silver labrador puppies for sale in iowa
The Cocker Spaniel may also experience hip and elbow dysplasia like the Golden Retriever. This breed has a life expectancy of 12 — 15 years. Keep in mind that the following information is based on its parent breeds. These are all predictions that vary from case to case depending on genetic makeup. In terms of physical appearance, the Cocker Spaniel comes in a variety of coat colors, so the forever puppy may not always be golden. It could be a mix of blue, black, brown, and white. The ideal attributes a Golden Cocker Retriever should have is a medium-length coat, floppy ears, and a smaller build than the Golden Retriever. We can predict the height of the Golden Retriever Cocker Spaniel mix will range from 20 to 24 inches 51 — 61 cm. As we mentioned above its weight will range from 30 to 45 pounds 13 — 20 kg. The health concerns of a Golden Cocker Retriever are also based on its parents. Both the Golden Retriever and Cocker Spaniel are capable of experiencing seizures associated with epilepsy and hip and elbow dysplasia. On the Cocker Spaniel side, however, you have more serious illnesses to worry about like glaucoma and cancerous tumors. On the bright side, both parent breeds have a good life expectancy, so your Golden Cocker Retriever will live a long and happy life of at least 10 years! Want to see how this mix grows up? For owners who really want a teacup-sized Golden Cocker Retriever, there are some toy ones on the market. And then you mix it once again with Cocker Spaniel to get an even smaller dog. A dog with dwarfism may look cute and small but it causes them a lot of pain throughout their entire lives. The height of a standard Goldendoodle reaches 20 inches 50 cm. The weight ranges from 50 — 90 pounds 22 — 40 kg. Additionally, the coat of a Goldendoodle will be much curlier than the Golden Cocker Retriever thanks to its Poodle parent breed. Before buying one, consider if a Golden Cocker Retriever is your best match in the long run. How will this dog fit into your daily schedule and hobbies? Does This Mix Shed? Both parent breeds have long-haired coats that invite moderate to heavy shedding throughout the year. Do I Need A Backyard? Yes, yes, yes, yes, YES. Purebred Golden Retrievers sometimes need two sessions. A fenced backyard or a playpen is also essential to keep your Golden Cocker Retriever from wandering off. Both parent breeds have a long history of being hunting dogs with a strong prey-drive. If your Golden Cocker Retriever sees or smells a small animal in the distance, it will run as quickly as it can to track it down. Dogs are just fine. For example, any sign of stubbornness or independence can lead to harder training. Start training as early as possible as puppies are easier to handle than adults. The temperament of a Golden Cocker Retriever should be: Happy. One of the distinct characteristics of the hunting Golden Retriever is having a darker and shorter coat. The average size of full-grown Goldens has a height of 21 to 24 inches 53 to 61 cm and a weight of 55 to 65 pounds 25 to 29 kg. Golden Retrievers are not only friendly but also intelligent. The doll-eyed Cocker Spaniel Cockers are often seen in dog shows with their luscious hair and big doggy eyes giving everyone a taste of their sweet expression. With a height of only .Aside from being mischievous and using their dreamy eyes to get away with anything, Cocker Spaniels are active, alert, and intelligent. Just like Golden Retrievers, Cocker Spaniels have two distinct lines: the show line and the field line. The first Comfort Retriever the original name of this mix originated in .And not one puppy is the same as its littermates. Ideally, the aim attributes of the Cocker Spaniel-Golden Retriever cross is a medium-length coat, floppy ears, and a smaller build than Goldies. They have deep-set eyes that are slightly almond-shaped that can either be shades of brown, green, blue, or particolored. Their ears are quite longer than Goldens, and they touch the cheeks. Some of them can have tufts of hair between their toes. Unpredictability is a package deal when you get a crossbreed as a canine friend. So, if you prefer knowing what your pup will exactly turn out, this may not be the breed for you. While this is true for some of them, not every dog will grow or stay the same. Source: honey. For weight, it can be as low as 25 pounds 11 kg or as heavy as 70 pounds 32 kg. Most of them will fall in the middle of those numbers, which is around 30 to 45 pounds 14 to 20 kg. They may be little, but the exercise requirement of the Golden Cocker makes them suitable for homes with a big yard or somewhere in the country. They can be okay with apartments, too. How about a toy or mini version of the Golden Cocker Retriever? We mentioned the miniature Golden Retriever, right? Another way to produce a smaller Golden Retriever-Cocker Spaniel crossbreed is unnatural and unacceptable. Did you know that some fidos that look so small and really cute are lab-made? They suffer from a skeletal defect called dwarfism. Coat and colors of the Cocker Spaniel-Golden Retriever cross Your four-legged friend can have a very long fur like the Cocker, or quite short like the Goldie. They have a water-resistant hair, with the undercoat helping them keep warm. This one parent is seen in black, white, tan and white, black and tan, red, blue, chocolate, parti-color, roan, and merle. This designer dog is not hypoallergenic. Cocker Retriever Spaniels are moderate to heavy shedders throughout the year. So, with all that variation, the appeal with this crossbreed is a unique mystery pup. And you got it right! These are traits that will make them a great family pet, even those with children! Not only that, but they also interact well with other fellow dogs and can serve as an excellent watchdog. And just like its folks, this fido is not known for being aggressive. Other than that, socialization and training is the answer. During training, always keep in mind that this pooch is sensitive, so be assertive without doing anything negative as your dog will get hurt easily. Just be prepared for an energetic pup and train her as early as possible. The one thing that would probably need your time is grooming, as this fido is high maintenance when it comes to their hair. Get ready for grooming With long, luscious coats, you might have been ready for this. They have ears, chest hair, and trousers that can easily become tangled and matted. Do they have special dietary needs? Dry kibbles, wet food, and raw diet — each type of dog food have their own advantage and disadvantages. The factors that you have to consider when figuring out how much to feed your dog is her age, size, activity level, and on some occasion, health. What most owners do is look at the back of the dog food bag for the serving suggestion. There is a better way than feeding your canine friend based on the number of cups. Some may say that the Golden Retriever-Cocker Spaniel cross need about 2 cups of kibbles. That is not enough, though. Make sure you set aside 45 to 60 minutes of your day to take your Cocker Retriever out for a walk, a jog, or a hike. There are times that they would need two sessions of exercise to avoid pent up energy. Once the sun is out, treat your doggo for undertaking activities such as trekking that will make her satisfied. Not just because of the change of scenery and new scents, but also you took the time to bond with her. As they say, a tired dog is a happy dog. You also have to consider the generations of inbreeding that makes crossbreeds vulnerable to a few illnesses. Both parent breeds can suffer from seizures that are associated with hip and elbow dysplasia, as well as epilepsy. Golden Retrievers are also susceptible to hypothyroidism and mast cell tumors. Cocker Spaniels have more health concerns like glaucoma, cataracts, seborrhea skin disease , liver disease, and congestive heart failure. These are for precautions as your Dakota Sport Retriever may or may not inherit these conditions. Not the females, though! You should also only purchase puppies from breeders who always prioritize the health welfare of their breeding stock and their litters. This can be challenging, but with proper documentation and medical records of the dogs, plus a good pedigree line, you can take those as good signs. For life expectancy, both the Golden Retriever and Cocker Spaniel live good and long lives. So, we can expect the same thing for their mixed-breed descendant with a general lifespan of at least ten years. He or she should also allow you to visit the dogs and their home, as well as encourage you to observe and get to know the parents and their puppies. Responsible breeders also have a history of vet visits, genetic tests, and health guarantee. Dakota Sport Retrievers for adoption or rescue Choosing to adopt a dog is a noble act. You might be interested in giving an older fur angel, and other Golden Retriever or Cocker Spaniel mix another chance to be loved and have a new home. Comparing their size, the Cogol can be a little taller, as Goldendoodles have a maximum height of 20 inches 50 cm and can weigh 50 to 90 pounds 22 to 40 kg. If there are more Cocker genes in the Cogol mix, then they can be smaller than a Goldendoodle. This Poodle mix has a curlier coat and has a better chance of being hypoallergenic. It makes the Goldie-Poodle cross a better option for those who have allergies or would prefer minimal fur around their house. If you have no problem with dander and enjoy being on the move, the Cogol is an excellent family dog that is trainable, loving, happy, and polite. Share with us your opinion about the Golden Cocker Retriever. With a background in animal science, dog training, and behavior consulting, her hands-on experience and extensive knowledge make her a trusted source for dog owners. When not writing or leading the K9 Web content team, Cess can be found volunteering at local shelters and participating in dog-related events. Leave a Comment. Read 7 comments Sometimes we wish our big dogs could go back to being puppies again because of how adorable they were not that being big changes that! Golden Cocker Retriever This bundle of adorableness is called a Golden Cocker Retriever and it will absolutely forever stay a puppy! Shih Tzu The Shih Tzu is the only dog breed that somehow manages to look very wise yet very young and adorable! They may be small, but they are very feisty and playful! Pomeranians Pomeranians are quite possibly the sweetest little dogs ever! And a good dog groomer can turn them into mini teddy bears. According to the AKC , they are very outgoing and can comfortably live both in the city and the suburbs. These goofy cuties have been bringing joy to people for centuries. Their big sparkly eyes and wrinkles are what makes them different than the other dogs but in a good way! Beagles Beagles are yet another dog breed that stays little forever, except for their ears. French Bulldog French Bulldogs are the mini-version of regular bulldogs, except they still have big ears which is their trademark feature! Maltese Maltese doggies are the epitome of elegance and charm, mostly thanks to their long white fur coat! Of course, they stay small forever and are an excellent companion for anyone. Chihuahua Chihuahuas may look small and harmless, but they definitely possess a big-dog attitude and feistiness that more than makes up for their small size! Their biggest asset, however, is that beautiful, irresistible smile! Toy Fox Terrier Toy Fox Terriers have all the best dog qualities: lovability, charisma, friendliness, and tenacity. These little dogs will never let you have a boring day again! Pomsky Pomskys are our favorite mixed breed! This mix between a pomeranian and a husky is a guaranteed recipe for beauty! Do you have any pups that stay that way forever? We encourage you to share them with us because we all need them in our lives! We have no litters planned at this time, however we have puppies available! Available We occasionally have retired adults or older puppies available to performance or companion homes. We we have no older puppies or adults available at this time, check back regularly! Contact us for more info on our available dogs! Looking towards the future. Scroll down to learn more about our screening process, what to expect when bringing home your puppy, and how Forever puppies are raised. What we strive for at Forever. Here at Forever, we plan a litter when we are ready for our next generation, and to further advance the future of the breed. We breed for health and temperament first and foremost, and strive to keep our distinct breed type in e very litter while doing so. We also keep in mind that the majority of our puppies will be placed in loving family homes, wether that be from the young age of 8 weeks, or when they are ready to retire. With that said, we take every step possible to ensure our dogs are mentally and physically prepared for that next step in their life, being well socialized from birth, and their health and happiness firmly in mind. Puppy Care at Forever What to expect when taking home your Forever puppy. We will provide you with a detailed vaccination recommendation to share with your veterinarian. We follow Dr. Veterinarian Health Check Every one of our puppies is examined by an experienced small animal veterinarian and the great team at Veterinary Village, before they go to their new home. This exam includes a full physical and cardiac exam. We strive to send home, happy, healthy puppies! Deworming Protocol Our puppies receive regular preventative deworming to avoid any parasitic issues. This ensures your puppy comes with no dormant issues that will surprise you just after your puppy gets home. We use Ivermectin and Panacur to protect against heartworm and other internal parasites in our older puppies and adults. Once you take your puppy home, your veterinarian can advise you on a recommended program for your dog. When you enroll your dog's microchip with AKC Reunite, their ID is linked to your name, phone numbers, emergency contacts and other vital information in the database. Socialization This is the key to ensuring that your puppy will quickly become a happy, well-adjusted family member. Our puppies are introduced to various noises, experiences, surfaces, toys, car rides, other pets, children and more so that the day they leave us, they are ready to be well rounded members of your family! Housebreaking We get our puppies on a potty schedule early and that foundational training makes housebreaking a breeze. We are obsessive about cleanliness and sanitation. This is the stepping stone to teaching clean living. Get In Touch.
Kenya Labradors breeds the best, so YOU will live with the best. Kenya Labradors is solely dedicated to "breeding excellence" in order to offer you the most outstanding family pets and champions of conformation, hunting, agility, and obedience. We specialize in English-type chocolate and black Labs of exceptional quality and brilliance. See our website for photographs, pedigrees, and information! Why Labradors? Our home is on 20 acres in the gorgeous Santa Margarita Valley on California's central coast. With all this land, we could have chosen ANY breed of dog.Why did we choose Labradors? We chose to love, train, breed, and show only English-type Labrador Retrievers because we believe no other dog will suffice. These fabulous dogs fulfill our every criterion for the perfect canine companion. They are magnificently built for stamina and agility. They are off-the-charts bright and eager to please — loving, easy to train, and full of personality. Kenya Labradors are filled to the brim with SO MUCH love, devotion and intelligence — sure to become an important member of your family. It was an easy choice for us. World's Most Popular Breed of Dog! That's a BIG title and with good reason! It is also one of the most popular assistance dog breeds in Australia, Canada, United Kingdom, United States, and many other countries, as well as being widely used by police and other official bodies for their intelligence and desire to please. Labrador Retrievers - Central California We started with one dog, as many people do. Read our story. Now we strive to produce the best quality Labs possible, specializing in chocolate and black colors with the English-type conformation. Kenya Labradors are beautiful, bold looking dogs, and especially athletic. They love to swim, play catch, and retrieve, but can just as easily kick back to watch movies with you. Our Labs are super friendly "people dogs" that are good with young children and the elderly, and for announcing to welcome visitors. Please contact us for a phone appointment. We don't post our phone number here because we are often outside with our dogs, and paying proper attention to numerous phone calls became quite a challenge. Establishing a first contact by email allows us to agree upon time where you will receive our full attention. We appreciate your understanding on this. Simply click on "contact us" or fill out the quick form — at the bottom of every page. Unless we are at a dog show or hunt trial, we will get back to you typically within the day. We look forward to meeting you! Sorry, we do not ship. Kenya Labradors does not sell puppies via the Internet or to pet dealers. You must be physically present to purchase a Lab puppy from us. We also do not cross-breed Labs to make designer dogs. We breed amazing English Labradors and take great pride in doing that one thing well. Come and see for yourself. You just might fall in love! Santa Margarita, CA .Because our pups are in great demand, we really prefer a phone call for any future clients. Most of our pups are paid for before even being born. The demand for a Smoky Mtn Pup across our nation has blown our mind. Today some of the most prestigious athletes and celebrities our now owners of Smoky Mtn Puppies. Individually Priced Sales tax may apply depending on your state. Once we have received payment, you will be placed on our active Smoky Mtn Family waiting list. Once you are on the waiting list, we do our best to be in consistent in communication as you wait for your pup. Typically after reviewing those pups, we will occasionally sale some of them. We usually keep pups in the program. We are old school and prefer a phone call. After you have reviewed our website, just give us a call. Contract and Details of Ownership 2. Sales Receipt for your records. Hip and Elbow Dysplasia Guarantee. Smoky Mtn Labrador Guarantee: We guarantee all of our puppies to pass all the appropriate health care clearances on their hips and elbows, or we will replace that puppy with another of the same quality for free. We do not refund any money - we only replace the puppy. We will always take one of our puppies back so that it can have a quality life. There is a specific protocol that we follow if this becomes the case. Many times this can add up to to be thousands of dollars in preparation to ensure we are satisfied with the highest level of breeding, and you are receiving the highest quality puppy as a pet owner. This is a very important decision to make for the care and responsibility of a high quality puppy. We ask that our pet families are prepared to make a solid decision before buying their pup. Our typical wait time is months. It is worth the wait. If you are color specific and gender specific could be longer. We are committed to getting each family the highest quality puppy they desire, which requires a daily, intentional process of purposeful breeding. We do all of this so that our families will be satisfied completely with their decision. It is very important to understand that we allow absolutely NO ONE to pick puppies here, we reserve that right as breeders. Visiting your Pup Prior to Pick-Up: Due to health concerns, we do not allow puppy buyers to visit the litter prior to pick-up time. However, we will send you photos of the litter so you can view the progress of your pup only after their weeks veterinarian check! Call with any questions! As always, we are forever grateful for Amy Walker Wall in taking Moose to a level in his show career that was way beyond our wildest imagination. We always like to inform all of our puppy buyers that to obtain this level of title is absolutely no small accomplishment, and that Moose finished his AKC Grand Champion Degree at only 2 years old. That is remarkable, and is because of the scores of people who were directly responsible in breeding and training Moose. To all of the Labrador Breeders that for decades have stayed true to the English Labrador breed, we say thank you! Gene Wolfenbarger. A photo worthy of the cover!! We are so very proud of this young boy! What an amazing thrill and honor it is to have another Westminster winner at Firewater! Thank you to all the judges who consistently found our very special girl throughout the year! Ellen finishes her Grand Championship Gold Title. Bronco finishes his Grand Championship Title in style! Such an honor for our dogs to be recognized amongst the most competitive competition in the Nation!! Canine Chronicle - Nov issue. The largest Labrador Specialty in the world! Such a honor!! Thank you to all who voted for Linda! As always we are very proud of Ellen. A special thank you to all the breeders who voted for her! We are beyond honored and thrilled! Also adding more Sporting Groups Wins to her record!!! She is off to great !! Showsight Magazine - February .Ellen's November Notable wins and Ranking. What a month this has been. Ellen has now earned her tittle ad Multi Group winning by being awarded 4 Sporting Group 1st wins! Thank you judges for this amazing and appreciated recognition of our Ellen! She just keeps getting better! Ellen went on to a Sporting Group 1 win and to Best In show. Entery of dogs- to make it to the final 7 is an absolute honor. Thank you Judge Jamie Hubbard. A day Firewater will never forget! Ellen has exceeded all of our wildest dreams!! Ellen's August Stats and Notable Wins! We are so proud of our beautiful girl! A honor, thrill and a dream come true! We have AKC English Lab puppies for sale Our goal here at Winter Valley Labs is to breed excellent dual purpose AKC Labrador Retriever puppies that make great companions and family pets, that also have the ability to excel in the field as well as show ring. And of course, in our hearts. We breed for quality, not quantity. We breed English Lab puppies! Each of our litters is carefully planed and bred with purpose. We are a small breeder in Hatley, Wisconsin. Our love and passion for Labrador Retrievers drives us to better the breed and provide families with healthy, happy, perfect pets, companions and hunters. We have been breeding labs for over 10 years, and look forward to that number growing. We bred our first litter in January of .We hope to grow in size now that we have the room for it. We love to take the dogs out bird hunting, and am excited to get them started on waterfowl this year as we are located on the river. I have been around dogs my whole life, but the lab has always been my favorite. I started studying at the UW of Stevens Point for Wildlife Ecology and Captive Wildlife management, and had done some study in veterinarian medicine but complications with pregnancy forced me out. I decided after my first son was born that I wanted to stay at home with my babies anyways both human and canine. So I am now a stay at home mom for all of our babies. Prior to that I had worked at an animal shelter as well as a grooming and boarding facility. I am doing some online studies for genetics and animal behavior, as I am always striving to be very well educated with the dogs. I am an avid hunter and LOVE spending the days outside with the dogs. Please note; We do not breed silvers, charcoals or champagne. We do not breed labradoodles, golden labs or any other designer breed. We do have English lab puppies for sale- We breed Fox red lab puppies, yellow lab puppies, black lab puppies, chocolate lab puppies and white lab puppies. Fox red and white labs are registered as yellow labs! These ARE akc recognized unlike the dilute colors. Click here to see what english lab puppies we have that are ready to go and looking for their loving forever homes! Our focus is on the English Lab breed. Please contact us for more information on any of our wonderful English Lab puppies, or upcoming and planned litters! We will help you find the perfect puppy for your family! All of our English Lab puppies are vet checked with the vaccines that are needed and also wormed. They also have their dewclaws removed. If in any case a dew claw, or partial dew claw grows back, that will be the buyers responsibility to take care of, if they feel the need to do so. This can be done at the time of spaying or neutering. This is not a common thing. All of our English Lab Puppies are placed with limited registration Pet homes only If you are looking for full registration Breeding rights Do not wait until pickup day to discuss this with us.
