what is the average price for a goldendoodle puppy

Or, are you just looking for a cheap pug? Either way, you need to read the rest of this post. First, you are incredibly unlikely to get a free pug. Like it or not, there are expenses involved in breeding healthy puppies. First, you must understand that all Pugs are not created equally. Getting a good price on a Pug is not the same thing as getting a better price on a new camera , TV , or new car. Different breeders are selling you different things — from one, you might get a Lexus and from another you might get a Yugo. What makes it a little bit more complicated is that price does not always indicate whether you are getting a good dog. You could find a disreputable breeder who sells their puppies for as much as possible. On the other hand, you may find a very good breeder who is only trying to cover her costs and would be willing to sell their dog for less than it is worth. You might also find a good breeder who charges a fee only to make sure that they give their dogs to good homes, on the theory that people who are interested in a free pug do not have the dedication or resources to take proper care of a dog. However, you are more likely to find a breeder who is selling you a cheap dog because the breeder is set up to produce a large number of puppies without regard for the health and quality of those puppies. Just as burger places serve cheap food that will cause you health problems, breeders selling large numbers of cheap pugs will sell you dogs with health problems. You will get very attached to your puppy, I promise you. Pugs, especially those from puppy mills, are prone to health problems, and it can be very painful to lose a pug early because of this. While it might save you a small amount of money now, getting a cheap pug will cost you a lot more if you end up with one that has serious health issues. Finally, in the long run, the difference in price between a pug from a reasonably priced reputable breeder and from a puppy mill will not be that much, relative to the cost of regular vet visits, heart worm pills, dog food, and dog toys you will buy. Also, you should definitely consider a rescue pug. They are definitely not free most of the time, but they are a good way to get a dog. I will talk more about rescue pugs in a future post. To learn how to tell a good from bad breeders and for more about why it is so important, you absolutely need to read my earlier article on pug breeders. Wyoming Pug Rescue Be patient! It might take months to find the perfect pug for you. Be patient with the process. Do your research. Before agreeing to work with a rescue, read their reviews, their policies, and check their c 3 status. You can do a search for their records here. The adoption process can take anywhere from days, to weeks, to months. Does the rescue adopt out of state? What is the adoption fee? Is the application open or do you have to apply for a specific dog? Are you allowed to meet available dogs before adopting? Be Kind Pug rescues are run by dedicated volunteers who spend their free time helping needy pugs. Always be kind and respectful. They work hard so that you can bring home your new pup. Common Pug Rescue Questions Are there pug puppies for adoption? Pug puppies are incredibly popular, so getting your hands on one available for adoption might be difficult. The best way to have a chance at adopting a pug puppy is to turn in an adoption application and become approved for adoption early, if possible. Then wait for a puppy to become available. Is there a pug shelter? Are there black pugs for adoption? Pug rescues rescue pugs of all sizes, ages, mixes, and colors. There tend to be more fawn pugs available, but there are also black pugs, apricot pugs, and more. No pug rescue in your area? Use Petfinder to locate an adoptable pug near you. Pugs are vetted and some need rehab until placed in forever homes. HELP for a Pug? Support Pug Rescue Efforts! There are plenty of ways to help pug rescue efforts! In addition to our hard work and dedication to Pug rescue it does comes with a never ending financial issue we face. Some pugs can cost hundreds even thousands to vet and rehabilitate depending on each pugs circumstance. We appreciate support for our efforts in order to continue helping pugs that are in need. Online Gift Cards to help our rescue needs are appreciated and can be sent to us online via Chewy. The pug you are interested in may be in the process of adoption by the time your application is approved and may already have applications in "review and pending adoption". Adopting from a rescue can take longer due to many steps we take to ensure a successful adoption. Please NOTE: Submitting an application or a home visit does not mean you are approved to adopt the pet you have applied for. You will be notified if we feel you are a candidate for the pug you have applied for. Our Goal is to match each pugs needs in finding a forever home for every rescued pug. The pug you apply for may not be the best candidate for your lifestyle or living situation. Remember a rescued pug is coming from a home or shelter maybe even multiple times. The last thing we want is to put them into yet another rehoming situation! WE want a successful adoption and ultimately what is best for our rescued pugs therefore, It is the decision of the rescue and that pugs foster parent s to decide. Adopting from a rescue can take longer due to many steps taken to ensure a successful adoption.

Like many large breeds, a German Shepherd dog is not considered fully grown until they are about 18 months old. Female German Shepherds continue to fill out until they are around two years old, while the male German Shepherd growth rate continues until they reach two and a half years of age. Males are larger and require more time to fill out their chest and abdomen. As you can see by the German Shepherd weight chart, these dogs can continue to grow until they are three years old, but the majority of growth occurs within 24 months. If your GSD is older than 36 months and continues to put on weight, contact your veterinarian to ensure weight gain does not lead to obesity. How big should a 6-month-old German Shepherd be? A six-month-old German Shepherd puppy will be quite large, as many German Shepherds undergo massive growth spurts between two and five months old. By six months, a male German Shepherd will weigh 53 pounds on average, whereas a female will weigh about 46 pounds. How much bigger will my German Shepherd get? There are a few ways to gauge how much bigger a German Shepherd will get. First, check your puppy's age. If your GSD is younger than two years old, they definitely have room to keep growing! Another way to tell if your pup still has a lot of growing to do is their paw size. Do their paws look large compared to their legs and body? This is a classic adolescent feature of a dog and means your pup is likely still growing! Most of the time, a dog will not grow bigger than its larger parents. What is the size of a full-grown German shepherd? An adult male German Shepherd is typically 24 to 26 inches tall, while adult female German Shepherds are 22 to 24 inches tall, according to the American Kennel Club German Shepherd Standard. The estimated full-size varies significantly between sexes. In terms of weight, an adult male German Shepherd weighs anywhere from 75 to 90 pounds. A female German Shepherd weighs notably less at 55 to 70 pounds. Please keep in mind that these numbers are only estimates to give you an idea of how much bigger a German Shepherd puppy may get. Some dogs will be both smaller and larger than these weight ranges when fully grown due to a variety of genetic and environmental factors. Learn all about your puppy's physical characteristics, breed history, personality traits, and more in our comprehensive guide. Preventive care is key in helping your German Shepherd live a healthy and long life. Helping your dog maintain an optimal weight is one of the best things you can do for their health. Taking your German Shepherd to regular veterinary appointments is one of the best things you can do to ensure that they are healthy and feeling their best. Compare German Shepherd health insurance plans before they get sick or injured. They are also more susceptible to gastrointestinal tract and hip issues. A veterinarian should regularly assess your pet for these health problems and run tests for anything they may be more prone to due to their breed. Treatment for many conditions, including bloat and GI issues, can cost thousands of dollars. Dog insurance is a wise investment that can give you peace of mind by covering pet emergency expenses. Wellness plans are also available to help cover the cost of vaccinations, vet exams, microchips, and more. Some people can predict the future. For everyone else, there's pet insurance. Use Pawlicy Advisor to easily compare plans from top providers so you can find a great deal with great coverage. Get Peace of Mind Today Do you want to find the best pet insurance? Let's analyze your pet's breed, age, and location to find the right coverage and the best savings. Analyze My Pet About Pawlicy Advisor The pet insurance marketplace endorsed by veterinarians, at Pawlicy Advisor we make buying the best pet insurance easier. How much exercise does an 8 month old German Shepherd need? You may ask whether an 8 month old German Shepherd is still a puppy. Yes, it is, despite its size and more adult look. These dogs become complete grown-ups when they are two-year-olds. If you are an owner of this breed or want to adopt a puppy, you need to know what it looks like and feels and how it behaves at the age of 8 months. To learn all these details, continue reading this article. Size and Appearance Your smart and cute little friend does not look like a fluffy cub anymore. It has sufficiently grown within the previous month and looks almost like an adult dog. It continues growing, so you need to measure your pet regularly to see whether it develops appropriately. The height of an 8 month old German Shepherd differs between males and females. Male Shepherds are inches cm tall, and females grow around 18—20 inches cm. These dogs continue growing until they are 2 years old and completely mature. GSDs can differ individually — much depends on their inherited features. Males can weigh lbs 28 kg , while females are smaller — lbs kg. The weight can also be hereditary. In addition, food habits can influence it a lot. Your German Shepherd may have floppy ears at this age, though most dogs of this breed have upright ears already. This can also be caused by genetics. However, it can be a result of poor nutrition or trauma in some cases. That is why you need to provide your pup with appropriate food and chewing toys to strengthen its muscles and help the ear tap upright. If you suspect your doggy could have been accidentally injured, go to your vet instantly. In general, your German Shepherd looks fully grown, but its bones will be hardening for the next 6—12 months, so you need to be very careful about its nutrition and exercise. It also has all the adult teeth, so it needs more chewing toys for this reason too. The coat has two layers already but continues to thicken. It will gradually become more lustrous. Your doggy starts acting like an adult Shepherd, so it becomes more independent and reacts to other animals and people, showing signs of aggression. It is also more active and curious, so it may become bored easily if not controlled. It will try to test boundaries and challenge you for alpha status. Another problem is excessive chewing. It will chew everything it sees, and your clothes, shoes, and furniture may be seriously damaged. Some other issues include digging potholes and barking loudly. Remember that your doggy is a predator, so barking, showing aggression, chewing, and even biting is part of its natural behavior. You need to control these destructive habits and socialize with your pet by walking in the dog park or outside the house. Walking on a leash is an essential skill to teach it. Buy chew toys, and never leave your pup alone for a long time. Provide your doggy with new opportunities for exercise and training, but never punish it for doing something wrong. If your pet plays roughly, chases, bounces, barks, growls, and bites, stop it immediately. There is no exact standard of sleeping time, but the overall daily sleep needs to take 15—20 hours, while an adult dog sleeps 12—14 hours. Ideally, the pup needs 2—3 hours of sleep during the daytime and all the other sleeping hours — at night. It may no longer wake you up for a potty break if it is healthy and properly trained. Provide it with a comfortable place to sleep and avoid too noisy games before bedtime. Since your pet is immensely energetic at this age, it needs a lot of exercises to develop its muscles and remain active and alert. The exercise should be regular. As for walking, add 5 minutes to every month of its age, so the average exercise time now should be 40 minutes. Walking is the most beneficial kind of exercise. It will help your doggy explore the surroundings and socialize. Your puppy generally needs at least 90 minutes per day to play and explore things. Divide the exercise into two or three shorter sessions for running, walking, swimming, playing fetch, and training. Mental stimulation is also very important. Interactive games, obedience training, and playing with puzzle toys will also do much good during these sessions. Remember not to overload your pup with exercise because it may be harmful to its development and health. However, you need to keep an eye on any inconsistencies in its appearance and behavior to prevent or stop undesirable conditions. Many German Shepherds are prone to elbow and hip dysplasia. This condition can start developing when the joints are not formed healthily. Bloat is a serious life-threatening issue that displays by restlessness, vomiting, and drooling. It happens when you feed a dog just once a day, and it gulps its food very quickly. Then, the stomach may twist and trap gases inside. If you notice the slightest signs of this condition, go to see your veterinarian immediately. Your doggy may also be prone to allergies, so excessive scratching can be the first sign that you need to think about visiting a vet. Your dog has already been immunized against all severe infections by this age, so the next vaccination will be at one year. Groom your pet properly. Its coat needs regular brushing. Do it twice per week, or you may need to brush it every day if it is a shedding season. Your pup needs appropriate toys, so buy them for it. They are rubber chew toys, interactive toys to avoid boredom, and rope toys to play tug-of-war or fetches. Consider the size, material, and durability of the toy you are buying. Feeding At this age, your puppy continues gaining weight. However, you need to be careful not to overfeed your doggy because obesity can cause many health problems in the future. There is a rule to feed a German Shepherd puppy three times per day at the age of 3—6 months and two times per day at the age of 6—12 months. The food has to be balanced and regular. Feed your pup at approximately the same time of the day, in the mornings and in the evenings. The amount of food matters a lot. Your puppy needs around 12 oz g per meal, so it should be at least 36 oz approximately 1 kg every day. You may choose between two-times and three-times feeding and equally spread the food between these portions. Young German Shepherds need the right combination of good fat, carbohydrates, and protein in their diet. Whole grains, vegetables, and lean meat will be the best choice if you want to feed your doggy with products. The kibble should be of the best quality if you prefer to feed your puppy with it. Look at the labels on the pack to see how many cups to feed to your pet. Never give your pet too much food at once because its stomach is too delicate to cope with large meals. That is why dividing all the food into smaller meals is strongly recommended. They will create a special feeding plan for your pup that can help it stay at a healthy weight. Training Training is the most important part of your care and establishing closer bonds with your pet. Training an 8 month old German Shepherd involves improving its behavior and getting to know more about its surroundings. It will be easier to control your dog in the future if it is properly trained. If a German Shepherd is not trained properly, you may face aggressive