the crate. Never just shove or push your young German Shepherd into the crate without using positive training. Your new dog also needs a routine and schedule to help them through the early days with you and set the expectations you have for them. Having a schedule helps your puppy to know what to expect in their daily routines. It keeps you from losing your mind and helps ease a worried puppy. While you might work from home or have other obligations, try to follow a schedule that looks similar to this: Early morning: Take your puppy out for the first potty break of the day! So, they may need to go outside even before the sun rises. Breakfast time: Your puppy may want to go back to sleep after going outside and this is perfectly normal. On the other hand, some puppies are wide awake and ready for their breakfast. Either way, always take your puppy back outside shortly after their breakfast so they can sniff and have another potty break. Mid-morning: Puppies should eat 3 — 4 small meals a day. Mid-morning is a good time for another small meal. Afternoon: This is a good time for their lunch followed by a potty break and plenty of sniffing time to work off some of their energy. Late afternoon: Puppies need another potty break in the afternoon, and some puppies need more breaks outside. Evening: Their dinner meal and their evening potty time. Remember to let them explore outdoors in a safe area to help build their confidence. Scheduling exercise, potty breaks, and play at the same times every day helps ensure that your puppy learns their daily routine more quickly and settles in nicely. And, even young puppies can learn basic training in their first weeks with you. Try training your German Shepherd puppy at home to start with. In the beginning, you may find a few accidents in the house. But, stick with your potty training and remember to always watch your puppy to keep them from having messes in the house. When you stick to a regular potty schedule, the likelihood of potty training mishaps decreases, and you and your puppy are less stressed. Always, always, always… Supervise your puppy indoors when you are potty training. Your toughest time together with your 8-week-old German Shepherd puppy might be the first few nights. Your puppy has only known the comfort of his mother and siblings before. Having your puppy sleep away from you will only scare them more. And, although they are little, their cry is loud! Having a place for them near your bed is the best way to avoid a night full of tearful cries and howling. Can I let my German Shepherd puppy sleep in bed with me? Plus, when your puppy is an adult and tries to sleep in bed with you there will be no room for you! A full-grown German Shepherd can weigh up to pounds and will push you right out of your own sheets. Your puppy sleeps most of the day. A new puppy sleeps more often than they are awake. An 8-week-old German Shepherd puppy may sleep as many as 18 hours a day! Sleeping this much allows your puppy to have the energy they need to grow and keeps them ready to explore their new world. Feeding An 8 Week Old German Shepherd Your puppy should stay on the same food they were eating before you brought them home to keep them less stressed. This helps keeps your 8-week-old German Shepherd puppy from having an upset stomach and becoming ill. Sometimes, you might want to switch them over to a different food. If you choose this route, do it slowly and in stages over a few weeks. At 8 weeks old, German Shepherd puppies should eat 3 to 4 small meals per day. Although their stomachs are small if you overfeed them they could get sick and have stomach problems. Spreading their meals out throughout the day in regular intervals is best to avoid any upsets. Look for a balanced, complete puppy food for large breed dogs. As a large breed dog, your German Shepherd you should only feed your puppy food that is specially formulated for large breed puppies. Large breed puppies have different nutritional needs that are not found in ordinary puppy food. Feeding a commercially available food that is formulated for large breed puppies helps them to grow at a sustained rate. Steady growth in a large breed puppy helps to avoid stress on their bones and gives them a strong skeletal foundation for their athletic muscles. Limiting food intake in growing German Shepherd puppies has also been associated with fewer signs of hip dysplasia. This is of extreme importance in this breed due to the high incidence of hip problems and the pain associated with this joint disorder. A growing puppy is best fed a proprietary pet food that has been specifically formulated to meet its nutritional needs. Foods that are available as dry kibble are especially suitable to rear even the youngest of puppies. Opt for this specially formulated food for large breed puppies to keep your dog growing at a healthy rate that helps them stay strong. It is a complete balanced diet so nothing is missing. Within the first few days of arriving to their new home with you is a stressful time. Your puppy has just made a drastic life change and left everything they knew to be with you. Diarrhea and other stomach issues are sometimes stress induced. You can help your puppy by keeping to a regular feeding schedule and feeding them the same food they were on before coming to you. Sometimes diarrhea is also a sign of an underlying health issue and, if left untreated, can become life-threatening. If your puppy vomits blood, has bloody stools and diarrhea, becomes lethargic, or refuses to drink, call your vet immediately! To an 8-week-old German Shepherd puppy biting and nipping are all part of playing with their siblings. And, your puppy will most likely bite and nip you at some point too. They may even growl at you and tug at your hands or nip your ankles. This is all part of puppy play. But… It can really hurt you or make you bleed! Understanding bite inhibition means they know how to control the power of their play bites and how hard or soft they nip you. Preventing Nips and Bites If you know the right way to prevent and stop German Shepherd puppy biting, you can train your puppy to understand how to keep their razor-sharp tiny teeth from sinking into you. Instead… Offer them plenty of puppy-safe chew toys appropriate for their size. When they bite or nip you, calmly show them the toy to chew instead. Get their attention by moving the toy in a playful way around them so they begin to chase and bite the toy, instead of you or your furniture. Use these links to help you stay on the right track throughout their life. This article covers everything you need to know as a german shepherd owner about GSD puppies and their sleep schedule. German Shepherd puppies sleep 15 — 20 hours a day. Yes, they sleep a lot. The bodies of GSD puppies go through a cycle of development in the first 12 months of being born, and hence the long nap time. Of course, understanding your puppies sleep schedule is crucial to taking good care of it. So that your puppy can grow healthy, and happy. In the beginning, the schedule is absolutely random. Once you have the schedule figured out, you can work around it to make things easier for yourself. When you first bring your puppy home, it might confuse you with the odd sleeping hours. Your pup might wake you up during the middle of the night, for bathroom breaks. A lot of german shepherd dog owners even get woken up 2 or 3 times. But, after a few weeks, your german shepherd puppy will get used to the schedule and not wake you up at night at all. Here are the causes behind the lengthy nap schedule of GSD puppies. Some are natural, while others can stir up concern for the owner. And a lot of this growth occurs during nap time. Most sources recommend 5 minutes of exercise for every month of age. So a 20 minute exercise session should be good for your 4 month old gsd puppy. However, the problem might be solved just by doing these. While others may prefer feeding them a home made diet. Raw diets are also becoming popular. It can cause problems later on. Your best bet is to check in with your vet, and ask for diet recommendations. So how much exercise should they do regularly? According to most of the sources, a 5 minute long walk at a time for every month of age should suffice. This means that if the puppy is 2 months old, then the exercise routine should be a 10 minute walk at a time. Here are the pointers that indicate when to stop exercising. Your puppy slows down. Your puppy starts panting. Your puppy starts laying on the ground. Age also plays a role in the intensity of workouts. Do not make it run excessively. Do not make it exercise on hard surfaces like sidewalks. Grass is the best area for your GSD puppy to exercise. Do not let it jump from the couch, furniture, or obstacles. Light fetch is also fine, after a few weeks. So you have to make sure that their brain stays engaged in their waking hours. Get your puppy their favourite toys. Take time training your puppy. Play a variety of games with your puppy. Get your puppy contraption toys that make the puppy do something with their paws, or sense of smell, instead of static toys. Give your puppy small healthy treats once they complete a task. Take Your Pup to the Vet This is the first option you should be considering if your puppy is sleeping too much or too less. Lack of sleep may cause your German Shepherd puppy to become aggressive , or even worse, not grow healthy. Give it a quiet and comfortable room to sleep. Let the puppy sleep whenever it wants or as much as it wants. No interruptions, just let it have its much deserved peace and quiet. Make Sure Your Puppy Has Comfortable Environment To Sleep You may not want your puppy to sleep on the bed, or the couch, due to various reasons like danger of falling or maybe hair fall. Buying a small dog bed or crate for your puppy is ideal. Make sure the crate or bed has soft material for your puppy to sleep. German shepherds are hardy animals. Just make sure their bed is soft and comfortable. Neither too hot nor too cold. Refrain your puppy from going into direct sunlight. Keep it in cool or shady areas. Make sure it has access to cool to cold water. Similarly, anything below 40 degree Fahrenheit or even 50 degree Fahrenheit is too cold for the puppy. If winter in your location hits hard, install heaters or a central heating system. Prepare cozy blankets for your puppy. Make sure your puppy is sleeping comfortably 15 — 20 hours a day. Have fun with your cute little puppy! 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. Feed your GSD puppy a nice healthy dinner along with some fresh water to drink. Make him comfortable with a nice warm blanket and a chew toy. I know it seems like a lot and you may not have time every day to follow this type of sleep schedule. This is best case scenario. Adjust accordingly based on your lifestyle. Encourage him to rest if he seems tired. If you notice him waking up from a nap, take him outside immediately to go potty. Make sure he has a quiet place to sleep undisturbed and away from the action, especially if you have children. Teach him to sleep in his crate when you can. You can also put a little dog bed in another room for peace and refuge. Routine is key for creating sleep patterns. Your puppy will learn to go to bed when you do. Crate your puppy preferably using an adjustable partition leaving him just enough room to stand up and turn around. This will help him sleep and lessen the chance of him going potty at night. Keep him crated in your room if need be. Being close to you may help him sleep at night. Make his crate nice and cozy with a warm blanket or two on the bottom. Forget the bed as he will probably destroy it. Instead give him a couple of his favorite chew toys. Prepare for your puppy to wake up sometimes throughout the night. There is a reason puppies sleep most of the day away. The body and brain use this downtime to develop and grow. This includes their central nervous system and immune system which they need to fight off sickness and disease. Similar to humans, a lack of sleep can lead to a weakened immune system which means they are more prone to sickness or disease. German Shepherds grow at a rapid pace for the first year of their life. This means that sleep is even more crucial during this time period. Fun Fact: Dogs dream just like humans. In Closing: Sleep is vital for your German Shepherd puppy so make sure they are getting enough. There may be some sleepless nights ahead of you, especially if the crate is in your bedroom. But things will get easier the more they mature. Remember as they grow and get older, the amount of sleep they require will decline. Once they are a full-grown adult, they will sleep for about 12 to 14 hours. Stick to a consistent schedule and make sure they have a quiet place to retreat. Please leave a comment below and let us know what you think! Do you own a German Shepherd puppy? If so, what is their sleep schedule? Do you have any tips for potential owners that may help? Let us know! We would love to hear about your personal story! Share this:. Final Thoughts When your German Shepherd is a young puppy, it needs a lot of sleep to get enough energy for physical and mental growth. When it is awake, it will be more active, exploring new things and experiencing new sensations after a good, comfortable, and secure sleep. The time of German Shepherd sleep routines varies depending on the age. When it is a puppy, it needs hours, but as an adult, your doggy may sleep for hours per day and feel great. The Shepherd deprived of good sleep can develop behavioral disorders and get sick easier. The most commonly asked questions about the German Shepherd puppy sleep schedule relate to its early age. Your puppy needs about 18 hours of sleep per day, and some young doggies may even need a bit more. So, hours per hour period is considered a norm. As your furry friend gets older, the sleeping time reduces. Your 4-month-old puppy may even sleep 11 hours per day and feel perfect. Meanwhile, adult