We offer the most healthy AKC puppies for sale at a reasonable price. French Bulldog puppy. The popularity of the new breed quickly spread outside of France especially among the middle class, and eventually, it reached in the United States. Nowadays, there is French Bulldog breeders all over the globe and the breed is still very loved in many countries. The most uncommon Colors of French Bulldogs are blue, lilac, blue and tan, and chocolate and tan. Add that Merle coats. A blue merle is maybe the most uncommon of all. In our current reality where a standard French Bulldog costs a few thousand dollars, these uncommon colors can sell for many thousands. These puppies are gentle, loving and affectionate. They are a good family dog and do well with children. The breed is also intelligent, docile and relatively easy to train. While puppies may be very energetic, adult Frenchies are relatively calm and have moderate exercise needs. That makes them an excellent choice for apartments and for owners who are unable to provide vigorous exercise. The dog bonds with owners and can get depressed if left alone for long periods. Bored or lonely pups can also chew or become destructive. Barkley is our Tan french bulldog for sale craigslist. When everyone is awake and yelling to be let out of the cage, you will generally find him asleep in the back, or just hanging out. Pick him up and he will give you a hug, he is such a cutie! He is a cute guy like his daddy and has great features…He is going to be a handsome boy! Whenever you are looking for a Mini French Bulldog for sale, you can get in touch with us asap! We offer the most healthy AKC puppies for sale at a reasonable price. French Bulldog puppy. The popularity of the new breed quickly spread outside of France especially among the middle class, and eventually, it reached in the United States. Nowadays, there is French Bulldog breeders all over the globe and the breed is still very loved in many countries. The most uncommon Colors of French Bulldogs are blue, lilac, blue and tan, and chocolate and tan. Add that Merle coats. A blue merle is maybe the most uncommon of all. In our current reality where a standard French Bulldog costs a few thousand dollars, these uncommon colors can sell for many thousands. These puppies are gentle, loving and affectionate. They are a good family dog and do well with children. The breed is also intelligent, docile and relatively easy to train. While puppies may be very energetic, adult Frenchies are relatively calm and have moderate exercise needs. That makes them an excellent choice for apartments and for owners who are unable to provide vigorous exercise. The dog bonds with owners and can get depressed if left alone for long periods. Bored or lonely pups can also chew or become destructive. Barkley is our Tan french bulldog for sale craigslist. When everyone is awake and yelling to be let out of the cage, you will generally find him asleep in the back, or just hanging out. Pick him up and he will give you a hug, he is such a cutie! He is a cute guy like his daddy and has great features…He is going to be a handsome boy! Whenever you are looking for a Mini French Bulldog for sale, you can get in touch with us asap!
I am so thankful and blessed to have met so many wonderful people and get to share a part of my heart with each and every one of them as they choose to make one of my babies a part of their family. I have been a bulldog enthusiast for many years and have been breeding since .My husband and my daughter are actively involved in caring for and loving all our fur babies. Our dogs are our family. All our dogs are AKC registered and they are raised in a healthy, loving environment. As a breeder I focus on health, structure, temperament, socialization and pedigree in order to achieve my goal of providing to you a top quality baby that will not only capture your heart but will be a perfect fit for you and your family. I am also state licensed. For more information please contact Lori or Alan Celmer at or .Orwigsburg PA .As a family, we raise our babies here in our home as a part of our family so that they can learn the social skills that they need to one day be a part of your family. You are always welcome to come to our home and meet our babies and the rest of our fur family. There is nothing I love more then sharing my dogs with wonderful and caring people that share the same love in their hearts that we do for our sweet bulldogs. Site Content We are so proud of each and every one of our Productions We would like to take a moment and share our past babies that are now in their forever homes but were produced, loved and raised right here in our home. Domino can give you both! Personalized Training We try to teach every puppy the basic education form the very first days of its life Exotic English Bulldog Breeding Farm The Exotic Bulldog House breeding farm was born after getting to know this wonderful breed, the Exotic English Bulldog, and thanks to decades of canine experience of three guys: Lorenzo, Alberto and Nicola, who have an extraordinary passion for the canine world and professional dog training. Our structure is located inside a country homestead submerged by nature. More than 10 hectares of the ground are available for breeding, growing and education of the puppies and their parents. A characteristic that denotes us is the dedication towards post-adoption canine education that guarantees continuous assistance and support to the new custodial. The adoption of a puppy is always supported even after entrusting it; its new owners will receive the correct and necessary information about the diet and the daily exercise every puppy needs to complete in the best way possible its formation, both physical and psychological. Moreover, we will also try to give you the correct instructions on which behavior the owner has to take towards the new arrival at home, how to handle the first days in the new environment and all the following steps. If you want to have information on the puppies available or are willing to adopt one: call us , contect us by email or write us using whatsapp. Our Exotic English Bulldog Exemplars We take care of our exemplars with the maximum attention, to the point that we define ourselves as their companions and not their owners. We dedicate a good amount of our formative activities to make them socialize at best with their akin and with people, thus obtaining very well — balanced individuals with a wonderful temper that can live with other animals and with humans of every age in total harmony and safety, also especially with kids of every age. Our Breeding Farm: What denotes us? Our Exotic Bulldog exemplars are the result of accurate selections, from generation to generation, to obtain wonderful individuals as for their morphology, health and temper. We are talking about dogs that are used to the familiar environment, to people and other dogs, easy to manage both in urban and extra-urban scenarios. We are sure about our results because we give the maximum attention to the subjects we breed and include in our breeding farm. Professional and Authorized Breeding Farm We are the only professional and authorized breeders in Italy who select this wonderful English Bulldog typology. See for Yourself! Through a webcam, you can follow the growth of your puppy step by step. Athletic Dogs All our dogs are selected for their great physical health, they are athletic and in shape. Ample open spaces In our parks, there are structures created for collective exercise, authorized delivery rooms, rooms for socializing and interacting with other animals, people and things. Diet care We only use high-quality fresh food. Selected exemplars We perform genetic tests on all our exemplars for an unmatched selection. Maximum protection Every puppy is given with a cession and guarantee contract. Moreover, we periodically invite to our structures some individuals from other breeds who share the same areas with our Bulldogs, allowing us to socialize all our dogs at best, both puppies and adults. For those who reserve a puppy, we commit from the first days of its life to teach it its future name together with the first basic knowledge offering, among the other activities, the possibility to deliver the puppy you adopted with a first training we attend personally and with the help of an expert canine trainer. Our Structure We are always open to your visits, both pre-adoption, to see how the puppies are bred and where they live, and both post-adoption, to be able to share our reciprocal experiences or simply to give you the possibility to let your Exotic Bulldog run free in a familiar environment. You can count on us ad on our help for sure! Most important is the time the puppy spends with its mother and the minimum age at which you can separate them. Even in the case of the Exotic English Bulldog, this aspect must be respected! After that, always in order of importance for correct growth, there is the chance to socialize and communicate with other puppies and with people. It is always the mother who takes care of it in the beginning when she teaches her puppies to relate to the environment they live in. News and updates on the Exotic Bulldog House World If you want to be updated about events, fair participations, new litters, or other information about the canine world, follow us on our Facebook and Instagram pages and come back to our website for all the future updates. About Us.
Regular Grooming Temperament The Golden Retriever is a highly adaptable breed and will make for an extremely affectionate family member. They are know to be a child friendly breed. They are a wonderful addition to families with young children. Golden Retrievers are sociable dogs and are known to get along with other dogs. Suitability Golden Retriever enjoy out door play, active lifestyle and a re playful from puppies though h to adulthood. Access to regular exercise and fun environments where they can run or swim would be an ideal outing for a Golden Retriever. Small living spaces for this medium to large breed would not be ideal. The Golden Retriever makes for a wonderful family companion, who will play and teach them…. Coat The Golden Retriever has a lustrous golden coat, and comes in different shades of gold, from dark golden to light golden. The GR coat is of medium length, and will require moderate grooming. Their lovely golden coat is a moderate to high level of shedding, but with regular grooming this is manageable. Size And Weight The average height of a Golden Retriever is between 54 cm in height and can weigh kg as an adult. Life expectancy of a Golden Retriever is years. Our breeding process is carefully planned and executed with the utmost care and dedication. We prioritize the health and well-being of our parent dogs, ensuring they undergo comprehensive health screenings to minimize the risk of hereditary conditions. This commitment to responsible breeding allows us to produce Golden Retriever puppies that are not only physically healthy but also mentally and emotionally well-balanced. We believe in transparency and open communication with our clients. We are always available to answer any questions you may have and provide guidance throughout the entire adoption process. When you bring a Golden Retriever puppy from Designer K9 Breeders into your life, you can expect ongoing support and resources to ensure a smooth transition and a lifetime of happiness. Here are some tips for finding a good Golden Retriever breeder: Check they are members of any breed club: The first thing you should do when looking for a good breeder is to check whether or not they are members of any breed club. You can usually find this information on their website or by contacting them directly via email or phone call. Why Buy From a Responsible Breeder? If you are looking to get a dog, always buy from a reputable breeder. There are many great reasons to buy from a responsible breeder. Second, responsible breeders have their puppies raised in an environment where they can properly play with other dogs and be socialized with people early on so that they will be more comfortable when starting out as a new addition to your home. We have listed below some reasons for buying a puppy from a responsible breeder. Responsible breeders have their dogs health tested and ensure that they are good representatives of their breed. A responsible and ethical breeder will never sell puppies without first meeting with potential buyers. They also do not sell puppies until the dog is at least eight weeks old, which ensures that it will be well socialized with humans and other animals. Also, if any of their dogs have a genetic disease, they will tell you about it. Responsible breeders will raise puppies with socialization, proper nutrition, and veterinary care. Below we provided some simple steps to help you identify whether a dog breeder is worth buying one from or not. This will get a better idea of how they treat their dogs and you can also see the environment where puppies grow. If the conditions are terrible, this is a bad sign. Ask them about their experience working with the breeder and ask if they would recommend them. Step 4: Ask the breeder for references. Step 5: Feel free to ask any questions you have. Make sure you ask all the questions you have. Do not hesitate to ask questions, This will help ensure that you are getting a healthy, well-socialized puppy from a responsible breeder. You will have a better chance of finding a reputable Golden Retriever breeder if you follow these steps. How much should a Golden Retriever cost in Australia? Prices vary based on lineage, health, and whether you purchase a puppy from a trustworthy breeder or not. If you know any great Golden Retriever Breeders who live in Victoria, please let us know in the comments below so we can add them to our list. What is the Breeder Name? Where are they located in Victoria? It really helps others who are looking for Golden Retriever puppies in Victoria. In conclusion These are the best Golden Retriever Breeders in Victoria that we have found and added to our list. There are many breeders but we review and check the breeder before adding them to our list. The aim was to create a dog better suited to the task of retrieving game from both water and land in marshy areas, through the structured breeding of water spaniels, setters and retrievers. Average Life Span When considering a dog, please realise that you are taking it on for its lifetime. The average life span is 10 to 15 years. Temperament The Golden Retriever is an intelligent, active dog with a kindly expression and a gentle, affectionate nature. They should be calm and biddable and are eager to please. General Breed Description Golden Retrievers make excellent companions. They need to closely interact with their owners and be regularly included in family activities, as they thrive when taking part in fun activities with their owners. They are not a breed to leave in a backyard for too long, preferring to be active, happily spending lots of time at the beach or park, playing and retrieving a ball or frisbee. Basic training is an important part of responsible dog ownership, so they will learn to be well mannered and obedient. They are great competitors in Obedience, Agility, Rally, Flyball and other dog sports. Goldens have a double coat which is wavy and water resistant, in colours ranging from shades of cream to deep gold. Size Height: Males 56 to 61cms 22 to 24ins , Females 51 to 56cms 20 to 22ins. Health All breeds have individual health issues. The Golden Retriever is generally a healthy breed, however health conditions do occur occasionally. There are DNA tests available for a range of conditions. The National Golden Retriever Council has some useful information sheets. They are happiest when they are included in family activities and do not like being left alone for long periods. They are best suited to active people, as they do require regular exercise, whether that be a long walk, a game of fetch or a swim. They are easily trained and eager to please, happy to do whatever is asked of them. In Conclusion Now you know a little more about this breed. If you have decided this is the dog for you and wish to investigate further, please contact the Breed Club or Dogs Victoria. They will be able to give you information about available puppies and also suggest dog events where you can see the breed and speak to breeders. In this way you will gain a better perspective of the breed and its needs. With any breed of dog, it is important to research and determine suitability for your lifestyle before committing to a puppy which will be a part of your family for many years to come. Whilst many breeds are recommended for families, it is imperative that when children are with dogs they are supervised at all times. Basic obedience training is a vital part of dog ownership. Dogs Victoria is about the responsible ownership of all dogs and in particular the preservation of pure breeds. They are lively and friendly dogs that are very sociable. This is not surprising since both of their parents have these traits. Even though they look like teddy bears, these dogs are intelligent as they are trainable. Can we meet in person? Have they been socialised? Golden retriever puppies PUREBRED purebred golden retriever puppies 6 left in the litter, 2 boys and 4 girls all are very quiet nice playfull puppies, I sit and play with them everyday all are very nice calm beautiful dogs. We pride ourselves on raising our dogs in a loving family environment on large acreage where our main focus is on health and temperament. Both parents are pedigree Golden Retrievers, mum is hip and elbow scored and dads parents are hip and elbow scored all with great scores. Puppies will be vet checked , wormed every 2 weeks, vaccinated and microchipped, they will also come with a puppy pack. Puppies are socialised with other dogs cats ,chooks ,children if you are interested more then welcome to come and visit or can organise face time. Karen Shore Gorgeous golden retriever puppy available to go to their forever homes from today! Please contact if interested. They are raised lovingly in our home with their Mum Honey and big sister Roxy from Honeys first litter and our Burmese cat Max! They are well socialised and cuddled every day by our family and friends who love puppy visits! We are more popular than ever!!! We have 5 boys and 1 girl available! All are healthy , happy puppies who will Be vaccinated, microchipped and wormed! They have Al been vet checked with a clean bill of health! The stud. Is an assistance dog for sufferers of PTSD and puppies from honeys last litter are now trained therapy dogs! Their nature is so intuitive and beautiful with children and adults alike! I am Available for FaceTime anytime! Andrea pentz Purebred Golden Retriever puppies We have 7 purebred golden retriever puppies 1 girl and 6 boys that will be ready for their forever homes from the 12th September. All puppies are up to date with worming, vaccinated and microchipped. Puppies come from a very loving family home with plenty of social interaction; including young children and lots of space to play. For more information please contact Rachel. Rachel Purebred Golden Retriever Puppies 9 beautiful little golden retrievers are available in this litter. These adorable puppies were born on 16th August and will be wormed every 2 weeks. All puppies will be microchipped and vet checked at 6 weeks and will come with all necessary paperwork, including a puppy starter pack. Available to go to their 'fur-ever' homes on 14th and 15th October. These puppies will make a gorgeous addition to your family. Photos of Mum photos and Dad photos are also included. Please phone Teegan on to discuss further details. Teegan 4 golden retriever pups 3 boys 1 girl Micro chipped, vaccinated, wormed and flea treated All very playful beautiful natures like their parents, well socialised with children Ready on the 7th September Raquel Wellins Looking to rehome our beloved fur-baby into a loving family who can devote time and company. Very healthy golden retriever male puppy 6 months old. Comes with full vaccination, paperwork from the breeder, toys, food bag, bowls, treats. Sim Pure bred Golden Retriever puppies We are excited to announce that we have welcomed two litters from our beautiful girls in the last two weeks! There are 8 boys and 8 girls. Both litters will be ready to go to their forever homes from mid September. Please see below information about our breeding program. About our breeding dogs Our two girls, Nala and Dakota have been DNA tested Both clear , hip and elbow scored, and have current heart and eye certificates. Our newest member and dad to both litters, Cooper has been DNA tested and is clear also. All parents are living with us and you are able to meet them all and get to know them when visiting our homes. Feeding and pick up information Puppies are solely on mums milk until weeks and then will be weaned onto Royal Canin wet and dry puppy food, as well as still drinking from mum until around weeks. Puppies will then be ready to go to their new homes only after 8 weeks of age, once they have had their vaccination and microchip usually done around 6 weeks. Puppies will also be vet checked at 6 weeks to ensure their health. They will come with our puppy pack full of information, a starter pack including the food they have been on, some treats, a toy and a blanket that smells like mum. Worming Our puppies will be wormed at 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks of age. They will then need to be wormed by new owners, information on brands we recommend will be in our starter pack also. Our relationship doesnt end once you pick up your puppy unless you want it to , we will be here for ongoing support and as we have done in the past, we love to watch our beautiful puppies grow and thrive in their new homes. Any questions you may have we are happy to answer. We have 8 girls available and 8 boys across both litters. Nalas puppies will be available to go to their new homes from the 5th September and Dakotas from the 13th September. As much as we would love visitors early on, viewing will be from 6 weeks, once they have had their vaccinations to ensure puppies are protected from any potential illness. We strive to keep our Instagram page updated with our puppies progress throughout this period. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out First photo is of dad Cooper, who is available for viewing as well as mums Dakota and Nala. Excellent mannered and loving dog. Had him from 10weeks and now only 8 months. Vaccinated and registered. Looking for a new loving home and owner. Alex Hi selling my beautiful puppy, as I got new job and I would be away from home a lot. Puppy- 12 weeks old Vaccine- Vaccinated Micro chipped Will come all his stuff puppy toothbrush, toys and food. Mt Stirling Golden Retrievers has 1 pretty little lady and 5 handsome gentlemen for only the best of homes. Mum and dad are much loved family pets, and are very friendly and gentle. Dad loves to chase a ball and both of them love walks around town or out on the farm. They've both been DNA tested and hip and elbow scored, with great results. All the info is available for you to see. They'll come with a puppy pack full of information to help you get off to the best of starts. Don't miss this opportunity to welcome your next family member. For more photos and videos follow us on Facebook or Instagram mtstirlinggoldenretrievers Nikki Everingham Cooper is 4 month old gorgeous boy, he is very friendly with children and other dogs, he has been fully vaccinated. She normally sits about 34kg when not whelping and loves an afternoon swim in the dam. Dad is going to be a big retriever when finished growing, his about 36kg at the moment and a magnificent cream. He still has a bit of puppy brain being only a year and a half himself, but is a very smart and responsive dog. Puppies will be wormed every 2 weeks,health checked, vaccinated and microchipped before going to their new homes. Puppies will come with a comprehensive puppy pack and 6 weeks of pet insurance to get you started with your new family member. They will be fed Royal Canin puppy food along with other premium food to help their growth and healthy development. Mum, dad and the pups are available for viewing by appointment, we can also send vids and pics of their development. We will keep the pictures in the ad updated as they grow. If you are looking for a well-bred, health and happy puppy look no further. These beautiful 11 boys are on the search for their new forever homes. Each puppy has been individually vet checked, vaccinated, microchipped and are wormed regularly. These boys are playful, adventurous and cuddly little puppies, all starting to develop their own little personalities. Willow is part of our family of and you are welcome to come view her with the puppies. The father of the puppies is a stud, he comes from great breeding, has a beautiful structure and has also been DNA. Dad has a beautiful personality, loves a cuddle and is also great around children. We are happy to transport puppies at buyers expense and have a number of transport companies available to us. The pups will grow up with children, cats and other dogs. Mum and dad and much loved family pets. They are friendly, and full of fun. Both are DNA tested and hip and elbow scored with great results. Puppies will be ready to love you forever from the 13th August. They'll come to you vet checked, microchipped, wormed, vaccinated, socialised and very loved. They'll also have a puppy pack full of all the information you'll need for a great start. You'll get weekly updates, and you can visit us in person or by video call anytime. Follow us on Instagram or FB mtstirlinggoldenretrievers to see lots more photos and videos of all their adventures. We have a stunning golden retriever puppy Berkeley. We are looking for his new forever home. Dad is our very cute and loving goldie boy. He is such a gentle sweet boy. Would sit with you all day for lots of love and attention. He is dna health tested clear for. GR PRA 1. GR PRA 2. SAN and he is also.Everyone who meets her falls in love with her. Again she has the typical happy, loving and gentle temperament. She is always carrying one of her teddies around with her. She is fully dna health tested clear for. SAN and she is also.Our puppy is well socialised, happy, healthy puppy. He is fully up to date with worming and flea treatment before he leaves us. Please seek the approval of your spouse and landlord prior to enquiry. Naomi M. Mum and Dad both able to be viewed. We have bred two cross bred Coltrievers to stabilise the genetics and have quite literally bred the World's Friendliest Dog Breed with the World's Most Intelligent! We are also members of Responsible Pet Breeders of Australia .These crossbred companions embody the perfect fusion of Golden Retriever with their friendly, loyal and placid qualities with the Border Collie known for their high level intelligence, trainability and friendly natures. Puppy pack — including food, info for care, towel, and a toy to make transition easier. I have 4 children to keep them well socialised and between there mummy and sister they get doggy socialising too. They have been wormed with quality vet products at 2,4,6 and 8 weeks of age, there feed with high quality dog food and given formula to help maintain growth when smaller. They are eating and drinking on their own, but I would urge that all new owners purchase the same dog food all info provided initially as changing diets will cause diarrhoea and it can very extreme. All dogs experience this with rapid diet changes but puppies even more so. They drink water from a bowl happily and are happily playing and are working on toilet training. All puppies have weight and feeding history, personality info and notes kept from the moment there born to help us match each puppy to their perfect family. Having a puppy come home with more people working from home and school holidays around the corner is a fantastic time to get a puppy, while the family have time to give a puppy the time and training it deserves. Mum and dad are purebred, DNA tested. Happy to ship at buyers expense, usually from 8 weeks depending on the company. They are all micro chipped, wormed and had first vaccination so ready to go to there forever homes. These designer dogs take the best from Labradors and Golden Retrievers, making them intelligent, loyal, and social. They are suitable for a variety of different homes, including those with children. Jenny Hollys Litter No. Please be aware of irresponsible and inexperienced breeders! We are experienced breeders and our puppies have received the best care. Dad is so very handsome, strong and such a happy boy. Both parents are Purebred Golden Retrievers, which have both had full DNA testing and are clear of all genetic conditions. We are registered breeders and both parents have been carefully selected to breed, so to provide a perfect breed profile. All puppies have been of exceptional health and have had excellent weight gain since birth. Weight gain chart since birth will be provided in puppy pack. The puppies have been raised in peaceful Tallebudgera, QLD in a loving home. Their bedding and play areas are always kept clean and tidy. They have received tons of love and affection, and will no doubt make the most wonderful addition to your family. You will never regret owning a Golden Retriever. All puppies have been wormed every two weeks, and will have been microchipped and had their first vaccination and Vet Checked again prior to pick up. They will also come with a puppy pack including all their relevant information, a soft toy that smells like Mum and puppy food. Puppies will also be toilet trained as it something that we work on everyday and currently now only toileting outside. Please contact Keryn for more information and to arrange a viewing. Both parents are clear of diseases, hereditary diseases and traits thru genetic testing to ensure the health of these puppies. Parents are great natured, cuddly, obedient and docile family pets. Retrievers have been ranked one of the most popular dog breed world wide. Golden retrievers and Labrador Retrievers are the perfect family dogs, so why not combine the two! Not only are Retrievers gentle, they love children and are very intelligent and stable, and also great with cats : The puppies will be raised around 2 cats so they will already be accustomed to cats upon adoption date. If you have chosen your puppy and have a name I will start calling the puppy that name so they will have learnt to recognise their name upon adoption date. Puppies will come vet checked, vaccinated, microchipped, and wormed every 2 weeks. Pups also come with the following: - Health guarantee - Vet card, health schedule, breed info, birth certificate - Puppy pack including a bag of LifeWise biscuits, collar, leash, blanket, toy. Dad; Golden Retriever, 2 years old. Puppies will come vet checked, vaccinated, microchipped, and wormed every 2 weeks from the age of 14 days. Pups also come with the following: - Health guarantee - Vet card, health schedule, breed info, birth certificate - Puppy pack including a bag of Life Wise, collar, leash, blanket, toy. When you send through a message please let me know a bit about yourself and your living circumstances. Our puppies are extremely important to us, and as such we will only be approving the best of homes and families for our little babies. All of our puppies will undergo ENS training, early potty training misty method and basic commands. This will ensure the best start to life for our gorgeous fur babies and make transitioning into their new homes and families a breeze. Parents have also been fully health screened with Orivet which will also be provided in your puppy pack. Puppies will be very well socialised with children, adults and other dogs by the time they are ready for their forever homes. Each puppy will be wormed every two weeks, vaccinated and microchipped. We offer lifelong support and stay in touch regularly with our previous litters. Puppies will not be held without a deposit. We are happy to organise a payment plan with buyers following a deposit, please enquire for further details. We are so happy to be able to offer these beautifully natured babies to their new families, they bring so much excitement and love to all. Please enquire with any questions at all. We look forward to hearing from prospective new families for our babies! We are boutique breeders so please note we will only have a limited amount of litters in the future as our dams and sire are our family pets. Mum is a lovely caramel colour and Dad is a beautiful white boy. See pics of them attached. Yellow loves a belly rub and is fantastic with young kids.