behavior after a while. So, your doggy has to be properly potty-trained and socialized. While potty training is completed at an earlier age, socializing is essential at any time. Training your pup can be fun and enjoyable if you know how to do it properly. The first thing you need to consider is establishing rules and limits. Your energetic and curious pup needs more structure and discipline not to get in trouble or become unruly. Teach your doggy patience and self-control by setting a rule of sitting in front of you for a while before you give it food. Then, you need to think about how good your pup is at obeying basic commands. German Shepherds at this age are very intelligent and eager to please their owners, so teaching commands now is quite rewarding because your pet will learn everything very quickly. Be consistent. If you give a command once but never repeat it in the same situation, your doggy will understand that this command is not mandatory to obey. Use positive reinforcement and never shout at or punish your pup for disobedience. Positive reinforcement means you need to reward your pet with treats, praise, or petting every time it has done something correctly. Never overtrain your doggy. German Shepherds have a rather short attention span at this age, so try to make your training sessions short and encouraging, or your pup will get bored or tired. If you see a problem with paying attention, break up your sessions into even shorter parts throughout the day. You should always be positive while training your dog. If you are not, it is probably better to consult a dog trainer or trust the entire training job with a specialist. You can also teach your doggy to do little tricks like playing dead. Pay attention to recall training because your dog needs to come back to you when you call it, even if there are some distractions. This skill is lifesaving because your pup may sometimes get loose from the leash and be injured. Final Thoughts German Shepherds are unique dogs. They are very intelligent, curious, and energetic at any age, so they need a lot of exercise and have some specific care needs. Your 8 month old GSD will also need a lot of training related to socialization. You also have to provide it with proper nutrition and a balanced diet. Be aware of possible behavioral problems. Your pet may sometimes be If you provide your pet with appropriate shelter, food, exercise, playtime, and training, you will get the best and most loyal friend ever. The height can be different for males and females. Your boy may get inches cm of height, while girls usually grow smaller — around 18—20 inches cm. Is the age of 8 months too old to train a German Shepherd? It is never too late to learn something new for your doggy. At this age, German Shepherds are especially intelligent, curious, and ready to learn new things and please their masters. However, potty training has to be completed much earlier. Your energetic pup needs a lot of exercise at this age. It is about 2 hours or even more. However, if we talk about walking, your pup needs 40 minutes of walking time. Other exercises may include games, playing with toys, jumping, or swimming. If you notice that your pup is tired, think about splitting the whole time into two or three sessions. David W. I admire German Shepherds. They are magnificent dogs! I have been dealing with dogs, namely German Shepherds, throughout my life. I have been working part-time as a dog trainer and instructor for about 5 years, dealing mainly with German Shepherds. So I know a bit about these animals. Therefore, I decided to share my knowledge and experience about this fantastic breed. If you need help with advice and care tips or want to know more about German Shepherd dogs, welcome to this blog. Final thoughts It takes around 2 and half years to become an adult for a German shepherd. An 8 month old German Shepherd should be considered a German Shepherd puppy. Although the growth of a male and female German shepherd is different. Generally, an 8 months old male German shepherd grows around 20 to 22 inches in height. On the other hand, a female German Shepherd that is 8 months old grows around 18 to 20 inches. The weight differs in terms of gender. As the male german shepherd weighs around lbs, the female weighs around lbs. But the weight may vary to genetics. Besides the food habit may also play a role in weight determination. The male german shepherd weighs around 62 to 66 lbs. On the contrary, the female weighs around 53 to 57 lbs. The female German Shepherd takes two years to become an adult. The growth of German Shepherds depends on the food they are given regularly. However, the height of a German shepherd remains stable when they grow to adulthood from the puppy. The only thing that increases is their weight. That is why the height difference between a male and female German shepherd should be around two to four inches. German shepherds are friendly if they are trained properly. The chart provided below shows 8 months old German Shepherd weight: 8 months old German shepherd Weight should be pound 8 months old German shepherd male lbs. You can provide your german shepherd with high-quality pet dog foods. In addition to that, you can feed the puppy food to your shepherd for up to one year as long as they are not gaining excess weight. It is very important to make sure the proper nutrition for an 8-month-old Shepherd. Because it is their growing age. During this period, they grow significantly. That is why, if you do not ensure proper nutrition and food for them, their growth will be disrupted. On the other hand, providing excess food for your growing German Shepherd puppy will cause it to gain extra weight that will create a lot of trouble in the future. When your German Shepherd puppy is around 8 to 10 months old, providing them with high-quality puppy food full of nutrition three to four times every day will help them to grow up normally. The general rule of feeding the puppy is to provide three times per day, around three months to 6 months of age two times from six months to 12 months. How much should a 8 month old German shepherd eat? A regular diet for an 8 month old German Shepherd should always be followed by balanced nutrition. Generally, a 7 to 8 months old German Shepherd puppy should be fed around 12 oz of food every day. On the other hand, the 8 months old puppy should be provided with at least three meals every day. That means you should feed your German Shepherd puppy at least 36 oz of food every day as a part of their regular diet, which will provide them with proper nutrition and growth. Providing excess food may cause serious trouble for your puppy. In some cases, it may gain excess weight and may face obesity. In such a situation it is possible to get rid of such problems by treating him with care and nurturing him with proper care. You need to deal carefully with this type of behavior to stop German shepherds from being aggressive. German Shepherds puppy can sometimes play very roughly and result in chasing, bouncing, barking, growling, and even biting. Below is a brief discussion of the behavior of German Shepherds: Barking: During the growing up phase of German Shepherds, they may start to bark when they play. Many pet owners take this type of behavior as normal, but this is a warning sign for their future behavior. Biting: German shepherds tend to bite pet owners when they are a puppy. So, you need to take back their control of them to prevent them from being seriously aggressive. This is very important to make them normal with the environment. Aggressiveness: The German shepherds can be aggressive when they are growing. That is why when you are playing with them, if they become aggressive, you need to stop them immediately to prevent them from being aggressive. How much sleep does a 8 month old german shepherd need? The German Shepherd needs proper food that includes a balanced diet and proper nutrition. In addition to that, they also need to sleep for a specific amount of time in the day to ensure proper growth and energy. Although there is no standard Time mentioned for the German Shepherd to sleep every day, they usually sleep 15 to 20 hours a day when they are a puppy. The proper amount of sleep for a German Shepherd puppy ensures its central nervous system, immune system, and muscles develop properly. It also helps them to get the energy just to spend the rest of the day. Generally, an adult German Shepherd sleeps 12 to 14 hours a day. If any German Shepherd sleeps more than 14 hours a day, the German shepherd is considered a senior. How much exercise for a 8 month old German shepherd? The German shepherd requires proper sleep, food, and most importantly, exercise every day to grow up. Generally, regular exercise for German shepherds helps them to develop their muscles, immune system, and central nervous systems properly. That is why, as a rule of thumb, the German Shepherd puppies should exercise regularly. You can simply let them walk for five minutes as a formal exercise for every month of their age. This will also help them to explore their surroundings, improve in training and good behaviors as well as help to socialize with other people in a controlled manner when they meet. That is why you need to take your dog out for exercise regularly. They need at least 90 minutes of exercise per day. Go out and walk with them for at least 90 minutes as a part of their regular exercise. Why does 8 month old german shepherd have floppy ears? But in some cases, the floppy ears may have been caused by lack of nutrition or accidental damage. That is why you need to provide your German shepherd puppy with good nutrition and proper chewing toys to strengthen their muscles and help them to tap upright. If you think these floppy ears have been caused by some accidental damage, you immediately need to see a veterinary doctor to fix this problem. How to train a 8 month old German shepherd? Training your 8 months old German Shepherd is the most important part to make them social. During the age when the German Shepherds are puppies, training them will improve their behaviors as well as they will get to know about their surroundings in the environment. It will also help you to control your dog when they see other people or dogs around them. Lack of proper training can make a german Shepherd aggressive. The German Shepherd puppies need to be potty trained to be socialized. A properly trained German shepherd can be loved by all the people. Without proper training, they will bite anyone and cause you a lot of trouble. Below is a brief discussion on how to train an 8 month old German Shepherd: Potty train: Potty training is a significant part of your German Shepherd training. This will help them understand that they should go to the potty outside. Stop biting: At this age, the German Shepherds may start to bite everyone. That is why, as a part of training, provide them with special toys that they used to chew. Sometimes stopping the German Shepherd can work. Aggressiveness: To train the German Shepherds from being aggressive, you need to take the puppies out regularly to meet new people and understand the environment. Following these techniques will help you to train your dog properly without harming any people. Final thoughts You should start to train your German shepherds from an early age so that they can be socialized quickly. In addition to that, you need to provide them with food that has proper nutrition and a balanced diet. Take them on the walk outside regularly to help them understand the surroundings. However, there is some variation within the breed, and some German Shepherds may be larger or smaller than average. Generally speaking, a male German Shepherd is larger than a female German Shepherd. An 8-month-old male German Shepherd grows approximately 20 to 22 inches tall, 62 to 66 pounds, while a female German Shepherd grows about 18 to 20 inches tall, 53 to 57 pounds. German Shepherds can keep growing until they are two years of age or older. Depending on their parentage and individual German Shepherd growth rates, some may be larger or smaller. Nutrition for an 8-Month-Old German Shepherd German Shepherd puppies need a diet with the right mix of protein, carbohydrates, and good fat. Some of the good foods for your GSD are whole grains, lean meats, and vegetables. You can divide their puppy food into more frequent, smaller meals throughout the day. Always be mindful of how much food your dog is eating. Too much food can result in weight gain and obesity. They can help you create a feeding plan that will ensure your dog stays at a healthy weight. Physical and Behavioral Changes By eight months, your puppies will start to look and act like adult German Shepherds. He will be more independent and will want to explore his surroundings. Your German Shepherd will also be more aware of other dogs and people and may start to show signs of aggression. Moreover, your German Shepherd puppy will become more active and playful at eight months. He may become more independent and assertive and even challenge you for alpha status. He may also start to test boundaries, challenge rules, and have some behavior issues. The most challenging part of raising 8-month-old German Shepherds includes dealing with their excessive chewing on everything like shoes, clothes, and furniture. Your German Shepherd will also dig huge potholes, bark excessively, and have aggressive tendencies around other people. Try to control this destructive behavior by walking him to the dog park or outside the house whenever possible. Instead, provide your GSD pup plenty of opportunities to exercise and train so he can learn good behaviors. Physically, your German Shepherd puppy will be almost fully grown, although his bones will continue to harden for another 6 to 12 months. His coat will also continue to thicken and become more lustrous. There are a few things to keep in mind when teaching your dog, and here are some of them. Establish Rules and Limits An 8-month-old German Shepherd will likely be full of energy and curiosity. Provide him with structure and discipline, or else he may become unruly. Establishing rules and limits does not have to be complicated. For example, you may want to set a rule that your German Shepherd must sit before you give him his food. It will help him learn patience and self-control. It is especially true for German Shepherd puppies, who are intelligent, eager to please, and quick to learn. However, keep in mind that an 8-month-old German Shepherd is still working on mastering basic commands. Provide Positive Reinforcement Positive reinforcement means rewarding your dog for good behavior with treats, praise, or petting. Remember, puppies have short attention spans, so keep the sessions short and sweet. If your pup is having trouble paying attention, try breaking up the session into smaller intervals throughout the day. With patience and positive reinforcement, you can teach your basic dog commands such as sit, stay, come, down, and off. You can also begin teaching your dog tricks like rolling over or playing dead. Do Recall Training Recall training is an essential skill that every dog should know. Recall training teaches your dog to come when called, even when there are distractions. It can be a lifesaving skill if your dog ever gets loose from their leash or yard. Here are some of our top picks for toys for 8-month-old German Shepherds. Rubber Chew Toy To find the perfect rubber chew toy for your 8-month-old German Shepherd, look for one made of durable rubber and sized appropriately for your dog. A rubber chew toy will not tear easily and is less likely to be ingested. Additionally, chewing can help reduce anxiety and provide a sense of calm for your pup. Avoid toys with small parts that could pose a choking hazard. Instead, opt for a solid toy that your dog can enjoy for months. Interactive Toy Your German Shepherd puppy needs interactive play to avoid boredom. Good engaging toys keep your dog occupied, interested, and happy for long hours. Rope Toy A rope toy is perfect for playing tug-of-war or fetch with your German Shepherd. Fetch is a classic game that dogs of all ages enjoy. When selecting a rope toy for your German Shepherd, you must consider the following: Size — Make sure the rope toy is large enough for your dog to carry in his mouth comfortably. Material — Ropes made of natural fibers like cotton or wool are usually best for puppies, as synthetic materials can be harsh on their tender