dogs sleep for hours per hour period. You need to keep in mind that your pup will not sleep the whole night before its 6-month mark soundly. The reasons are missing the littermates and mother and feeling insecure surrounded by new smells and noises. However, the most important reason is the small size of its bladder that does not allow it to retain from potty for such a long time. So, it may start whining and crying if it wants to go potty. The latter issue is vital for potty training — you need to go out to potty times per night before your doggy reaches months old to avoid accidents. You may even need to wake up your puppy at night to do without unexpected occasions. Your little pup may also start crying at night for other reasons, for example, if it is scared or feels lonely or hungry. You can try to help it sleep better in several ways. First of all, ensure that your pet is tired enough before going to bed. Take it out for 5 minutes to walk during its first month and add the next 5 minutes for every month of its life. For example, your 4-month-old puppy can walk for 20 minutes. If your puppy is very young, let it sleep in your room when you first get it home. Put the crate beside your bed to comfort it easily during the night. You also need to offer your new pet familiar objects, for example, clothes or toys with the scent of its previous home. Arrange a comfortable sleeping place equipped with blankets, stuffed toys, and snacks. You may even play soothing music during bedtime, eliminating anxiety and preventing whining. Classical music is a good choice for this purpose. Comfortable bedding is essential. The space should not be large because they may attempt to do their business right where they are sleeping if they find a vacant spot. However, move the crate out of your bed when it gets older. Do it gradually, moving it farther and farther every night. Then, the time will come to take it away from your bedroom, and your puppy will feel comfortable with it. The difference between human and dog sleep cycles is dramatic. They are much shorter in dogs. Dogs have only two REM cycles at a time. They last 6 minutes. Dogs are polyphasic sleepers because they can also go to bed in the daytime. People are monophasic, sleeping hours at night. That is why while people spend their daytime working and alert, dogs need about 5 hours of rest per day. They do not necessarily sleep fast during this time. There has been a discussion on whether dogs can dream. Yes, dreaming can occur during the REM phase. Puppies may dream even more than adult dogs because they sleep more and their nervous system is not stable at all. So, they may dream about their daily activities, food, playing with you, and other things that are processed in their brain. When you notice that your pup moves its limbs as if running or murmurs something while sleeping, it is evidence of its dreaming. What do they mean? The most widely observed position is sleeping on the back. The reasons for this position are the following: Your pet feels entirely comfortable. This position provides complete relaxation. The pup feels safe and protected. Your dog trusts you if it exposes its vulnerable stomach to the outer world. It does not expect attacks from any enemies or predators. That is why canines rarely sleep on their backs in the wild. Your doggy wants to express submission. It does not mean challenging your authority or confronting other animals in the house. The German Shepherd may just want to feel colder. Its thick plush coat, especially if it is long-haired, does not allow it to cool down easily, so it lays on its back to let the air circulate around its body, over the belly, and paws. In this case, you may notice your dog lying on its back on the cold tile or even near the open window. German Shepherds also sleep in many other positions. The most popular of them include the following: Close to their owner. It is pretty pleasing when your doggy sleeps by your bed or is somehow close to you. Shepherds like to feel a part of a pack, so if they sleep like that, they feel more secure. Tightly curled up. This position allows a German Shepherd to maintain the heat efficiently. These dogs usually sleep like that in cold weather or if they feel something threatening to protect their neck and stomach against unexpected attacks. With the tail on their nose. A German Shepherd has a very sensitive nose, and it wants to protect it from rain, snow, or wind. It happens when your dog sleeps outdoors, especially in winter. On the side. This position allows the doggy to extend its muscles and joint as much as possible. It also means that the Shepherd feels comfortable and confident in this environment and does not expect any enemies or unwanted encounters. This position can also be observed if they sleep next to another animal — a cat or a dog — they consider their friends. On the belly. If your doggy feels comfortable, this position is uncommon. Moreover, it is neither comfortable nor relaxing. However, it can easily and quickly stand up and jump or run from it if it is needed. They mostly depend on their personality. The question of sleeping with your German Shepherd puppy is essential for many dog owners. The common advice is not to do that during the first months of your pup in your home. Instead, you can put its dog bed or crate next to your bed to soothe it quickly if it feels uncomfortable or scared. Moreover, your young doggy may have accidents at night, and you need to potty train it first. However, when your dog is an adult, you can do it, and it will bring a lot of positive moments to both of you. When your doggy is well-behaved and trained properly, you may get a lot of benefits from sleeping with it. They are the following: you will increase your comfort and security; your overall health condition can improve; the risk of sudden death will decrease; the cholesterol and triglyceride levels will go down; the blood pressure will become lower; this kind of sleeping can promote creativity; it will regulate your heartbeat rates; your memory will improve; you will wake up in a great mood due to the flow of oxytocin; you will feel absolutely protected and safe; the furry and cuddly friend will make you feel cozy and comfortable; the immunity will boost. Of course, close and continuous contact with animals can provoke allergic reactions. However, recent research shows that children who sleep with their pets are less likely to develop any allergies when they grow up. You may wonder why your doggy sleeps so much or has just changed its sleeping habits dramatically. Generally, an adult German Shepherd sleeps hours per day, but puppies and senior dogs sleep longer, which is normal. You can consider different causes if your pup sleeps too much and decide what you can do after talking to your vet. Your doggy needs this time to develop or restore its brain, central nervous system, immune system, and muscles. It uses so much energy during the day that it needs to compensate for it while sleeping. However, if your grown-up German Shepherd sleeps more than 14 hours and is apathetic all the other time, you may start to be concerned and take your pup to the vet. Excess heat. German Shepherds are bred to feel comfortable in colder environments. That is why they have double-layered coats. When the weather is very hot, they become sleepy to cool down. Just give it access to shade and cool areas and provide it with good amounts of water during the day. Never let it stay in direct sunlight. Your pup does not feel well. If your German Shepherd started sleeping more for no reason, it might be a sign of some health issues. So, you need to have it checked by the vet immediately. Your doggy is bored. German Shepherds are working dogs with a lot of energy and drive. You should exercise your pet a lot. At least one hour of intense exercise per day is vital. However, be careful not to overexercise your pup when it is little. Add 5 minutes of walking and training per every month of its age, or you can damage its bones and joints. Pick out an appropriate diet. Poor diet may be a cause of extensive sleeping. Talk to your vet to choose the diet your Shepherd needs, or opt for one meant specifically for German Shepherds. Age is a crucial factor. You know now that little puppies need a lot of sleep, and it is normal when your fluffy cub sleeps hours per day. The same is applicable to senior dogs. Older animals need more sleep to restore their muscles and brain activity. Moreover, they get tired easily and need a lot of rest. To make your pup sleep according to its age and environment, you may need to make some changes and deal with different factors. Consider the weather conditions too. If your pup sleeps more when it is cold or hot outside, it is also a normal reaction to temperature changes. If it gets to sleep immediately after feeding , you may need to adjust the diet a bit. If not, make some changes. Always check whether it has constant access to fresh water. Underhydration can be one of the reasons for a long sleep. Of course, when you notice abrupt changes, you must take your pet to the veterinarian. Long sleeping time may be the first sign of some unpleasant health disorders. Little puppies can sleep hours per day, while adult dogs usually need hours of sleep round-the-clock. If your German Shepherd starts sleeping too much, it may be a sign of a minor illness. The excess sleeping may also be a result of heat, boredom, or a poor diet. Older German Shepherds can also start sleeping a lot. Why does my German Shepherd sleep on its back? When your dog sleeps on its back, it always looks cute. The reasons for it can be different, but the main one is that it feels comfortable and absolutely trusts you. It can also show submission in this way, or it is too hot, and your doggy wants to cool down. Why is my German Shepherd breathing so fast while sleeping? Breathing faster means that your doggy is in its REM phase of sleep, which is accompanied by a high amount of brain activity. So, your pup needs more energy and starts breathing faster to get an additional amount of oxygen for the brain. Breathing fast helps it transfer this oxygen from the lungs to the bloodstream, converting it into energy. How many hours does a German Shepherd sleep? The number of hours your German Shepherd pup can sleep is pretty individual. There are no strict standards. Little puppies sleep hours daily, while adult dogs reduce this number to .Senior dogs can sleep more — hours is normal. Ill doggies can sleep most time because sleeping helps them recover. Final Thoughts Remember that comfortable and safe German Shepherd sleeping is key to its healthy and happy life. All sleeping habits are pretty individual. If your German Shepherd sleeps well, you will enjoy long years together. David W. I admire German Shepherds. They are magnificent dogs! I have been dealing with dogs, namely German Shepherds, throughout my life. I have been working part-time as a dog trainer and instructor for about 5 years, dealing mainly with German Shepherds. So I know a bit about these animals. Therefore, I decided to share my knowledge and experience about this fantastic breed. If you need help with advice and care tips or want to know more about German Shepherd dogs, welcome to this blog. As mentioned, German Shepherd puppies have short bursts of energy followed by long, restful naps. When playing or on a walk, it may seem like your puppy has a limitless store of excitement. Once they wear out, however, they tend to fall into a deep sleep—and may even snore! On average, a German Shepherd puppy will sleep between 15 and 20 hours each day. During growth periods, they may only get up to eat or go for a walk. Once fully grown, a German Shepherd will sleep around 12 or 14 hours a day. German Shepherds will take naps throughout the day, then sleep while their human sleeps for 6 or 8 hours. You can ensure your German Shepherd gets adequate exercise by taking it for long walks or hikes, playing fetch, or engaging it with agility workouts and puzzle toys. German Shepherds are intelligent dogs and need mental and physical stimulation for health and happiness. German Shepherds are naturally alert and protective , making them ideal for farm, police, military, and guard work. If you live in a busy area, you may want to provide your German Shepherd with a dark, quiet room to sleep in. If you use a crate or kennel, you can drape a blanket over it to shut out some light and sound for restful sleep. This is especially helpful with young puppies that may experience separation anxiety. Cars, buzzing insects, appliances, televisions, and cell phones can all make noises that put your dog on alert. German Shepherds usually live between 9 and 13 years. During this stage, your German Shepherd may sleep a bit more than the expected 12 or 14 hours a day, just like an older human. Along with the change in sleep patterns, your senior German Shepherd may show some graying around the eyes and muzzle, less interest in playing, and less energy for walks and hikes. If your German Shepherd is sleeping more than 14 hours as an adult, should you be worried? In some cases, longer sleep or more frequent sleep could indicate that your dog is experiencing a minor illness. If your German Shepherd is sleeping excessively for several weeks, however, you may want to take it to the vet for a checkup. Conditions like diabetes , hypothyroidism , Lyme disease , and arthritis can lead to increased sleep and may require treatment. Related Reads:. They need to go to the toilet How to stop a german shepherd puppy crying at night? There are many different reasons that your pup may be crying at night. Fortunately, there are also lots of ways to help him sleep better at night. Here are a few of the ways you can stop your german shepherd puppy from crying at night: Exercise to tire your German Shepherd puppy out: Your puppy should be taken out for 5 minutes for however many months old they are. For example, a 3-month-old puppy would be taken out