Listed below are answers to the most common questions I receive as you are preparing to take your puppy home: 1. What is my puppy eating? We are feeding your puppy PawTree. They have a multitude of other flavors you can try out after your puppy comes home too. You can buy this food by clicking the PawTree picture at the bottom of any page on our website. You can find out more information at www. We also encourage you to set your order to their EZship so you never run out. They also offer personalized food by filling out a pet profile so we encourage all families to head over to fill out their pet profile for personalized food plan as well as personalized bags of dog food when they arrive. How many times per day should my puppy be fed? We feed puppies, weeks old 3 x per day. We try to keep them on a schedule such as: a. Once the puppy reaches 12 weeks, we cut them back to eating 2 x per day, eliminating the noon feeding. Increase the amount you feed based on the recommendations you will find on the dog food bag as suggested by weight of the puppy. We do not recommend free feeding — give your puppy about 20 minutes to eat, then pick it up and put it away. Water should be provided at all times, except during the night. Wet the food for about 30 minutes prior to giving it to the puppy so it softens to aid in digestion. However, if you see loose stools it is almost assuredly overfeeding so back it off until the stool is firm and then slowly add back in. When can I start training my puppy? We like to see training start as soon as you pick up your puppy from my home, or your puppy arrives via car or airplane. We recommend transporting your puppy home in a crate that is lined with a bath towel. Feeding time is a fantastic opportunity to train as you can spend a few minutes several times per day with teaching the basic commands of sit, stay and come. We provide a helpful training booklet with detailed information on training on our Puppy Tips page. What size crate should I buy for my puppy? Most puppies that will mature to a medium size will need a large crate once they have reached maturity. Plastic crates are an option as well. If you have any questions please ask us. What type of collar and leash do I need and what size is best for my puppy? We like to buy the less expensive, adjustable-type of collars and a nylon leash. We do not care for the expandable leashes that allow the puppy to walk way out in front or way off to the side of you. The smallest setting for the collar would be about 8 inches and expanding out from there. We use small carabiners to attach the stretched chain between the collar and the leash. This will prevent your puppy from chewing your new leash. If you are reserving a small size pup then I would suggest an XS collar. Another option while they are very young is a slip leash style. Some families like to train in harnesses. This is also a tool you can use. Sizes will vary from company to company, but most go off of weight. Ask us the estimated weight of your future puppy at the time they will go home so you will have a rough idea of what to purchase. It is never a bad idea to weight to buy until you can size your puppy in person though as each harness will fit differently. You can play the radio softly if your puppy is in a different room from you as this is how they were raised with us. You have to find a system that works for you. However, keeping consistent for the first few nights will build a sleep pattern in your dog you will enjoy for its entire life. How many times per night will my puppy need to go out to go potty? We suggest you feed your puppy dinner no later than p. Make sure that you see puppy go potty and poop before putting him to bed for the night. If your bedtime is p. Then only if puppy is whining, let him out very methodically to potty no playing and put him right back to bed. How many times per day should my puppy need to go potty? Puppies will always go potty right away after they wake up and after they eat. If you take puppy out right after eating, see him go potty, then allow about 30 minutes of some free time in your home before making his world small using a temporary fence or leash. On average they can typically hold their bladders for 2-hours, but every puppy will react differently to stimuli in your home. Should my puppy have contact with other vaccinated dogs? We like to make sure other dogs have not only been vaccinated, but are also free of parasites. Worms of all sorts can live in feces and it just take a quick second for your puppy to ingest enough to get a parasite. This product should be alternated every 6 months. There are countless natural remedies as well as chemical based options you can find at your vet. We always prefer natural options first, but in some cases the chemical based products are needed. Check with your vet or trainer for their recommendations in your area. We strongly suggest topical or collar options only. How often should I give my puppy a bath and what should I use? We do not bathe our puppies unless they are dirty and we use baby shampoo or something gentle. We usually suggest people decide what they like in the look of their Labradoodle. Do you like the longer, shaggy look, or do you like the shorter, more manicured coat? If you leave the coat longer, you will need to keep it combed out and mat free. Do you have recommendations for where to stay when we pick up our puppy? We are located only 20 mins from Lebanon, Oregon. There are numerous hotel options in Albany, Springfield, or Eugene that you can explore. The difficult part is deciding which one will have the greatest positive impact on their well-being. The following are some of the top options for dog foods for your Labradoodle: Dry Food: Due to its affordability and accessibility, dry dog food is a preferred option for Labradoodles. The nutrients in high-quality dry food are appropriate for a different life stage of your Labradoodle. Dry food has the greatest shelf life when compared to other types of dog foods. Wet Food: Wet food or canned food is another option for owners. Labradoodles enjoy the variety of flavors in canned food that come in interesting shapes like other meaty foods. Owners may combine wet food with dried food because wet food alone is typically more expensive than dry food. While it can be costly, doing so guarantees that their pups receive high-quality food. If you only give the same food to your Labradoodles, they could develop picky eating habits. Hence, it makes sense to follow the advice of the majority of veterinarians to combine kibble and wet food with a ratio of 20 to .Make sure the food you choose is sustainable and highly recommended by experts. Ensure that it will suit your needs, those of your dog, your financial situation, and your way of life. The average price of a Labradoodle is already costly. Hence, it is important to choose the kind of diet that will also suit your budget. Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Labradoodle Dog owners must be aware of the foods that can be harmful, poisonous, or trigger an allergic reaction in their Labradoodles. The following is a list of some harmful or poisonous foods that you must never give your pet Labradoodle: Alcohol: There is no enzyme that can digest alcohol in Labradoodles. Hypoglycemia , metabolic acidosis , respiratory difficulties, or central nervous system CNS impairment could result from ingestion. Avocado: Avocados contain the fungicidal toxin persin , which has been linked to the death of many dog breeds, including Labradoodles. It can cause vomiting, loose stool, and heart damage when taken in large doses. Chocolate: The major alkaloid in cocoa and chocolates, theobromine , cannot be broken down by an enzyme found in the stomachs of Labradoodles. As a result, even small quantities of chocolate can cause toxicity. Additionally, they could become uncontrollable, have convulsions, throw up, and have diarrhea. Grapes and raisins: As a result of the tartaric acid found in grapes and raisins, Labradoodles experience diarrhea , vomiting, dehydration , and kidney failure. Unfortunately, even one full grape can cause fatal injuries and irreversible harm to Labradoodles. Onion, garlic, leeks, and chives: All of these vegetables contain N-propyl disulfide , which robs red blood cells of their ability to carry oxygen. Consuming these veggies over time may cause hemolytic anemia. It is frequently present in toothpaste, gum, candies, and syrups. Listed below are foods that may seem harmless but are actually hazardous for Labradoodles: Cooked bones: Cooked bones are prone to shatter into shards. They can hurt your Labradoodle as well as obstruct its mouth, throat, and stomach. High-sugar foods: Your Labradoodle is more likely to develop health issues, including diabetes, obesity, and teeth damage, if it consumes too much sugar from other dog foods. Avoid cheap dog food, which usually contains too much salt. Consuming too much salt can result in seizures, renal failure, diarrhea, and vomiting. If ignored, this results in gastrointestinal blockage and death. Bring your Labradoodle to the nearest veterinary clinic immediately if you think they have accidentally ingested any of the aforementioned foods. A smart technique to make sure that their nutritional demands are being satisfied is to switch to a new food. If you want to gradually introduce a new food to your Labradoodle pup, make sure to introduce it in little amounts every day. The timeline provided below will help you introduce a new food to your Labradoodle: Days. From left to right here are some examples of faucet lixits, an adapter to allow for a Lixit to always be on a faucet without need for removal, and then indoor or traveling Lixits. Over the years, with many conversations with Vets, that I respect, I've learned that puppy food is essentially a marketing ploy. In fact, when we first found Life's Abundance they didn't even have puppy food. It was redundant for them to carry puppy food. However, after pressure from so many customers that had decades of "Puppy Chow" commercials engrained in their heads, Life's Abundance decided to include a puppy food. If you prefer to feed the puppy food for the first couple of months we understand and feel is your decision to make and we do support you. We just ask that you stay with Life's Abundance as it's the best dog food and it's what your puppy has been consuming it's entire life, as well as, it's mother's entire pregnancy and life. This video is a great video to explain how to compare dog foods. First, I have strong opinions about most things, it's just my personality. I'm a Momma Bear type with my doodles. Some of my insanity I was just born with and the other sixty percent was gained by enduring some tragedies I don't ever want any of my families, including you, going through. In case you don't know, Life's Abundance, the company that makes all our food, supplements, treats, grooming products, and cleaning products are all delivered right to your front door for a very affordable amount. Life's Abundance food is very affordable and I will include a video at the bottom for you to watch. The dog food is made fresh every two to four weeks then immediately shipped out so your doodle's food isn't sitting on some shelf, on some semi-truck, in some warehouse, who knows where , and for who knows how long. Instead, we know where the food is being made and it's then on our front door step. Why does this matter? Well, your doodle can't say to you, "Hey, my food tastes moldy and I think it's why my liver and kidneys are hurting me but you won't know until I have bloody urine or I'm really sick. Do you think you could get me some fresh food? Many years ago I had a lab mix that was getting really sick and after being diagnosed with terminal liver problems did we realize the food was moldy. Next, one of our doodles many years ago got into a bag of China made chicken treats and ate more than the recommended serving and within four days she was dead. It was the worst tragedy that even writing about it now makes my stomach ache and my eyes tear up. My doodle was a normal, happy, fun loving doodle then suddenly the next morning she was so severely ill we had to go straight to the vet. Our doodle had no appetite, didn't want to move, was non-stop vomiting, with increased diarrhea with blood in it, she kept drinking water despite her belly looking so full, and she was constantly peeing and it was text book for poisoning from these treats. Telling this story has done me in for the night and I'm going to continue with my site later. I only explained this to help you from experiencing the heartbreak our family endured. From our experiences we searched long and far for a USA made dog food that never had a recall. When we did this search we found Life's Abundance. I checked and double checked this company. We learned it was started by a Vetrinarian which really impressed me from the beginning. Our doodles tested the food and loved it. We tried all the products and loved them. I searched all the dog food review websites and found rave reviews with an average of 4. I love that it was made fresh and never sat in a warehouse or on a store shelf for months, in most cases. I've heard of some big box companies buying tons of food from different companies to get discounts and most of the food sits and waits, in some random warehouse that isn't temperature controlled, for the food to sell so it to can make in onto a shelf at your local store to then be purchased by you. The question remains, how long has that food sat from when it was first made? With Life's Abundance, I know the answer, it was made fresh then shipped to you and I. Without a doubt, I will continue to find good products for our doodles and I will passionately share them with you, our doodle families. If for some reason Life's Abundance changes their quality or their product goes downhill or there is a better product then I will change our website and I will tell you why. I take being a "Full Service Breeder" seriously. I believe that my job begins once you adopt one of our doodles. When you adopt your doodle and take it home you are also gaining a doodle friend and confidant that you can call and get support from for life. I'm here to help you so you can just enjoy your doodle and come to one place for sound, honest advice. As my mother used to say, sometimes I'm too honest so be careful what you ask : lol. Dog owners often get bombarded with endless choices as well as countless adverts from the dog food companies, who all claim that theirs is the best. When it comes to dog food, the simple answer is no one food is best for all dogs. But the question is: which diet is the best for your Labradoodle? Luckily, there are many different options when it comes to dog food. The most popular manufactured foods include a complete diet dry , with or without a biscuit mixer and semi-moist. Some dog foods contain only natural ingredients. Then there is the option of feeding your dog a home-made diet. Some owners swear by a raw diet while others feed their Labradoodles vegetarian food. Within the manufactured options, there are many different qualities of food. Usually, you get what you pay for. Expensive ones are more likely to provide better nutrition for your doodle in terms of minerals, nutrients, and high-quality meat, whereas the cheap ones will most likely contain a lot of grain. Dried food also called kibble in the USA tend to be less expensive than other dog foods. They have improved a lot over the last few years, and some of the more expensive ones are now an excellent choice for a healthy, complete diet. Dried foods also contain the least fat and the most preservatives. Often semi-moist foods contain a lot of sugar and artificial substances, which is why some dogs seem to love them. Choosing the right food for your Labradoodle is very important. The diet influences his health, coat, and even temperament. It can have an effect on his health, coat , skin, energy levels, and temperament. There are several different types of food that you can feed your labradoodle — dry, semi-moist, canned, frozen, or freeze-dried are just some of the options. You can also feed him a home-made or raw diet. Many owners of labradoodle with allergies or skin conditions are now considering this option. Dry Dog Food for Labradoodles Dry food is a popular choice for Labradoodles, especially for large dogs who get through a lot of food. It is also less expensive than other dog foods. It is worth paying for a high-quality dry food as cheaper ones may contain a lot of cereal. It also means that you have to feed larger quantities to ensure your dog gets sufficient nutrients. Canned Dog Food for Labradoodles Canned food is another popular choice. Dogs also love them. They love the taste, and it generally comes in a variety of flavors. Canned food is often great mixed with dry kibble. If your labradoodle has lost interest in food and on a dry food diet, then you can add a small amount of canned food. Canned food tends to be more expensive than dried food. Many owners do not like the mess that it makes. If you store a part-opened tin in the fridge, then it can have an overpowering smell when you open the fridge door. Semi-Moist Dog Food for Labradoodles These are the commercial dog foods shaped like pork chops, salamis, burgers, or other meaty foods. They are the least nutritional of all dog foods. They are full of sugars, artificial flavorings, and coloring. You may give your doodle one as an occasional treat, but they do not provide the nutrition that your labradoodle needs. Freeze-Dried Dog Food for Labradoodles The frozen food manufacturers often make this for dog owners who like the convenience of it. You can store them for six months to a year. They do it to make sure that their pets are getting the right nutrition they need. Feeding your doodle a home-cooked diet can be time consuming and expensive. The tricky part is sticking to it once you have started with the best intentions. Raw food for Labradoodles If your doodle is not doing well on commercially prepared dog food then you might need to consider a raw diet. There is evidence that they are becoming increasingly popular among the Labradoodle owners. Raw food diets emulate the way dogs ate before the existence of commercial dog foods. After all, dry, canned, or other styles of cooked food for dogs were mainly created as a means of convenience. However, raw diets are not without controversy. Supporters of the raw food diet argue that a carefully planned raw diet gives the dog numerous health benefits, including a healthier coat, more energy, cleaner teeth, and get rid of bad breath and doggy odor. But the critics say that the risks of nutritional imbalance, intestinal problems, and food-borne illness caused by handling and feeding raw meat outweigh any benefits. Scientifically, the jury is still out. This is one of the most frequent questions that all the Labradoodle owners ask. But there is no easy answer. The correct amount of food for your labradoodle depends on several factors such as: Breed. As they grow you will move from four meals per day at 8 weeks old, to just one or two in adulthood. And you will want to use as much of their daily kibble as you can in training. Helping to strengthen the bond between you, as well as to teaching them which behaviors you want to see in your home. Feeding a Labradoodle Puppy When it comes to feeding your new Labradoodle puppy there are plenty of options to choose between and a number of things to consider. Puppies grow up fast. The first thing to keep in mind is that puppies have different dietary needs to adult dogs. Getting too much of some nutrients, and not enough of others can lead to developmental problems. Growing pups digest food and absorb nutrients differently than adult dogs too. Their gastrointestinal system also works much faster than that of an adult dog. Puppy Nutrient Requirements Puppies need more calories than adult dogs, relative to their size. In fact, they need about twice as many calories in relation to their body weight compared to that of a full grown Labradoodle. Compared to mature dogs, puppies also need: more protein to support growing muscle more fat to fuel growth and a different mineral balance to aid in the rapid development of their bones. For example, one study showed that puppies fed a low phosphorus diet suffer from impaired appetite and growth, diminished skin and fur quality, and a disturbed musculoskeletal system. Too much calcium can also negatively affect bone development, by accelerating it. This is a serious joint condition that leads to painful arthritis and lameness. The smaller and younger your puppy is, the more often they need to eat, since their stomachs are too small for big portions. Labradoodle puppies that are 4 months or younger should have their food split into 4 meals a day. When they reach 4 and 6 months old this can be reduced to 3 meals. Knowing how much to feed your Labradoodle puppy can be tricky. So the feeding charts on the packaging are a good place to start. This basic pet calorie calculator can help determine how many calories a puppy needs. Overfeeding Labradoodle Puppies Canine obesity is a big problem for many dogs and the Labradoodle is no exception. Some Labrador Retrievers are known to have a genetic mutation that causes them to have an insatiable appetite. But there are plenty of genetically normal dogs who will always want more food. If your puppy is constantly hungry you can try giving him smaller, more frequent meals. In fact, for training purposes we recommend using as much of each of the meals rations as you can as training treats between meals. These days there are a lot of brands vying for space in the dog food market. So deciding what to feed your Labradoodle puppy might be the most difficult question of them all. Puppies that are 8 to 12 weeks old should continue eating the same food they were eating at the breeders. If you want to change their food, wait until they are fully settled at home. Then transition gradually to a different diet to avoid causing an upset tummy. You can do it over the course of a week, like this: Feed 1 part new food to 3 parts old food on the first two days. Equal parts old food and new food on days three and four. And three parts new food to one part old food for two more days after that. Feeding a Labradoodle Puppy Dry Food Most puppy parents choose one of the many commercial dry puppy foods available. There are many reasons why these diets also known as kibbles are so popular. They are. Is kibble, cans, raw or homemade food better? Swapping Puppy Food Brands Moving into his or her new home is a challenging and exciting time for your Labradoodle puppy. Keep feeding what your pup is used to for at least two weeks. Then, slowly start mixing in the new food you have chosen for your pup. Labradoodle Puppy Diets Puppies have lots of growing to do. This means that they need more of certain minerals and nutrients for example calcium and phosphorus for bone growth. Your labradoodle pup will also need a higher amount of good quality protein. This is definitely not the case, though. This—among other things—can cause joint problems, such as hip dysplasia. Labradoodles are a cross between two breeds that are both already at high risk of developing hip dysplasia. The most important thing of all is to avoid overfeeding a Labradoodle puppy, as we will see later in this article. This is called hypoglycemia. Generally, a feeding schedule for your Labradoodle pup can look like this: 2 — 4 months: 4 meals daily 4 — 6 months: 3 meals daily 6 — 8 months: 2 — 3 meals daily Older than 8 months: 2 meals daily. Just make sure to divide the total daily amount onto multiple feedings. You can make slight adjustments to these amounts if your pup is looking a little slim or chunky. The number of calories your pup needs will also change as he or she gets older and heavier. There are a couple of different options out there. Commercial dog foods offer complete and balanced nutrition for your growing pup — this means that they have all the right nutrients in all the right amounts and ratios. If a puppy is fed an inappropriate diet, this could lead to long-lasting growth defects or other malnutrition diseases. Feeding a Labradoodle Puppy Kibble Kibble is the most popular type of dog food out there. There are only two things you need to pay attention to when choosing kibble: It should be designed specifically for puppies, and it should be high-quality. Research shows that higher-priced dog foods tend to have higher nutrient digestibility than lower-priced kibble — so it might be worth spending a bit more. Choose a kibble that contains a meat protein source as the first ingredient, and steer clear of ingredients like corn, soy, and cereals. Due to its high water content, the aromas and taste of the meat unfold better, making wet food the most palatable food there is. This comes at a bit of a cost, though: Wet food tends to be more expensive than kibble, and of course it spoils more easily. To get the best of both worlds of commercial dog foods, you can combine or alternate between kibble and wet food. The BARF diet consists of lots of raw meat and bones, as well as some veg and fruit. Supporters of raw feeding think that it will make your dog healthier, although there is no solid evidence for this yet. Raw meats are often contaminated with bacteria such as Salmonella or Campylobacter. These bacteria could potentially cause diseases in your pup. However, this is extremely rare, as the digestive tract most dogs can handle these bugs just fine. This means that there is a lot less danger of bacterial infections from raw meats. Keep in mind that cooking for a dog is not the same as cooking for yourself. Avoid spices, onions, garlic, cooking oils, and too much salt. These are dogs that will always want more food and are prone to obesity. It can help to space out meals or add one or two feedings a day if your dog is constantly hungry. Another option is to make your dog work for small amounts of food throughout the day — be it with puppy training, food balls, or puzzles. The possibilities are endless.