gums. Durability — Because German Shepherds are known for their powerful jaws, the rope toy must be durable enough to stand up to heavy chewing. Look for toys made of multiple strands of rope, as these are typically more difficult for dogs to destroy. It can cause a lot of pain later in life and make it hard for your dog to get around. German Shepherd dogs are also known for having sensitive stomachs, so watch what you feed them and how often. Some may do well on one food, while others might need a more sensitive option. Moreover, German Shepherds are prone to something called bloat. Signs of bloat include restlessness, drooling, and trying to vomit with no results. It happens when the stomach twists and traps gas inside, which can be very dangerous. Finally, German Shepherds are also prone to allergies , so if you notice your dog scratching too much, it might be time to visit the vet. By familiarizing yourself with these common health concerns, you can help ensure that your German Shepherd puppy stays happy and healthy for years to come. At eight months old, German Shepherd puppies started to grow into their adult size! A good rule of thumb is to provide at least one hour of exercise per day, divided into two or three shorter sessions. It can include walking, running, playing fetch, or any other activity that gets them moving. German Shepherds are also intelligent and energetic, so mental stimulation is just as important as physical activity. Try giving them simple obedience training, playing interactive games, or providing puzzle toys to keep their minds challenged. It means they should ideally get around two to three hours of sleep during the day and the rest at night. German Shepherds are usually pretty good at sleeping through the night, but young puppies may need to wake up for a potty break once or twice. If you have an 8-month-old German Shepherd, ensure that he gets enough rest by providing a comfortable place to sleep and avoiding too much excitement before bedtime. Also read:. However, the maturity of a German Shepherd puppy should be a lot higher as the puppy begins to behave more and more like a fully mature German Shepherd adult. But it is still possible to notice slight adolescent or teenage behavior in the puppy. They still remain curious, but they should be less prone to accidents from playing or any movement in general. Speaking of playful energy, the 8-month General still retains the same amount of energy as the 7 month German Shepherd puppy. It can also become a lot more dominant especially with its owners as you would often find your lovely puppy companion challenging you for alpha status in and around the home. You can achieve control with proper training practices. The high intelligence of the German Shepherd in general should make training sessions a lot easier for you as they tend to learn faster than some other dog breeds. However, you have to ensure the training sessions are handled properly using the right training methods while exercising the needed patience during your training sessions. Your puppy does have a high tendency to become destructive if left alone for too long without the proper channels to exercise. Some of these behaviors that might develop in your puppy include chewing almost everything they can find in the house including shoes and clothes, excessive barking mostly at strangers and he may also begin to test boundaries with both you and other familiar faces. As your puppy begins to reach its peak in physical growth and development, the bones become a lot denser and more difficult to break. They can also begin to show more aggression toward other dogs in the vicinity. This is their attempt at being more protective of what they love. This is because the German Shepherd puppy should be a lot more comfortable being independent or alone. They can stay in their cages at night and not result in howling to get your attention. It is still recommended that you regularly visit your vet for frequent evaluations of your German Shepherd puppy. With that being said, your German Shepherd should be 2 months closer to its next round of DHPP vaccination shots and deworming. This should be administered to the puppy at 12 months or 1 year, put that in your schedule. Asides from regular checks at the vet, your puppy needs to be properly groomed at 8 months. They have a high propensity to shed a lot of their fur at this stage of their life. Regular brushing of fur is required to prevent coat matting. Also, dental care is highly required as your puppy should have grown its full adult teeth by now. Spaying and neutering of your puppy could be considered at this stage due to the high sexual energy that should be building up in your German Shepherd at 8 months of age. If left to roam freely, your German Shepherd might end up mating with most dogs of the opposite sex it can find, so always keep them on a tight leash when leaving the home on walks to gardens or places where other dogs might be in. To deal with the excesses of aggression, dominance, and compulsive behaviors that your 8 month German Shepherd puppy might exhibit, proper training should be considered for the German Shepherd as it is highly crucial. Luckily, training your German Shepherd can be easily achieved due to their high intelligence trait. As stated earlier the growth rate for the German Shepherd at 8 months is heavily reduced or slow. Instead of a much notable increase in overall height and size, what is more, apparent is that the German Shepherd bones should be a lot harder now as bone density should be high. What this means is that your puppy should be a lot more resilient. For the male German Shepherd puppy at 8 months old, expect the size range to be between 62 lbs and 65 lbs. Female German Shepherd puppies are a little smaller in size than male German Shepherd puppies but they still count as large dogs. The height range for the female German Shepherd should be between 18 inches to 20 inches. Your German Shepherd still has a lot growing up to do as they keep improving in growth for the next year and a half. The exact height of a German Shepherd puppy can be influenced by some factors like diet or nutrition and even the breeding line of the German Shepherd does have a slight influence on the growth of each individual dog. Aside from an increase in the size of the German Shepherd, there are other notable physical changes that could happen to an 8-month-old. One would be the further thickening of its coat as the coat should become a lot more lustrous. Their ears should have stopped growing but should stand upright or perky. This means their appetite should be quite high as their calorie intake should also be quite high. However, it is highly essential that you develop a proper feeding schedule for your beloved puppy. The schedule should help you reduce the possibility of overfeeding your German Shepherd puppies by properly rationing each food serving to spread across the day. This way, you can avoid causing them stomach pains from eating too much and even reduce the possibility of obesity for your puppy as they are quite prone to this. Their food should contain lots of carbohydrates, proteins, and even fats. Proteins should be the most dominant nutrient in their kibble mix followed by carbs and then finally fats. Invest in whole grains, lean meats like chicken, turkey, and fish, and vegetables alongside fruits like bananas and apples for your puppies. One meal in the morning, noon, and in evening. Try to create enough time intervals for the meals to be fully digested before another meal. Always provide good drinking water for your puppies too. Also, ensure your puppy eats early before they fall asleep. Sleep at night should be better for both you and your puppy at 8 months of age. Still, they are rapidly growing creatures and they do need all the sleep they can get to be fully active and strong throughout the day. It is thereby recommended that you provide them with a minimum of 14 to 17 hours of full sleep each day for them to be energetic and playful. Ensure they go to bed early so they can quickly get most of their sleep hours at night leaving room for short bursts of naps during regular activities. Try to force them to sleep early at night by engaging them in some light exercise and training after each last meal of the day. Take them on walks or play some games with them. You however must ensure they go to sleep early. The easiest and most basic way to exercise your German Shepherd puppy can be through regular walks. Due to their high bone density, your puppy can be able to handle an hour of intense exercising by 8 months of age. You can split this into two minute walks or three 20 minutes walks each day. To achieve the best results go at a slow pace, do not force your puppies to run until they are adults as it can affect their bones and joints causing defects like EIC. Asides from that, your puppy can also partake in other activities like tag and fetch. Engage them in mental exercises like puppy puzzles with the promise of a reward at the end to keep them stimulated and interested. Exercising is quite crucial for the German Shepherd. If left without properly being exercised, they can become pretty destructive, especially around the house or the yard. Training is also quite crucial for the German Shepherd puppy as well as for you as it helps establish a stronger bond between you and your puppy. One thing about proper training of your German Shepherd puppy to consider is the method of training that is being employed. For you, the best method to be employed is positive reinforcement training which deals with rewards for good behavior and a less harsh but firm punishment for bad behavior. Try establishing some limits and rules for your dogs. One could be that your dog sits properly before each meal. When using basic commands, try to be consistent with them. Recall training is highly important for your dog at this stage. With that being said, there are some health issues to look out for. German Shepherds have sensitive stomachs, and they are prone to allergies, as well to hips and elbow dysplasia. They can also suffer from a terrible illness called bloat. You have to be watchful of your puppy, look out for any of the following signs in your dog. Frequent urination.

I am Poppy, a year old 6 pound chi mix. I was given the name Poppy because my owner lived on Poplar Street. I came into the rescue along with 3 of my sisters. You see, my owner died and there were 12 of us. The owner's sister reached out and 4 of us were lucky enough to be able to go into the rescue. We had lived in some pretty bad conditions since my owner was sick for awhile and wasn't able to properly care for us. When I arrived, I was pretty shut down. I was afraid to leave the kennel or to go outside to potty. So, foster mom sent me to the foster's house that had my 3 sisters. That was the magic that brought me out of my shell. Now, I'm cuddling with foster mom and sleeping in bed with her. I am, however, still working on the potty game as I am not comfortable going outside yet. I am also learning to walk on a leash. I am good with other small dogs and with older children but large dogs scare me and cause me to shut down. It is unknown about whether I would be good with cats since I haven't been around them. If you are interested in a bonded pair of tiny chi's who are just discovering that there is a big world out there, have your peeps call my peeps and we will be right over. No scams. We thoroughly vet all breeders based on our 47 Breeder Standards. When you find a puppy at Uptown, you're not just getting a dog--you're getting peace of mind that your new best friend is coming from an experienced, ethical breeder who loves dogs just as much as you do. We have answers. What kind of hybrid dogs do you have? Do you have the best puppies for sale near Chesterfield County? Looking for a unique dog that will make everyone jealous? Check out our hybrid dogs! From cuddly Doodles to American Corgis, we have the perfect pup for you. And of course, there are dozens of different Doodle dogs to choose from. What kind of delivery options are available when I pick dog breeders near Chesterfield County, Virginia? Looking for puppies for sale in Bermuda, Virginia? Pining for puppies for sale near Bermuda, Virginia? Looking to add a furry friend to your family? Adopting a puppy is easy with our partners. They offer chaperoned travel to your nearest airport, ground transportation, or even delivery right to your door. You can also choose to adopt from a local breeder. No matter where you are in America, our partners will help you find your new best friend. Does Uptown Puppies actually breed puppies in Chesterfield County? Curious about puppies for sale in Matoaca, VA? Or maybe puppies for sale in Clover Hill, VA? Looking for a four-legged friend? Uptown Puppies is the place for you! We work closely with breeders and other dog-related businesses to make sure they meet our high standards. We believe that what's good for the dogs is good for us, so you can be confident that you're getting a furry friend from a responsible source. Why is Uptown Puppies the best puppy finder? Looking for healthy puppies for sale in Dale, Virginia? What about adorable puppies for sale in Midlothian, Virginia? Puppy mills are inhumane breeding facilities that mass-produce puppies for profit, without regard for the health or welfare of the dogs. These mills often keep dogs in cramped, dirty conditions with little to no veterinary care. As a result, puppies from mills are more likely to be sick and have behavior problems. Why are puppy mills legal? We have all kinds of puppies for sale in Chester, Virginia, and even puppies for sale in Meadowbrook, VA. But what about mills? Unfortunately, there are a number of legal loopholes that allow puppy mills to operate. The standards set out for dog breeders are often too low to effectively shut down these mills. We only partner with fellow dog lovers who meet our high standards, so you can be sure your pup comes from a loving home. Have you spotted your perfect puppies for sale in Bon Air, VA? If you're looking to adopt a puppy, you'll want to act fast. Uptown's litters tend to get reserved quickly, sometimes within hours of being listed. The most popular breeds especially tend to go fast, so if you see a pup you're interested in, don't hesitate to reserve it. Which mode of transportation is best for my puppy? There are loads of puppies for sale in Manchester, Virginia. Air travel can be a more stress-free experience for your puppy than ground transportation. With a professional flight nanny by their side, your puppy will have someone to look after them before, during, and after the flight - making the whole process easier on them. Not to mention, flights are generally quicker than ground transportation, so your puppy won't have to spend as much time traveling. You bet we have Doodle puppies for sale in Woodlake VA! Looking for a new furry friend? Adopting a puppy is a simple process with our help. First, select the breed you're interested in. We have a wide variety of breeds available for adoption, so you're sure to find your perfect match. Once you've chosen a breed, browse through our current and upcoming litters to find the specific puppy you'd like to adopt. We'll then connect you with the dog's breeder, and voila! It's that easy. Why is picking a good breeder so important? There are all kinds of purebred puppies for sale in Bellwood Virginia. When you are looking for a new dog, it is important to find a good breeder. Good breeders are professional who have the skills, knowledge, and experience to ensure that their puppies are healthy and well-tempered. What is a backyard breeder? Want the best puppies for sale in Bensley, VA? Backyard breeders are people who breed dogs without professional expertise or training. Although puppies from backyard breeders are often cheaper than those from professional breeders, there is no guarantee that your pooch will be healthy and well-adjusted. Choose backyard breeders at your own risk! Do you have small breeds of puppies for sale in Ettrick, Virginia? Do you want a puppy that will be perfect for your apartment? We have lots of small breeds that are great for apartment living. Do you have non-shedding puppies for sale in Enon, Virginia? There are many different types of dogs that shed very little. The Poodle is one example, but there are dozens of Doodle breeds that are also great choices for minimal shedding. Uptown Puppies Puppy Finder.