for 15 minutes. Make sure you tire them out enough to help them sleep better at night. Let your German Shepherd puppy outside before bed: Make sure you let your puppy outside to relieve himself before putting him to bed. Surround your German Shepherd puppy with familiar objects: Bring clothing with the scent of the home or the breeder next to him while he sleeps. This will help give him something familiar and help him ease into the transition to his new home. Play soothing music: Playing classical music before and during bedtime can help alleviate whining and anxiety as well as drown out other noise or unfamiliar sounds that may upset or rouse your puppy. The average dog sleeps for only 45 minutes at a time, while human sleep cycles are much longer, lasting 70 to minutes. Dogs can only experience two sleep cycles during that time period. Dogs also differ from humans in that they are polyphasic sleepers, which means they sleep on and off throughout the day. Humans, on the other hand, are monophasic sleepers. Most humans receive their 7 to 9 hours of sleep all at once. While humans spend most of their waking hours awake and alert, dogs dedicate up to 5 hours of their day to simply resting. Dogs who rest more during the day tend to seem happier and more relaxed. Do dogs dream and what about? Dreaming occurs mainly during this REM phase of sleep. And dogs do cycle through REM during their sleep. So its make sense to believe that dog do dream. A puppy will spend more time in dream sleep than an adult dog as they fall asleep more often. So just what are our furry friends dreaming about? Anything your dog does during the day is being processed while they sleep and relived in their dream. This can be observed by their twitching whiskers, the whimpering, and the running paws while they are sleeping. Chances are that your dog may also be dreaming about you if you spend enough quality time interacting with them. They will be dreaming about your play session, walks, and cuddle time together. Where should my German Shepherd puppy sleep? German Shepherd puppies should sleep inside with comfortable beddings. This is because if your puppy has too much space to roam, it will be harder to get them potty trained as they will just find a spot to do their business away from where they are sleeping. You can place the crate beside your bed or in an area close to you. In this way, your new furry friend can smell you. And it gives him a sense of security. Should I sleep with my German Shepherd puppy? You should not sleep with your German Shepherd puppy during the first few months home. Yet you can let your pup sleep beside you in a crate or a dog bed. Your puppy needs to get used to a regular schedule, work on their independence, and see you as the dominant figure. Once your GSD has become an adult months-old to 2-year-old , it will be fine for you to sleep with him. Can I let my German Shepherd puppy sleep with me? A new dog may need some time to adjust before they are ready to sleep in your bed. If they show interest in sleeping with you and are well-behaved , you can always let them on the bed later on down the road. What are the benefits of sleeping with dogs? If you are still reading, chances are you might like to sleep with your dog at night. Pets offer comfort and security, but they may affect sleep quality or trigger allergies for some people. Petting dogs in particular has proved to reduce blood pressure and heart rate. If touching your pet is part of the key to gaining health benefits, cuddling up together at night is only to make it better. Sleeping with dogs promotes creativity Studies have shown that when dogs are with their owners their heartbeats sync up. This experience promotes theta brainwaves which can be seen in connection with creativity, intuition, daydreaming, and fantasizing and is a repository for memories, emotions, sensations. Theta waves are strong during internal focus, meditation, prayer, and spiritual awareness. Sleeping with dogs boost your mood Studies have found that people who spend time with dogs reported fewer depressive symptoms. Not only is it fun to be with your furry friends, it also helps us relax and increases our flow of oxytocin, the love chemical. Sleeping with dogs makes you feel safe Think about it — your GSD is hard-wired to protect. Many people and having the dog protecting them helps them feel more secure and sleep more soundly. Sleeping with dogs is comfortable That furry, cuddly animal is likely to love lying with you just as much as you enjoy laying with them. The level of comfort a dog brings to the bed helps put you at ease and makes you feel cozy. Sleeping with dogs promote immunity Many people have hygienic concerns when it comes to sleeping with their dogs. However, one study found that infants who slept with their pets were less likely to develop allergies later on in life. After all, your new furry friend will sleep for at least 15 hours per day during their short lives. And the better they sleep, the healthier and happier they are. Further reading. Human beings require hours of sleep per day, but do German shepherds need more or fewer hours? You might notice that your German shepherd is sleeping most of the time or he is ever alert and awake. So, how much sleep is healthy for your GSD? A German shepherd should sleep for around hours per day. Different lifestyles will greatly affect the number of hours a German shepherd will sleep. An Active GSD will sleep less compared to puppies, and senior dogs. Contents How much sleep is normal for a German shepherd? An adult German shepherd can sleep for hours. He will not sleep for 14 consecutive hours but they will be small naps in the day and some continuous hours at night. How long should I expect my German shepherd puppy to sleep? German shepherd puppies sleep for around hours per day. They spend most of their time discovering their environments and they easily get exhausted. Their bodies are in the growing process and need a lot of rest and food. The more a German shepherd ages, the more sleep he will need. An old GSD can sleep for hours. Effects of different lifestyles on the sleeping time A dog that works as a sniffing dog, in rescue missions, or the military services tend to work tirelessly. They do not have a fixed sleeping schedule. German shepherds are loyal and easy to train, they will readily work without ceasing to please the owner. A German shepherd that lives in the house will tend to sleep more than a working dog. He will have lots of time on his own except the training hours. German shepherds can learn to adapt to any sleeping schedule that the owner will introduce. If your adult dog is sleeping for more than 16 hours, it can be termed excessive sleeping. If your GSD is almost heading to his prime years it can be the cause. Your German shepherd can sleep excessively because of an underlying health condition. Setting a fixed sleeping schedule can help in regulating his sleep. You should exercise him and give him chew toys to engage his mind. If your dog continues to sleep excessively, consult a vet. Your German shepherd might be sleeping less because he has so much energy in him that needs to be released. This can be solved by exercising him for not less than two hours a day. If your GSD does not sleep as he should after exercises, you should take him to a vet. The vet might prescribe some medicines like melatonin. Melatonin assists dogs to sleep better, the dose to be prescribed will be determined by the size of your dog. It is not recommendable to give your dog drugs before consulting your vet. It is not advisable to let your German shepherd sleep with you until he is potty trained. Once your dog can wake up on his own for potty breaks, you can sleep with him. It is not conditional to sleep with your GSD but a matter of choice. Providing your German Shepherd with good sleep conditions When you first take your German shepherd puppy home from a breeder or adoption center, he will have difficulties sleeping. The scent makes the puppy think that the mother is around he sleeps comfortably. If the above methods are not applicable, you can buy a spray bottle of Dog Appeasing Hormone. This helps them to relax their feet and it shows that they feel safe in the environment. Sleeping On Its Front This position helps them to be alert while sleeping. Curled up tightly This position is common in German shepherds in the cold seasons. It helps them to decrease the amount of heat getting lost to the environment. It also helps them to protect the belly and neck from any attack. Tail covering its nose This is another common sleeping style in winter. It protects their noses from cold, wind, and rain. Close to the owner Dogs love companionship, by sleeping next to you they feel safe and comfortable. Conclusion Sleep is a fundamental need for a GSD. The amount of sleep your German shepherd gets affects his well-being. You should know the required sleeping hours for German shepherds as per their ages so that you can know when your GSD is oversleeping or not getting enough sleep. Carol is a paw parent, and her love for dogs started when she was just 5. She adores her two German Shepherds and a Bengal cat, who she says, "life would be incomplete without" Recent Posts. Puppies are similar to babies, they eat, poop, play and sleep. This article will answer those questions and give you some insight into German Shepherd puppy sleeping habits. Yes, German Shepherd puppies sleep a lot. A GSD pup will normally sleep upwards of 18 to 20 hours a day. They are usually asleep unless you are engaging with them in some way. It is normal for German Shepherd puppies to sleep up to 20 hours a day. GSD puppies sleep so much because their bodies are still developing and growing fast so they need to sleep to fuel that process. As they get older, they will sleep a little less. German Shepherd puppies should sleep in a crate when really young and not yet trained. This is because if your puppy has too much space to roam, it will be harder to get them potty trained as they will just find a spot to do their business away from where they are sleeping. Some of the best crates for German Shepherd puppies are ones that can grow with your pup and come with a divider. This is not to say your pup has be crated forever, think of this as a tool to help them get house-trained faster and to keep them safe. As mentioned above, it is too easy for them to find a spot to do their business if they have free access to the whole room at night. However, once your puppy knows how to wake you up for their bathroom break, it is really a personal decision as to whether you want your pup to sleep in your bed. German Shepherd Puppy Sleeping Habits As mentioned above, German Shepherd puppies will usually sleep between 18 and 20 hours a day, which is totally normal. It is also normal for a puppy to not be able to sleep through the night. Just like newborn babies need to get on a schedule so does your new puppy. When my GSD puppy first came home, she usually woke me up two or three times each night for potty breaks. Final Thoughts German Shepherd puppies sleep a lot because their bodies are developing and going through a lot of growth when they are really young. It is normal for a puppy to only be awake for 6 hours a day when you first bring them home. Unless they are playing with toys , eating, drinking, or going outside, they will probably be sleeping. If you feel like your GSD puppy is sleeping too much you can check with your vet to make sure all is ok just for peace of mind. They are the second most popular breed in America. German Shepherds are an active breed that requires extensive physical and mental training to stay engaged. Their bites have lbs of force, which is close to 3 times the force of a human bite. Make sure train to your pup not to bite unless the person is an intruder. A German Shepherd puppy can adopt the same routine as a human baby. Incorporate enough time throughout the day for a rotating schedule of eating, potty breaks, playing, and sleeping. Providing a balanced and engaging schedule for your puppy will get him or her more able to become accustomed to sleep training. Your new puppy will be getting used to their new home with you and adjusting to your sleep schedule as well. When the pup is not playing, eating, or taking potty breaks, he or she may squeeze in a day time nap. Their bladders are not fully developed yet, so they are always in need of a potty break. Be prepared for your puppy to wake you up in the middle of the night the first few weeks of bringing him or her home for midnight potty breaks. If you have multiple adults in the house, create a rotating schedule of who will take out the dog for a midnight potty break based on the day of the week. If you have yourself and two others in your home, try a schedule like this: You: Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday Significant other, roommate, or another family member: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday Your older child or teenager: Saturday nights only What Are Other Reasons for Sleeping a Lot? There are other contributing factors as to why your German Shepherd puppy is sleeping a lot. When they are just months old, their normal sleep schedule will be for normal growth and development of their brain, immune system, and joints. Keep an eye on the other factors that could be reasons as to why he or she is sleeping more and adjust their environment accordingly. Poor diet, excessive exercise, sickness, heat, and boredom could be other reasons for your puppy sleeping more than usual. If your pup is not eating the right nutritious food, he or she could become sleepier throughout the day. Your pup should eat protein-rich nutritious dog food specially formulated for German Shepherds. According to Pet Care Rx , the age, activity, and general health of your pup will decide how much calories it needs throughout the day which is anywhere from to per day. Pet Care Rx suggests giving your pup one of the following for