They were bred to be working dogs that can tolerate especially cold weather. If given the choice to stay inside or play outside, they will probably choose to stay outside. Labradoodles have great coats that act as insulation against any extreme temperatures. But even with that coat, you should always check the temperature while your Labradoodle is outside though. Anything above 40 degrees Fahrenheit is fine, but when it gets beneath that you will have to be extra careful. If the temperatures are between 20 and 40 degrees, it can pose a minor threat, but there is a small risk to consider. When the temperature eventually drops beneath 20 degrees, that is where it can get pretty dangerous. If you add rain or snow to the mix, that can change everything. Age Impact and Cold Tolerance Age plays quite a large role in whether or not you can keep your Labradoodle outside on a cold day. This is the same thing with babies; they will also get sick if they are in the cold for too long. This is the same for older dogs. As Labradoodles grow older, it is quite common for them to develop health issues such as for example hip dysplasia. The cold weather will cause more pain to their joints and any other areas that have aged with them. They truly enjoy being in the cold and fooling around in the snow. Exercise During the Winter Exercise is always absolutely essential for any Labradoodles lifestyle, no matter what the temperature outside might be. Labradoodles can quickly become overweight if not trained often enough, so getting a satisfactory amount of exercise each day is super important. They should be outside doing physical exercise for at least 1 hour each day. This could include going on 2 walks each day. If you find that the weather is too cold and that it hurts their paws when walking on the ground, you should consider getting some dog snow boots for them to use just for going on walks. It can also be a good idea to bring your Labradoodle inside before and after the walk so they can get a chance to warm up after being outside in the cold. At that point, it might a good idea for both of you to head inside. Caring for Labradoodles in the Cold Like I mentioned earlier, you will have to take care of your Labradoodle in a different way in the cold weather to keep him or her safe during more extreme conditions. Here are a few things that you will need to consider and adapt for the colder months. There should of course always be water available to your Labradoodle, and water certainly is at risk of freezing when left outside. If possible, you should consider feeding your dog inside when it is too cold outside. They actually need quite a lot of liquids to warm and maintain their body temperature. You should consider switching to stew-type liquid foods for the winter months, this will allow them to get the extra liquid this way. Dogs will also need more fats and proteins during the winter to keep them warm. Look Out for Ticks and Other Bugs Bugs are surprisingly adept at handling pretty extreme temperatures. Especially bugs like ticks and fleas. So you should check your dog for ticks or fleas a lot more often during cold months, just in case that they during their search for warmth, decide to settle down on your Labradoodle. Be Warry of Antifreeze and Rock Salt During the winter months, it is very common for people to put out antifreeze or rock salt to melt the ice and make the ground safer for people to walk on. But by doing this, it can actually make the ground more dangerous for Labradoodles. Antifreeze and rock salt contain chemicals that can be very poisonous to dogs if they eat any it. So make sure that if you are putting out either of these chemicals, you are aware of your Labradoodle potentially coming into contact with them. Ensure Proper Shelter is Available Like I have talked about a couple of different times in this post, Labradoodles really love being in the cold, but this is only true if they have a place where they can go to get warm and dry off. If your Labradoodle is an outside dog , you will have to make sure that they always have a nice warm dry shelter outside that can protect them from the cold and snow or rain. It is really important that their shelter is dry because again, being wet is a lot more dangerous for them. So make sure that you build their outdoor shelter out of a material that is able to completely withstand the rain. You will have to check their outdoor shelter often during the winter just to ensure that it is doing its job of keeping your Labradoodle as safe, warm, dry, and cozy as possible. But as a short summary, these tips are worth remembering when wondering how best to take care of your Labradoodle during the winter months: Age matters, whether if they are too young or too old, keep them inside more often. Watch over their food, water, and shelter. Dry temperatures above 40 degrees are the safe zone, when below that, it should be closely monitored. If you follow these tips and watch your dog carefully, he or she should be perfectly safe and happy during the cold months of winter. These links are affiliate links, so if you do end up using the links, I will earn a commission. Dog Food: Every dog needs to eat correctly, and finding the best food for your dog can be challenging, as the market is absolutely flooded with products. Is there anything better than a good romp in the snow with your four-legged friend? Snow can bring us lots of joy. Some dogs immediately take to the snow and love to roll around and play in it. Other puppies, however, are hesitant to even walk on the snow which can lead to some bathroom issues at times. Not only is the snow cold on their tender toes, but it also blocks the scents that they associate with their potty space. One way to help encourage your puppy to potty outside in winter weather is to clear a place in the backyard several feet wide for them to use as a potty space. This works even better if this space is covered so that your puppy is not standing out in the rain or snow while trying to potty. Make sure you clear a path to the potty place as well. Bundle Up! Younger puppies and older dogs have a hard time regulating their body temperature in extreme heat or cold. If they just recently had a grooming, however, the absence of a long coat may make them more prone to shivering. Bundle your pooch up with a coat if you fear they may get cold! If you plan on spending a lot of time outdoors, invest in some boots for your pup too. The wet snow can cause the pads on their feet to form painful cracks or ice balls can get trapped between their toes causing irritation. Protective booties will help keep your pup happy and healthy! Reduce Outdoor Time Just like humans, pups can suffer from a variety of issues if exposed to extreme cold for lengthened periods of time. Monitor your pups time outdoors and make sure that when they are inside that they are eating and drinking normally. Eating leads to the burning of calories which is what helps keep your dog warm. When bringing your pup inside watch for tell-tale signs of overexposure to the cold such as shivering. If your pup appears to be chilled, dry them off with a warm towel or wrap them up in a blanket until they have warmed back up. Your puppy should adjust to the warmth or the cold at a steady pace. Hypothermia in dogs is very real and can be very dangerous. Share your cute snow-puppy photos in the comments for all of us to enjoy! If you are ready to add a new puppy to your family, be sure to check out our available and upcoming litters! Labradoodles generally are huge snow-lovers, but sometimes they don't recognize their own limits! Doodles enjoy falling snow, but if sleet or hail is falling, your dog should not be outside for more than a quick potty break. We personally had a dog who took off running, skidded and slipped, caught the front of his leg on a sidewalk joint, and ended up needing eight stitches. Many doodle owners like to keep their dog's fur fairly short to keep maintenance easier, but don't keep it so short that your dog gets easily chilled. Bathe your dog indoors during the winter. It's too cold outside for both of you! This will help by allowing your dog to keep their toes closer together. Long, untrimmed nails will force the toes to spread apart, creating a perfect space for ice balls to get stuck. There are some products you can buy that are specifically for this, but petroleum jelly will work just fine. Rock salt is really hard on their paws; it can cause paws to dry out, crack, or bleed. Additionally, rock salt can make a dog extremely sick or even kill them if ingested in large enough amounts. Their feet, especially, get matted with snow easily and get very cold quickly. If you live in an area that tends to be very snowy, teaching your young puppy to accept boots on their paws will save you a lot of aggravation in the future!! This will usually help melt the snow fairly quickly. We recently saw a post on Instagram on how to use a cooking whisk to help remove snow. The link to the video is below. While we haven't had the opportunity to try it yet, it looks like it would work! If you try it, please let us know how well it worked for you! Enjoy the winter weather with your "snow dog"!
Breeds The link has been copied! Have you ever been curious about the German Shepherd and Great Dane mix breed? They are a rare but stunning crossbreed that can make the perfect pet. In this blog post, we'll explore everything that makes this one-of-a-kind breed so special - from training tips to potential health issues, so if you've had your eye on a German Shepherd-Great Dane mix pup, get ready to learn all about them. A German Shepherd and Great Dane mix are, just as it sounds, a combination of two iconic breeds that results in a unique, lovable pup. The parent breeds are both known for their intelligence and loyalty, making this mix an excellent companion. Due to their mixed-breed nature, you'll never know what you will get. Some may take on more of the appearance or traits of one or the other breed. However, most will end up looking like a cross between the two. If you know enough about their parent breed traits, you will be able to identify your pup's inherited characteristics early on. These dogs also have the potential to be quite large due to the size of both parent breeds. This unique hybrid has characteristics from both parent breeds, including their intelligence and loyal nature, while also adding size, thanks to their larger-than-life ancestors. As with any breed, there are many things you need to consider before getting a German Shepherd Great Dane mix puppy. Knowing what to expect can help you make an informed decision when choosing your companion pet. The German Shepherd German Shepherds are a breed of herding dog, bred for their intelligence and strength. They were originally bred in the s in Germany. Known for their loyalty, German Shepherds make great companions for almost anyone. They are highly trainable and intelligent, meaning you can use them to do all sorts of tasks, from search and rescue to tracking, protection work, agility courses, and more. Physically, these dogs feature a large, rectangular-shaped body that is supported by robust legs and a proud neck for a naturally handsome stance. Their coats come in several colors, often black and tan with a pronounced saddle pattern. Intense, almond-shaped eyes of varying color bring alertness and intelligence to their expression. On top of it all, they are incredibly affectionate and loving towards their families, making them a great companion for children who may be scared around larger dogs. The Great Dane The Great Dane is an iconic breed often known as the 'Apollo of all dogs' due to its imposing size and great regal bearing. The breed originated in Germany in the 16th century, although it wasn't until later in the s that it was officially named the Great Dane. Some credit the origin of this majestic canine to the Bullenbeisser, a now-extinct German mastiff, while others attribute its development to a mix of English Mastiff, Irish Wolfhound, and other breeds. It's one of the most popular large breed dogs in the world. Standing up to inches tall at the shoulder, the average Great Dane has an imposing presence. They have large strong necks with broad heads, long snouts, and powerful jaws. The coloring of these dogs can be varied, including fawn brindle, harlequin black mantle, and blue merle. Along with their signature size and appearance, their temperaments are also notable — gentle giants that make loyal pets and thrive when given plenty of love from their owners. Why is it a Good Mix? The German Shepherd and Great Dane mix have many qualities that make it desirable as a pet or working dog. Both parent breeds are incredibly intelligent, which means that these pups will learn quickly with proper training techniques. They're also loyal companions who will love spending time with their families. In addition, they are known to protect their owners and make excellent guard dogs. On top of all this, they can be very friendly towards other animals and children, which makes them great family dogs. Highly adaptable and social, they require an ample amount of attention from their owners and a home with lots of room to roam. Because of their protective nature and tendency to be territorial, they should regularly be socialized as puppies so that they become comfortable around strangers, other animals, and new environments. These intelligent animals will require a high level of mental stimulation or else they can become destructive and bored. This co-mingling of the energetic German Shepherd and docile Great Dane makes for a lively pet that keeps its owners entertained while still providing protection if necessary. In terms of size, they can range from medium to large dogs, depending on the size of their parents. On average, they typically weigh anywhere between lbs and measure between inches when fully grown. Fur length generally ranges from short to medium, depending on the dominant breed's genetics in the mix. Potential Health Issues of This Dog Mix Although German Shepherd Great Dane mixes are generally quite healthy dogs with a life span of years, there are some potential health issues that could arise from this particular breed combination, such as: Bloat Bloat is a serious condition that can affect deep-chested dogs, such as the German Shepherd and Great Dane mix. Bloat occurs when the stomach twists on itself, trapping gas and fluid inside. This can cause the stomach to swell and put pressure on other organs. If not treated immediately, bloat can be fatal. Hip Dysplasia Hip dysplasia is a condition that affects the hip joint. In dogs with hip dysplasia, the ball and socket of the hip joint do not fit together properly, which can lead to pain and lameness. If you notice any of these symptoms in your dog, it is important to take them to the vet for an evaluation. As mentioned, they require regular exercise to maintain their physical health, so they get enough walks each day if possible - ideally off-leash. Additionally, brushing them regularly will help keep any shedding under control while keeping those beautiful coats shiny and clean. The fur on your pet can be brushed every days to remove dirt and early matting from its coat, as well as having regular nail trimming done once or twice a month. In most cases, they don't need a regular bath, usually only when they have rolled in something unpleasant. Diet-wise, they don't require anything special; feeding them good quality dog food filled with plenty of protein and healthy fats is best. Also, always ensure they have access to fresh water throughout the day - especially during summer when hydration is vital. And finally, don't forget about the mental needs of this vibrant mix. Regularly spending time training and bonding with them can help create new associations and encourage good behavior. For more helpful articles about pet-parenting tips, check out the Off Leash blog at TryFi. Want to know more about TryFi. This is the fastest way to find your dog after an escape. Try the Fi Dog Collar today! The link has been copied! You might also like. It is always a great idea to shop around and look into several breeders before finalizing your deal. Keeping their coats healthy and clean would only require brushing at least two to three times a week with a smooth bristle brush. Brushing their coats will help to evenly distribute the natural oil of their coats to make them look shiny. This will also help you lessen your trips to the groomers. This crossbreed sheds twice a year the most. You can better manage their shedding during these seasons by brushing their coats more frequently at least once a day. They would also need to be given a bath occasionally or when they get really dirty. Bathing can help get rid of excess hair and dead skin, too. Make it a point to have their nails trimmed regularly to prevent them from breaking or splitting. Cleaning their ears should also be an important part of your grooming routine. You need to frequently remove moisture, wax, or debris from their ears to avoid infection. Redness or bad odor is a sure sign that they got an infection. These dogs love to chew, and this can play to your advantage in terms of taking care of their dental health. You can provide them with dental chews to maintain and improve their oral care. This coupled with regular brushing of at least three times per week will help keep them healthy. They can be prone to a number of genetic health issues that are typical to their parent breeds. Having your puppies screened can help you predict which disease they are more susceptible to. This will, in turn, help you make all the necessary care and preventive measures. These dogs are generally healthy, but some of the major health concerns with this cross breed that they might experience later in life: Allergies — Like their German Shepherd parents, they may be prone to allergies such as dermatitis, food allergies, and inhalant allergies. Bloat — It is one of the most common health issues that stemmed from their Great Dane heritage. What happens is that their stomach is filled with air and it twists back. This occurs when they eat too quickly. It can only be cured through surgery, but owners could take a few extra steps to ensure they eat slowly. Elbow and Hip Dysplasia — It is very common for large dogs such as these to develop painful arthritis in their elbows or hips which results in abnormal bone growth in these joints. This health issue can develop as early as five months and could worsen as they grow old. Skin Infection — Although most dogs can be plagued with skin diseases like ringworm, dermatitis, or manage, this hybrid may also be vulnerable to demodicosis, zinc-responsive dermatosis, hypothyroidism, acral lick dermatitis, and histiocytoma. You should definitely make sure that your puppies are screened of these health issues before you adopt. It can help guarantee you get a healthy puppy and save yourself from expensive treatments and heartaches. They are not picky with their food and therefore eat almost anything that you provide them. You can divide their food into two meals of high-quality dry dog food to keep them satiated. Due to their slow metabolism, it is recommended to give them a healthy and regularized diet. Their formula is easily digestible. It has probiotics which help improve digestion and prevent bloating. It also works to strengthen the joints and their immune system. Due to their susceptibility to bloat, you might need to use a couple of tools that can help you ensure your dog stays healthy. Automatic Dog Feeder — If you are too busy to feed your dog twice a day, you can use an automatic dog feeder instead. It can come with a couple of features and programming functions. You can schedule their feeding or set it up on a continuous stream. It works with dry dog food or kibble. This tool can also help you regulate their portions according to their diet. Water Dispenser — An automatic water dispenser will help ensure that your dog could get access to fresh filtered water whenever they need it without having to refill their bowl numerous times during the day. You love your pooch, and you want them happy and healthy all the time. So, no matter if they are a large breed or small, make sure to avoid giving them the worst dry dog food , and only go for the best dry dog food , for example, Dog For Dog Food , Wellness Core Dog Food , or the Nutra Thrive dog food supplement. Every mixed pup carries the genes of their respective, sometimes vastly different parents. So, try your luck with both the best dry dog food for small dogs and the best large breed dry dog food and see which one they like better! Physical and mental activities will help in keeping them healthy, happy, and well behaved. These dogs are highly intelligent and very clever. They can easily get bored and cooped up indoors with nothing to entertain them. It becomes a problem because they have a tendency to develop destructive behaviors like excessive barking and chewing. Aside from two long leisure walks each day you might also want to let them join you for a jog, hike, run, or cycling. They need at least an hour of activity per day. As they tremendously enjoy being outdoors, a trip to the dog park once a week would be a nice treat. They would want to have some time off leash to let them run free and play with other dogs. These dogs have an inclination to gain weight when inactive; that is why it is important for them to have regular activities. Access to a large yard will be useful as they can run and play by themselves. They are very playful in nature. Having a few toys to keep them busy would be a great way to prevent boredom. They are highly perceptive, intelligent, and clever. Your dog will greatly appreciate the time you can spend with them training or playing. Just be careful not to over-exercise your dog. A German Shepherd Great Dane Mix grows fast, making them prone to injuries especially when they are still under two years of age. These are smart and clever dogs that are very eager to please. They love learning and enjoys every minute of training. Here are a few things you need to remember to help train your dog more effectively: Socializing — Socializing these dogs should start at an early age. They are wary of strangers, and it would benefit you both if they can get familiarized with other pets and humans in your group. It is a great way to teach them how to be comfortable in a crowded setting. Positive Training Method — This hybrid is easily trainable and quick to learn. Positive reinforcements using treats will help you keep them interested and obedient. Harsh or punishment-based training can only result in aggression, stress, and fear. Firm and Consistent Trainer — It is natural for this hybrid to attempt to exert their domination. If you remain consistent and firm with your commands, they would soon understand and follow immediately. Their trainers need to be confident because these dogs can sense it and it brings out the alpha in them. They are playful, patient, and loving. They enjoy the company of family, friends, as well as other pets. With proper training and socialization, they can be the most gentle, affectionate, and perfect companions. They need owners who love to stay active and spend time with them. Your only concern would be with regards to smaller children. These dogs are enormous, and they can easily bump to them while playing. So, you need to keep in mind not to leave them unsupervised. You might also want to explain to your kids not to engage them while they are eating, and never try to pull or ride your dog. They are prime watchdogs because of their protective instinct, physical characteristics, and mental abilities. Intelligent, always alert, and perceptive. These dogs are devoted to keeping their families safe from danger; that is why they can be cautious or suspicious of anyone whom they are not familiar with. After a while, they can form close bonds and become very loyal to their owners. This big dog is suitable for homes with large spaces or a yard. But, if you can take them out to exercise each day, they can be docile and happy to sit around inside your home. If you are looking for a smart, loving, and a gentle giant, Great Dane German Shepherds will be an excellent addition to your family. References: Wang, Ping, et al. Wilcox, Charlotte. The Great Dane. Capstone Press, .Coile, D. German Shepherds for Dummies. Hungry Minds, .Meeting the parents can also help you determine the likely size and physical attributes of your puppy as he ages. This is partly because they are easy to train, but it is also because they are wary of strangers. They will trust family members and handlers completely, but it can take a few meetings before they trust somebody new. The Dane Shepherd tends to adopt the same attitude. Early socialization can improve their confidence around strangers, but most examples of this breed will remain cautious with new people. Considering the sheer size of the breed, though, this is considered preferable to having a giant dog that jumps up to greet everybody he passes. They Really Are Giant Dogs German Shepherds are big dogs, but nothing in comparison to the Great Dane, and depending on which parent breed is dominant, you could end up with a very large dog, or a mammoth canine. If your dog takes after the Great Dane, he will need a lot of space and room. Even tasks as seemingly simple as turning around can become a problem if this hybrid breed lives in a confined space. As such, although the breed does not require as much time outdoors as some other large breeds, the Dane Shepherd is better off living in a large house with a decent yard. If you have small children, take careful note of the size of the dog. Accidents happen, and when that accident involves a lb dog with clumsy feet and big claws, it can be potentially dangerous. The breed is used by police forces around the world to protect and serve. They are trained to sniff out and rescue people trapped in buildings. They are also used to pick up the scent of criminals and even explosives and drugs. In fact, the first seeing-eye dog was a German Shepherd, even though the Labrador Retriever is better known for this role nowadays. They will happily sit in front of the fire or, if allowed, on your lap, for hours. But when called upon, they will spring into action. They are highly intelligent animals, and usually want to please their owners, which makes them relatively easy to train. However, some dogs of this breed require an experienced trainer because they can get carried away. They will usually enjoy spending a lot of time with their family and might struggle with being left alone for long periods, and they will especially love going for walks or playing with the whole family. Are These Dogs Good for Families? With that said, they are giant dogs and they need a lot of room. They may cause accidental injuries when playing, so you should always take care when they are around kids. It can be tempting for children to treat a dog of this size as a horse, but this should be actively discouraged. You should also prevent children from pulling his ears or tail to ensure that they get along well. This is true in their own home and is also true outside of the house. Again, you need to consider the size of the dog. Cats are usually instinctive enough to get out of the way when a