Fox red Labrador breeders Labs come in three colors, yellow, chocolate and black. As well as some pale, dilute forms of those colors. The red fox Lab, or fox red Lab, is a dark coated variety of the yellow Labrador Retriever. Breeders are selecting darker red Labrador Retrievers to breed from as they become more popular companions than paler yellow Labs. Sometimes known as the ruby Labrador or fox red Lab, these are smart, energetic dogs are best suited to active owners. Yet at one time, almost all Labradors were black. This was partly due to nature, and partly due to a little human interference. Chocolate and yellow Labs were both harder to breed for and less desirable. Horrifically, yellow or brown puppies were often culled at birth! Yet all three colors of Labrador Retriever, black, chocolate and yellow including the red shade , share the same origins or history. Bred to be hunting companions, with bags of intelligence and a friendly disposition. In recent years, these rarer colors are becoming more popular. Which leads to more people selectively breeding for them. And therefore more dogs being born with these coats. Red Fox English Lab vs American Lab The trend in Labrador coat colors swung to paler and paler colors in the s, and remained that way for decades. Especially among the dog showing community. Fortunately a pool of dark yellow or fox red Labs remained popular in the working sporting dog community. Possibly because a pale yellow dog, being far too easy for wildfowl to spot, is not an ideal hunting companion. American Labs are slimmer built, with less stocky heads and chests. They have a stronger prey drive, are a little less forward and playful. Even today you are unlikely to find a Red Labrador with a show background. Any dog advertised as an English fox red Labrador will probably have a pedigree that is a mix of American and English dogs. It is largely from this pool of working retrievers that we now have the stunning fox red Labrador Retrievers that we see today. And because they are often the American Lab type rather than English Lab type, they are often taller and more athletic in appearance than the paler yellow Labs. And if you live in the USA, you may have to do plenty of detective work to find one at all. You may have more luck looking for an American Lab type, from working lines. They are very intelligent and trainable, with loyal, loving personalities. Although they have the usual Lab friendliness, they can also be a little more nervous and wary of strangers and slightly high strung. Lots of socialization and plenty of attention will keep these dogs happy. Coupled with lots of exercise, and both mental and physical activities to keep them busy. Presumably because breeders are selecting for the popular deeper coat color in order to increase puppy sales. There is a lot of pressure on breeders to produce certain colors. But a responsible breeder should not choose parents purely on the basis of color. Especially when there are not large numbers of fox reds to choose from. You may be tempted to skip this — but give it a go — it might be easier than you think! Think of a Labrador as a basically black dog. Black is the default color. The black coat is caused by a pair of genes called the B genes Your dog inherits one from his mother and one from his father — in a pair — like this: BB B genes come in big or little versions. So a black dog could have a pair that look like this instead: Bb Little b carries the code necessary to make a brown coat instead of a black one. BUT, big B is dominant and switches off little b. So little b only gets a say, if two of them get together like this: bb, and when that happens, you get a chocolate Lab! This is done by two little e genes. They also come in a pair like this: ee And when they get together they have the amazing power to completely block the genes that cause black and brown coats. A lab with two little ee genes cannot have a brown or a black coat and so the coat color now defaults to yellow. Now we are getting closer to our fox red color. E genes can also be big like this: EE or mixed like this: Ee, but when that happens the big E switches off the little e, and takes away its power. Yellow vs Red Fox Lab Coats A red Lab is a variation of yellow, and every red dog has those two essential little e genes that switch off black and brown. But then it starts to get a little bit more complicated. It centers on a pigment called pheomelanin. And it is controlled by two different sets of genes. The A gene controls the production of the red color. And the C gene controls whether or not it is fully expressed or diluted. This is what makes things a little more complicated. In fact, I am still over-simplifying it a bit. Otherwise the B gene will override them. And you are back to black or brown. Fox Red Lab Breeders Your first step when bringing any Labrador into your life should be to make sure that this is the right time for you to do this. The next step is to find a reputable breeder of Labradors. Finding a nice fox red stud dog and making a list of all his recent matings is often a starting point. You are most unlikely to find a good breeder who only breeds fox reds. This is because color is not the top priority for a responsible breeder. And remember, in most yellow litters there will be a range of shades. Puppies may darken as they grow, or they may not. No breeder can guarantee you the final color of your puppy. Make sure that both parents have good hips, elbows and a clear eye test, as well as a PRA clear certificate. Then your pup will have the best chance of growing up healthy. Red Fox Lab Puppy Prices When it first starts to trend, a fashionably colored dog may be more expensive, and this is still happening to some extent with reds. My advice is to be wary of paying an unusually high price for a red lab puppy. It could indicate that you have found an unscrupulous breeder who may be cutting corners on health or other important matters. The reason I say this is because many respectable breeders will look down on selling puppies of different colors for different prices. In fact paying the same price irrespective of color could mean you have a better breeder, and a healthier pup! This shade gets increasingly darker over the first few weeks. By three weeks old they are starting to look much more like the Labrador you know and love. By the time you take them home at 8 weeks old they will have that lovely fox red shade. Not all the puppies in a litter will be the same shade, even if both of their parents are fox red themselves. Just like any other Labrador, it will be important to dedicate their first few weeks in your home to getting them settled. Starting to work on important things like potty training and setting food habits. They really benefit from positive reinforcement training. Using rewards to help encourage them to behave in a way that will help them to fit nicely into your family. Start off with no more than a few minutes of formal exercise a day when they are small puppies. And work up to any big walks or runs very gradually over time so as not to accidentally hurt them. Did you turn up here hoping to learn about red fox Labs, only to find us referring to them as fox red instead? There are no consistencies in the way fox red Lab is spelled. Whether fox red is one word or two. Or whether the fox or the red comes first. Of course, we know fox red is much more special than that. At least it means you can spell it any way you like! I tend to say fox red Labrador, you can say redfox or red fox Labrador if it makes you happy. Ultimately they are all just gorgeous Labradors, with a darker shade to their yellow coat. More about Labrador Types and Colors! Life Span Did You Know? One of the facts about Labrador Retrievers is that there are a few distinct color coat variations. Fox Red Labradors are a rare-colored version of the Labrador Retriever. Despite this, they can be registered as purebred Yellow Labrador Retrievers , as the darker-colored coat is not considered to be a disqualifying factor. Due to their unique and certainly eye-catching color, the Fox Red Labrador continues to grow in popularity. Labrador Retrievers are known for being exceptionally sweet and are one of the most affectionate dog breeds. These dogs yearn to be a part of a family, and fit right in when joining one. In fact, Labs are considered one of the kid-friendly dog breeds. Well-socialized Fox Red Labradors tend to get along well with children, other dogs, other pets, and even strangers. After all, every person they meet is a potential friend that they can play with. Labrador Retrievers are one of the most active dog breeds. Despite their energy, Fox Red Labradors can adapt to most settings. As long as this dog breed has a chance to get in daily walks, go outside to run and play, and they get plenty of attention, they are content. They are not overly affected by cold weather, but they have a dense double coat. Fox Red Retrievers are also happiest when in the presence of people and they love to be with their families whenever possible. They also have a lot of energy and get bored easily. Potential health concerns to be aware of in Fox Red Labrador Retrievers can include hereditary myopathy, hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia , progressive retinal atrophy, heart disease, and cataracts. There is also a condition with a genetic link that can occur in young adult Labradors called exercise-induced collapse EIC. Carriers can be identified by DNA tests. Good breeding practices can reduce the risk of potential health issues and make a big difference in the health of Fox Red Lab puppies. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. Make sure you ask about the health and genetic history of both parents and about any health tests or clearances. The national breed club recommends hip and elbow evaluations, an EIC DNA test, and an ophthalmologist evaluation at a minimum. As a large, deep-chested dog breed, the Fox Red Labrador Retriever is at a higher risk of bloat. Bloat in dogs can be dangerous and can become fatal if the stomach flips gastric torsion. Labrador Retrievers are one of the smartest dog breeds and are highly trainable. Although they can become stubborn at times, they are eager to please and pick up on training quickly overall. Their energy and intelligence mean they can lose focus in training and get bored easily. However, training that is kept clear, consistent, and focused on positive rewards usually keeps them focused and responding well. Any color variant of the Labrador Retriever is ideal for beginner dog owners. Fox Red Labrador Retrievers have a short, dense double coat that is water-resistant. They shed year-round and more heavily as the seasons change. Brushing their coat a few times a week and daily brushing during seasonal shedding is usually enough to keep their coat healthy and looking great. Bathing is on an occasional, as-needed basis. Because their coat tends to protect them from the cold and they are one of the dog breeds that tend to love water , your Fox Red Lab may try to go for a swim regardless of the season. If they are an avid swimmer or tend to get into a lot of things, you may need to bathe them more often. It is highly recommended to give them a bath or at least rinse them off thoroughly after going swimming with your dog. Their nails should be trimmed once or twice monthly. This will help prevent ear infections. Proper dental care for dogs is essential for preventing the tartar buildup that lends to dental diseases like gum disease and tooth decay. Brushing their teeth or using an enzyme toothpaste every day is a good start. You can also supplement your dental care efforts with dental hygiene chews, a special dental care diet, and more. Like other Labs, Fox Red Labrador Retrievers are high-energy dogs that require a lot of daily activity to be happy and healthy. Daily walks plus playtime, time to run, and other activities are usually enough for this dog. However, they will likely always be up for more activity if you are. Often, they are just happy to be spending time with you. Labs tend to have an extended puppyhood until they are around years old. They will mellow out a little, but also tend to maintain a puppy-like exuberance even in their senior years. Once they are done growing and your vet has cleared them for more activities, you can try a lot of different things. Labs are athletic and versatile dogs. They are one of the sturdy dog breeds for outdoor adventures and tend to enjoy a variety of activities. They tend to excel in swimming, running, obstacle courses, and several dog sports. Fully-grown Fox Red Labrador Retrievers usually stand inches tall and weigh pounds. Fox Red Labs generally live for years on average.