a balanced diet. Young puppies are still in the process of developing their bones and joints. Excessive exercise will only tire your German Shepherd puppy out faster and repeated instances of too much exercise could mess up their sleep schedule. The German Shepherd Shop recommends the following exercises to help your pup stay healthy. Limit tug of war activities to only minutes at a time. Take your puppy on small walks around the block for optimal exercise. Play fetch for about 5 minutes at a time which could be a good throws. Encourage normal puppy free play with their toys at their leisure. German Shepherd Shop discourages doing the following high-impact exercises with your pup. Prolonged games of fetch or tug of war Long hikes or walks Agility training that is not aged appropriately for your pup Sickness If your German Shepherd puppy is sick, he or she may sleep more to fight off the bad bacteria and viruses. If your puppy is acting differently and not as active as usual, take note of this for repeated occurrences. A common German Shepherd sickness is hip dysplasia which could lead to arthritis because of the continuous inflammation in the hips. Degenerative myelopathy, bloating, blood disorders, and epilepsy are also common health issues in German Shepherds. If your German Shepherd puppy continues to act abnormally than how he or usually behaves, schedule a visit with the veterinarian to be on the safe side. This breed naturally thrives better in colder climates and a high amount of heat outside or inside the house can cause more sleepiness. In the summer, be sure the air conditioner is at a comfortable temperature so your puppy feels comfortable. Consider placing a waterproof dog mat or bed and a dog bowl of water at this area for your pup to stay properly cool and hydrated. If your puppy loves the snow during winter, only give him or her a few minutes of snowy playtime so they do not get hypothermia. Your Pup is Bored Naturally, boredom leads to sleeping more. Refer to German Shepherd Corner for some of the best toys for German Shepherds to get ideas of what toys to get for your curious pup. Purchase a few toys as a start and observe your pup. Does he or she like to chew, tug, or fetch more? Maybe get one toy each that encourages these activities and see which toy your German Shepherd puppy loves most. Once you have figured that out, you can stock up on their favorite toy for when the original one becomes worn out. Related Posts.

Contact us today for more information about our family-raised, hypo-allergenic, highly trainable Labradoodles. We started our breeding program with the best bloodlines to ensure we would be producing the most beautiful, intelligent, trainable and lovable dogs possible. We are grateful for the guidance we had when we started and we continue to improve the way we do things through training and education for more than 18 years. It is our dedication to excellence in the way we raise our precious dogs and train them that sets Texas Labradoodles apart. Most of the breeders were breeding true Australian Labradoodles. Since that time we have watched our amazing and magical breed of dogs become a world wide phenomenon with Labradoodles taking over everywhere. From being in the movies to being the number one choice for commercials, print ads and funniest video stars, Labradoo dles are everywhere. With this profound movement of the love of all things Labra doodle, the purity and purpose of what Labradoodles were originally bred for has become convoluted with many types of doodles. The Labradoodle breed itself is be coming a confusing mixture of levels of breeds, types of infusions into the blood lines, etc. Australian Labradoodles are produced when multiple generations of the original Australian bloodlines, Rutland Manor and Teagan Park are bred together. These two kennels began breeding these dogs to create a hypo-allergenic, low to non-shedding dog. These dogs are bred to be highly trainable dog for the purpose of being taught to be guide dogs or therapy dogs for people with allergies. It took these two kennels a lot of work, testing and breeding to get the breed to where it is today. It was not as simple as breeding a Lab to a Poodle, both great dogs, of course, but not a true Australian Labradoodle The importance of adopting a multi-generational Australian Labradoodle If you want a hypo-allergenic, highly trainable dog for your new family member or a dog for therapy work, you want to get a multi-generational Australian Labradoodle. Working with a reputable breeder that has many years of experience and a true love of the breed is important. Make sure the genetic testing and puppy care are done to ensure they are breeding the best and most healthy dogs possible. Dogs that are registered with the ALAA as multi-generational Australian Labradoodles are the most consistent breeding of Labradoodles that you can get. These dogs are going to have a consistent temperament and trainability level. This consistency and care to our breeding program helps our families to know exactly what to expect from their new family member. Clearing our dogs for potential diseases not only ensures that our dogs do not have these issues prior to breeding, it also ensures that we will never produce puppies that could have these diseases. The hip and elbow testing does not guarantee that puppies will never have hip dysplasia, but it is the best method that we have to prevent producing puppies with genetic hip issues. Hip problems are often caused be environmental factors, but culling puppies for breeding purposes helps to reduce the risk of breeding bad confirmation. Temperament, coat and trainability for different types of disciplines are key in our breeding program. Creating perfect family members, guide dogs, therapy dogs and best friends begins with breeding the perfect parents. Years of care and experience have made us experts at accomplishing high standards set by the ALAA and our own personal goals for our dogs. We know that a Texas Labradoodles bred dog is the finest of our wonderful breed and we are so proud to have produced such wonderful companions and working dogs. Please see our references page for more stories and letters from our families. November, .I cannot say enough good things about Mardee and Texas Labradoodles! From the beginning Mardee was very caring and knowledgable on all things Australian Labradoodle. It is clear she and her family love their dogs and take excellent care of them from the very start. She takes the time to match each puppy to their forever home and I scored the jackpot with my Maggie! I could not be happier with her sweet demeanor and easy going temperament. She is super smart, easy to train and equally as adorable. Even after bringing our puppy home Mardee has been a great resource and we are still in touch. I am so thankful to have found Mardee and Texas Labradoodles! Mike Tadlock .October, .Texas Labradoodles and Mardee were Amazing. She helped guide us through the selection process and we could not have gotten a better fur baby than Sadie. If you could meet Sadie and see her with us you would understand. We are obnoxiously crazy about this girl! We know others who have used Texas Labradoodles and they all feel the same. She has brought so much joy and happiness to our home. Paul Chapman 4. We recently welcomed the most perfect medium Australian Labradoodle into the family. I could go on and on about how wonderful this dog is and if you email me I will. That said, I have been equally impressed by our experience with this breeder. First and foremost, Mardee loves her dogs and this breed and that loves comes through in every single interaction and detail. They are true to breed standard. Go through all the appropriate genetic and health screens and, most importantly, are bred and raised in a loving home with plenty of outdoor country air. These dogs are not inexpensive but they are well-priced, given all the time and expense put into raising quality animals in the very most humane and caring of environments. If you want to know what to look for in a breeder - TX Labradoodle is the standard. Chris Monroe .August, .Highly knowledgeable, caring and experienced. Mardee and Bruce patiently answered all of my questions about Australian Labradoodle's and she matched us with the perfect addition for our family. Mardee provided a thorough background and documentation of care, and a detailed checklist for us to take home. June is 14 weeks old now and is everything we imagined and more. June, .TX Labradoodles are truly amazing, full of heart, and extremely knowledgeable! Mardee and her family have become our family! We have the 3 most gorgeous fur babies ever who bring immense joy and love to my life! We consider ourselves beyond fortunate to have crossed paths with Mardee, Bruce, and James! We are forever grateful! We love you tremendously!!! Thank you for making the world a better place with the most extraordinary fur babies!!! Brittany Meuth .April, .My husband and I recently adopted our first puppy from Texas Labradoodles and we could not be happier with our experience! Mardee has remained a resource to us even since bringing Murphy home and could not have created a better experience for us. She is amazing at what she does and truly loves providing families with amazing pets! Steven Roberts .We got 2 girls from Mardee two months ago. The experience could not have gone better. Loving environment, plenty of outdoor room, clean as a whistle and the pups are all we could hope for. No puppy mill atmosphere here. Solid solid folks and superior dogs. And another plus: Wimberley Texas is awesome. Karen Hernandez .I have truly been blessed by the forming relationship with Mardee and MOE. I did not realize how much joy at my age she allows me to experience. She is not my only dog that I share my life with, but she is definitely an exception that I must say is out of the ordinary. Mardee is very responsive and knowledgeable and her understanding of the breed. I can tell she only wants to breed the best genetics and protect the breed from becoming a backyard hobby only to make money. It is nice to see and know how much she strives to improve the breed. I think anyone looking to start or expand their canine family would be truly blessed. Google rating score: 4. What is a Labradoodle? If you haven't already, you will fall in love with this breed! The Multi-Generational American or Australian Labradoodle embodies the courage, Loyalty and Intelligence of a working dog with a magnificent fleece, non-shedding coat that is hypo-allergenic. They were originally bred as service dogs and have evolved to become our most desired family companion. They are athletic, smart, easy to train, and have a life span of over 15 years. Whether you want a sporting dog or a loving and loyal companion, the fun-loving, adventure-seeking, yet mellow Labradoodle will make your family complete. American and Australian Labradoodles can be very different depending on their breeding, and it is important to understand the differences. Just breeding a poodle to a lab or a labradoodle to a labradoodle does not make a quality pet. They are non-shedding with the wonderful Labradoodle temperament, intelligence and laid-back nature. They have been bred to standard over the last couple decades and contain not only Lab and Poodle DNA, but also a controlled mix of American and English Spaniel, which contributed toward the incredible silky fleece coat. F1 1st generation. This usually produces a dog with mild to light shedding. Hair can be long or short, wavy or straighter, and wirey or harsher fleece in texture. First generation Labradoodles are typically high-energy dogs with the great Labradoodle intelligence and are a good choice for a family that does not mind some shedding and high energy. F1B 2nd generation. F1 Labradoodle bred to a Poodle. The F1B Labradoodle is more standard in physical appearance, and more consistently non-shedding. The coat ranges from fleece to wool in texture and can be wavy or straighter. These dogs have the great Labradoodle laid-back temperament and intelligence, and can be a good choice for families that prefer a non-shedding dog. Multi Generational 3rd generation or higher. F1B or higher bred to F1B or higher. Most true to the Labradoodle standard in physical appearance and consistently non-shedding. The texture ranges from fleece to wool and the wave ranges from wavy to curly. It is important to maintain the wider body type and shorter muzzle length. The fleece coat can be very nice, but not as silky as the coat of an Australian Labradoodle. Guardian Homes allow us Diversity in our Breeding Program, and offer our breeder-quality puppies the opportunity to live a pampered life as a family pet and companion. If you are interested in providing a Guardian Home for one of our puppies, please check out our Guardian Program page. Some of our qualifications include: Must reside within a one-hour driving distance from Humble, Texas. Must reside in a home with a fully secure fenced yard. Must be open to communication, visits to our home and yours, and provide medical records. To learn more about our Guardian Program and to see our full list of requirements, please visit our Guardian Program Page. Everyone loves him. He continues to fill our lives with so much love and joy. Thank you for Bear. She brings so much joy to our family! Kimberly White Owner of Harley Loving Personality Brandy continues to amaze us and those who come in contact with her. In our lifetime we have had many pets and Brandy surpasses them all in intelligence, obedience and a loving personality. Her color is absolutely beautiful and we love her to pieces. Our thanks to you for the opportunity to own and enjoy such a wonderful puppy. I will be taking her to nursing homes and hospitals to visit people. She has the most loving and calm personality and I can't wait to share that with others. Kristen Loves to Kiss and Snuggle Tucker is doing so well! We just love him to pieces.He