dog of this size starts to charge around, and you should always supervise time between a giant dog and small animals. Enroll in puppy classes and take your Dane Shepherd to the dog park for extended walks. This will help with socialization and will ensure that your dog is well adjusted and responds to your commands. They are easily one of the biggest designer breeds, especially if they get their physical attributes from the Great Dane parent breed, but the German Shepherd is no lap dog either. They have energy and dietary requirements to match their size, so expect to go on lots of walks and to feed a lot of food. As such, you need to ensure that you stick to a good diet. Expect to feed between three and four cups of good quality food every day. Their size means that the Dane Shepherd will not struggle to get food from the worktop or countertop. Expect to provide around 60 minutes of exercise a day, which can include some playtime in the yard, as well as walks. It is worth remembering that this breed needs mental stimulation as much as physical exertion. They are very intelligent, and this means that they can become bored if they are not stimulated. A bored dog tends to mean a destructive dog, as they will create their own means of entertainment and may bark and whine to get attention. The Dane Shepherd might enjoy agility classes, but they may also struggle with some of the agility courses and classes due to their size. Flyball, fetch, and vigorous games like tug of war will be popular, though. The Great Dane, although loving and eager to please his family, can be a little more challenging. The Dane Shepherd will usually fall somewhere between these extremes. They are clever and they will pick things up quickly. Many of them are suitable for first-time dog owners because they are easy to train, but others will require an experienced hand that is dominant without being cruel. Use praise and positive reinforcement but remember that if you fail to take the lead, then the German Shepherd in your hybrid dog will take over and your dog will dominate training proceedings. This means that your dog will have short hair that is easy to manage. You can brush him every day to keep his coat under control, and he will probably enjoy the attention. Your dog will shed twice a year, but this is usually only a moderate shedding, unless he takes after the German Shepherd, in which case you might need to brush more often especially during shedding season. Only bathe your dog when he is especially dirty. Brush teeth three times a week , and check inside their ears every week. You may also need to clip his nails occasionally, especially if his daily walks are in the park or another soft surface. Most dogs naturally grind their nails down when walking on concrete and abrasive surfaces. Unfortunately, the breed can be prone to some of the genetic conditions of the parent breeds. Puppy screening will identify any of these conditions that they are likely to suffer. This hybrid breed can suffer from allergies including dermatitis, bloat, and joint dysplasia. Minor Conditions. They typically thrive on any high-quality commercial dog food. We recommend a diet that is high in protein, as these dogs are quite active. Furthermore, you may want to look at a formula that supports their joints. These dogs are prone to some joint problems, and there are a few ingredients that can potentially help with this. Of course, if your dog has any specific health problems, you may want to consider a diet to help with that as well. For instance, skin and coat problems can often be helped with a diet high in omega fatty acids. These dogs are large, so they need a substantial amount of food. We recommend carefully budgeting for their food needs due to their size. German Shepherds tend to be very active. Great Danes are a bit more laidback. Their puppies can fall anywhere in this category. Typically, dogs that are not exercised appropriately will exhibit destructive behaviors. If your dog is behaving badly, it may be because they have not had enough exercise. Because of their people-oriented nature, these dogs prefer to exercise alongside their people. They make great exercise partners. Many will thrive on agility training and similar exercises. Look for ways to combine mental and physical exercises. They often pick up commands very fast and listen to their owners quickly and easily. However, their protective instincts often mean that they need training. While they will listen to their owners easily, they have to know what your words mean first. We do recommend classes for the vast majority of owners, as these dogs need proper and correct training. You should also focus heavily on socialization. These dogs can be quite protective and territorial. They will assume that people and other dogs are the enemies unless they are socialized otherwise. You should introduce them to a variety of different dogs and people at a young age. Puppy classes are a great place for this. They provide your canine with an opportunity to meet many different puppies and people in a group setting. You know that the other dogs there are vaccinated and that the environment is safe, which provides the perfect opportunity for your dog to socialize. We recommend taking your puppy to many different locations when they are young. Explore stores in your area that allow puppies, take them to parks, and visit friends. This will ensure that your puppy is used to a wide variety of situations and people, which prevents them from becoming scared once they are adults. You can plan on brushing them once or twice a week. This will help remove any loose fur, dirt, and debris. Your dog may have short- to medium-length fur depending on the exact traits they inherit. Either way, your main concern is going to be shedding. Occasionally, these dogs may start shedding more than usual. This is likely to occur during the changing seasons, such as during the spring and fall. You may need to increase their brushing routine to every other day or even every day when this occurs. Adjust your grooming sessions as necessary. The brushing sessions will help remove the majority of the dirt and dust. You will likely only need to bathe them if they roll in something particularly dirty, like mud or trash. In this case, be sure to use a sensitive shampoo, as some of these canines are prone to skin irritation. We do not recommend putting these dogs on a regular bathing routine. Like all dogs, you will need to trim their nails regularly. This not only prevents their long nails from hurting you and your furniture, but it prevents the nails from splitting. Very long nails can also cause walking problems and pain. Many offer nail-only appointments that are very inexpensive. The ears can trap dirt and debris, which can cause ear infections. They may need to be cleaned with a damp cotton ball. This will help prevent periodontal disease, which is extremely common in dogs. Their dental health affects their whole well-being. Damaged gums provide germs with quick access to the bloodstream, damaging organs and causing a wide range of problems. This occurs when the hip joint does not grow congruently. The ball and socket stop fitting together properly while the dog is a puppy, which causes them to rub together. After the damage begins, the hip will never correctly fit. Over time, this causes arthritis-like signs. Some dogs are affected but never show any signs. Other dogs may actually have minor wear, but they may be in severe pain or even lame. Treatment varies widely depending on the dog. Sometimes, surgery is required. This disease is partially genetic and partially environmental. Some dogs are more genetically prone to it than others. However, factors that affect growth, like food intake, are what usually cause this disease to occur. If puppies are overfed while they are growing, it can make some parts of their body grow faster than others. This uneven growth causes hip dysplasia. Like their Great Dane parent, this mixed breed may be more prone to bloat than other breeds. This is a life-threatening condition where the stomach fills up with gas and expands. Without treatment, the stomach will push on the surrounding tissues and cut off blood flow. This lack of circulation kills the tissue and causes shock. Dogs can die after only a few hours. The only treatment is emergency surgery, which can be quite expensive. Without the surgery, the dog will die within 24 hours. Because of the high likelihood of bloat, some vets may recommend a procedure to prevent it. This involves securing the stomach to the inside of the abdominal wall, which prevents the stomach from flipping and filling up with gas. If their ears are floppy, this breed can be prone to ear infections. You can reduce the odds of this by carefully cleaning the ears if there is a build-up of debris. Be sure to dry the inside of your ears completely. Minor Conditions. They are often pretty large-sized dogs reaching heights of up to 28 inches high at the shoulder. These dogs are strong and stocky with long legs and a square-shaped body which makes them look like mini Mastiffs, but they have the intelligence and agility of a German Shepherd. However, it has also started gaining more attention in America and Canada. This means that he does not have the same traits as either his German Shepherd or Great Dane parents. Rather, these traits are blended to create this unique mixture of canine features. The average German Shepherd great Dane mix will weigh between pounds should they reach full maturity at around two years of age. Their height can vary depending on their genetics but generally fall in between inches tall at the shoulder area, putting them solidly within the range for both parent breeds. As far as color goes, there really is no way to predict what pattern your puppy may carry; however, black and white color coats seem to be predominant among many of these hybrids. Keep in mind that while there are some persistent characteristics inherited from each parent breed, these dogs can be trained just like any other dog. Some training issues regarding the German Shepherd Great Dane Mix may include: A high prey drive can be problematic if the dog is being trained to become a working dog. If you have another pet that requires training at home it may be difficult to manage while your German Shepherd Great Dane mix is in the house. This characteristic does not usually allow for successful off-leash training either. These dogs are also very dominant and will need more consistent leadership from their family members or owners. They are used for this reason in police work because they are obedient, intelligent, quick learners, and often do well with an authoritative figure. This breed can get along well with children but should always be supervised when near them due to their size and strength. Many of these dogs have a very high energy level and will require a minimum of one hour per day for exercise. They can be trained to become excellent running or jogging partners, which helps them burn off some of that excess energy. Without the proper amount of both physical and mental workouts, they can become destructive and chew everything in sight! As far as training goes, it is possible but should be handled with patience and consistency by someone who understands the specific needs of a dominant breed. In addition to patience and consistency, it is also important to stay calm but firm when training any dog. You can do this while they are eating or drinking which should help to keep them still for longer than when you try and groom them when they are in another room, etc. Towel dry their coats after shampooing use dog shampoo then leave it in for 20 minutes before shaking off the excess water to reduce the amount of dampness left on their skin. When brushing their coat to remove tangles, be sure to go against the hair growth using a comb or slicker brush before smoothing it out with your fingers. When brushing their teeth, be sure to use canine toothpaste as human toothpaste can actually be poisonous for pets. Consult with your vet about how often you should do this, but generally speaking at least once a day is recommended. The other option, if you have the time and patience, is to try using a dog toothbrush which you can pick up at just about any pet store. If your German shepherd Great Dane mix is still having difficulties with the idea of brushing their teeth then this should definitely help — just add some doggie toothpaste on top and before you know it they will be going to town without a care in the world. However, one needs to keep in mind that this crossbreed dog has some very specific health problems. In fact, due to the size differences between these breeds, many of these health problems are amplified. Some people may think twice before adopting such a large breed dog when they realize what issues can arise from their own neglect or ignorance regarding proper breeding practices. Owners will need to make sure they know how to properly take care of their pet if fully grown or puppy for those who adopted as an adult. Many of the health problems associated with German Shepherd Great Dane mix dogs can be avoided by making sure that both parents are healthy and cared for as well as the pups themselves. Also, one must ensure they purchase their puppy from reputable breeders who screen their dogs for genetic diseases and defects before breeding them. The more you know and understand your pet and what could happen, the better off he will be in the long run. This can cause severe pain and lameness in your pet. It can also lead to arthritis later on in his life. Elbow Dysplasia — This problem is very similar to hip dysplasia, but it occurs within the elbow joint instead. Again, this is often due to poor breeding or neglect on behalf of their parents or owners. Heart Disease — Many breeds are prone to different types of heart disease — German Shepherds included! The most common type they deal with is dilated cardiomyopathy DCM. Other conditions they may suffer from including patent ductus arteriosus PDA , subaortic stenosis, and diseases that affect the heart valves. Enthusiastic and active — is how many people describe their GSD Dane. Their endless supply of energy is quickly consumed by various activities that require their attention. They need plenty of exercises each day either through long walks or playtime inside where they can burn off some steam by chasing after toys. Be aware that the Dane side will most likely be more than happy to tag along with whatever you have planned whenever these two meet so it is important to establish boundaries with your new puppy right from the beginning. Lovable and loyal — the Great Shepherd is considered to be one of the smartest dog breeds around. They are always eager to please their owners which makes training a breeze. If socialized from a young age, GSD Dane will love interacting with friends and family members alike while also being gentle enough playtime around children without doing any harm or becoming too excited Intelligent — these dogs have been known to become bored easily so having plenty of toys on hand during playtime is a must. Protective — like most large breeds, the German shepherd Great Dane mix tends to be quite cautious around strangers or someone they are not familiar with which makes them suitable watchdogs. They are extremely alert so you can rest assured that their acute sense of smell will pick up on any potentially dangerous scents coming towards your property which could ward off thieves who may try to get inside by using an alternate route. When it comes to other pets, GSD Dane has been known to be good with cats although this really depends on the personality of the dog itself. The same goes for small animals such as birds, guinea pigs, etc. Make sure that it is formulated for large, active dogs and is made with a named meat meal as the first ingredient. The amount that you need to spend would depend on how much your pet eats per day. You should expect it to grow anywhere from lbs. Having said that, there are always exceptions and you may find yourself with a very small or very version of either parent breed. You must make sure that they get along with all kinds of people and animals including cats. Once they become adults, it gets even harder. Basically, if you ever want them to become a family member, as well as a good citizen, socialization has to happen. The earlier, the better. That is because, during their formative phase before 12 weeks of age , they take in all kinds of information and make sense of it by making associations. This is how they learn about the world and how to behave in it. If you want your German Shepherd Great Dane mix puppy to be a nice family member, make sure they get as much exposure as possible during their first months of life. This will help them develop the ability to make associations with all kinds of things humans, animals, places. Potential of German Shepherd Great Dane Mix as a family pet: The german shepherd great dane mix is a mixed breed dog that belongs to the group of working dogs. This makes it relatively easy for one to acquire or adopt a German Shepherd Great Dane mix. It is important to note that this breed of dog is best acquired at an early age. This is because younger and smaller puppies are more adaptable and receptive to training as compared to mature ones. Adopting one from a young age also reduces cases of aggression as well as other behavioral issues. Life Span Of German Shepherd Great Dane Mix: On average, most German shepherd great Dane mix dogs weigh between pounds and grow to be around inches tall at shoulder height when they reach adulthood typically after 1 or 2 years. The life expectancy of these hybrids falls within the years range and generally speaking is considered to be on par with either parent breed; however, this will depend on several factors such as whether the dog is allowed to become overweight, exercise habits, etc. German Shepherd Great Dane Mix Temperament: When you mix two breeds together, the end result is a blend of both breeds. There are some cases where you will find a hybrid who may lean more heavily towards one parent or the other, but this should not be expected. The German shepherd great Dane mix is a very intelligent dog and because of this, it can be frustrating when trying to teach them tricks and commands. They need to be provided with clear instructions in order to follow through on any task that they have been ordered to complete. They can be classified as giant size dogs and hail from the working breed selection of dogs. German Shepherds are known for their intelligence level whereas Great Danes are known to have low activity levels more suited for indoor activities. This crossbreed has the potential to inherit both of these positive traits and if not, it will go halfway to either side. Another pro is that they are very loyal and love to be around their humans. They can be really protective of your family and will stick with them during tough times. These dogs do great in a home environment, making them ideal for families who live in apartments or smaller homes that cannot accommodate much space for a large dog breed like a Great Dane or a German Shepherd. This mix can either lean towards a very laid-back temperament or an active one depending on the genes it gets from each parent breed. The German Shepherd is known to have high energy levels during its puppyhood but this trait decreases as it becomes an adult. Still, these dogs make a great fit for a very active family who loves to go out and about doing things. Cons of having German Shepherd Great Dane Mix: If your German shepherd Great Dane mix ever feels threatened or anxious then there is a chance that they will attempt to climb up anything they can find in an attempt to get away from whatever it is that is causing them distress. Be sure not to give in to this sort of behavior and, if it persists, then maybe contacting a professional trainer would be beneficial for all involved parties. However, there will more than likely come a time when they need to go but are unable to hold it in because of their size. Be sure not to neglect them if this happens, especially if you are out and about — take your German shepherd Great Dane mix somewhere safe before cleaning up any accidents that may have occurred. The next thing that bothers people a lot is that the other dogs tend to bark and howl in order to get your attention even when you might be busy at some work so it creates problems for other human beings as well as for yourself as well. The other problem that many people think about with these dogs is that they tend to grow large very quickly without proper care and feeding habits. These dogs need a balanced diet in order to grow at a steady pace which should definitely be maintained from their early age up until death. Final thoughts: German shepherd Great Dane mix puppies are some of the most lovable bundles around and with their intelligence and size combined you might just have yourself one hell of a dog! Although easy to take care of when compared with other breeds such as Poodles or Pomeranians give me a break I like big dogs, ok? As always, any potential owners should research the breed to see if they are suitable for them before even thinking about getting one. If you are thinking about having this breed of dog at your home then you must have to clean up the poop very quickly after it is done with its business because the smell might attract other neighbor dogs or human beings to your abode which can create unwanted problems. You need to carry some snacks in your pocket or purse just in case if they start feeling hungry once per while on that particular walk you are taking them on so that they can eat it on time without making too much of a mess for you. FAQs 1. The German shepherd great Dane mix can be a very loyal and affectionate dog when properly socialized at a young age, but there are some concerns that come into play when deciding whether or not this hybrid is the right choice for you. Because of their size combined with their high level of energy, The German shepherd Great Dane Mix should only be allowed around children who are older than 10 years old unless closely monitored. We also recommend that your new puppy should never be left alone with smaller pets such as hamsters, guinea pigs, mice, etc. Because of this, they can be easily controlled by even the younger members of your household. For the most part, the answer is NO. This dog breed tends to get very high in terms of energy level and strength. The following thing that bothers people a lot is their constant need for running or walking throughout the day. However, even though the GSD Dane would appear well-equipped to protect you and your family from intruders and other dangers, they are also more than willing to accept someone into their inner circle if they are properly introduced. Post navigation. Among largest crossbreeds on earth - this mix is considered a large to giant-sized breed. Typical colors: black, brown, hazel, white, merle. Great Dane genetics will typically give these dogs a shorter coat that's easier to manage than a GSD's, but this varies depending on parent dogs. Lifespan: 8 - 13 years. They need to be supervised around young kids due to their large size. Smart, energetic, loving, warm, affectionate, friendly, loyal, protective. Can be wary around strangers. Their intelligence and energy makes these dogs trainable, but they'll need a lot of daily exercise - big open spaces are great for these large dogs to run around in. This will help limit any destructive behaviors. This will depend on the breeder. Hektor eventually became the founding sire and was first named German Shepherd Dog in thanks to the keen eye and ambitious goals of Max von Stephanitz. German Shepherds split from a group of dogs similar in appearance and purpose that included the Dutch Shepherd and the Belgian Shepherd. The Belgian Shepherds would eventually divide even further. They would include the well-known Belgian Malinois and three other types. A scientific article that addresses evolution in certain dog breeds states that the five Italian herding dogs, like the Bergamasco Shepherd, had ancestors in common with the German Shepherd. The German Shepherd line split from the Italian dogs and a French herding dog around .First, fanciers developed the breed in Germany in the late s. Finally, Great Danes evolved in appearance over the passing generations. Great Danes have much more ancient roots than German Shepherds. They appear in the art of Egypt from 4, B. As you have probably surmised by now, Great Danes are not Danish, although they had a distinctive slender type in Denmark. Danes became proficient at hunting wild boars, which at the time, hunters considered among the most challenging game to overpower. Boars were incredibly strong, smart, quick, and fearless. The dogs who hunted them had to be tough in mind and body and very swift of foot. Breeders during the 14th century blended their huge Mastiffs with the fast-coursing Greyhound and perhaps the scrappy Irish Wolfhound to produce the ideal boar dog that would come in at the end of the pursuit and grab and hold the hog. Their slow transformation began in the s when German noblemen discovered the fearless and magnificent Great Dane. These people of elevated status did not often hunt boars, but they appreciated how large and imposing the Danes were. They began seeking out the dogs for their families and to guard their properties. Nobility selected dogs for good looks and height because beauty and intimidation were of paramount importance for aristocratic households. After progressive selection for taller dogs, the breed standard for the Great Dane was born about .You will have a large hybrid dog German Shepherds are usually 22 to 26 inches tall at the top of the withers and weigh from 60 to 90 pounds. Males are slightly taller and substantially more muscular than females. Female Great Danes are 28 to 30 inches at the shoulder while males are 30 to 34 inches tall. The weight difference is also significant between the genders, with females about to pounds and males as much as pounds. Even current standards prefer dogs to be as tall as possible. The tallest dog ever was a Great Dane, Zeus, who stood 44 inches at the shoulders. GSD Great Dane mixes are quite tall at 28 to 30 inches at the shoulders. However, this mix can be very lean at 65 pounds or massive like a Great Dane at up to pounds. Expect a male to be a little taller and substantially heavier than a female. What traits will your Shepherd Dane mix have? German Shepherds immediately strike you with their confidence and self-assurance. Most of them are black and mahogany or black and tan. Even Shepherds who are solid colors like red, blue , or black , are easily recognizable with their noble, slightly domed heads, large erect ears, majestic and powerful necks, rather long torsos, and strong hindquarters built for driving. German Shepherds are smaller than Great Danes, but they have as much presence and poise. The Great Dane is very tall, but your first impression should be one of elegance, strength, and balance. Like the Shepherd, they have a noble head carriage on a slender but powerful neck. They are galloping dogs in contrast to Shepherds, who are trotting workers. A Great Dane has a long and deep