An empty outlined icon indicating the option to save an item Save Article 1. Golden Retrievers instinctively love to swim. They're always up for a game of fetch in the lake. Golden Retrievers are often used on search and rescue teams because of their keen sense of smell and tracking abilities. They make great therapy dogs. Dudley Coutts Marjoribanks, also known as Lord Tweedmouth, developed the breed in Scotland during the late 19th century. They are considered to be the 4th smartest dog breed in line behind Border Collies, Poodles, and German Shepherds. They have water-repellent double coats that shed seasonally. Brush your Golden once a week to minimize the shedding! Presidents Ford and Reagan both had Golden Retrievers as pets while in office. There are actually three types of Golden Retrievers , and they vary in color and size. They are known to take care of other animals, even cats. Golden Retrievers are known to become sad and even depressed when left alone for long periods of time. Experts say they shouldn't be left alone for more than seven hours. They make great watch dogs, but not-so-great security dogs. They'll bark loudly at strangers, but once they physically interact with a person, a Golden becomes more friendly. Our June cover girl, Golden Retriever History Facts This section obviously includes the history of goldens, but also some facts about the breed today. Golden retrievers are originally from Scotland Tomich, Scotland, to be precise. They are a mix of a Tweed water spaniel and a wavy-coated retriever both extinct now. The first pair of these two dogs were named Nous the retriever and Belle the spaniel. The first litter of goldens was born in .They were originally bred to hunt waterfowl, as Lord Tweedmouth was a hunter and wanted a dog that could retrieve game both on land and in the water. Like all good stories, there is some controversy surrounding the origin of the golden retriever breed. Golden retrievers are part of the sporting group. This includes breeds such as retrievers, spaniels, setters, and others. Golden retrievers are one of six retriever breeds. This also includes Labrador retrievers, Chesapeake Bay retrievers, curly-coated retrievers, flat-coated retrievers, and the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling retrievers. Golden retrievers are the 3rd most popular breed in America. Golden retrievers were recognized by the AKC in .This is 57 years after the first goldens were bred. Golden Retriever Physical Facts This section includes a mix of facts about their physical stature, physical needs, and even some stats about their brains! The breed standard height is inches for males and .The breed standard weight is pounds for males and pounds for females. There is only one type of golden retriever. American, Canadian, English, English Cream, and European golden retrievers are all one breed: golden retriever. The average lifespan is years. Yes, goldens can live much longer lives, but this is the average. There are no white golden retrievers. English Cream Golden Retrievers, which are typically light-colored, are in fact a pale gold color click here to learn more about English Cream Golden Retrievers. There are no black golden retrievers. Golden retrievers have webbed feet. This is one of the physical traits that make them good hunting dogs. Golden retrievers have a double coat. These two coats protect their skin and help regulate their body temperatures. They release heat through their paws, mouth, and nose. Some goldens have black spots on their tongue. These black spots are just pigmented skin cells. Golden retrievers need hours of exercise per day. Their faces turn gray as they age. This usually starts around years old. Golden retrievers have soft mouths. Since they were bred as hunting dogs, they naturally have soft mouths to carry fowl in. This is when they shed the most in preparation for warmer or cooler weather. Related articles:. One look and an instant calm will probably wash over you. Stress simply melts away. Because Golden Retrievers are notoriously loyal and obedient. They can look silly with their big goofy grins. Or they can look stoic and wise beyond their years with their striking, deep brown eyes. CutenessOverload Everything they do is adorable Just watching your pup go from an adorable average of 10 pounds right when you get them at 8 weeks old to a sizable 70 pounds at the year mark is cuter than anything you can imagine. Or falling asleep in your lap. Or busting your pup discreetly chewing on your brand new pair of sneakers in their new closet lair is the cutest. There are too many cute things! Everything will be adorable and glee-inducing if done by a Golden Retriever pup — even the behaviors that, by all logic, should annoy you to no end. This is a good thing because a puppy this adorable is definitely going to be a popular one. Golden Retriever puppies make friends with kids , adults, and other animals while keeping their trademark smiles on their faces. They are so friendly, in fact, that they may not be the best bet when looking for guard dogs. A Golden will usually greet any stranger, including during a break-in, with a welcoming smile on their face. But they will love you best Again, the loyalty of a Golden Retriever pup cannot be stressed enough; it is strong. At the end of the day, your athletic, big-pawed, adventurous, silly, and loving Golden pup will only have eyes for you. Remember, you can find just about any breed of dog you are looking for at a shelter or rescue. They are simultaneously wonderful family pets—thanks to their friendly, tolerant attitude—and capable, intelligent working dogs. These sturdy, medium-sized dogs grow to about 55—75 pounds and typically live to be about 10—12 years old. Outgoing, trustworthy, eager-to-please, and easy-to-train, they are especially popular with families with young children. Goldens often maintain their fun-loving puppy attitudes and signature smile into adulthood. Part of the sporting dog group, golden retrievers are active dogs that require at least an hour of daily exercise. They live up to their name; they love retrieving just about anything thrown for them. This makes them excellent hunting companions and skilled service dogs. They love to eat, run, spend time with their owners, and even participate in obedience and agility events. Their coloring ranges from light golden to cream, and dark golden to golden, and their physique can vary from broad and dense to leaner and more sporty. According to AKC standards,goldens move with a smooth, powerful gait, and the feathery tail is carried, as breed fanciers say, with a "merry action. Thanks to their breeding as hunting and waterfowl-retrieving dogs in the Scottish Highlands,their outer coat is dense and repels water. They also have a thick undercoat. Their coats can vary in texture from wavy to straight. Heavy feathering appears on their chest, the backs of their legs, and tail. Temperament In general, golden retrievers are outgoing, playful, and gentle. They are also friendly, intelligent, and devoted. As they get older, most golden retrievers become docile and calm. Bred to be working retrievers, goldens have a lot of energy and require a lot of activity. They are best suited for owners with an active lifestyle and they thrive in a home where someone is around during the day to spend time with them. They don't do well when left at home on their own; they love their humans too much. Their happy demeanor often draws attention from other people when you are out and about—goldens get along well with strangers and other dogs. While they are not considered good guard dogs—they'd be more likely to show an intruder where the treats are than send the intruder running—golden retrievers are excellent service dogs thanks to their loyalty, intelligence, and stable temperament. They see themselves as part of the family and need to be treated as such. Luckily, goldens are not bothered by noise, commotion, and activity, making them very tolerant of children. Golden retrievers also take a "the more the merrier" approach to having other pets in the home. With proper introductions and training, goldens can be trusted with other dogs, cats, rabbits, and other animals. A golden retriever would do well reigning over a large fenced-in yard , so if you don't have a lot of outdoor space or you live in an apartment, make sure you get your golden outside regularly. A lot," Steen says. Owners should get used to having a fair amount of dog hair on clothing and furniture around the home. They have a thick, water-repellant double coat that sheds moderately in the winter and summer, and heavily in the spring and fall. However, if you brush your golden daily, you can prevent tangling and remove some dead hair before it covers everything in sight. Baths can also help and are recommended about once a month, but make sure the golden is fully dry before brushing begins. Golden retrievers will also need their nails trimmed about once or twice a month. A good indicator of when they need to be trimmed is when you can hear them clicking on the floor. Teeth should also be brushed at least two or three times a week. Ear checks are important as well; goldens have fold-over ears, which create an environment that encourages bacteria and fungus to grow. Look for redness or a bad odor and simply wipe out the outer ear with a cotton ball dampened with gentle, pH-balanced ear cleaner to help prevent infections. Exercise is an essential part of a golden retriever's day. At least one hour a day of rigorous activity is necessary, even if that happens over several different outings or play times throughout the day. Goldens can be taken on long runs , bike rides, hikes, and swims. They also enjoy hunting trips, field trials, and other canine sports like agility, obedience, and tracking. A golden that doesn't get enough exercise is likely to exhibit undesirable behaviors like digging and chewing. Mental challenges, such as learning tricks and playing with puzzle toys, are also appealing to goldens, but should never replace physical activity. Take it easy with exercise in a golden retriever's first two years of life, as their growth plates are still forming. Don't go for long, strenuous runs or hikes until the dog is fully grown, and always opt for grass over concrete. Early socialization and puppy training classes are important with golden retrievers. Puppies should be exposed to a wide variety of people, places, and situations to help them become well-adjusted in their young life. When it comes to feeding time , owners need to help golden retrievers manage their intake; they have a tendency to become overweight. Food should be measured out and given twice a day rather than leaving food out all the time. Dog treats should be given in moderation. If you're unsure whether your golden retriever is overweight, give him the eye test and the hands-on test. First, look down at him. You should be able to see a waist. Then place your hands on his back, thumbs along the spine, with the fingers spread downward. You should be able to feel but not see his ribs without having to press hard. If you can't, he likely needs less food and more exercise. Chat with your vet about the best course of action. According to Steen, they are a generally healthy breed, but goldens are at a slightly increased risk of hip dysplasia and cancer when compared to other dogs. Other health conditions, although not particularly common, include elbow dysplasia, cataracts , progressive retinal atrophy —or gradual deterioration of the retina—hypothyroidism, gastric dilatation-volvulus otherwise known as bloat , and allergies. Golden retrievers should also have their ears checked often and teeth brushed regularly for optimum health. History Dudley Marjoribanks, the first Lord of Tweedmouth, developed golden retrievers in the mid-to-late s. Although at one time a rumor indicated that golden retrievers descended from Russian sheep dogs, they were, in fact, bred in the Scottish Highlands. Marjoribanks bred the dogs for more than 50 years to create an ideal gundog—he was an avid hunter of waterfowl. Tweedmouth wanted a dog suited to the rainy climate and rugged terrain of the area, so he crossed his "yellow retriever" with a breed that is now extinct, the Tweed water spaniel. He also wanted the dog to be even-tempered in the home. A golden retriever was first shown at the British dog show in .The Kennel Club in England officially recognized the golden retriever as a distinct breed in .At that time, they were classified as "retriever — yellow or golden. Fun Facts Considered one of the most beloved dog breeds, golden retrievers gained popularity with American families in the s when President Gerald Ford had a golden named Liberty. Tucker Budzyn is currently the most recognized golden retriever on the Internet, with more than 3 million followers across YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook. Golden retrievers are regulars on big and little screens. Golden retrievers love tennis balls. Just ask this 6-year-old golden named Finley , who is the Guinness World Record holder for carrying the most tennis balls in his mouth at a time. He can hold six! Was this page helpful? Posted on December 2, by Galen Kauffman Share: There are few dogs in history more famous and easily recognized than the golden retriever. In fact, Golden Retriever facts will reveal to you that this beautiful dog even has aristocratic roots. A flat-coated retriever and Tweed water spaniel were bred to bring about the Golden Retriever. They earned their namesake because they were originally bred for bringing back waterfowl shot by hunters out of the water. Sport hunting in Europe and North America increased interest in the development of gun dogs and Setter, Pointers and Retrievers have specific attributes that make them superb sporting- and gun dogs. It comes from decades ago when there was the need for a gun dog that could plunge fearlessly into the water to retrieve game from the water after being shot down. The breed was originally created by Lord Tweedmouth of Scotland to be his attractive, cheerful hunting companions. It would have been impossible for him to navigate the marshes, bogs, water, and land to retrieve the birds were it not for his energetic, enthusiastic Golden Retriever companion. These working dogs retrieved ducks and waterfowl during hunting trips and would gently pick the birds up without breaking their bones. Tweedmouth got that distinctive long-haired golden look from mixing the Tweedwater Spaniel, a now-extinct breed, with the Flat-Coated Retriever. The Tweed Water Spaniel became extinct but is best known for being involved in the y development of the Golden Retriever breed of dogs. The Flat-Coated Retriever breed is a strong, muscular dog with an intelligent, friendly expression. They come in 3 colors and they have a strong desire to please people. The Flat-Coated Retriever is a distinctive breed, a natural breed with strong hunting abilities. Later in their history, to further diversify the breed from the pack, Newfoundlands, Bloodhounds, Labrador Retrievers, and Red Setters were introduced. This resulted in the Golden Flat-Coat dog. Later on, the dog was named the Golden Retriever. The Golden Retriever has a double coat with a short undercoat below the coat. Both the layers help to insulate the dog against cold, moist weather. The double coat also has a waterproofing effect. Those coats come in two distinct layers, the upper, wiry one keeping water from penetrating the fluffy lower coat. The Golden Retriever has a double coat, meaning there is a topcoat and a bottom coat. The outer coat of the Golden is slightly more coarse than the soft, fuzzy undercoat. Both the layers have an important role to play — protecting the skin from moisture, cold, and heat. Some urban legends say the breed originally came from a pack of Russian sheepdogs in a traveling circus. But it nonetheless makes you think of these pet urban legends. After all, Golden Retrievers love learning new tricks and they are easy dogs to train. People say their antics, their smiling face and the way they train so easily is because they once performed in a Russian circus. There is no truth in this pet urban legend. The breed was made official in when they were registered with the American Kennel Club. To this day Golden Retrievers are one of the most popular show breeds. The American Kennel Club recognized the dog in .To become a recognized breed, a dog must have an interested, active following of admirers and this the Golden Retriever has in abundance. They are large dogs with the males being about 23 to 24 inches tall. The males weigh in at about 65 to 75 pounds. The females can be anything from 21 to 24 inches in height and they can weigh between 55 to 65 pounds. They usually stand somewhere between 1 foot 9 inches tall and two feet, making