is SUCH a great dog! Here he is tonight getting ready for bed. He's almost 20lbs and will be getting neutered next month. Tucker loves to kiss and snuggle. He also loves to play tug of war and fetch.Has learned to sit, lay down, stay, and is starting to learn so much more!!! When we arrive home Rosie brings us a stuffed toy as if she is providing dinner. She wants to take care of us. Thank you for spreading the joy. She's very smart and learns so quick! She's also very loving, loves to cuddle, and play with everyone. My sister is in love with Luna too. Every day, she comes to me and says, "I still can't believe I got a puppy for Christmas! Thank you for everything. He's settling in around pounds but perfect. We just had a baby and he's great with him too! The kids have named her Nikki. She is a really wonderful dog, we couldn't be happier with her! Thank you so much! She's been the best already potty trained bell , never barks and is just a snuggle, love bug. Miss Daisy her name is a huge and loving part of our family. Thank You! Many Blessings! I thought you would like to see how cute she is. She is so well behaved and I really enjoy her. She loves her walks and chasing balls in the backyard. She is maturing into an amazing young lady!!! We love her more and more everyday!!! We will be getting back to you shortly! Can't wait for a message to hug one of these adorable puppies? That's Okay, give us a Call at .We raise high-quality Mini Labradoodles as well as a few other breeds. We also have partnered up with several other reputable breeders that raise mini labradoodle pups that meet our strict genetic criteria and testing. So we usually have a good selection of very high-quality puppies. View Our Available Puppies! F1B Mini Labradoodle Puppies are a second-generation cross or hybrid. The father is a Mini Poodle and the mother is an F1 Labradoodle. The F1B Minature Labradoodles usually have soft hair that is usually wavy or curly. Thes puppies are considered semi-hypoallergenic since they shed minimally. These puppies can be a good fit if a person that has mild pet allergies. Once F1B Mini Labradoodles reach 6 months old they require to be groomed once every 8 weeks or so to keep their fur healthy and to stop matting. Adult F1B Mini labradoodle dogs range in size from 14 inches in height and pounds in weight. The average life span is typically years of age. The F1BB puppies usually have curlier coats and will be totally hypoallergenic. Once the F1BB pup is 6 months they will need regular grooming every 6 to 8 weeks. F1BB Puppies are usually slightly smaller than F1B puppies and range from 12 inches in height and pounds in weight. Mini Labradoodles are known for their intelligence and the ability to be trained very easily. They make amazing family pets and love to participate in family activities like swimming, hiking, camping or just playing tag in the yard. This breed is also a good choice for people who live in apartments as long as they get at least minutes of exercise a day. So if you live near Houston Texas and are looking for a healthy and beautiful Mini Labradoodle puppy that can be delivered to you then check out our available pups now by Clicking Here. Below are some Mini Labradoodle pups that have been adopted. Questions about Labradoodle puppies for sale in Houston TX? We have answers. Give me an overview of Labradoodle puppies for sale in Houston TX. Australian Labradoodles are mainly a mix of Poodles and Labradors, but with a couple of bloodlines thrown in to ensure the resulting pups have the traits families love. How much are Labradoodles for sale Houston? Do a quick search and you might find a whole range of prices for Labradoodles. Gender, size, coat type, and breeder experience all factor in how much it will cost. We know budget is an important consideration, so we made sure it will be easy for you to filter those that match your range. Will you only connect me with local Labradoodle breeders Houston? We are proud to say we work with breeders and businesses from all over the continental US. How do you screen Labradoodle breeders in Houston? Because we only want to work with businesses who share our love dogs. Our criteria include adherence to animal welfare laws and ethical breeding practices, completion of legal documents, and more. Head over to our Breeder Pledge page for more details. Why is Uptown Puppies different from other places with Labradoodles Houston? With Uptown Puppies, you have your work cut out for you. What is a puppy mill for Labradoodle puppies Houston? Puppy mills are businesses run by those who care more about profit than the dogs in their care. Poor conditions, irresponsible breeding, and maltreatment result in puppies that present with medical and behavioral problems later on. Buyin a pup from pet shops or suspicious online ads might mean patronizing a puppy mill and helping perpetuate this cruel business. Are there any Labradoodle puppies in Houston available now? You bet! What is the MatchMaker process like for Labradoodle Houston? At that point, all you have to do is choose which one you will bring home to your family! My dog Pepper is a wonderful addition to my family! Beautiful dogs! They are beautiful and healthy. Our first one is almost 5 years old and we have a 2 month old. Lindy breeds them in a very clean home. She is extremely loving to these newborns and is open to all of our questions. She even follows up to see how they are doing. I would not buy from anyone else. Our 2 labradoodles get plenty of compliments. We have added 2 beautiful members to our family. I waited almost a year for mine and he has been life changing. They are truly amazing, healthy, loyal, and smart dogs! I have trained him and he is now a service dog and has been the greatest companion to me as well. Lindy always responded and kept me in the loop during the entire process. Before I met her I had a nightmare situation with a breeder that was a scam so was very skeptical but she made me feel at ease about everything. Thank you for everything Lindy! Nathan Kirton I ended up finding a puppy from someone else that fit my timeline better. The communication I had with her Lindy was amazing. She was super helpful, and gave me so much information about what I could expect. Thanks for being super helpful Lindy! We waited over a year and it was so worth it! Lindy was instrumental in our family getting the dog of our dreams. She was extremely helpful in asking and answering questions to ensure we got a right match for our family. She took into consideration all of my preferential factors such as the gender, coat color, personality, etc. The cherry on top was upon pick up at 8 weeks Teddy was healthy, socialized, potty trained, and vaccinated. Lindy pours love onto these dogs and puppies and treats her clients with tremendous respect. The puppies are happy and safely kept in an immaculate environment until sent home and I love that each family is celebrated with a photo to commemorate the occasion. Definitely worth the WAIT! Chuck Hahn Best dog ever!!! Worth the wait. He came home perfect! Testimonials Happy Faces Your happiness is our happiness, your success, our success. We take great pride in each and every home we complete with our dogs. We did tons of research. We wanted a dog that did not shed, was hypoallergenic, and had a good temperament. Those dogs are hard to find! We finally came across a very special Australian Labradoodle. We found our Rosie through my best friend who knew the owner of Australian Labradoodles of Texas. Her temperment is what we were really drawn to. She is so calm, obedient, and really wants to please you. She rings a bell when she needs to go outside and walks right next to you on her leash! We feel so lucky that we get to call her ours! To say that Miles has changed our lives for the better would be an extreme understatement! From the moment we set our eyes on him in your videos, we knew he was special, and he has shown us that a million times over. He is a sweet and affectionate dog who loves his family fiercely, acting protective when he needs to, yet demonstrates such a docile and gentle temperament to other people, especially small children who love to pet and squeeze his fluffiness. I had no intention of adding another dog to the mix! After several weeks, I finally pulled the trigger and we brought him home! Charley Brown was the perfect addition to our family and I would recommend these pups to anyone looking for a good family dog. All of our puppies come with Socialization.

Loyal and friendly whilst exhibiting great strength, energy and enthusiasm. A well defined furrow runs from the top of the skull to the occiput. Colour from light to dark brown with black pigmented rims. From the tip of the nose to the stop should not exceed one third of the distance from the nose tip to the occiput. Semi-pendulous flews. Set high and wide and to the back outer edge of the skull. Large, broad nose in relation to muzzle width. Colour is black. A little smaller than the head at junction and widening to point of shoulders. Loose from jaw to chest with a double dewlap. Moderately angulated on the shoulder blade, roughly equal to the upper foreleg in length. Elbows neither in nor out and forelegs set straight with strong pasterns and of medium bone. Hind legs should be straight, set sapart and parallel when viewed from rear with moderate angulation. Sturdy, muscular and powerful. Deep, wide chest with muscular brisket and well sprung ribs. Distinct tuck between hindquarters and ribs. Dip behind the withers and topline rises over loin with the appearance of a slight roach. The tail will be set as an extension of the topline, tapering to a point. Relaxed, the tail is carried low, when mobile it is carried level with the back. When excited, the dog may raise the tail in an upright position but not curled over the back. Viewed from either front or rear, the legs do not turn in or out, neither do the feet interfere with one another. No obvious pounding should be seen from the side with front legs reaching out smoothly. The breed has a short coat which is of medium density and close. Shades of colours include red brindle, fawn brindle, brown brindle and grey brindle, either pied or solid. Solid colours include red, black, fawn, white. Females should be 22 to 31 kilos and 40 to 48 centimetres at the withers. Neither should appear fat. Weight of both are proportionate to height. Tail — Kinked, docked, bobbed or screw tail. Males lacking two fully descended normal testicles. Select Options The Olde English Bulldogge is a renewed breed that is similar to Bulldogs of the 18th century, but with non-aggressive temper of today's English Bulldog. OEB of the 20th century is intended not for baiting as its ancestors. This Old Bulldog brings its owners good. The dog is an excellent companion, friend, children's defender, guardian and watchdog. Olde English Bulldogge is a perfect partner for sport - jogging and bikejoring. It is also good at agility and springpole. Present-day Bulldogge has some features of its old folks that is why the dog needs serious training and discipline from the early puppyhood, but without power and rudeness using. If your Bully chews everything, don't scold it, get enough Bulldog chew toys instead. The dog needs also long walks and active games. Arm yourself with patience and your Bulldogge with quality equipment and start training sessions today to have a well-mannered and obedient dog tomorrow! Some info about our products. They are very popular among handlers and professional trainers because of highest possible security, functionality, comfort and modern design. Every Old English Bulldog harness in our dog shop is made according to the breed's body structure. Our harnesses are of selected leather and nylon, with or without decor. They are suitable for puppies, young and adult Bulldogs. Walking, training, working and sport harnesses. Warm harnesses for cold weather and harnesses for Bulldog support and rehabilitation. Harnesses for pulling and muscles development. You will certainly find the best dog harness for Olde English Bulldog in our store! Our Old English Bulldog collars are made of dog-friendly materials, such as leather, nylon and metal. We offer classic collars and collars of exclusive design and adornment. We also have special behavior correction collars, which are intended for Bulldogs that need more strict obedience training. We have a variety of collars for any taste and budget! Durable, reliable and functional leashes of classic and fashionable design. For one, two or even three Old English Bulldogs! Made of selected leather, nylon or metal. Sport, show, walking, working and training models. Exclusive muzzles for Olde Bulldogge walking, training, work and behavior correction. Metal, leather and nylon muzzles. Absolutely safe. Maximum comfortable. Produced according to Bulldog's muzzle structure. No discomfort. Allow the dog feel free being muzzled! We also have a wide choice of toys for Olde English Bulldogge training, mental and physical development, oral care and entertaining. Every toy is super solid, dog-friendly and intended for long-term use. If you're going to train your Bulldog, then pay attention to our training equipment. Bite tugs of genuine leather, jute, French Linen and fire hose. Bite sleeves, clickers, whistles, dumbbells and other training tools for dogs. We also have professional bite ant training suits for trainers. Choose our grooming accessories to take care of your Bulldog's coat and nails. Let your Bully look always well-groomed with our specialized tools! There are 3 steps of successful online purchasing: 1. Measure your Olde English Bulldogge according to the scheme you can see in every dog product. Got the measurements? Fill them in the attributes at the top of the product page. You can always contact us via our e-mail info english-bulldog-dog-breed-store. Our customer support will answer all your questions, will help you to choose the most suitable product for the