muzzle with a slightly furrowed brow and medium drop ears. Cropped ears are quite long as they stand upright, especially for show dogs. Great Danes notably have long and powerful limbs, relatively square proportions, and a long slender tail that tends to curve up at the tip. A Great Dane can also be brindle, harlequin, mantle, solid white, blue, or merle. Unique colors that may not find favor in the show ring are any shades of chocolate including chocolate and white, blue brindle, blue and white, and merlequin. What are merle, harlequin, and merlequin? Merle is a marbling effect of the colors grey and black in Great Danes. Color variations of merle, as seen in breeds like the Australian Shepherd, are not standard for Great Danes. Harlequin, a color pattern unique to Great Danes, is a white base coat with random splotches of black and sometimes gray. Harlequin and merle are closely-related genetically, according to Doggenetics. Merlequin is where the black patches in an otherwise Harlequin dog express as merle splotches. What about mantle? Picture a Boston Terrier with a classic black and white coat. In a Great Dane, the Boston black and white color is a mantle, referring to the black blanket effect over an otherwise white dog. Although some dogs can also be fawn or blue in the areas of black, the traditional tuxedo colors are preferable. Many Great Dane German Shepherd mixes have a typical look about them. Shepherds mixed with Great Danes commonly sport colors like fawn, merle, black, and black and white. German Shepherd Great Danes tend to be leggy. German Shepherds have earned a sometimes justifiable reputation for aggression. They are naturally protective , a characteristic that people enhanced over the generations to produce good guarding instincts for home security and exceptional bite force for police and military work. The result of irresponsible breeding has produced a highly popular dog that shows up way higher on biting dogs lists than he should. German Shepherds are meant to be excellent guard dogs who discriminate appropriately between harmless strangers and malicious intruders. They should only bite as a last resort or in response to a direct command. Fear aggression with defensive biting persists in some German Shepherd lines. Great Danes were hunting dogs before they were guard dogs. Today, they are companion animals before they are formidable guards. Although inheriting some guarding instincts from their Mastiff bloodlines, Great Danes often have a bark worse than their bite. However, Danes always historically could be protective when warranted. In a fascinating statistical analysis by the American Animal Hospital Association , German Shepherds were in the top five dogs most likely to bite while Great Danes were in the bottom five with Dalmatians and Pointers. The Great Dane makes an excellent watchdog, able to loudly warn of suspicious activities, intimidate with her size and presence alone, and back up her stance if necessary. Some family bloodlines are fearful like the Shepherd, producing dogs that cower and bite with little provocation. Your Dane Shepherd should be a calm and steadfast companion, confident and friendly to strangers, and territorial and boldly sounding the alarm when sensing trouble. You should carefully train your Shepherd Dane mix so he can readily discern between guests and people who intend harm. He will likely be naturally protective of you, your family, and house, and many experts advise you not formally train such a dog to guard or become aggressive. The German Shepherd has an average lifespan of about 10 to 12 years and the Great Dane 7 to 9 years. Often a hybrid will live a couple of years longer than his German Shepherd parent breeds, but unfortunately not in the case of the Great Shepherd. Shepherd Dane mixes only live about 7 to 10 years. The notable condition the Great Dane and German Shepherd share is bloat. A peculiar and life-threatening condition whereby the stomach distends with gas or fluid and rotates about to degrees is fairly common in large, deep-chested dogs without proper management. Your Great Shepherd can also inherit certain diseases from his German Shepherd parent breeds, some more so than others. Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency — A disease where the pancreas does not produce enough enzymes to digest food properly, EPI is more common in the German Shepherd dog. Signs include a healthy appetite with failure to maintain a healthy weight. Affected dogs appear malnourished. Diabetes — a problem common to German Shepherds. Diabetes is a far different disease in dogs than humans or cats, rarely tied to insulin resistance. Cardiomyopathy — Although not as afflicted as Dobermans, Great Danes see their fair share of dilated cardiomyopathy, or heart disease, and can pass it to their puppies. Cancer — Great Danes are vulnerable to bone cancer and malignancies of the lymph nodes and system. German Shepherds commonly develop spleen cancer as they age. Hip dysplasia — Great Danes and German Shepherds both commonly struggle with hip dysplasia which they may pass on to their offspring. While German Shepherds may lack patience for children, especially strange ones, Great Danes typically are loving and playful around young people. While you would need to socialize your Shepherd to accept a child as part of her flock, you must teach a Great Dane to be gentle and mindful of his size. Great Shepherds may be unpredictable around children, but many of them display the easy affection of the Dane parent. Again, you must exercise caution when you have such a large dog around toddlers or infants. Commonly, Shepherd Dane mixes enjoy small kids but can act dangerously rambunctious. Great Shepherds typically have more energy than purebred Danes. What can you expect around other dogs? German Shepherds can get along with other dogs , typically with plenty of socialization at an early age. It is not uncommon for Shepherds to prefer to be the only animal in a household, but some also learn to get along with cats. The typical GSD has a high prey drive , one which early breeders refined for herding purposes. German Shepherds also have a very combative history with military training, Schutzhund guard requirements, and even some dog fighting. If you go to a dog park, you will often see Great Danes dancing around the field, perfectly comfortable with canine playmates. Despite their proficiency as ancient hunters, Great Danes seem to enjoy social interactions with both animals and people. If your Shepherd Dane puppy inherits more of the Great Dane personality, she will be friendly and playful around other dogs. Those more like Shepherds will need heavy exposure to other dogs at an early age. You should always supervise your Shepherd mix around small dogs because of her size. It is not difficult for an oversized dog to seriously injure a toy breed even if the larger canid intends no harm. Moreover, minor arguments can quickly turn ugly between dogs with vast size differences. German Shepherds rank second or third in intelligence, combining working proficiency, obedience, and instincts. However, German Shepherds are also a breed with a strong mind and a high incidence of overbearing dominance. Stanley Coren ranked the Great Dane 88th, and thus average, among dog breeds. While the Dane does not excel in obedience or as a working breed, she shows a remarkable ability to figure things out on her own. Great Danes also still possess good hunting skills. Great Danes with Shepherd bloodlines are often cooperative and highly trainable with an outgoing temperament. Some may inherit willfulness from the Great Dane. Qualities from both parents suggest the Great Shepherd needs persistence and consistency with her training as well as firmness and clear leadership. German Shepherds historically bred to sustain long periods of work through the day, need large amounts of activity. If you own a Shepherd or ever did in the past, you know how intense and driven the breed, is and how high its energy levels are. German Shepherds regularly need up to two hours of exercise a day. Great Danes require an hour of exercise every day, not having quite the stamina that a German Shepherd does. Plan on providing 60 to 90 minutes of exercise for your Shepherd Dane mix every day, depending on her body structure, age, and energy levels. Growing puppies need moderate exercise because their joints are susceptible to the damaging effects of overexertion. Your puppy may potentially keep growing to 18 months old, so restrain your dog from jumping and excessive running until he has finished. Consult with your veterinarian if you are unsure. You may also need to restrict exercise if your puppy or adult dog exhibits any signs of hip dysplasia. Appears to hop like a bunny as he runs Pain or obvious discomfort towards the rear end Difficulty getting up or laying down Can not or will not sit straight — always orients haunches to one side or the other Difficulty negotiating stairs Loss of muscle development in the hindquarters or exaggerated musculature of the forequarters Are German Shepherd Great Dane Mixes Suitable For Apartment Living? German Shepherds do not do well in small spaces. They are medium to large dogs with a limited ability to relax and stay still for extended periods. Moreover, Shepherds can quickly become destructive when left alone. Finally, the GSD presents a new and expanding liability with leased properties and insurance agencies. Most guard dogs feature on dangerous, banned, or uninsurable dog lists, and German Shepherds are not exempt. Therefore, even if your German Shepherd liked living in a condominium, it is not likely that many property owners would allow it. Great Danes may fit in with apartment living better than German Shepherds because they can lounge, but their size usually prohibits it. They find it difficult to get comfortable if the space is too small, and their tails are deadly to anything not nailed down. Moreover, insurance companies are not extremely fond of giant breed dogs any more than they are of guard dogs. According to Showbiz Cheat-sheets, Great Danes head the list in front of Rottweilers for undesirable canines for insurance companies. Your Shepherd Dane mix will most probably look like a Great Dane hybrid to most concerned parties. Insurance companies and rental properties will likely give your dog a second glance because of her size. Some policies have strict guidelines that treat mixes the same as dangerous and banned purebred parent breeds. While neither the Great Dane nor the German Shepherd is dangerous with appropriate socialization and training, always check all relevant bans before you decide to move into a residence with your Great Shepherd. Such a coat ensures the GSD is well-insulated when it gets freezing and snowy outside and also in moderate heat. Shepherds have two major sheds each year corresponding to seasonal changes that cause them to change out their undercoats. Great Danes have a smooth and short coat generally without an undercoat, but they are still moderate shedders. You should brush a Great Dane once or twice a week to remove dirt, stimulate circulation, and distribute oils to the fur. Great Danes can struggle in cold weather because they have a thin coat and like other sighthounds, minimal body fat. They do better in warm climates but do not have the insulating coats of German Shepherds. Their massive size can make it difficult for their bodies to lose heat. You should brush your dog two or three times weekly to minimize shedding and keep her free of excess soil. Bathing is only necessary twice a year, though most owners feel more comfortable with a monthly schedule. Use mild shampoos. Clip nails once every six to eight weeks. Depending on their coats, Great Shepherds will probably tolerate the heat moderately well and perhaps also the cold. Their size helps a little with frigid conditions, so most Shepherd Dane mixes do fairly well as long as temperatures do not dip too much below freezing and as long as they are not of a particularly lean body type. These crucial milestones are bloat and rapid growth. The risk of gastric dilatation and volvulus stomach distends and then flips dictates that you should feed your Great Dane Shepherd mix a few small meals throughout the day rather than one or two large meals. Feeding recommendations are about 5 to 10 cups daily for adult dogs, so spread that out over three feedings spaced apart by several hours. Your Great Shepherd will be a large dog. You also want to avoid an overweight puppy to decrease joint strain. You can formulate a homemade raw or cooked diet for your dog with your veterinarian or nutritionist. There are also commercial diets that manufacturers specifically modify for large and giant breeds. Summary German Shepherd Great Dane mixes are large but lean dogs that are commonly black, black and white, or fawn. She may even have mixed heritage herself. There are two fawns and a black pup. Occasionally, your Great Shepherd could be merle. This dog looks much like a Great Dane except for a heavier frame, more energy, and the semi-prick ears. He has a single-minded focus common in German Shepherds. Genetics are unpredictable, and your dog may sometimes have upright ears and look like a shepherd. Rarely you could see a black and tan Shepherd Dane mix. Recommended Reading:.
Quickly place your dog in their designated potty area. Praise them when they urinate or mess in the correct area. You must always watch them when they are loose in the house, or else they will have an accident. Follow this guide on potty training your German Shepherd , step-by-step, for a stress-free experience. Enjoy Gentle Daily Exercise German Shepherd puppies have lots of energy but still need gentle exercise. Your breed is highly active and loves the challenge of new activities! But these activities must consider their age. Start with a shorter walking session and work on building up the time and distance as your dog matures. Increase distance very slowly to avoid injuries to your dog. Begin with only 5 minutes of slow walking for every month your pup is old. An 8-week-old pup can walk 10 minutes at a time. A week-old pup can handle 15 minutes of walking at a leisurely pace. Your large-breed pup needs time to let its bone fully fuse and to gain an increase in strength. Here are a few more safe, healthy German Shepherd puppy exercise for steady growth. This is the same program I used for my GSD and she now jogs a 10k routinely. Mental Exercise and Training are Essentials Without proper mental exercise, your dog becomes bored. Boredom leads to destructive and annoying behaviors such as: excessive barking biting and nipping you and your guests mouthing your hands or digging up your yard Brain games mentally stimulate your dog. These games require your dog to figure out a small task to receive a reward. Mental activity is shown to help keep dogs more engaged in their environments and prevent boredom. They help control unwanted behaviors from boredom. I started my German Shepherd with this activity flip board dog brain puzzle. As your dog becomes proficient in a game, you make the game more challenging. There is no end to how easy or hard you can make these games! Learn the Joys of Grooming Start puppies out with grooming gloves, which are gentle and easier on their skin. GSDs need a brushing routine that keeps them and your house free from excessive loose hair and helps their skin stay healthy. Use these grooming gloves on your puppy while in a quiet area. They are soft and gentle and create a positive association with future grooming. Offer tasty treats to keep the grooming upbeat. Use a soothing voice and tell them how good they are. Above all, help make grooming and brushing positive experiences from the very start to save yourself and your dog stress later. A baby German Shepherd that tolerates and even enjoys a daily brushing is a dog that is easier to keep in better health and experiences less frustration when you bring out the grooming tools. While a puppy gets immunity through nursing in the first weeks of life, the immunity wears off shortly. Therefore puppies get a series of shots during their initial vaccination schedule. Vaccines prevent illness and keep your pet safe from disease. Your breeder should give your pup their first vaccination series before you bring them home. Bring this vaccination history with you to your vet on your first visit. Your Priority of Care What to Do 1. Make your house puppy ready for your new dog Prepare their sleep area, have the right supplies on hand, and make sure any hazards are put away out of reach. Communicate the essentials Have a list of words printed out so that you and your family know what to say to help your puppy learn what you want and what he needs to know. Meet their daily needs Your puppy has a lot to do each day for their basic care, so understand what routine you must develop for them to thrive. Set sleep routines Having a sleep routine in place keeps your puppy from becoming too unruly. Teach potty training Start from day 1 to teach potty and house training by using a structured schedule. Daily gentle exercise German Shepherd puppies need gentle exercise so avoid running, jumping, or jogging with them until around 18 months or so to prevent joint issues later. Brain training and mental stimulation Your smart breed needs to keep their mind occupied by using a training program to brain train their obedience skills and include mental stimulation with fun games and puzzles. Early introduction to grooming A grooming glove is your best friend for a safe, easy introduction to later brushing and coat maintenance. German Shepherd Puppy Care for Life While there are many aspects to puppies, this guide is a great start on learning how to take care of a German Shepherd puppy so you feel confident with your new puppy. These early encounters set the pattern of his future relationship with you. Use these ideas to make your German Shepherd love you and give them plenty of love and affection throughout the day. With proper care and attention, you and your GSD will enjoy a long, happy life together. Want more help with your German Shepherd puppy care for even smoother sailing? Are you prepared for any unusual and surprising behavior changes? Do you know what training your dog needs and when? She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. Tunnel Dash The Weaving Wonder Games for German Shepherds can include everyday objects that you can find around your house and are fun activities that give your German Shepherd mental stimulation and exercise. Try a few of these activities for German Shepherds and see which ones your dog loves! Hide-and-Seek Treats Hiding their food helps your dog use their noses to explore. Mental stimulation with a food hide-and-seek game keeps your dog sharp by using their noses source. You can use this game indoors or out in your yard or garden. Now hide a few pieces around the house or yard while they watch, and encourage them to find the food. German Shepherds have a keen sense of smell, and many learn to track. Puppy Puzzles This German Shepherd activity teaches your dog to use their nose and brain together. Food puzzles are activities that keep your dog working for their reward. Use this stimulating mind game to introduce them to puzzles. Next, place their food in the puzzle. Show them how to find food and encourage them to find the food on their own. If you want to feed your dog the right foods, then read this list of healthy, tasty treats for German Shepherds. Break your treats into small pieces, no larger than the size of your pinkie nail to keep their nutrition in check. The Special Delivery activity uses common mailing items as hiding places for their treats. Use a clean box that came in the mail. Place pieces of kibble or treats inside the brown paper wrap. Squish the brown paper or paper towels together to wrap around the kibble. Encourage your dog or puppy to look for their food. When they are finished, refill the brown paper packaging or paper towel balls and start again. Another simple and easy game to put together is a bottle treat dispenser. The bottle slides and moves on the floor to make the game more interesting for both puppies and adults. And, of course, supervise your German Shepherd during games at all times. Save a large water bottle. Make sure it is clean and dry. Let your dog turn, paw, and shake the bottle so the kibble falls out. Repeat when empty to finish their meal. Replace the bottles regularly as they become dirty or worn. The larger the opening, the easier the food will fall out. Brain Training for Dogs Brain Training your German Shepherd keeps them mentally stimulated and physically engaged, ensuring they have a pawsome time! Brain training your German Shepherd is an activity that increases their mental stimulation and is fun for both you and your dog! You can use brain training to help teach your German Shepherd manners and basic obedience at the same time. But… You can read more on my helpful review: Brain Training for Dogs Review to learn all about this engaging playtime program. Setup this game by doing this: Place a few bits of their food or treats in the muffin tins and a ball over the top to cover the cups. You can leave some muffin tins without a tennis ball to make the game easier to start or for puppies learning about brain games. When your dog is finished, refill the muffin tins. To make the game interesting, leave some tins without food, but still cover the compartment with a tennis ball. This makes your dog use his nose more and gives them a surprise when they find the food in some compartments but not in others. Frozen Kong Delight By far, my German Shepherd enjoys this mental exercise the best, as the food seems to last longer and keep her quiet. Get out your trusty, indestructible German Shepherd-proof Kong toy. Place a mixture of moistened kibble in the center. I like to add a few spoonfuls of unflavored Greek yogurt mixed into the food for extra encouragement. Set this in the freezer for a few hours to stiffen up. When frozen, give it to your dog for a tasty mealtime surprise! If you buy a few Kongs, you can keep them in your freezer for times when you want or need to keep your German Shepherd busy and entertained. Trust me, the Kong toys make for engaging playtime ideas for German Shepherds and can stand up to their rough play. Tupperware Surprise These old plastic food storage containers make useful indoor activities for your German Shepherd. Put them to use with this game. Place several pieces of plastic food storage containers upside down, without their lids, over a handful of kibble. You can put the food storage containers all in one room or place them in multiple rooms for a seek-and-find activity. Encourage your dog to go find the kibble, and help them find the first few to get them started. They must figure out how to turn the container over with their paws or nose, which is tricky for some dogs, especially puppies. Use this mental exercise inside or outside, depending on the weather. This game also uses empty cardboard tubes from paper towels or toilet paper. Place their kibble on brown shipping or craft paper, or even a clean paper towel. Next, wrap the kibble up securely and place the wrapped kibble inside the cardboard tubes. Encourage your dog to explore the tubes. You can see my German Shepherd enjoying the game of finding treats in cardboard tubes. As simple as this sounds, the activity keeps my German Shepherd busy as she delicately removes the kibble from the boxes or toilet roll tubes filled with kibble and paper. No worries. This game really gets an active Shepherd moving and keeps them occupied! Start slowly and toss one ball away from you. While your dog goes to chase that ball, get another ball toy ready in your hand. As they return the first ball, toss the second ball across the grass for them to have another sprint. Only play a handful of rounds, and then let your dog have a rest and some water to avoid them overheating. Instead, use these summer activities to exercise your German Shepherd in the heat. Place their kibble meal or another dry treat inside the toy to help provide a challenge to their minds and bodies. As your dog chases the toy around and works to get their reward, they burn calories and have to use their brain power to work the food loose. You can wash this treat dispensing toy, so if your dog is a first-class drooler, you can easily clean their germs away. This is a mentally-stimulating game for an indoor German Shepherd activity for a puppy or even a bored German Shepherd. Tunnel Dash Collapsible tunnels can make for an exciting and fun backyard activity. Owners of our high-energy breed will appreciate teaching their dog both indoor agility to challenge their minds and outdoor agility to challenge their minds and use their energy! You may have to entice your dog through the tunnel by placing them at one end and having them wait while you walk to the other. But German Shepherds love this type of stimulation and are expert tunnel runners! The Weaving Wonder From German Shepherd puppies to seniors, almost every dog enjoys learning how to become a weaving wonder! If your dog enjoys high-energy activities, then add to your agility set by using these easy-to-set up weave poles. Your athletic Shepherd will love to use their brains and their agility to figure out the best way to quickly maneuver through the weave poles. Begin by walking ahead of your dog through the weave poles and have them follow you. Reward them frequently in between poles in the beginning. When they make it to the end, celebrate and reward them again. Eventually, have your GSD make more turns of the poles before the reward. Learn all about the right ways to exercise your German Shepherd for complete health and fitness. Your dog or puppy has many senses they need to use daily. They can see, hear, touch, smell, and think. Many dogs living in our modern, busy lives lack mental stimulation. In the wild, your dog would work alongside their pack or alone to track down prey using their senses. They would then plan an attack, using their mental abilities. Using all these senses during play helps your dog gain confidence in themselves and in their abilities. New experiences ignite portions of their brains to keep them engaged in their environments. An engaged dog is a happy, better-behaved dog! Include 2 or 3 new activities for your German Shepherd a week to begin. You ready for more? From nutrition tips to exercise tricks, this guide has it all. Trust me, your German Shepherd will be wagging their tail with joy! So, what are you waiting for? Grab your free guide now and continue fun adventures and activities with your German Shepherd! She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. Calm older dogs are good for this one. Most importantly for German Shepherd puppies, it will give you a chance to work with them around other people, and different dogs from a young age. Settle on a mat German Shepherds are incredibly curious, which can make it difficult for them to relax while out and about. Leash walking — no one wants a large breed of dog pulling them down the street, so be sure you teach loose lead walking and how about some heelwork too? Recall games — Play a game of tennis with your pooch! Calling them from person to person with treats on either side. Get started with