them great medium-sized dogs. Because nothing is set in stone and a Golden Retriever is totally unique, you can safely class your Golden as a medium to large breed. Some will be a little larger and some smaller, but they are always beautiful strong athletic dogs. Goldens usually have a 10 to year life span, making them great family dogs. So while the Golden typically lives between 10 and 12 years of age, with good nutrition, good exercise, and a wonderful lifestyle for your pet, he can push through to 17 years of age and even older. The females are typically smaller than the males, only measuring up to about .You can always pretty much rely on the standard, but there are always variations. Each one is different in a few subtle ways. One thing is certain, they are all purebreds and they all fall under the one Golden Retriever breed. The Canadian Golden Retriever looks just a bit different from the other two in that his coat is darker and shorter and not quite as thick as the other two. The shorter hair also means less feathering on the neck, tail, and legs. The British or English golden retriever is more solidly built than the Canadian and American retrievers. English goldens also tend to be just a bit smaller than the other two varieties. American Goldens tend to have thin, dark coats and are usually the thinnest of the three. The American Golden Retriever is the most popular of the three. Its coat is darker in color than the other two varieties and it is generally taller and slightly more slender. Canadian Goldens usually have darker coats and can sometimes be the tallest of the three options. The darker coats can lean towards being a dark reddish color, almost like a Red Setter. British Goldens tend to be the lightest in color and are usually stocky and muscular. English Golden Retrievers are characterized by their muscular, stocky builds. The entire head and neck area are bigger. Their coats can be very light or golden. All three types of Goldens share the same head shape, with a broad, straight muzzle that comes to a well-defined stop. In fact, while the three types of Golden Retriever differ slightly, all three are famous for their beautiful coats, the broad head, the well-spaced eyes, and straight, bluntish muzzle. Generally, dogs with sharper pointed faces and wolf-like features tend to live way longer than their flat-faced cousins. Dogs with longer, more pointed faces live longer than broader-faced dogs such as the Golden Retriever. The coat of the Golden is dense and water repellent complete with an undercoat. The coat creates a waterproof jacket for the dog. They should never be shaved or have their coats cut very short unless needed for a medical reason. That coat is long and fluffy for good reason! The long coat protects the Golden from the heat and the cold and it should never ever be cut except for medical reasons as suggested. Its beautiful coat serves a purpose. You can always pick out a Golden Retriever with his long golden locks. Despite their name, Goldens actually range in shades. Some are a much darker, richer gold color, almost orange even, while others are much duller and muter yellow cream color. Golden Retriever colors are quite varied in the golden color range. You can see shades that are milky, some creamy, some gold, and some red. Not all the colors are recognized as a standard color by the American Kennel Club. The official colors are golden, lightly golden, and dark golden. Even though they are immensely popular, a white Golden is frowned upon by the British and American kennel clubs. You can usually get a pretty good indication of what shade your puppy is going to end up being by checking their ears. Goldens tend to have their coats get darker as they age, usually getting their true color by about a year old. Golden Retrievers promise to stay beautiful forever but their fur does get darker as they grow older. At about a year old, a Golden is considered full-grown. A Golden Retriever may well have reached his full size by one year of age, but mentally they only reach maturity at about 18 months of age. It comes about because of a breakdown of an enzyme known as tyrosinase, which produces pigment. This Tyrosinase is seen in order dog breeds too, one of which is the Husky. As sporting dogs, these Goldens are going to need plenty of exercise. As active members of the sporting group, they are always ready for action and are natural athletes. They are used for everything from hunting and tracking to rescue. Goldens are known for their kind, friendly, and confident demeanor, a selling point for their breed. Goldens are super easy to train. They love pleasing their masters, taking instructions, and learning new things. They are capable of learning voice instructions but can understand hand gestures too. So long as everyone in the family uses the same words and gestures so as not to confuse him. Golden Retrievers are immensely charming in the way they carry their puppyhood behavior well into their adult years. Golden retrievers are great family dogs, fantastic with babies and kids, and get along great with other pets in the house. No wonder they make such superb therapy dogs. Golden retrievers were trained to retrieve and hold onto wild birds and this is why they instinctively love to hold toys or your shoes in their mouth. Goldens love to carry stuff around as they were selectively bred to retrieve birds. Socialized Goldens are always good off-leash but it is best to be cautious when outside your property and have him on a leash. Because of how high-energy the breed is, Golden Retrievers make great playmates for other dogs. They make great playmates for other dogs and for kids. They fit well into active families. Goldens need, at a minimum, 30 minutes of playtime per day to live their healthiest and happiest. You should probably plan for more! An energetic, sporty breed like the Golden Retriever must get 30 minutes of playtime every day to be at their most content. Leaving a Golden outside for long periods of time often can lead to major skins problems and environmental allergies. Atopic dermatitis can affect some Goldens and things such as dust and grasses can cause your Golden to develop inflammation. Keep an eye out for scratching and lesions. Goldens are incredibly social animals that need to be social with other pups as much as possible for them to live their best, happiest lives. Due to their innate sense of loyalty, Goldens will likely want to be with you at all times. So yes, Golden Retrievers do get jealous. The social Golden Retriever loves his human family so much he feels disconnected, depressed, and lonely when separated from them and he will even suffer from separation anxiety. A great way to give your pup some relief from separation anxiety is to give them a piece of clothing with your scent on it. Because your Golden Retriever is such a people-loving dog, it is far better for him to have a pet sitter stay with him to keep him company. Maybe consider looking into a doggy daycare if nobody you know is free to hang out with your dog. With doggy daycare, your dog will have other doggy friends to keep him company. This is important as dogs are social, pack animals. Also, with doggy daycare, he will be exercised. Your Golden might be used to having food in his bowl throughout the day and also from getting treats from you. Having food available to him throughout the day can cause him to eat from sheer boredom. Speak to your vet about how to feed your Golden so that he stays the muscular, lean dog he was designed to be. Your vet can recommend the right kind of food for your Golden and the right food portions. Golden Retrievers can sometimes suffer from hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, hypothyroidism, skin conditions, and various eye diseases. From 3 to 6 months, they have rapid growth which will slow down by the time your puppy reaches 6 months of age. The whole idea of this slow-grown plan is to ensure a slow rate of growth for puppies between the ages of 0 to 4 months. The slow growth rate allows the healthiest possible development of bones and joints. Rather, give the coat a good brush 2 or 3 times a week. Dogs with folded over ears, like Goldens, are extra susceptible to ear infections. Make sure to keep an eye out and keep those ears as clean as possible. Floppy-eared dogs like Golden Retrievers and Basset Hounds do tend to have more ear infections than those dogs with upright ears. They are often water-loving dogs and the moisture trapped in the ears results in the growth of bacteria. A Golden Retriever Club of America study showed that 61 percent of Goldens die from some form of cancer, a worrying trend. Make sure you take your pup to the vet often. It is thought that Goldens have this high probability for cancer as environmental toxins may concentrate on the nails of the dog. Tests are still undergoing to prove this, but if you suspect your beloved Golden is ill, get him to the vet immediately. Both will cause serious health issues. Chocolate certainly is toxic to dogs along with other human foods. Make sure you do research on this. Make sure you keep grapes and raisins away from your pup. Both can cause liver and renal failure. As a health threat to your beautiful pup, their toxicity can cause your puppy to develop acute kidney injury with anuria which is a lack of urine production. If they eat too much, they can suffer from anemia. Even onion rings from the takeaway joint are highly toxic for your canine friend. There are a few symptoms to look out for — weakness, decreased appetite, pale gums, vomiting, and elevated heart rate. Avos are delicious for us but for your pet, the persin can cause serious health problems and even death. Veterinarians tell us that dogs are particularly resistant to persin than other animals. They tend to shatter and can do some serious internal damage to their guts. Bits of bone can even lodge in the esophagus, and in the gut causing internal bleeding as they pierce the organs. When dogs are overheated or stressed they do breather heavier than normal to cool themselves. Golden Retrievers are at their most active super early in the morning because of their history of waking up early to hunt. In fact, all dogs dream, causing them to twitch and paddle intermittently. Golden Retrievers, like most other dog breeds, have a faster heart rate than smaller breeds. The average is somewhere between 60 to beats per minute. So there is no cause for alarm as a larger dog breed does have this faster heart rate. If there is any cause for concern, get your Golden to the vet. Your Golden has around taste buds, way less than the average human with ! Dogs also have taste buds in the back of their throat, so that food that they gulp down they can actually taste! Goldens usually have around puppies at a time, giving you a massive litter of pups! Some Goldens can even have .This is because of the many scent receptors they have. For each scent receptor we have, a dog has about .Contrary to popular myths, your Golden can see color! They do it to keep themselves warm and protect the belly. Believe it or not, dogs actually have three separate eyelids. Dog experts say that dogs have floating shoulders giving them speed and agility. Just like snowflakes, no two dogs have the same two noseprints. Just like us humans have different fingerprints, dog noses each have their own unique pattern of ridges. Goldens are a quick, athletic breed that can reach up to 30 mph on average. Goldens are the go-to choice for therapy, search and guide dogs all over the world. According to the American Kennel Club, the Golden retriever is the 3rd most popular breed. Of course, and for good reason, as they are friendly, loving, playful, energetic, and utterly companionable. Despite being a relatively large breed, Goldens are great dogs for apartments or semi-small living spaces. While they can live in apartments, you will have to give more attention to their physical and mental needs, taking them out regularly for exercise. Goldens can be trained to detect epileptic seizures up to a full hour before they actually happen. It makes them invaluable for people who suffer from them. Being naturally sensitive, gentle, and attentive, they offer emotional support for anyone with a disability or suffering from depression. Ancient Egyptians loved their dogs so much that they would shave their eyebrows, smear mud in their hair, and publicly mourn when they died. Dogs were kept in Ancient Egyptian homes and apart from being terribly sad when their pets died, they would sometimes even mummify their pets and insist on them being buried with their pets. He also wants to mark his territory and while urinating, in this vulnerable position he wants to send out a warning. Supposedly, the best dog for attracting a date is the Golden Retriever while the worst is the Pit Bull. Anyone though should check out the way a person treats a dog, as they will likely treat their date like that too. Goldens are a popular choice for movies because of how trainable they are. Add in intelligence and you have the perfect canine film star. Goldens are a popular pick among celebrities and politicians, including both President Reagan and President Ford. These people are all achievers in one way or the other, and they appreciate an intelligent dog that adapts well to situations and the people they are with. They are people pleasers and will drool over strangers, but their own human family gets the most kisses and loving nudges to show their adoration. They have a low tendency to snore. Yes, all dogs snore at some time but some are heavier snorers. If yours is, rather clear it with the vet as sometimes a health issue could be causing his snoring. They have a medium tendency to bark, but will often get very excited and bark at their owners to play. If he does dig, it could be out of boredom or anxiety, and then there are things you can do. Before you buy a Golden Retriever, understand their need for attention and activity. Goldens have been as high as the second most popular dogs on the AKC charts in .Studies suggest that Goldens are the sixth least likely breed in terms of aggression. They can be trusted not to bite. Goldens have webbed toes to help them swim better. These are water dogs and this helps them swim better. Because of their thick coats, Goldens are known to shed a lot. They shed throughout the year and that is why it is important as an owner of a heavy shedding dog, to ensure you have the proper grooming tools and to brush his shedding coat three times a week to remove loose hair. Goldens respond best when positive reinforcement is incorporated into training. Golden Retrievers want to please their human owners and they want to learn. It is why they respond so well to positive reinforcement training techniques. The intelligent Golden Retriever quickly learns that good tasty treats come to them when they please their owners. Owning your Golden can make you happier and help you live longer That makes perfect sense, because, in a world of fickle human beings, the constant love and loyalty from a Golden Retriever is like therapy to people who are finding it difficult to trust human beings for true companionship. Their wonderful, gentle, happy-go-lucky natures make them sought-after therapy dogs. What makes Golden Retrievers so special? Where most dog breeds have one or two exceptional qualities the Golden Retriever has many. How smart is a Golden Retriever? The Golden Retriever is ranked smarter than most other dogs and comes in as the 4th most intelligent dog there is, easily managing to learn more than commands. What do Golden Retrievers like to do? Do Golden Retrievers bite? Highly unlikely, if ever. If they are feeling sick or feeling threatened they may nip someone. What do golden retrievers eat? Avoid most human foods. If in any doubt, speak to your vet. Why are Goldens so mouthy? They were bred to retrieve soft birds that their owners had shot. Their soft mouths are able to hold things without the teeth putting any pressure on what it is they have in their mouth. Conclusion The Golden Retriever is one of the most loved dogs breeds of all time. To appreciate them as they are, these facts about these Golden Beauties will inspire you to investigate buying a puppy. Always make sure to choose the most reputable Golden Labrador Retrievers to benefit from all these amazing qualities. My Golden Retriever Puppies are breeders who are a minefield of information on Golden Retriever puppy facts. Are you in need of a sincere friend today? There is no doubt that an exquisite, friendly, loving Golden Retriever puppy is going to improve your quality of life. Post by: Heather M. These dogs are known to be sweet, silly, loyal, lively, loving, and good-looking too. Check out some fun, interesting, and little known Golden Retriever facts! They certainly do love to clown around. Lord