dog and will make an exchange if needed! Received my harness today! Fits Winston perfectly! I will be honest with you, it was hard parting with so much money for a harness but it is worth every penny! Very happy customer. From: Mike, UK This dog harness is the 4th we've ordered from you, there is no finer anywhere!!! From: Iris, Germany Thank you for your excellent service. Guys, you're at a high level. The harness was delivered and I'm very happy! From: Mark, Netherlands. The Bull-Dog. Breeding[ edit ] Old English Bulldog. Paris, Historians are fairly confident that the Old English Bulldog is derived from ancient war dogs , such as the old Mastiff or the extinct Alaunt dog. Depictions in old prints show that the variety was without doubt a small Mastiff with a comparatively long head. The word 'Mastiff' was eventually dropped when describing these smaller Mastiffs, as the Mastiff proper was found too slow for bull-baiting. Description[ edit ] Two other recognized members of the breed can be seen in the painting Crib and Rosa , with Rosa exemplifying the form and size of the ideal type of Old English Bulldog, albeit deficient in wrinkles about the head and neck and in substance of bone in the limbs. A dog of particular form, remarkable for his courage. The bull-dog is low in stature, deep-chested, and strongly made about the shoulders and thighs, the muscles of both of which are extremely developed. His head is broad, his nose short, and the under jaw projects beyond the upper, which gives him a fierce and disagreeable aspect. His eyes are distant and prominent, and have a peculiar suspicious-like leer, which, with the distension of his nostrils, gives him also a contemptuous look; and from his teeth being always seen, he has the constant appearance of grinning, while he is perfectly placid. He is the most ferocious and unrelenting of the canine tribe, and may be considered courageous beyond every other creature in the world, for he will attack any animal, whatever be his magnitude. The internal changes which determine the external characters of this dog, consist in a great development of the frontal sinuses, a development which elevates the bones of the forehead above the nose, and draws the cerebral cavity in the same direction. But the most important quality, and that, perhaps, which causes all the others, although we cannot perceive the connexion, is the diminution of the brain. The cerebral capacity of the bull-dog is sensibly smaller than in any other race; and it is doubtless to the decrease of the encephalon that we must attribute its inferiority to all others in every thing relating to intelligence. The bull-dog is scarcely capable of any education, and is fitted for nothing but combat and ferocity. This animal takes his name from his having been employed, in former times, in assaulting the bull, and he is used for the same purpose at the present day, in those districts where this brutal amusement is still practised. Nothing can exceed the fury with which the bull-dog falls upon all other animals, and the invincible obstinacy with which he maintains his hold. In attacking the bull, he always assails him in front, and generally fastens upon his lip, tongue, or eye, where he holds and hangs on, in spite of the most desperate efforts of the other to free himself from his antagonist, which affords ample proof of the amazing strength and power of this animal. Whenever a bull-dog attacks any of the extremities of the body, it is invariably considered a mark of his degeneracy from the original purity of blood. Puppies will assail a bull, and thereby give a decided proof of their breed, when only six months old; and, if permitted, will rather suffer themselves to be destroyed than relinquish the contest. Although this trial is sometimes made with the whelps of a particular litter, to demonstrate the purity of their descent, and to prove that there has been no improper cross by which the future fame of their posterity may be affected, yet they are seldom entered in a regular ring until from fifteen to eighteen months old. But their ligaments cannot be considered as at their full strength until they are at least two years old. Indeed, amateurs say, that they are not at their prime until they have attained four or five years of age. In various districts of England this breed is still preserved in its native purity, by that class of people who delight in bullbaiting and fighting of dogs; both of which amusements, alike inhuman, are now happily on the decline. Three dogs from the Duke of Hamilton 's strain of Old English Bulldog, Wasp, Child, and Billy, were depicted in a painting and recognized as some of the last known members of the breed before it became extinct. Despite the laws making dog fighting illegal, it continued for many years. Breeders determined a cross between the Old English Bulldog and Old English Terrier created a superior fighting dog with increased quickness and dexterity. Main article: English Bulldog Often confused with the Old English Bulldog, the English Bulldog is noted for its sweet disposition; it does not have the speed and agility that were the definitive characteristics of the Old English Bulldog. Ohld ing-glish Bool-dawg Description The Olde English Bulldogge is a muscular, medium sized dog of great strength, stability and athleticism. He is well balanced and proportioned, with no features exaggerated or standing out. He has the appearance of a dog capable of doing his original job, bull baiting. The OEB head is prominent and dramatic. The cheeks are large, well developed and display powerful jaw muscles. A slightly wrinkled forehead is acceptable. There is a crease from the stop to the occiput. It has a narrow skull and domed forehead. The muzzle is square, wide and deep, with definite layback. Distance from the tip of the nose to the stop does not exceed one-third of the distance from the tip of the nose to the occiput. Height of the muzzle from the bottom of the chin to the top of the muzzle is equal to or greater than the length of the muzzle, thus producing the deep, square muzzle. There is slight to moderate wrinkle on the muzzle. Flews are semi-pendulous. The bite is undershot and horizontally straight. Lower jawbone is moderately curved from front to back. Eyes are round to almond-shape and medium sized. They are set wide apart, with the outside corner of the eye intersecting with the outside line of the skull and are set low, at the level of the muzzle, where the stop and muzzle intersect. Eye color is brown, with black pigmented eye rims. Canine teeth are large. Broken, chipped or extracted teeth are acceptable. There are 6 corn row teeth between canines. Nostrils are wide with a line running vertically between nostrils from the tip of nose down to the bottom of the upper lip. Nose is large and broad in relationship to the width of the muzzle. Nose color is black. Ears are rose, button or tulip, with rose preferred. They are set high and to the rear of the skull. The ears are positioned as wide as possible on the outside of the skull. They are small to medium in size. Neck is medium length, wide, and slightly arched. It is a little smaller than the head where the two meet, and gets wider from that point to the shoulders. It is slightly loose from jaw to chest, forming a double dewlap. They are broad, heavily muscled and have a separation between shoulder blades. The scapula shoulder blade should be at an approximate degree angle to vertical and form an angle approximately degrees to the humerus forearm. Scapula and humerus should be roughly equal in length. A vertical line drawn from the point of the scapula top to the ground will pass directly through the elbow. The elbows are not turned in or out. The legs are set wide apart, coming straight down from the shoulders. They are straight vertically on inside of legs and well-muscled, giving a bowed appearance of front quarters. The forelegs have medium bone and are in proportion to the body. The pasterns are medium in length. They are straight, strong, flexible and nearly perpendicular to the ground. Body is sturdy and powerful. The length from tip of breastbone to rear thigh is slightly longer than the height from ground to withers. The back is wide and muscular, showing power. Topline has a slight roach or wheel back. There is a fall in the back, to its low spot behind the shoulders. From this point the spine rises to the loin. The high point of the loin is a little bit higher than the shoulders then there is a gentle curve, forming an arch, down to the tail. Loin back of ribcage to hips is muscular, medium in length and slightly arched. The chest is wide and deep with a muscular brisket. Ribs are well sprung and rounded, being at their fullest directly behind the shoulders. Shoulders to forelegs are well muscled. Hips and thighs are strong and muscular. Hind legs are well muscled and slightly longer than the forelegs. In a natural stance they are straight, parallel and set apart when viewed from the rear. Distance between hind legs is less than distance between front legs. Angulation is moderate. Stifles have a gentle convex curve when viewed from the side. Stifle angle roughly matches the angle of the pelvis. Hocks are perpendicular to the ground when viewed from the side and back. They are parallel to each other when viewed from the back. A line drawn from the rear-most part of the buttocks, perpendicular to the ground, should fall to the front of the toes. They are straight when viewed from the front. Rear feet are smaller than front feet. Tail should be set low and tapering from base to end. It can be pump handle or straight, with pump handle being preferred. Tail should reach the hocks or be slightly shorter and carried down or horizontal. Some breeders choose to dock the tail. Coat is short, close and of medium density. It should be shiny, showing good health. Color can be brindle of red, gray, fawn or black; either solid or pied with white. Solid white, fawn, red or black; solid color or pied. Temperament Olde English Bulldogges are docile, but capable and protective, fearless and athletic, fierce-looking, determined and courageous, bold and friendly around their family and friends, but fearless adversaries to anyone who threatens their masters or property. This breed likes to chew and should be supplied with plenty of toys and bones. Nylabones and rubber Kong toys are highly recommended. Rawhides, soft rubber and stuffed toys are unsafe, for they are easily shredded or swallowed whole. Olde English Bulldogges are so eager to please that they may overexert themselves in an effort to do whatever is asked of them. An owner who displays a natural authority toward the dog, socialization and obedience training are important. It is best to channel high energy individuals to some type of work and exercise. The objective in training this dog is to achieve pack leader status. It is a natural instinct for a dog to have an order in its pack. When we humans live with dogs , we become their pack. The entire pack cooperates under a single leader. Lines are clearly defined and rules are set. Because a dog communicates his displeasure with growling and eventually biting, all other humans MUST be higher up in the order than the dog. The humans must be the ones making the decisions, not the dogs. That is the only way your relationship with your dog can be a complete success. This breed tends to drool and slobber. Height, Weight Height: Males 17 - 20 inches 43 - 51 cm Females 16 - 19 inches 40 - 48 kg Weight: Males 60 - 80 pounds 27 - 36 kg Females 50 - 70 pounds 22 - 31 kg Health Problems May be susceptible to bloat —a painful and often fatal condition that can be brought on by too large a quantity of food consumed at one time. As with all large breeds, hip dysplasia sometimes occurs. Breeders are working hard to keep it out of the Olde English Bulldogge; therefore, no dog with bad hips is bred. Living Conditions Olde English Bulldogges will adapt to almost any lifestyle. They should be protected from the extreme cold and heat, although they are not as susceptible as the AKC Bulldog. Exercise This breed needs to be taken on a daily pack walk to satisfy its migration instinct. When properly conditioned they can be active dogs, however, they are equally happy with moderate exercise. They can stay in relatively good shape with good muscle tone with only light exercise. These dogs are naturally slow, and because of their unique structure, they should not be encouraged to jump or engage in strenuous exercise as young pups. This breed is an average shedder. In he became disenchanted with English Bulldogs due to their breeding and breathing problems. David's goal was to produce a dog with the looks of the 18th century bulldog, with the temperament of today's English Bulldogs, yet healthy, without breathing problems, or all the other aliments today's English Bulldogs are prone to. This new breed can now breathe. Cesarean section births are not necessary. Artificial insemination, due to male ineptness and lack of drive, has been replaced by natural ties. Lifespan is over eleven years. All breeding stock has had hip x-rays. No dog with bad hips is bred. David says he is now achieving his goal of producing a Bulldog with the health and temperament to be able to serve people, instead of forcing people to serve him. David Leavitt is breeding them to more of a working lines type dog, while OEBKC is breeding the dogs as more of a family oriented dog. Olde English Bulldogge Guardian Dog Group The goals and purposes of this breed standard include: to furnish guidelines for breeders who wish to maintain the quality of their breed and to improve it; to advance this breed to a state of similarity throughout the world; and to act as a guide for judges. Breeders and judges have the responsibility to avoid any conditions or exaggerations that are detrimental to the health, welfare, essence and soundness of this breed, and must take the responsibility to see that these are not perpetuated. Any