grooming and brushing sensitive areas — In long-haired German Shepherds, this is typically the case with the face, legs, and ears, which become tangled the most and may hurt when brushed. Remember to brush carefully, do a little bit of brushing on a sensitive area while feeding them treats or letting them have a lickimat, and then brush an easier to brush area. For socialisation, start working on items that are vital to your lifestyle this week, such as if you have a horse and want your puppy to be comfortable with horses, or if you enjoy sailing, having them near water will be important to you. Getting your puppy exposed to new experiences early on can help them accept them much more easily. Socialization exercises to do this week Training to do this week Husbandry Tasks to do this week — Go to the pub — you deserve it! Remember that settle training you did before, take your mat and get your German Shepherd puppy to settle on it with a nice stuffed kong. Alone training: increasing time alone is important for your puppy. It gives them essential coping skills. Recall — Practise this outside, using a lead, and lots of rewards. Lead walking — Take this outside. Make sure you keep a strong pace going, since German Shepherds enjoy walking quickly, and praise often to keep your puppy interested. Pretend Nail Clips — simply holding a claw, pretending to clip , and rewarding your puppy with a treat is enough. Following on walks — Bring special toys, like the Tug-E-Nuff Pocket tugger, with you on walks to ensure your German Shepherd puppy enjoys hanging out with you. Playing with them will make you irresistible! Week 7 — Training your German Shepherd puppy The 7-week itch! Nah not really. I bet your German Shepherd puppy is doing wonderfully and growing rapidly! Tick 3 things off your personal socialisation checklist — How about taking your German Shepherd to a city farm, letting them watch from afar and rewarding them for being such a calm puppy? Teach your German Shepherd puppy to stay — this will be a great one to show off at the park, trust us. So, first, take a walk with a dog that your German Shepherd puppy has already met. At first, it may be difficult for your puppy not to get distracted, so keep the rewards coming and try to keep them interested in you, rather than the other dog! Recall — off the lead Make sure you do this in a secure and confined area and bring plenty of smelly treats, a fun toy to play with, and your silly high-pitched voice so you can call your German Shepherd puppy back regularly. Remember, German Shepherds enjoy learning! Tick 3 things off your personal socialisation checklist — maybe take your German Shepherd for a swimming lesson? Practice exercises in different locations — how about a train station, or in a shopping centre or mall? Teach a hand target — This is a favourite among pups and their owners. Hand Targeting or touching is the foundation for additional trick behaviours like leg weaving and closing doors. Introducing nose work to your puppy — We mean it when we say your German Shepherd puppy has a better nose than you! Play a game of hide and seek with their favourite toy to bring out those excellent search skills. Looking for more great puppy training tips? Check out our overview of when to start teaching your puppy anything , next. It will be fun they said. We go the extra mile for you. If you want a stress free puppy experience, get this downloaded! Worth every single penny! This app is very helpful. It helps you to understand and gives you a path to follow. The coaching support is excellent and super speedy. Download the app now. To train a German Shepherd puppy dog you must be consistent, kind and clear. German Shepherd dog puppies are divinely cute and for a reason! Just like babies are cute, puppies will win your heart even after destroying your favorite pair of shoes or that expensive carpet! Making sure you use them will start you on the right side of training and pave the road for you to get an obedient dog. The good news is that you do not need any special equipment to have an obedient GSD puppy. All you need is love and treats. The most important German Shepherd puppy training tip is socialization. Some vets will tell you to keep the pooch inside until the full set of vaccines is completed. Unfortunately, if you do keep your pooch safe inside until he is months of age, his socialization period will have closed forever and your chance to raise a friendly and confident dog drops significantly! That said, it is ultimately your decision whether you want to take the risk to take him outside or not. Most large US cities do not have too many disease problems and taking your puppy to a class where the trainer checks that every puppy has had the first set of shots is mostly safe. However, if you leave in a rural area, make sure there is not an outbreak of a disease that can affect your pooch. Of all the German Shepherd puppy training tips, I suggest you really think this one through. As a dog trainer, I recommend you find a safe puppy socialization class because this developmental period is critical to prevent behavior problems in the future. Apart from that, you also need to socialize your puppy daily on your own, this link will explain the process and give you a list of things to check as you go! Tip 2: Teach your German Shepherd puppy to use his mouth properly. You may have noticed that your German Shepherd puppy likes to chew on your shoes, toys, boxes, carpets, pillows, your hands…well, pretty much everything! Before you loose your mind and all your precious possessions let me tell you that this is normal puppy behavior. At this age dogs explore everything with their mouths and even though annoying, it is a great time to teach your pet what is appropriate for his mouth as well as how to soften the bite. The reason German Shepherd dog puppies have sharp teeth is because they are capable of learning how much or how little pressure to apply when biting different things. This is good news! To train a German Shepherd puppy to do this follow this link! Tip 3: Potty train your German Shepherd puppy the right way. Right around now you are also probably dealing with potty training, the best German Shepherd puppy training tips for potty training are outlined below. You should know how many times, and when to take you puppy out. I am sure you have heard all sorts of things against the use of food for training. To do this, you need to find the things that your dog likes most and use them as rewards. Food will be one of them, so use it. But also use anything else, like walks, petting, play time, toys, etc. So, of all the German shepherd puppy training tips here, I don't want to hear any excuses for this one! Done the right way, your pooch will respond to your command even when empty handed. Hope my website is helping you better understand and train your dog. Do you want to help? Be a modern philanthropist through Patreon. This is a hard concept to understand for us, clever human beings. When we learn something new, we can very easily generalize the concept to any situation, that is what makes us creative creatures. Fortunately, you have a German Shepherd puppy, they are clever and chances are they will need less repetitions than the average breed. To help you out on this matter, this link will take you to a step-by-step guide to train a reliable command. Tip 6: Train your German Shepherd puppy to ask for permission. Dog commands and fun and useful and you can probably find hundreds to teach your GSD. This one though - Ask for permission - is technically not a command, because you will not ask your canine to do it every time, instead you want to teach him to do it on his own every time the occasion requires it. Take time to do this with your puppy, it will be worth it! This is another one of the most important German Shepherd puppy training tips because a dog that asks for permission is an obedient and safe dog. To prevent a dog from jumping on people it is imperative to teach that same dog not to jump when he is a puppy. If he jumps again, then ignore again. When I say ignore, I mean it! No eye contact, no pushing or kneeing…nothing. Keep turning around if you have to. Pulling on the leash is another of those dog behaviors that people think come out of the blue, but actually they happen because there was never formal training done. To prevent pulling on the leash all you have to do is make sure your puppy understands that he gets rewarded food, petting, attention, verbal praise, keep on walking, etc. Pay close attention to what he does during those first few walks together and make sure you reward him for staying close to you! Got any German Shepherd puppy training tips to share with us? Tell us about them here! Those ideas came from research done in wolfs in captivity and have now been debunked by new research done in wolfs in the wild. The new research says that you need to be a good leader, kind of like a parent. Alphas are most often the parents of the group. Provide shelter, food, safety and limits. This article tells you more about it! Tip The best German Shepherd puppy training tip is… Reward good behavior and ignore bad behavior. This rule is amazing and will work wonders, besides it is really easy to apply, all you have to do is pay attention to your German Shepherd puppy and reward the good things he does. You need to figure out what the reward is and remove it. For example, when a dog is laying down, it is harder to bark. This Form cannot be submitted until the missing fields labelled below in red have been filled in What is your DOG's name? Please note that all fields followed by an asterisk must be filled in. Checklist Dog Crate Getting a crate for your German Shepherd puppy is quite crucial for the following reasons: Allows the puppy to feel secure Speeds up potty training Keeps the puppy safe by controlling his environment Conditions your dog should you need to travel and use a travel crate Some people erroneously feel guilty for crating their pup. However, dogs need structure, especially when bred from work-driven breeds like German Shepherds. A dog crate provides a sense of security by reducing the space around the pet. A room might be small enough for us, but placing the puppy in it will make him feel like he is in a large vacant warehouse. The necessity of getting a dog crate brings up the question of size. What size crate is best for a new GSD puppy? Read my post on the recommended German Shepherd crate size to find out the best size to buy and why. Opt for the size inch variety. You can move the divider to make more room as your puppy grows. I draped a dark-colored blanket over the top to make it more den-like. She was around three years old when I finally got rid of it, but some dogs enjoy them for life. As German Shepherds are prone to hip dysplasia, arthritis, and other joint issues, you should invest in a good crate pad. Dog Bed You might think getting a crate is the same as getting a bed. Some crates come with a matt or pad disguised as a puppy bed. Since German Shepherds are big dogs and do not take much time to grow to their full size, you will need an orthopedic dog bed to support their weight and protect their joints. My post on the best orthopedic dog beds for German Shepherds elaborates on the pros and cons of different dog beds. The gist is that you need a bed to prevent joint pain that bigger dogs experience. German Shepherds are prone to arthritis, and though a genetic element plays a role, bad crating practices can accelerate such problems. I chose the Big Barker because of the scientific evidence that it improves joint pain and stiffness in arthritic dogs, enhancing their quality of life. This means a lot to me as my German Shepherd was diagnosed with spinal osteoarthritis at only six years old, but it helps knowing she sleeps comfortably. I have to admit — I was also attracted to their year no-flatten guarantee. You can check out my full review of the Big Barker here. Novice dog masters also make things difficult through a combination of poor choices. Then they make the situation worse by opting for a collar and using tugging as a means of discipline. This is cruel to the dog and teaches him nothing. It is a front-clip harness, meaning you lead your pup from the front, which gives greater control and steering, making it impossible for your dog to pull. A fellow dog owner designed it, and it has all the love and care one would expect from an owner who is solving a problem he has previously faced — a dog that pulled. You can also learn more about my pick of the best no-pull harnesses for German Shepherds in this article. Toys German Shepherds are full of energy, which means they have to be surrounded by things that can exhaust their excess vitality, such as a range of chew toys, tug toys, and puzzle toys. These will stimulate his teeth, muscles, and mind, respectively. Toys help your new German Shepherd develop and stay entertained. You can also use toys to train a German Shepherd to find things and track, but that comes later. For now, you must make sure you get him a large selection of puppy toys. Your new best friend needs different exercise routines and changes in the environment, both of which can be normalized via travel. A car restraint allows you to secure your German Shepherd puppy in a car seat safely. Using a dog crate as recommended above will make it easy to communicate that car rides are okay. I like the Petmate Vari Dog Kennel because it comes in various sizes, and for the first few months, you might prefer a smaller crate. This model is made from premium plastic, does not require any tools to set it up, and has lots of vents to keep your pup well-ventilated. Poo Bags Your new German Shepherd puppy is going to be the cutest thing on earth up until he has to poop. At that time, how much you like having a GSD will be strongly correlated with how close you are to a poo bag. Regardless of whether you buy a pack of poop bags or accumulate enough disposable bags to cover a month of dog poop, you need to have something to carry dog waste. Remember, a puppy poops two to four times a day. Amazon Basics Unscented Dog Poop Bags are among the most affordable products in the category, with the bags supply being the most economical. These bags are 9 inches x 13 inches, which is a much more efficient size than the standard disposable bag. You might not need this size at first, but trust me; they are the best for an adult German Shepherd. Dog Shampoo You must get dry shampoo for your dog because German Shepherds do not need to bathe more than a few times a year. In other words, your new puppy is half a dozen baths away from adulthood. In the meantime, something is required to keep him clean, right? Tropiclean Waterless Shampoo for Pets is a high-quality, low-priced option made from natural ingredients like plum, oatmeal, and cucumber. It is backed by a market leader in natural wellness and has accumulated over 4, positive reviews and ratings on Amazon. Dog Food Food, water, and shelter are some of the basic needs of all mammals. Dogs are no exception, especially when they are bred under human supervision. Therefore, getting dog food is one of the most important prerequisites for bringing home a new German Shepherd. After that, just ensure you choose a large breed food. Bringing home a new pet is a joyful experience. You might find yourself constantly staring at the beautiful yet timid puppy, and it will take a couple of weeks for the puppy to feel at home. Until then, the dog will be open to cuddles and start interacting with the person who feeds him and plays with him. Make sure he spends time inside the crate as well as outside it. The dog may seem shy and aloof for the bulk of the first week, with the first day being his most seemingly introverted one. The dog will miss his pack and call out for them with whining or whimpering sounds or even barking. You should make sure he feels safe and secure and only comfort him through the night when you take him for a toilet break. Your German Shepherd puppy will need comfort, and you can do a few things to help him feel better. Comfort the pup to make him feel secure. Feed the puppy and make sure he is warm. Turn the lights off and make sure he gets enough sleep. Your new German Shepherd needs to get used to a schedule, work on independence, and see you as the leading figure. One of the differences you will notice when your puppy is freshly released from the breeder is his excessive appetite for sleep. Some might want the puppy to wake up to cuddle. Others will wonder if it is healthy for the puppy to sleep so much. In general, a German Shepherd puppy should sleep 8 hours at night and hours during the day. Though, the dog should not be forced to fit a schedule and must be left to determine how he divides his hours of sleep in the first few weeks of adoption. Final Thoughts The arrival of a new German Shepherd puppy can be an exciting time, but excitement can also inspire nervousness. The puppy will feel less overwhelmed and scared after the first 3 days and will further settle during the first 3 weeks. This is the time to have a good German Shepherd puppy training schedule so you know what to teach and when. Related Posts You May Like:. Puppies German Shepherd puppies are incredibly playful. So how do you play with a German Shepherd puppy? This article will examine the best way to play and entertain your German Shepherd puppy, providing example games to play and activities to do. The best way to play with a German Shepherd puppy is through short bursts of low-impact physical activity. This will keep their growing bones and joints safe from injury and malformation. Additionally, play games that sharpen their motors skills and hone their natural abilities. All dogs have a maximum tolerance for exercise, and playtime counts towards that limit. Most will play for as long as you allow them. Thus, you need to pay attention and keep them from overexertion, especially during activities that involve plenty of physical movement. In general, young dogs should have two sessions of exercise per day where each session is about 5 minutes per month of age. So, a German Shepherd puppy of around 2 months old should only get 10 minutes of playtime twice a day while a 6-month-old pup can tolerate two minute sessions. By the time your GSD is a year old, they should be able to tolerate hour-long sessions of play or exercise. Keep in mind, however, that these are general guidelines. You need to keep an eye on your dog and determine their own tolerance to avoid serious consequences like overheating and overexertion. Like children, individual dogs have different preferences. Use play as a means to strengthen their motor skills, nurture their sense of curiosity, and build their confidence. The best toys for young German Shepherds are interactive ones that stimulate their senses. Especially exciting are treat dispensers and squeaky toys while teething toys provide tons of comfort. They also love balls that they can grasp and chase after. They also love playing with people and other animals. Doing this often will help prove each of these commands and ensure they will obey no matter the situation. Have fun with the Obedience Shuffle by randomly asking for each command and rewarding your dog every time they obey. Make it increasingly difficult for them by adding distractions in between. Hide-and-Seek Hide-and-Seek is an excellent game to play with your German Shepherd puppy because it requires some concentration, sniffing, and running. It also primes them to think of you as the best reward. To play this, ask your dog to stay while you hide. Release them from their stay position and respond with excitement and praises when they find you. Hide in easy-to-find spots at first and find more difficult hiding places as your pup picks up on the object of the game. You can start by keeping your pup in a down position as they watch you hide the treats. When they understand the point of the game, you can make it more challenging by keeping them in another room and letting them in only when all the treats are hidden. It also requires very little space and involves more concentration and nose work. To play the shell game, take 3 cups and some treats, and sit across from your dog. Place the cups upside down on the floor and keep a treat under only one. Shuffle the cups before arranging them in a row. Turn over the first one your pup touches. If they get the right one, let them have the treat. If not, re-shuffle the cups and play again. Find-and-Retrieve Find-and-Retrieve is not just a game of obedience and concentration. This game involves teaching your dog the proper names of things, finding those things on command, and handing them over to you. To play this game, start by teaching your dog the name of one toy. Then, make the game more difficult by asking them to retrieve the ball from other places. Here are other things you can do to interact with your puppy, strengthen your bond, and help them to develop physically, mentally, and emotionally: Walking Walking can be a good way for your GSD pup to learn more about the world outside of your home. Allow young pups to walk at their own pace and try not to be too harsh on the lead. Let them stop to sniff and interact with whatever they might find interesting. This will form a huge part of their socialization. German Shepherds typically like water if they are exposed to it and learn how fun it can be. Swimming is also an excellent way to have fun with your growing dog since it is easy on the bones and joints. Being in water will also help strengthen muscles for even better skeletal development. Puzzle Toys Puzzle toys for dogs are not only excellent for mental stimulation but also for independent play. Depending on the toy, it could also help prime your German Shepherd for nose work, combat boredom, and control their impulses. They can compete in these companion sports as early as 6 months old or you can simply join local clubs to engage in these activities for fun. This helps avoid issues like hip and elbow dysplasia in the future. Until your German Shepherd has developed into adulthood, you should generally avoid activities that involve plenty of jumping. Staircases and other steep angles are safe enough for regular use but not as a means to exercise. Additionally, when running or walking, opt for turf and soil rather than concrete. Final Thoughts Discovering the best ways to play with your German Shepherd puppy will help you develop a strong bond and learn to communicate with one another. These games will also help stimulate their intellect and develop a love for learning. Learning how to discipline your GSD puppy correctly will teach them to respect your leadership and stay on their best behavior.
silver labrador puppies for sale in iowa - To learn more about us watch this videos Home Some of our babies! We are located in the country just outside of Johnston, SC. Our home is built on 55 acres with a 2. We are surrounded by open fields and woods; the perfect playground for a Labrador retriever. We have been involved with Labradors since when we purchased our first Labrador and our love for this incredible breed has grown significantly with every Labrador that has been part of our life. Our first, Jessie, a black Labrador was gentle and loving. Our second, Jamie, a high spirited yellow Labrador always seemed to get into some sort of trouble. Our third and first male dog, Jake was a gentle giant weighing in at lbs and was a creamy white color. Whether Jake was on the dove field, tracking a deer, fishing in the pond or just playing with his squeaky toys, he was the all around hunting companion and family member who will forever be remembered in our hearts. Having a well rounded and valued member of the family ready for the field as a hunting companion or living an active lifestyle in the home is our 1 goal at Dry Pond Retrievers. This is accomplished by breeding for intelligence, train-ability, physical soundness and having a natural marking ability, and good all around attitude that can do the work and then come back home to be a valued member of the family. Puppy Rearing Area! Atwater click here! I wanted to let you know Flash is doing well. Flash is sleeping and Rahul is happy. Her first night she cried some. I knew it was going to be a bit of an adjustment for her to her new surroundings and family. I slept downstairs on my couch and Maizie slept right next to me all night. She is such a good girl. He gained 1. He is such a sweet little guy and learns quickly. He loves Molly and she has been so tolerant of him. I love when they curl up together. He sleeps with Molly and us every night. Owen understands when it gets dark, play time is over. He has so much energy now he runs around like crazy. You are the best breeder ever! He peed and pooped outside. He is such a special boy! Thank you so much! Jennifer, Danville, CA He loves hanging out with us in our office and in the backyard. He loves water! She is really well behaved and her vet visit went great. She has gained over 2 lbs since her first vet visit. She is precious. We love him so much. He is very smart, loves making friends with other dogs, and is the best cuddler ever! Kim, Durham, NH Java is just chilling at home. He went to the vet and everything is great! Wendy, Tewksbury, MA Jackson is doing great! Buddy has acclimated well. He loves playing with his toys and taking naps. He put himself to bed in his crate last night. He knows we are his people and we feel very lucky. He knows his name and gets along great with our other dog Tucker and fits right in with our cats. Becky, Laconia, NH Kenai is doing great!!! We are so happy! She is having fun chasing her big brother Brody all over and is eating and sleeping well. She is just a joy. We went to the vet yesterday and everything is great! He adores the water and is an excellent swimmer. We love him so much! He has mastered sleeping in his crate at night and loose leash walking. I love being a Lab dad again! Thank you for raising such good pups! He loves everyone and is so darn cute. He is such a good boy and I am glad I have him. I am so glad I found a wonderful breeder like you who was so good to him for the first 8 weeks. You guys are wonderful! He and the cat are slowly warming up to each other. He is doing really well with potty training and he puts himself in his crate for naps and at bedtime. He is doing great with the crate although his favorite thing is to snuggle and sleep with his boys! She also said he looks absolutely healthy! Steph Topsham, ME He has definitely stolen our hearts. Thank you. Alex, Salem, NH Things are going great here. Brianna, Bedford, MA Thank you so much. We love him lots. Art, Chelmsford, MA Floki is settling into a fantastic routine and is such a wonderful puppy. Ann, Lynnfield, MA Murphy is very smart and is fitting right in. He is awesome. He is doing great and growing a lot. Thank you for everything. Thank you for all your hard work during those first 8 weeks after his birth. It really shines through in how he presently acts. The work you do with your dogs and pups is to be commended. It makes the transition very easy. We love her so much. Jen, Langdon, NH He loves being home and playing. We are in love. Thank you more than you know. We feel so blessed to have met such a wonderful breeder and have Oakley in our lives. April, Annandale, NJ.