Tweedmouth was passionate about waterfowl hunting and wanted to create a breed with superior bird retrieving skills. According to his breeding records, he was seeking a dog that would be loyal, even keel, and well equipped for adverse environments. He started by crossing a Tweed Water Spaniel with a Wavy-Coated Retriever, which resulted in four puppies that had those desired qualities. Golden Retriever Temperament Although personalities may vary from dog to dog, there are qualities commonly associated with Golden Retrievers. They are famous for being friendly, energetic, and playful. They tend to keep their puppy-like natures even as they get older, which can be adorable as well as a bit frustrating for dog parents. They are also people-pleasers who love their humans and like to stick so close by that they are often found underfoot. All of these traits make them wonderful family dogs, but not so great watchdogs. Physical Attributes Golden Retrievers were bred to be sporting dogs, and it shows in their physical appearance. They are a medium to large-sized breed with a solid and athletic build. They also have broad heads, strong necks, and ears that fold over. So, how heavy do Golden Retrievers get? Well, they typically weigh around 55 to 75 pounds and measure between 21 and 24 inches tall. Between their size and energetic nature, these are dogs who do well in larger spaces and need plenty of exercise. As their name suggests, Golden Retrievers have golden or yellow fur that comes in a range of shades. They also have a thick undercoat and a dense, water-repellent outer layer that can be wavy or straight. Typically, they have feathery hair on the back of their front legs and along their chest, back, thighs, and tail. Golden Retriever FAQ The Golden Retriever is a popular and familiar breed, but do you know the answers to these commonly asked questions? Do Golden Retrievers shed? Yes, they sure do! That thick, double-layer coat tends to shed quite a bit, particularly in the spring and fall. If you have a Golden Retriever, you should also invest in a lint brush to keep your clothes free of fur and a sturdy vacuum to clean up that hair. Is it hard to train a Golden Retriever? Like most breeds, training a Golden Retriever takes time and patience. However, they are known to be smart and eager to please, which can help them learn commands and behaviors. They are also likely to respond well to praise and other positive reinforcement tools, like clicker training. How much exercise do they need? Golden Retrievers are energetic dogs who need plenty of exercise to help them stay in shape. An active lifestyle can also help prevent stress, frustration, and boredom, which can result in bad behaviors like chewing up your favorite shoes or damaging the furniture. Your veterinarian can tell you how much exercise is right for your dog, but a good rule of thumb for Golden Retrievers is to get them moving for at least 30 minutes two times a day. That should tire out your four-legged friend. These dogs were bred to fetch birds from the water and tend to enjoy a nice dip in a lake or pool. What should I feed my Golden Retriever? Your veterinarian can offer recommendations and advise you on a healthy feeding schedule. Be careful not to overfeed your Golden Retriever. How long do Golden Retrievers live? On average, Golden Retrievers can live anywhere from years. Some Goldens who have a clean bill of health have even lived well beyond 12 years. Like many dogs, Golden Retrievers like to chew. They also like to hold things in their mouths—remember they were bred to retrieve waterfowl. Chewing is a healthy activity for dogs since it helps clean the teeth and strengthen the jawbone. This can cause choking or obstructions that require surgery. Are they healthy dogs? While Golden Retrievers are generally considered healthy dogs, they are susceptible to a number of conditions, such as: Elbow Dysplasia This is an inherited condition common in larger breeds where the bones that make up the elbow joint develop abnormally. It can be very painful and result in lameness. Like elbow dysplasia, it can cause pain and lameness. Hypothyroidism With this disease, the thyroid gland produces too much of the hormone that helps regulate metabolism. This can lead to weight gain, skin issues, and heart problems. Luckily, it can often be treated with prescription medication. Cataracts Like humans, these dogs can get cataracts as they age, causing a cloudy film to form over the eye. Cataracts typically need surgical correction. Heart Disease Golden Retrievers are prone to heart problems, particularly a disorder called sub-aortic stenosis, which causes a narrowing of the aorta and can lead to sudden death. This makes it especially important to schedule annual check-ups, so your veterinarian can listen for heart murmurs and other signs of this disease. Cancer Skin cancer , bone cancer , and other variations of this disease can be common in Golden Retrievers. Our illness coverage includes cancer, which can be very helpful since treatments like surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy can be costly. Allergies Golden Retrievers can be prone to allergies of all kinds, from pollen to foods. If you notice your dog is pawing at their face or sneezing excessively, talk with your vet. Skin Problems These dogs can suffer from common skin disorders , such as parasites, mange, fleas, and dry skin. Regular brushing and periodic baths about once every other month unless they get into something stinky or messy! Ear Infections Those dark, damp folded-over ears are a great place for bacteria to grow. A great rule of thumb is that a healthy Golden will be a happy Golden! Ear Issues.

German Shepherds can have three different varieties of coat: double coat, plush coat, and long haired coat. The breed standard is the double coat, which consists of dense, straight, short hair that lies close to the body. The long haired coat is also quite common among German Shepherds that are family pets. All rights reserved. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. The most common colouring for a German Shepherd is black and tan; however, the breed can also appear in all black. Typically the coat is predominantly tan with black facial and saddle markings. In rare instances, German Shepherds can have white, blue, or reddish brown coats. These colours are not recognized by the breed standard, but do occur periodically. In fact, the white German Shepherd is actually considered a separate breed in some areas and is called the American White Shepherd. The German Shepherd is part of the working dog classification and has a strong proportioned build. Typically, the German Shepherd is 22 to 26 inches 56 to 66 cm tall and weighs between 50 and 90 pounds 23 and 41 kg. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source It has a narrow and deep chest, and the front legs and shoulders are muscular and sloping. Its body is slightly longer than it is deep, measuring from the shoulders to the rump. Go to source German Shepherd puppies typically weigh pounds kg after the first month and will continue to grow steadily throughout their first year. By six months they will weigh approximately pounds kg. German Shepherds have very distinct pointed ears that are erect. They are long at the base and face forwards, making the shape of a triangle. As puppies, the tips of the ear may flop over slightly, but they will straighten as the dog ages. German Shepherds have a long and bushy tail that hangs down when the dog is resting. When a German Shepherd is alert or in motion, the curve of the tail is accentuated and the tail will be slightly raised. German Shepherds can be fairly aloof and reserved when first meeting new people. However, once the dog has formed a connection with their owner, they are extremely loyal. German Shepherds are usually friendly and loyal to their family, but can be protective if they feel threatened. German Shepherds are high energy dogs and they need lots of daily exercise. If a German Shepherd is left a lone for long periods of time it will likely become bored and destructive. For example, the dog may start barking, chewing things, or digging. Make sure that your German Shepherd receives at least 1 hour of exercise each day. This breed is highly intelligent and trainable. They like to have a job or task to do, and you can train a German Shepherd to do a variety of different jobs. For example, German Shepherds are often used as "working" dogs, helping with search and rescue, drug sniffing and security, as well as providing aide and assistance to the visibly impaired. This is fun and stimulating for the dog. This breed is known to herd the sheep, count them, and keep them safe. This sense of possession make them apt for guarding a family. A pet can guard when he knows what all belongs to him and what does not. This ability helps a German Shepherd to differentiate between an enemy and the family. Protection to this breed comes naturally and that's why they are known as police dogs, too. German Shepherds are fantastic with your own kids and can act strange with the strangers and other kids. If you see a dog that you think might be a German Shepherd and are curious about the breed, approach the owner and ask. It is such a cute dog. I am considering getting one. Veterinarians will be familiar with the breed standard of most dog breeds. They will be able to easily examine the physical characteristics of the dog to help with identifying the breed. A licensed breeder will be able to provide you with paperwork that proves both parents are recognized as German Shepherds by the American Kennel Club. Make sure that you always use a breeder that is licensed by the American Kennel Club. This will also help to ensure that you are purchasing a purebred dog. There are a number of applications available that can help to identify different dog breeds. In order to use the app, simply upload a photo of a dog and the app will identify the breed. Once you receive the DNA test kit in the mail, open the package and carefully read all of the instructions. The instructions will provide you with steps on how to take a DNA swab and then how to return the results to the lab for testing. The kit will likely come with two swabs. They are both to be used on the same dog. Do the same thing with each of the swabs. Place the swabs into the plastic baggies provided. Then place them in the pre-paid return envelope or box. Once sealed, mail the results to the lab for testing. Approximately three weeks after you complete the test, you will receive detailed DNA results. Are German Shepherds Dangerous? They have a strong bond with the entire family and are untrustful of strangers. Also, German Shepherds are very protective of their families and their property, so if you are entirely new to this breed, you may need to reach out for added expert advice. Purebred German Shepherds are intelligent Due to their high intelligence, they are preferred as working dogs in police departments, rescue teams, and search crews. If you think your puppy can pick up your training quickly, chances are they may have a lot of German Shepherd DNA in him! Regardless, you will need to keep them disciplined and mentally stimulated. Can They Outsmart You? Purebred German Shepherds are naturally protective and possessive German Shepherds are extremely protective and loyal dogs, especially when it comes to their families and their territory. This trait will quickly manifest itself as protectiveness when a potential enemy is approaching. That said, a purebred German Shepherd will intimidate a potential threat to its owners and their property without questions. Consult experts Another great way to check if your dog is a purebred German Shepherd or not is to ask experts, such as veterinarians or previous owners. A skilled veterinarian can give you plenty of valuable insight into this breed. They can inform you of the physical characteristics of German Shepherds and their most common traits. A breeder can also help answer any questions you may have about your German Shepherd. You will want to get a puppy from an American Kennel Club licensed breeder. A previous German Shepherd owner could grasp what a purebred dog looks and behaves like. However, this method may be unreliable, as many mixed breeds seem to look and behave like a purebred GSD would. Check the registration certificate if you have it If you purchase a purebred German Shepherd from a reputable breeder, you should get a registration certificate. Use dog identification apps Using dog identification apps is an innovative way to help you identify the breed of your dog by scanning a picture of a dog. All you have to do is to submit a picture of your pooch taken from your phone. Then these apps will do their analysis and return a short description of the breed as well as a match percentage of the breed. Of course, these apps may be a little more than a fun video game and are not as accurate as DNA tests. Besides taking a picture, you can also record a video or upload an image from your gallery. Share your results and compare them to the results of the community! Upload pictures of your favorite dog to our Social Feed and share them with other dog lovers! Have a look at the profiles and photos of other users, like and comment on posts from our dog community and filter them by date or popularity! All types of dogs are supported — mutts and purebreds, and everything in between. DogDNA Identify dog breeds by uploading a picture from your camera or photo library. We use advanced computer vision dog breed identifier technology to analyze the pictures and provide results on the possible breeds your dog could be. Conclusion Regardless of the result, your new furry friend deserves all of your love. Bon is a dog lover and a blogger. He loves spending time with dogs more than with humans. You will find him training himself for the next marathon when he is not writing. This is because there are several other dog breeds with similar characteristics, like the Belgian Malinois, the Bohemian Shepherd, and the Dutch Shepherd, among a few others. There are also different types of German Shepherds , such as the working lines and show lines which have slightly different appearances. However, that does not mean identifying a purebred German Shepherd cannot be done. Test the DNA When you are grappling with the question of how to know if your German Shepherd is original, taking a DNA test on your dog is not something you want to do as a first option. Because DNA tests and test kits have a hefty price tag. The most straightforward bet when taking a DNA test on your German Shepherd is to purchase a test kit and follow the instructions on the package. Package the swab with the DNA sample in the provided sealable bag and mail it for testing. If you seek greater accuracy, go for the 2-pack option and use both with your GSD to check the consistency of results. You can identify if your German Shepherd is purebred by assessing your dog for these coat features. The outer coat should be dense, even though a somewhat wavy outer coat is permissible. The hairs at the neck are longer and thicker, while those on the head, fore face, and inside the ears are short. The paws and legs also have short hair, but you may notice slightly longer hair at the rear of the legs, on the hock, and along the pastern. Coat Color The coat colors of the German Shepherd are varied. The black and tan, sable , black and red, bi-color, and solid black variants are among the most common German Shepherd coat colors. The AKC advocates for strong-rich colors and disqualifies blue , livers, white , and faded German Shepherd coat colors even though GSDs with these colors can still be registered. Variations in German Shepherd coat standards should suggest the need to consider more than just the coat type and fur patterns when trying to make out if your German Shepherd is an original. Some of the distinctive physical features of the German Shepherd you should look for include the following characteristics. Other features of a strong-build purebred German Shepherd you should notice include: An even built hindquarter and the forequarter. A noble look with a well-defined feminine or masculine gait for either case. A deep and narrow chest with sloping shoulders and front legs. Pointed Ears The pointy ears of a German Shepherd are among its most popular signature features. The GSD typically carries its ears erect, with the ear ends parallel to each other and vertical to the ground. But the ears of your German Shepherd may not stand erect until the teething period is over. If your GSD is at that teething stage, which ends around weeks 16 and 20, check to see if your dog has erect ears when it hears a sound, barks, or gets excited. Note that floppy ears in adult purebred German Shepherds can be a sign of ill health or