departure from the following should be considered a fault, and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog and on the dogs ability to perform its traditional work. Absolute soundness and proper muscle tone is a must. Breeders and judges are advised to always go for healthy and functional moderation, never for exaggeration. History Bulldogs were created for the English sport of bull baiting, practiced from approximately until .By the middle of the s, the sport was no longer legal, and the athletic bulldog quickly began to disappear. Because the bulldog was revived solely for the conformation venue, selective breeding for appearance severely compromised the health and lifespan of this once agile, athletic and happy breed. In a breeding project began using a linebreeding scheme developed by Dr. Fechimer of Ohio State to rapidly achieve a purebred dog. The goal of this project was to return the bulldog to the appearance of the Regency-Period bulldog, now named the Olde English Bulldogge OEB to clearly differentiate the new breed from the modern English Bulldog. Todays Olde English Bulldogge matches the looks of the bull baiting dog of the early s. They are, first and foremost, excellent companions, while also possessing the drive, temperament and agility to perform in numerous working venues as well as being service dogs. The revival of a healthy dog with the longevity to live well into its teens is a primary goal. General Appearance The Olde English Bulldogge is a muscular, medium sized dog of great strength, and possessed of fluid, agile movement. He is well balanced and proportioned, while appearing capable of performing without any breathing restrictions in either heat or in cold. Disqualifications: Unilateral or bilateral cryptorchid. Characteristics The disposition of the Olde English Bulldogge is confident, friendly and alert. An OEB should be an animated and expressive dog, both in and out of the show ring. Fault: Shyness in a mature dog. Disqualification: Viciousness or extreme shyness. Head Serious Faults: Excessive wrinkle, lack of pigment around eyes, nose or mouth. There is a defined furrow from the stop to the occiput. Serious Faults: Narrow skull; domed forehead. Distance from the tip of the nose to the stop does not exceed one-third of the distance from the tip of the nose to the occiput. Flews are semi-pendulous. Lower jawbone is moderately curved from front to back. Broken, chipped or extracted teeth are not to be faulted. Exposed canine teeth are to be faulted. Disqualifications: Wry jaw; overbite. NOSE Nostrils are wide, with a line running vertically between nostrils from the tip of nose down to the bottom of the upper lip. Nose is large and broad in relationship to the width of the muzzle. Nose color is black. Serious Fault: Slit nostrils. Disqualification: Any color nose other than black. EYES Eyes are medium in size and almond shaped. They are set wide and low, level with the top of the muzzle. Color is dark to light brown, with black pigmented eye rims. Disqualifications: Any eye color other than brown; wall eyes; crossed eyes. EARS Ears are rose, button or tulip. Rose is preferred. They are set high, wide and to the back outer edge of the skull. The ears are small in size. Neck The neck is medium length, wide, and slightly arched. It is slightly smaller than the head at their junction, and widens to point of the shoulders. Loose from jaw to chest, forming a double dewlap. Forequarters Shoulders are broad, heavily muscled and have a separation between the shoulder blades. Moderate angulation of the shoulder blade, which should also be roughly equal in length to the upper foreleg. Body Sturdy, powerful and slightly rectangular when viewed from the side. Chest is wide and deep, with a muscular brisket, and ribs well-sprung. There should be a distinct tuck between ribs and hindquarters. There is a dip behind the withers; topline rises over the loin with the appearance of a slight roach. Faults: Narrow rib cage. Hindquarters Hind legs are well muscled and have the appearance of being slightly longer than the forelegs. Viewed from the rear, the hind legs should be straight, parallel and set apart. Angulation is moderate. Fault: Cow-hocked or bow-hocked. Feet are strong and rounded, with well-arched toes. Faults: Flat feet or splayed toes. Tail A full tail is preferred. The characteristic tail is often referred to as a crank or pump handle tail. Straight tails are also acceptable. The tail is set on as a natural extension of the topline, and tapers to a point. When the dog is relaxed, the tail is carried low and extends approximately to the hock. When the dog is moving, the tail is carried level with the back. When the dog is excited, the tail may be carried in a raised, upright position challenge tail , but never curled over the back gay tail. A docked tail is acceptable, but not preferred. Faults: Tail curling degrees or carried up over the back. Disqualifications: Natural bob tail. Screw tail. Kinked tail a tail with one or more sharp bends. Coat Coat is short, close and of medium density. It should be shiny, showing good health. Faults: Fringe, feather or curl in the coat. Color Accepted color patterns include brindle, and solid colors, with or without white. Brindle is defined as a fine streaked or striped effect or pattern of black or tan hairs with hairs of a lighter or darker background color. Shades of colors accepted include red brindle, fawn brindle, brown brindle, and grey brindle; either solid or pied. Accepted solid colors include white, fawn, red or black; with or without white. Disqualifications: Albinism. Gait At a trot, the gait is smooth, powerful, energetic and confident. A slight roll to the gait should not be faulted. Footfalls approach the centerline as trotting speed increases. When viewed from the front or rear, the legs turn neither in nor out, nor do feet cross or interfere with each other. From the side, the front legs should reach out smoothly with no obvious pounding. Height And Weight Overall balance is never to be sacrificed in favor of size. Dogs should be 60 to 80 pounds, and 17 to 20 inches at the withers. Bitches should be 50 to 70 pounds, and 16 to 19 inches at the withers. Neither dog nor bitch appears fat. Measurements apply at age 2 or older. Weight of both dog and bitch should be proportionate to height. Disqualifications A dog with a Disqualification must not be considered for placement in a conformation event, and must be reported to UKC. Unilateral or bilateral cryptorchid.

These duck-flavored chews are formulated with glucosamine HCL, methylsulfonylmethane MSM , turmeric, green-lipped mussels, and organic hemp oil to help promote overall joint health and relieve inflammation due to everyday exercise. Together, they can work to help support a healthy inflammatory response and promote overall health. If you have any concerns about your puppy's heart function or health, talk to your vet for their recommendations. Packed with fish oil, biotin, vitamin C, and vitamin E, these chews bring relief to dry, itchy, sensitive, and flaky skin and help make your dog's coat soft and shiny. Even better? These tasty treats support hip and joint health, immune system function, and cardiovascular activity for overall health. Made with over 25 nutrients, including omega 3s and 6s, this multivitamin tablet supports your puppy's cardiovascular system, nervous system, and immune system as well as cognitive and liver health. This supplement can be given to dogs of all ages, sizes, and breeds. This daily tablet can help your puppy maintain healthy teeth and bones. It's flavorless, too, so you can give it to your pup by hand or crumble it and mix it in with his food. Made to help prevent urinary issues, this supplement contains ingredients like pumpkin seed powder, rehmannia glutinosa powder, phytoestrogens, wild yam, and soy protein to support your pup's urinary health. Made with a bacterium known as bifidobacterium longum BL , this supplement along with proper separation anxiety training can help keep your pup calm. It can help your dog who has diarrhea or maybe recovering from parvo," Ochoa says. What To Look For It can be difficult to find the best supplements for ourselves, nevertheless for our puppies. However, there are a few ways you can differentiate between what to add to your cart and what to leave on the shelf. Ingredients Because supplements aren't regulated by the U. Food and Drug Administration, pay careful attention to the ingredients in a particular supplement. It is more of a treat that tastes good, and there are not any real supplements in the treats. Efficacy Because supplements aren't regulated, Whittenburg recommends researching any potential option and looking for peer-reviewed published studies that demonstrate their efficacy. If you'd really like to do some digging, she says you can reach out to the manufacturer to see if they follow the Good Manufacturing Practices GMP guidelines and are approved by the U. No one company makes all of those, but your vet will know the best brands in each category. Tweet on Twitter You are not alone if you are wondering whether you should give your dog vitamins. Most notably, the areas of organic supplements, weight loss supplements, and vitamins for older dogs are of great interest to consumers. With vitamins for pregnant dogs to vitamins for dogs with arthritis available these days, there is a formulation for just about any situation your furry friend faces. This can be confusing, as you could easily be led to believe your dog needs to take a fistful of supplements every day to be healthy and happy. Aside from the potential health implications of giving your dog unnecessary supplements, feeding your dog endless vitamins for no good reason is going to leave a huge hole in your hip pocket. What are the best dog vitamins? Dog Vitamins — Are They Necessary? If you have a happy, healthy dog with no preexisting health conditions who is fed a nutritionally complete diet, then there is really no need to give them vitamins and supplements at all. While most dogs will likely fall into this category, there are times that you may need to give your dog some supplementary vitamins, even if they do not seem sick. A good example of this is if you feed your dog a homemade diet. Commercially available dog foods usually include a vitamin mix specific to the type of dog they are marketed to. However, if you make your own dog food it is possible that there will be some deficiencies in their diet. There are plenty of doggie multivitamins available, however a word of caution is needed. Determining what supplement your dog needs if they are on a homemade diet is something that is best done in consultation with your vet. Maybe they need to get through a condition that has either been caused by or has led to a vitamin deficiency. Of course, you would need to have your dog examined by your vet to be sure of the issue. After a proper diagnosis, your vet may advise you to give your dog a vitamin supplement. Vitamin D has an important role in the body, as it aids in the absorption of calcium and phosphorus. Dogs obtain Vitamin D through the diet and exposure to sunlight. If your dog suffers from this imbalance, they are at risk of developing problems which include: rickets both in puppies and adult dogs rubber jaw syndrome, a condition generally seen in older dogs where their bones become weak and break easily hypoparathyroidism, a condition that tends to affect smaller dogs which makes them restless, nervous, and unable to control their muscle movements Vitamin C for Stressed Dogs Dr. Bauer also mentions that vitamin C levels can become low when dogs are under stress and may need to be supplemented at these times. Vitamins for Dogs Eyes A study conducted in found that a diet without enough vitamin E led to progressive loss of vision. Again, it is important to note that the dogs that experienced this vision loss were fed on a diet of table scraps and worked as hunting dogs. Dogs that are fed a nutritionally adequate diet are not likely to experience such deficiencies. Interestingly, however, both a deficiency and an excess of vitamin A can cause issues of the skin and hair. Therefore, it is important that you have a deficiency confirmed before you give your dog vitamin A. We will talk more about vitamin toxicity later in this article. Generally, any vitamin A deficiency is the result of an inadequate diet. We have already established that this rare if you feed your dog with commercially available dog food. However, Cocker Spaniels can develop dermatitis even when they are fed a diet with sufficient levels of vitamin A. If your Cocker Spaniel has this condition, their skin will be nasty indeed: scaly, greasy, flaky, and itchy. If vitamin A-responsive dermatitis is the culprit, your pooch may well have to take vitamins for dogs coat to keep the condition at bay. And vitamins are no exception. There are many studies available that outline the dangers and side effects of Vitamin D toxicity. Large doses of Vitamin D are thought to cause permanent damage to the kidneys. Abnormal deposits of calcium in the organs and in the blood were also found in dogs that had been given large doses of this vitamin. You may have read something about the benefits of vitamin A and are looking for dog vitamins for shedding, for instance. Clearly, you cannot assume that vitamin A will do the trick. In fact, it could actually end up causing your pooch more grief. There has also been evidence of neuropathy, or weakness and numbness, in beagles that had been given excessive doses of vitamin B6. The trend among humans is to take supplements to help us through our different life stages. Concerned pet owners may wonder if there is any merit in senior dog vitamins, prenatal vitamins for dogs, or dog vitamins for immune system health. As we have seen through this article, vitamins are really only of any use to your dog if they are suffering with a deficiency. While at certain stages of life, the chances