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silver labrador puppies for sale in iowa - Both are prized for their loyalty and energy and are considered strong working breeds. So which pup do you pick? Knowing the differences between a German Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever is crucial. And it all starts with their story. German Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever History The history of a breed can often give you insight into what you can expect from them as a family dog. German Shepherd History Originally bred in Germany in the s, the German Shepherd was a combination of the best sheep herding dog from each German district. Ultimately, this association with the German Nation resulted in a huge decline in popularity during and immediately after the war. Attempting a rebranding, American dog organizations changed the name to Shepherd Dog, while the British called him the Alsatian. Today, they are still the most popular military and police service dogs worldwide. Labrador Retriever Traditionally the waterdog of Newfoundland, Labrador Retrievers were long used as duck retrievers and as a helper to fishermen. The Labrador Retriever rose in popularity years ago when English nobles saw it in action while visiting Canada. Throughout the years, the Labrador Retriever has retained its status as one of the most popular dogs to own, thanks mainly to its temperament and sporting qualities. It was first registered by the AKC in and topped the list as the most popular breed in .Since then, they have held that spot, despite other breeds coming up in the ranks. German Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever Appearance When it comes to the appearance of the German Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever, they look strikingly different at first glance, though they share some similar characteristics. Both stand at nearly the same height at the shoulder. German Shepherds are about 26 inches tall, while Labrador Retrievers stand around .Some of the main differences are in the general angularity of the breeds. German Shepherds are all about graceful curves, especially when compared to the boxy and angular appearance of the Labrador Retriever. As for weight, both breeds weigh anywhere from lbs, depending on gender and height. The Labrador Retriever boats a thick, water-repellant double coat that sheds quite frequently. Coat colors include yellow, black, and brown. Both possess strength in their bodies and have unique faces. The German Shepherd has a pointed, longer nose, creating elegance in its facial features. The Labrador Retriever, on the other hand, has a broader head with a shorter nose. Temperament Anyone who has had a German Shepherd or Labrador Retriever before can tell you they are both strong personalities. Loyal, courageous, and confident, they can quickly learn commands and are highly eager to please, making them great task dogs. Though they can fearlessly and intensely defend their pack, they are known to be sweet, gentle family pets who will act as another set of eyes on the kids. And while they are exceptionally loyal to their family, they will treat strangers with aloofness, not one to jump into a friendship without a bit of time and effort invested. Labrador Retrievers, on the other hand, are happy to be the life of the party, willing to love anyone with a treat and a little bit of affection to give. Without a doubt, the breed is defined by its friendliness. They eagerly bond with their whole family, even other pets, under the right circumstances. Training You will see similarities when comparing how you would train a German Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever. Both breeds have high energy and are excited about making you happy. Socialization at a young age is essential for the German Shepherd. With this, they will become more adaptable and well-mannered as an adult. These breeds will each do well when given tasks to do and when competing in dog sports like agility. Exercise Once again, we are reminded that both Labrador Retrievers and German Shepherds are high energy. They require a family that will exercise them daily, or you will see them getting frustrated and even destructive. While a German Shepherd is driven by their need to perform a task, Labrador Retrievers are guided by an unseen enthusiasm for life that can sometimes feel limitless. To help your German Shepherd get out their energy and to continue their training, try agility courses, herding activities, practice tracking, or dock diving. As the name suggests, a Labrador Retriever will always be ready for a game of fetch. But when that gets monotonous, try agility courses, additional obedience training, tracking activities, and dock diving. Another fun activity for Labrador Retrievers is swimming. Grooming When comparing a German Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever, a noticeable difference is their coat. One of the hallmarks of a German Shepherd is its flowing coat. Since they have a medium-length double coat with a dense, harsh outer coat and softer, fluffy undercoat, they require more grooming than a Labrador Retriever. You will need to plan on spending some time every few days brushing out their coat to help with the natural shedding process, though you might be doing it more during shedding season. Speaking of shedding season, your home might be covered in their hair once or twice a year when they drop their coat. Frequent brushing during these times can reduce the hair around your house. Watch out for the changing of the seasons, however. When a Labrador Retriever loses its coat twice a year, your entire house will be covered in fur. Both breeds need regular baths and teeth brushing to prevent dental issues. They must also have their nails regularly trimmed to reduce pain and structural issues. Health The health of the German Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever is fairly similar between the two breeds. Both are relatively healthy breeds, though they each h some diseases common to their breeds. For German Shepherds:. Trainability: Excellent, highly intelligent Physical Attributes As far as looks are concerned, these two breeds differ tremendously in overall characteristics. While this is true, they both share sporty builds, excellent for agility and precision. Therefore, when it comes to working duties, you can find them training for very similar job roles. German Shepherd Image Credit: PxHere Close descendants of the wolf, German Shepherds are a large breed originally used for guarding and herding purposes. They have a sleek, well-proportioned frame with sizeable, erect ears and a sharply defined snout. They can come across as very intimidating due to their serious demeanor and great mass. They have a lifespan of years and weigh between pounds. They can get much bigger in some cases, depending on their bloodlines. They have medium to long coarse coats. Their colors vary between black, black and tan, black and red, blue, and gray. The tail is thick and luxuriant, curving in a downward position. Labrador Image Credit: Pixel-Shot, Shutterstock Labradors are medium-sized, resilient dogs who are part of the sporting group category. They have a muscular frame, broad chest, and a wide muzzle. They have sweet expressions and kind eyes. Their short, dense coats are water-resistant. They come in colors of yellow, chocolate, and black. They have a lifespan of years and weigh between pounds when fully grown. This breed can be particularly prone to obesity and overeating, so it is best to portion rations appropriately to keep them lean. Temperament When it comes to personality, these two dogs differ considerably in this arena as well. Labs are often seen as outgoing and friendly, whereas Shepherds can come across standoffish and somber. Both are loving and steadfast with their families. German Shepherd German Shepherds are sharp-minded and alert. They take their duties as the defender of the household very seriously. They will be protective of young children, and they will guard their humans with their life. They are very animated, requiring both mentally and physically stimulating exercise. Because of keen intelligence, they will get bored if there is no entertainment. They will be eager to go for a jog or run with you anytime you please. They can be very care-free and good-humored. They are not the kind of dog who will fare well being tied up or locked in a confined area regularly. They need space to explore so they can have an outlet for their energy. Otherwise, they may exhibit destructive behaviors. They are skeptical and wary of strangers, so you must show them that it is acceptable to have guests. Taking them for public walks or to other events while they are young is a great way to help them. Any aggressive tendencies must be dealt with appropriately with obedience training. They are welcoming with strangers and get along with other dogs and children. However, they are generally very trusting and passive. They love to be active. They will happily accompany owners on hiking trips , swimming sessions, and quick jogs. Your little ones can have a pal willing to play, whether it be fetch , frisbee , or other yard games. They will gladly tag along on vacations and outings. Because they are sporting dogs, they may be slightly prey driven. You can correct this early on with proper training to prevent bullying smaller animals, especially if you have cats. Their friendliness may not serve them so well when it comes to acting as a guard dog. While they can alarm you if they sense impending trouble, they may be too trusting and less likely to attack when warranted. These can be mild or severe. With proper vetting, you can stay on top of the problems to keep your pet as healthy and pain-free as possible. German Shepherd Hip dysplasia is the top concern for German Shepherds. While many large breeds are at risk, it is especially common for this breed. Unfortunately, some breeders will know a dog has this problem but still use them to reproduce anyway. It is essential to be aware of genetic conditions before getting your puppy. They may also be prone to idiopathic epilepsy , which is a genetic disorder where the dog develops seizure activity with no known cause between years of age. You can control the condition with medications, but there is no cure. Shepherds can also have diabetes, bloat, and degenerative disc disease. While they are generally problem-free, they do still suffer certain conditions occasionally. They have issues such as hip dysplasia, which can affect many large breeds. They also have other joint troubles such as patellar luxation , a problem with a dislocating knee, and osteochondritis dissecans. Labradors also suffer from canine lymphoma, which is a cancer of the lymph nodes. They may also develop heart disease or recurring ear infections. Cost Today, we can save so many animals through shelters and rescues. You can select purebreds of any variation by adopting through these centers. If you opt for a puppy, you will want to steer clear of puppy mills or backyard breeders. This price tag can change depending on the authenticity and location of the breeder. They should have vet care and proper socialization. A proven track record and a history of healthy litters are a must. Purchasing a Shepherd as a service dog will depend on the extent of training and the duty they were assigned. This can vary depending on the area you live and the breeder you select. Each one will have their own rates based on vetting costs and profit requirements. Be sure your puppy is healthy. Make sure there is paperwork to guarantee they have adequately vetted the litter, including first shots, health screening, and deworming. If you need a professionally trained pet, you may pay much more. They can be less or more depending on training specifics. Which Breed Speaks to You? While both breeds offer so much, one of them has probably caught your eye. Shepherds must feel out the person or situation to know whether they are tolerant of it. You will need to be very consistent when training Shepherds to assert dominance. Getting the ranks mixed up can cause them to misbehave. Labs are more eager to please, so they will be more manageable in that regard. See also:. Intelligence German Shepherds are working dogs that do not take loyalty lightly. They require more training and socialization, and you will need to pick the parents carefully in terms of temperament as well as health. Some GSDs may not be suitable for households with children or other pets, but that is certainly not the rule. Both breeds have dense double coats that require weekly grooming. German Shepherds, with their longer coat, need a lot more grooming that than during shedding season. Especially the longer haired varieties. There are some health problems with each breed, and regardless of which you choose you will have to find a breeder who health tests. Finally, as both Labs and Shepherds are active breeds, both will need space for play and self-exercise. Dogs are individuals with their own unique characteristics and personalities. German Shepherds were bred to be the ultimate working dog. Their oldest ancestors were used as sheep herders and guard dogs. They were tough enough to withstand all kinds of elements, and to loyally protect both the herd and the property from harm. Unfortunately, its common line of work has given the German Shepherd somewhat of a bad reputation when it comes to being an aggressive or easily roused breed. This type of behavior is what makes the GSD better in some situations than others. German Shepherd guarding tendencies Due to their tendency to guard, a GSD may not be suitable in homes that have small or rambunctious children, or that have many visitors from friends or acquaintances. The German Shepherd breed has been shown to be second after Pitbulls when you look at bite fatalities. You may not be able to keep one in the same house as other dogs or cats, either. But there is an increased importance when it comes to reducing the risk of guarding and picking the right puppy. Meeting both the parents and making sure they are friendly is vital. Thorough socialization from the time they arrive home will also make a big difference. Labs on the other hand are very social creatures. Although you will occasionally get a Lab that guards or is aggressive, this is rare. Socialization is still recommended, but there is less pressure and you can have more confidence that your pup will still grow into a social adult dog. German Shepherd vs Labrador temperament Both German Shepherds and Labradors can be destructive when left alone for long periods of time. They are not suited to homes where the family works full time, as they crave companionship. Remember that they are both intelligent dogs that thrive on exercise and having a job to excel in. When comparing the German Shepherd vs Labrador this is where we need to separate the Labs into two categories. Although there is only one breed of Labrador Retriever, there are two informal Lab types. The American Labrador and the English Labrador. While it sounds like the American and English Labradors are differentiated by their location, they are actually distinguishable by their build and temperament only. They will have a greater need to carry out jobs and work co-operatively with their handler. German Shepherds can be anywhere from 50 to 90 pounds, depending on their sex as a rule, females tend to be smaller , and reach anywhere from 22 to 26 inches tall at the shoulder. Labrador Retrievers may mature to anywhere from 55 to 80 pounds same rule about females being smaller , and may reach .As we mentioned in the previous section, English Labradors are heavier and often shorter dogs than American Labradors. But when it comes to German Shepherd vs Labrador coat colors, there is a big difference. Labs come in three colors, brown chocolate , black or yellow. Although these are seen in many shades, they are all solid. German Shepherds have patterned coats as well as plain coats, and these come in varying length. All Labradors have a short and thick coat, while German Shepherds have a short or long coat. If you are looking for dramatic fur, then a longhaired German Shepherd is probably going to be more up your alley. But he will also need a lot more grooming. During shedding season, Labradors might need a biweekly brushing. Or even more. Long haired GSDs will require even more work, and maintenance. Neither dog is great for homes that object to fur flying around sometimes! German Shepherd vs Labrador health problems As purebred dogs, both Labrador Retreivers and German Shepherds may be at an enhanced risk of developing common canine ailments. These include hip dysplasia , eye diseases, allergies, and skin irritations, to name a few. Unfortunately, both German Shepherds and Labrador Retrievers are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia. Another major issue with GSDs related to their spinal and pelvic structure is degenerative myelopathy, or paralysis of the hind legs. They may also develop progressive retinal atrophy PRA , otherwise known as gradual vision loss. Whichever dog you choose, you will need to find a breeder that health tests their stock. Black lab vs German Shepherd intelligence Both German Shepherds and Labradors are highly intelligent and easily trainable dogs. Either dog will make a wonderful partner in the show ring or the workforce. Labs of the working strain may be even easier to train especially if you want to make use of their retrieving instincts , thanks to their hunting breeding and willingness to please their master. This eagerness and their keen nose makes them excellent service dogs, especially. As we mentioned earlier in this article, their devotion to their master is legendary — they will work tirelessly to please and protect their master. However, German Shepherd is not too far behind: In , they ranked 3 on the list of most popular breeds in the country. So when it comes to choosing between these great breeds to add to your home, it can be a tough choice. While both dogs make excellent pets, it is essential to know which one would be best suited for you before you make your decision. German Shepherd vs. Every dog has an origin story that explains where its breed came from and how it came to be. The history of German Shepherds and Labradors is no different in terms of timing, since both breeds were bred in the s. But they came from opposite parts of the world. Labradors were bred in the cold regions of Canada and German Shepherd dogs in the rural country parts of Germany. He carefully selected the most intelligent and hardworking sheepdogs from rural areas and crossbred them to create the German Shepherd. Image Source Unlike Labradors in their early years, German Shepherds were not considered pets by their masters. Instead, they were more like work companions. By the beginning of World War I, German Shepherd dogs gained popularity because of their courageous and intellectual personalities and were welcomed as police and guide dogs and, eventually, house pets and companions. Origin of the Labrador Dog The Labrador Retriever is a breed of sporting dog that originated in Newfoundland near Labrador and was brought to England in the s. Fishers originally bred them with St. A vintage photograph of a wet Labrador Retriever retrieving a bird. Image Source As working dogs, the Labrador was a friendly companion that assisted fishers and hunters in retrieving their game and materials, like hauling nets, fetching ropes, and retrieving fish and birds. This breed quickly became such a popular breed in the Newfoundland area that they were transported back to England. Many wealthy people adopted them as pets and eventually introduced them to the Americas. Labrador: Which Is Better? Dog lovers and owners know that each breed has its own set of benefits and downsides. This sentiment is especially true for two popular dog breeds: German Shepherds and Labrador Retrievers. While both breeds have their positives, they often come up in conversations about which dog is better for certain activities or lifestyles. There is no true answer to which breed is better because it all depends on your personal preferences and lifestyle. Appearance: German Shepherd vs. Labrador Retriever German Shepherds are medium-to-large herding and guard dogs with a prominent domed forehead, a black nose, brown eyes, and a long neck with a bushy tail. Their long, straight double-coat hair is typically brown and black, with a brown underbelly and side and a black top from the head to tail. Image Source Labrador Retrievers are also medium-to-large dogs, but they are of the sporting group and have a short double-coat that is typically yellow, black, or brown. They are sturdy dogs with a square or box-shaped body and head with a muscular torso and legs. Size: German Shepherd vs. As medium-large-sized dogs, both German Shepherds and Labradors are around 22 to 26 inches in height. Image Source However, German Shepherds are long, rather than tall, which puts them at around 50 to 90 pounds, depending on genetics. The American Kennel Club recognizes a standard weight of pounds for male German Shepherds and pounds for female German Shepherds. Labradors are bulky and muscular, and typically weigh between 55 and 80 pounds, with females between 55 and 70 and males between 65 and .The type of Labrador also influences the size: American Labradors are much smaller than English Labradors and stockier in build. Learn more about the difference between American and English Labradors. Temperament and Personality: German Shepherd vs. Labrador Retriever Both the German Shepherd and Labrador Retriever have terrific personalities and patient, curious temperaments. German Shepherd vs Labrador health. The German Shepherd dog is a large size dog with a medium energy level. This means that the German Shepherd will thrive with focused and energetic activity, such as play time and daily walks, but then will look forward to nice rests in between, including naps and a long evening snooze. Conversely, the Labrador Retriever is a medium size dog with a high energy level. The Lab needs lots of daily interaction, playtime and walks or runs or swims or all of the above to stay happy and healthy. Naps are lower priority. This can mean a more demanding pet dog to care for, at least in the puppy to mid-adult years. This difference, and others we will cover here, can mean one breed may fit in better in your daily life. German Shepherd size: Height: 22 to 26 inches adult males average 2 inches taller than adult females. Weight: 65 to 90 pounds adult male ; 50 to 70 pounds adult female. Labrador Retriever size: Height: .Weight: 65 to 80 pounds adult male ; 55 to 70 pounds adult female. However, it is good to know the potential full adult height and weight of both dog breeds before you commit to either! However, their overall appearances and demeanors are generally considered quite different. The German Shepherd is a master of calm confidence. From his alert upraised ears to his perfectly positioned paws, somehow a GSD still looks well-put-together even after a scramble through the brush or a dip in the lake! One unmistakable trait that sets German Shepherd dogs apart is their erect posture. They simply appear incapable of slouching! In fact, the composed demeanor is part of what makes the German Shepherd such a great working dog. German Shepherds can have many different coat colors, from light tan and gray to deep, rich browns with black accents. The black and tan coat color is the best-known combination for this breed. Labrador Retriever variations? The face of a Lab often seems to be smiling simply for the sheer joy of being alive! The Lab is a strong, solid dog, and perfectly capable of looking the part of a perfect show dog. The Lab is the most beloved pet dog in the US for the 26th year in a row for a reason. These are dogs that can make the bleakest day feel sunny and full of fun. Labradors today are usually characterised as yellow Labradors, black Labradors or chocolate brown Labradors. Interestingly, if you are trying to decide between a black Lab vs German Shepherd, there is a newer GSD line with an all-black coat. They are really beautiful dogs! Labrador vs German Shepherd — grooming and shedding Blowing coat, shedding, molting. The truth is, both of these breeds tend to shed more rather than less, and more often rather than occasionally. German Shepherd grooming Part of what the German Shepherd dog is so well known for is their thick and luxurious coats. After all, someone has to sweep or vacuum up all that shed dog hair! However, German Shepherds shed every day. Part of the reason is that these dogs have a longer and very thick outer coat layer, and an equally thick shorter insulating under-coat layer. Both layers have to continually shed out old hair and grow in new hair as nature dictates. Unless you enjoy living in a sea of dog hair, you should brush your German Shepherd at least three times per week, with one more intensive grooming session weekly. It may also be wise to invest in a heavy-duty vacuum cleaner. To learn more about German Shepherd coats, we recommend this informative post. Labrador Retriever shedding To put it simply: Labradors shed. They shed morning, noon and night, in the summer and in the winter. Shedding is a year-round affair. A big part of the reason for this is because the Lab has a two-layer coat. The top layer is thick and waterproof. The bottom layer is short and thick to serve as insulation for these water-loving dogs. Both layers need to shed regularly to stay effective in their jobs. This applies whether or not your Lab is actually swimming in the icy lake waters like her ancestors did! However, other Lab lovers have been working to tackle the shedding problem for decades. Whether you select a GSD or Lab for your next pet dog, you will get a dog that has literally been bred to love and stay loyal to you and your family. Both dogs will also be equally eager to please you, which can make training much easier. In the Labrador vs German Shepherd intelligence debate, both dogs score equally as high. However, their intelligence often manifests in different ways based on their unique temperaments. While both dogs are highly popular pet dogs and have everything going for them, there are a few caveats to keep in mind. These might make it easier for you to decide on a Lab vs German Shepherd for your next dog. German Shepherd personalities If you looking for a true guard dog for your family, the German Shepherd is the one for you. German Shepherds have distinguished themselves in practically every type of service job, from combat military to Secret Service to police work to personal service animals. A great deal of the reason for this is due to the traditional German Shepherd guarding behavior. German Shepherd dogs are naturally inclined to bond strongly with the individual they regard as their main carer or trainer. They will be intensely motivated to obey and guard that person. As a family dog, the German Shepherd will extend those same qualities to your entire family, including young children. This includes, with careful training, other family pets. With these individuals, a German Shepherd can be stand-offish, reserved, and occasionally hostile. It will moderate any boredom-based behaviors that may come across as aggression. These dogs tend to love anyone. It is important to know that Labs typically stay puppy-like in their behavior for around three years. Labs are also intensely food-driven, and researchers have found a possible genetic explanation. This tiny but significant gene is responsible for letting Labs know when they feel full after a meal. Otherwise, Labs tend to be high energy from puppyhood through the middle adult years, gradually becoming more laid-back with age. Training will be essential to keep this quintessential working dog mentally and physically fulfilled and help the pounds stay off! German Shepherd vs Labrador health Both German Shepherds and Labrador Retrievers are dual-purpose canines: they are bred for show and bred to work. Both breeds are purebreds with lineages that extend back to the earliest days of canine clubs. This is good news if you are looking for purebred Labrador or German Shepherd puppies with the temperament and personality to make great show dogs, working dogs or pet dogs. As you compare the German Shepherd vs Labrador, you will notice each purebred line has certain notable health issues. This is quite common in purebred dog breeds and something to be aware of when selecting your next pet dog! German Shepherd health German Shepherds tend towards issues with hip and elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy affects hind quarters , heart conditions, bloat, and certain eye conditions. One newer health concern that has also arisen in the purebred German Shepherd line is back problems. These stem from intentionally breeding dogs for a slope in the back, which can cause difficulty and pain when walking. The Canine Health Information Center maintains a list of available genetic tests you can order to rule out serious health concerns when picking out a German Shepherd puppy. Labrador Retriever health Labs are particularly predisposed to dysplasia of the hip and elbow, as well as certain eye and heart issues. Excitingly, researchers have just recently discovered the gene responsible for one known Labrador health issue, exercise-induced collapse EIC. This plagues young adult Labs in particular. The Canine Health Information Center maintains a list of available genetic tests you can order to rule out serious health concerns when picking out a Lab puppy. We hope you have found this side-by-side comparison of both dog breeds helpful in your decision-making process! When you decide, we would love to hear your story of how you chose your new puppy!