of your dog becoming deficient increase, the only way to be sure they need a supplement is to check with your vet. Needless to say, giving your dog some human vitamins that you have found in the back of your medicine cabinet is not the best idea. In fact, the dosages and combinations of vitamins specially formulated for human consumption could even be dangerous for your dog. Always consult with your vet before you start giving your dog vitamins so you can be sure you are giving them the appropriate dosage. Dog Vitamins — Conclusion To be fair, there are good vitamins for dogs out there. However, the selection of dog vitamins and supplements available is ever expanding. Working out which ones are actually going to be of benefit to your furry friend can be confusing. There are health concerns associated with giving your dog too many vitamins. Finding the right vitamin for your dog, or if they need to be taking one at all, can be hard. Be sure to discuss this with your vet. Have you ever had to give your pooch dog vitamins? What was the outcome? Do you have any experiences you would like to share, or further questions that were not covered in this article? Be sure to mention them in the comments section below. And if you found this article helpful, please share it. It has omega-3 fatty acids, which can help dogs with skin conditions and give them healthier coats. It is good for improved mobility and can ease joint pain. This might be an ideal option if your Lab has skin issues in addition to mobility issues. However, the capsule is more like a hard shell, so it can be difficult to open or puncture, but it might be too large to give to your dog orally. Also, these pills are more geared toward skin conditions and less toward joint issues. Chondroitin Chondroitin helps support the musculoskeletal system, but it quite specifically aids in lubricating and supporting cartilage. Cartilage helps cushion the bones and joints and acts as a shock absorber — it effectively prevents the ends of bones from rubbing together. Chondroitin also blocks the enzymes that break down cartilage and helps the body produce new cartilage. Glucosamine Glucosamine is used to aid in building tendons, cartilage, ligaments, and the fluid found around the joints. It can help increase the fluid and cartilage around the joints and prevent them from breaking down. Both the fluid and cartilage help protect the soft tissues and ends of bones in the joints. It can aid in reducing inflammation and decreasing joint pain and in faster recovery after a significant amount of exercise. It can also help with reducing allergy symptoms and improving skin health. They can also help control arthritis by reducing the pain and swelling of the joints, in addition to benefiting everything from the heart to the brain. Image Credit: Rosa Jay, Shutterstock Hyaluronic Acid Hyaluronic acid is a substance found in the fluids in the joints, which acts like a cushion and a lubricant. It can help decrease swelling because it has anti-inflammatory properties and aids tissue growth. Size of Dog Always double-check what age and size of dog that a product is formulated for. Many supplements are suitable for dogs of any size , but if your Lab is on the large side, you might need to give them two or more doses a day. This can add up financially. Speak to your vet before you purchase anything, though, as they can help you with this crucial decision. When she was a child, she hoped to work in zoos or with wildlife in some way, thanks to her all-consuming love for animals. Unfortunately, she's not strong in the sciences, so she fills her days with researching and writing about all kinds of animals and spends time playing with her adorable but terribly naughty tabby cat, Bella. Kathryn is hoping to add to her family in the near future — maybe another cat and a dog.Read more Advertisement. Learn more about the health issues affecting this breed, and what you can do to help keep your Lab healthy, in addition to regular veterinary visits. The Use of Supplements: In Support of a Healthier Labrador Supplements are no longer an afterthought but an important element for your Labrador's nutrition and care. Animal Necessity recommends consulting your veterinarian regarding the types of supplements that could benefit your dog's physical health and mental well-being. Some of the benefits supplements may provide for your Labrador include: Helps keep your dog's coat healthy and shiny. Boosts your dog's intake of vital nutrients missing in its diet. Helps boost metabolism to burn more calories, while regulating blood sugar to reduce the urge to overeat. Relief from chronic hip, joint, back, and muscle pain and inflammation. Increase energy levels in support of an active and healthy lifestyle. Regulate and enhance proper immune function. Helps alleviate certain types of cancers, in addition to heart disease, diabetes, and cataracts caused by diabetes. A Short History of the Labrador Retriever Kind hearted, intelligent and extremely loyal, the Labrador Retriever is the most popular dog breed in the U. Labrador Retrievers are known for their keen sense of smell, ability to find downed birds, and speed on land and through the water. We think of Labs as 'Peter Pan' dogs - they never grow up! A happy, exuberant 1 year old Labrador is still happy and super-charged at, say, 6 years of age. The breed's roots go back to the early 's in Newfoundland, to a forerunner called the St. John's Water Dog. These dogs were eager to please and were strong swimmers with short dense water-repellent coats. They retrieved fish that fell off hooks and also retrieved nets and other fishing gear. British aristocracy took note of the breed's retrieving ability and imported them to England for hunting, developing what is now known as the Labrador Retriever. Soon after the British Kennel Club made the breed official in , the breed made its way to the U. Fun Facts about the Labrador Retriever There are three acceptable colors in Labradors: black, yellow, and chocolate. Yellow Labs born with pale skin and pink noses are called "Dudleys" and are not accepted in breed registries. Labradors have webbed toes and an otter-like tail that help make them powerful swimmers. Their coat is thick, short, and dense to repel water, making them very good shedders. There are two recognized lines of Labrador Retrievers - the show line broader head, more solidly-built and the field line more fine-boned, longer legs, and more high-energy. The presence of a hindlimb lameness, especially in a young to middle-aged Labrador, must be considered ACL disease until proven otherwise - so seek immediate veterinary care for your dog if this occurs! Severe, chronic pain and arthritis results if surgery is not done as soon as possible. Even with surgery, these active dogs need joint health support to help keep their knees as healthy as possible. Severely affected dogs develop congestive heart failure CHF. If you think that your Lab has become fat and lazy, you may be right but just in case, have your veterinarian examine your dog to check for a heart murmur. It affects puppies and worsens with age, with 1 year old dogs being severely affected. This condition affects leg mobility and can cause pain and chronic arthritis if not surgically corrected. It is the most common cause of hip pain in dogs. Elbow dysplasia is a malformation of the elbow joint causing lameness and chronic pain. Cancer Labradors are more prone to cancer than many other breeds. Of those dogs, the most common kind of cancer was sarcoma tumors that form in bones and in connective tissue , such as osteosarcoma and fibrosarcoma. Labradors are also at higher risk to develop lymphosarcoma cancer of white blood cells. Affected dogs develop weakness and collapse after just minutes of strenuous exercise, and possibly die. A recessive gene mutation results in malfunction of neurotransmitters in the nervous system; fortunately there is now a DNA test for EIC. Care information for Your Labrador Retriever Caring for your Labrador Retriever is not as challenging as with many other breeds, but even so, there are certain things you can do to make sure he stays happy and healthy so both of your lives are more fulfilling. Exercise Labrador Retrievers love to exercise, which is a good thing because they tend to put on weight. It's your job to see that your dog gets regular exercise with extended walks and active playtime, such as retrieving a ball or chasing a Frisbee. They especially love the water, so if that's an option, it will make life even better for your Labrador. They are very intelligent and take to training well, which helps their overall disposition. However, Labs do have a tendency to exhaust themselves, so it is important for you to monitor their activity. Additionally, Labs with chronic joint disease will easily "overdo" themselves running, jumping, etc, but they likely will pay for this within the next 24 hours by having severe reactive joint pain. Shelter Labrador Retrievers make great house dogs and thrive when they are with people, especially children. There is nothing a Lab likes better, than to be your shadow. Having a large backyard would be ideal, but as long as they are fed properly and exercised daily, weight gain is not a big concern. Labradors are not noisy and usually are not very territorial. They get along with other animals and for the most part, are friendly to strangers. For that reason, Labs do not make good guard dogs, but often will "sound the alarm" at a knock on your door. Labradors crave attention and companionship and can be disruptive if left alone for long periods. Grooming Unlike other breeds, a Labrador Retriever does not require a great deal of grooming. However, they do shed a LOT and so brushing frequently and an occasional bath is in order. However, be careful not to overdo it as frequent baths can damage your Labrador's naturally waterproof coat. His floppy ears can also present problems. Check them regularly and use an ear-cleaning solution recommended by your veterinarian to prevent infections. Also, trim the nails every week or two, as needed. These provide instant traction to stop dogs sliding on smooth floors or stairs. Nutrition As with most animals, Labrador Retrievers need a quality, balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals to support their size, activity level and to help reduce the risk of certain diseases. Foods with essential fatty acids are important for maintaining a Labrador's healthy coat and to help reduce shedding. But as they are a breed that never stops eating, veterinarians recommended that Labs be fed carefully and not be overfed as they can easily put on pounds without an active lifestyle. A diet rich in antioxidants can have long-term benefits, especially as dogs age. Share This Guide: What People Are Saying About Supplements and Their Pets Pet owners just like you are incorporating supplements into their animal's care more than ever before, and with exciting results. Our vet doesn't understand how, but Buddy can see even though he has the big bright green glow from the PRA and the fog from the cataracts. He doesn't get eye infections anymore and there is less brown crud in his eyes. He is walking a little better, putting more pressure on the leg and not limping as much. The results were amazing! Cocoa has regained 50 percent vision in her left eye and she can now catch treats! We were told when her PRA was diagnosed that she would lose her sight completely within a year. It's been two years now and, although she can't see at night, she still sees during the day and you would never know she has a problem with sight. I was told she would be blind within 5 months. I am so thankful she was able to receive this supplement. Thank you so much! This is definitely a plus! Almost two years after his initial diagnosis - there has been no further development of his cataracts. I'm grateful to be among those who can speak personally for its benefits. Probiotics have become a big thing in both human and vet care. When there is disease or inflammation, harmful or pathogenic bacteria can displace the beneficial type, causing further illness. Probiotics are live cultures of beneficial bacteria that can displace most types of harmful bacteria and can facilitate faster response times from the immune system. The active ingredient known as Bifidobacterium longum BL works like most other probiotic cultures, but also has a naturally calming effect. This makes it an effective probiotic for dogs that have gastrointestinal issues as well as behavior issues. The main reason why Calming Care works is because there is a neurological connection between the gastrointestinal tract and the brain. Studies in mice show that when gastrointestinal bacteria from anxious mice were transferred to the gastrointestinal tracts of calm mice, the latter group began to demonstrate anxiety. Once the clinical trials were performed for use of B. For best results, use Calming Care every day for at least three to four weeks. From our findings Glandex Soft Chews are one of the best fiber supplements available. Product features: Contains ingredients to help improve stool quality and promote GI health Helps natural anal gland expression by improving stool quality Available in a tasty chewable treat or powder form Anal glands are the small marble-shaped glands within the anus of a dog. They excrete a viscous and smelly fluid that helps make the passing of stools easier. However, when dogs have digestive tract problems or issues with allergies , these glands can become inflamed and more difficult to express. Anal glands can also become impacted and form painful abscesses that require immediate medical attention. Glandex eats more like a treat for your dog. Both of these ingredients absorb water which results in bulkier, healthier stools. Glandex also contains omega 3 fatty acids which can help prevent inflammation. It also contains probiotics like Lactobacillus acidophilus to promote a healthy digestive tract.