the outcome of grooming routines. Also, breed standards usually disqualify a GSD with docked ears. A Long Bushy Tail The German Shepherd has a full and long bushy tail with the last interlocking bone extending to the hock joint. The tail is carried low rather than high and is smoothly set into the rump. A purebred German Shepherd should not carry the tail curled forward as though fearful. The curve can be more pronounced when the dog is excited or moving. You can read about the meaning of German Shepherd tail positions in this article. A long and strong muzzle with a topline parallel to the skull. A black nose. A strong and muscular neck with smooth skin and no loose skin folds. Notice Their Temperament and Behavior Your purebred German Shepherd will present as a confident, fearless, and alert dog. Timidity, nervousness, and anxiety are not part of the intelligent and agile German Shepherd, originally bred as a herding dog. Any characterizing tendency to flee and hide behind the owner or handler should suggest that the dog is not a purebred German Shepherd. While your purebred dog will be friendly and loyal to you, it will show some aloofness towards strangers without, however, being aggressive or showing a lack of confidence. That could leave you wondering how a dog registration certificate can help identify a purebred German Shepherd. That should tell you if both parents of your German Shepherd were of the same breed or not. However, the information given to a dog registry is self-reported by the owner or breeder. The registry does not do background research to confirm the details but instead relies on the honesty of the breeder or owner. Experts with extensive knowledge about the breed are mainly veterinarians. Talk to a German Shepherd Breeder To determine if your German Shepherd is purebred, talk to a reputable breeder with years of experience with the breed. Reputable German Shepherd breeders will give you reliable info about: German Shepherd dog personality and temperament. German Shepherd registration and pedigree papers, especially if you are considering buying your GSD from the breeder. Talk to a German Shepherd Owner Someone who has owned a purebred German Shepherd for years has observed their physical and personality traits and can offer you valuable information about the breed. Go for a purebred German Shepherd owner whose dog you like and looks healthy and well cared for. Fulfilled GSD owners will be glad to tell you about their furry companions and probably show you photos and videos of their growth journey. Videos and photos of another purebred German Shepherd can give you specific details about physical features and temperament traits that you can look out for in your own dog. Original sketch of my German Shepherd Willow Talk to a Veterinarian Veterinarians not only deal with many dog breeds, but they also attend to many dogs of the same breed. As such, they have mastered characteristics proper to the GSD and will give you purebred German Shepherd facts and proofs from their own experience. Suppose you already own the dog that you are trying to identify as purebred. Alternatively, you can explain to the vet features and behaviors you have observed in your dog and have the vet tell you if they are typical of the breed. Are you looking to buy something for your dog? Make sure to check out my favorite dog gear below. Conclusion 1. That said there are additional benefits to getting a DNA test for your pup and these tests are out there and readily available. All you need to do is purchase a kit online. Although the kit will likely come with two swabs, each kit is only meant to test a sample from one dog. These kits usually include sealable plastic bags to place the swabs in and a pre-paid return box or envelope. When we think of the typical German Shepherd, we think of tan coloring with black facial and saddle markings. The coat is typically dense and short and lies close to the body. This more typical look is only one of many of the purebred German Shepherd. A purebred German Shepherd can have three different varieties of coats, which are the double coat, the plush coat, and the long-haired coat. The double coat is considered the standard of the German Shepherd coats, although many German Shepherds that are kept as family pets have a long-haired coat. Regardless, German Shepherds shed regularly throughout the year and require regular brushing and grooming. While the typical and often preferred coloring of the German Shepherd is tan and black, look for other variants in coloring. The next most common coloring of the German Shepherd is pure black, along with black and cream, black and red, black and silver, bi-color, blue, gray, liver, sable and white. Other Physical Characteristics There is a multitude of other physical characteristics that immediately makes a purebred German Shepherd stand apart from other dogs. These include: Distinct, pointed ears. This means your German Shepherd is going through the puberty stage, where they are teething as well as growing and developing cartilage in their ears. Along with the distinctly pointed ears comes the distinct German Shepherd head tilt which fans of this breed also tend to adore. A strong, proportioned build. Part of the reason the German Shepherd makes an excellent working dog is due to its strong, tall build. A typical German Shepherd is up to 26 inches tall and weighs somewhere between 77 and 85 pounds. A typical German Shepherd puppy weighs up to 10 pounds in the first month and reaches close to 60 pounds by the time they are six months old. A full, long, bushy tail. This is another cherished physical feature of the German Shepherd. When the German Shepherd is resting, their bushy tail tends to hang low to the ground. Behavioral Characteristics Putting aside their physical features, German Shepherds are largely known for certain behavioral characteristics — both positive and negative. These behavioral characteristics include: A high energy level. German Shepherds need a ton of daily exercise and preferably a backyard to let off some steam in-between walks. A strong sense of loyalty. They can be extremely protective of their families if they feel threatened which means that German Shepherds may not necessarily be the best choice for someone with no experience with dogs. A high level of intelligence. German Shepherds are extremely smart, making them excellent working dogs. You often see German Shepherds doing important jobs like assisting police in drug-sniffing and security and aiding in search and rescue. German Shepherds benefit from training and obedience classes which also help keep your dog stimulated and entertained. A sense of possession. As previously mentioned, German Shepherds are extremely protective and loyal dogs, especially when it comes to their families. If your family is looking for a guard dog, a German Shepherd is definitely an excellent option. Due to their sense of possession, German Shepherds are also great dogs for herding sheep. Your German Shepherd may be fantastic with you and your kids but act standoffish or protective around other adults or children. This is where additional training is necessary to make sure that your German Shepherd is not acting unnecessarily aggressive or territorial. Asking Questions The simplest way to identify a German Shepherd? Ask questions! There are a variety of different sources you can ask about the German Shepherd, including: Talking with a breeder. Find a reputable German Shepherd breeder and ask as many questions as you can about the German Shepherd. Unfortunately, a breeder may not be completely forthcoming about negative information so really dig deep about the breeder before purchasing your German Shepherd puppy. Talking with a German Shepherd owner. Speak with someone that you know has a German Shepherd and ask questions. That said, exercise caution when doing so as the German Shepherd may not be overly accepting of a stranger approaching their owner. Talking with a veterinarian. Veterinarians can provide all kinds of valuable information about German Shepherds. If you already have a dog that you believe to be a German Shepherd but are unsure, ask your veterinarian to give you their opinion on whether they believe the dog to be so. Downloading an app. You are now able to download a dog breed identification app to identify a large variety of dog breeds. Additional Identifying Factors An additional identifying factor is unfortunately the genetic health concerns that come along with German Shepherds. German Shepherds are prone to certain health conditions, some more so than other breeds. These health conditions include degenerative myelopathy and hip and elbow dysplasia. Ask your vet about their experience in regards to German Shepherds and whether or not they think this breed would be a good fit for you. Conclusion German Shepherd or not, there are so many wonderful breeds of dogs out there that have an incredible amount to offer you and your family. Mary Nielsen I grew up in a household that was filled with animals. I believe that my fate as a dog-loving person was sealed in early childhood since my parents owned several dogs of varying sizes and breeds. As a life-long puppy lover, I know a thing or two about dogs and how to go about caring for them in the best way possible. Along with my husband, Dave, I run MySweetPuppy for like-minded dog lovers who want to have a single, clear, and reliable information source about anything and everything related to dogs and their well-being. Answer by Lizzie A breeder must have two registered dogs to be able to register their litter as a group. Then, each puppy buyer is given a paper the registration application form to fill out and send money with, to register the puppy as an individual dog that belongs to that person. Other papers you may get with a dog are a pedigree, a copy of the contract from the breeder, basic care guidelines, etc. If they did register the dog, they need to sign the form so that ownership can be transferred to you. You can apply for and get an Indefinite Listing Privilege number, or ILP number for short, which will allow you to compete in obedience, rally, flyball, freestyle and more, through the AKC. Answer by leslie You have to get the papers from him or the mom's litter registration number at least. You can not get a blood test done to get papers. Papers are a dog's family tree. The dog had to have been registered by the original breeder both as a litter and individual. Most likely the dog really was not registered by the previous owners or the breeder. Have them write to the American Kennel Club for a copy. Blood tests are no proof. When you complete your portion and submit it with the proper fee, this form will enable you to register the dog. Do not accept a promise of later identification. Chances are your dog was never registered in the first place. However, if you want to be able to enter your dog in performance events obedience, agility, etc. There is no reliable DNA test to prove a breed. Answer by mauveme49 Blood tests are not proof of purebred. The application has to be notarized in order to get them. They will go to the old owner who then can sign them over to you. All supposing that the old owners actually had papers and are not selling you a line. The original owner lost the papers on my CKC Canadian std poodle. That is what I did to get the papers for her. But if you have no interest in breeding him or showing him. They are only needed if you plan on selling the dog or you are purchasing a show puppy. He probably did not have any, to begin with. What if you find out he isn't a purebred? Screw the papers! Take care of your dog. I feel bad for him. Here you are doing everything in your power to prove that he's a purebred and if he isn't your going to just throw him away like last year's Prada bag. Grow up. Know better? Give your own answer to this question! See other posts in german shepherd , papers , Purebred Reader Interactions. Buy a German Shepherd puppy that should be at least 35 days-old or 40 days-old. Show Line German Shepherds have an angulated back that slopes from high to low as you go from shoulders to rear end, but the Working Line German Shepherds backs are less sloped as compared to Show Line German Shepherds. Color Though German Shepherds are found in many colors, but the most common colors are: Black and tan. Pure black. Pure white. As the puppy will grow, the tan or orangish color will grow upward from claws to body. Some White Line German Shepherds have wolfish gray color as well. As German Shepherd puppy grows its ears droop straight whereas ears of other breeds droop sideways. The distance or gap between the ears of Germans Shepherd is less as compared to other breeds. White Spots When it comes to purity check, the white spots on German Shepherds have always been a debate. To clear your doubt you can carry a DNA test for the identification of breed and ancestry. German Shepherd puppies do have white spots on paws, legs and upper chest. Always remember that these white spots on paws, legs and upper chest will not make German Shepherd impure, it is normal. Some white spots perish naturally as the puppy grows. After 30 years a German Shepherd won this title again, and interestingly this dog has a white spot on his chest. Normally it takes 2 to 3 weeks for your sample to reach the lab. Once it reaches the lab you get customized comprehensive online report. These Dog DNA tests help you to better understand your dog and provide the best possible care, food, training etc, that it deserves. We hope these guidelines will help you to identify the purity of the German Shepherd puppy. Share your feedback in the comments section below. Also Read. Apart from being guard dogs, German Shepherds are known to be good for families with kids. They are also intelligent, obedient, and loyal to their masters. However, with an increase in backstreet breeding, it has become impossible to find a purebred German Shepherd that retains all the characteristics and features of its ancestors. The most familiar ones are long-haired and double coats. For standard breeds, the coat is often a double coat which is dense, straight, and short hair that is close to the body. Check the physical characteristics Here are some of the features you will examine to determine if the German Shepherd is purebred: Identify the tan and black colouring The first thing that captures your eyes when you see a German shepherd is its black and tan coloring. However, some are purely black. On normal occasions, the tan color covers a larger part of the body and black on the facial and saddle. Well, in rare instances, you can find a German shepherd with white, reddish-brown, and blue coats. This is not the recognized standard color although such coloration exists. The height lies between cm and it weighs around kg. Typically, this dog has muscular and sloppy front legs and shoulders. It also has a narrow and deep chest, making its body longer than its depth when you measure toward the rump from the shoulder. When you buy or adopt a German Shepherd puppy, it will weigh around 3 to 5 kg, and it will grow steadily from thereon. When the puppy is 6 months old , the weight will increase to about 22 to 26 kgs. Structure of the ear The ears of a German shepherd are very distinct; pointed and erect. The ear is long at the base and often faces forward, forming a triangular shape. The tail The tail of a German shepherd is bushy and long. It tends to hang down while it rests and curves slightly upwards as it moves or when the dog is alert. Examine the behavioural characteristics Loyalty You will notice the loyalty of a German shepherd as it grows to know you and your family. German shepherds can be aggressive , reserved, and fairly aloof upon meeting new faces whom they consider strangers. However, once you interact and get used to each other, they become loyal and friendly to their owner. Once left alone for a long time, they will become bored and destructive. This is the reason why they start chewing things, digging, and barking all the time. Therefore, you can spare at least one hour per day for some exercise. Related: How to stop German Shepherd from barking Test if the dog is trainable German Shepherd dogs are highly intelligent, and they can be trained easily. Doing jobs or tasks is their thing and they perform the duty perfectly. A German shepherd can be the eyes of a blind person, help with search and rescue missions, sniff drugs, and help in upholding security. See if the dog is overprotective or has a sense of possession Do you know a German shepherd can herd your sheep? It herds them and ensures each sheep or goat is accounted for. Their sense of possession makes the German Shepherd a perfect family dog since it will always keep your family safe. Inquire about the breed from various sources. Being inquisitive will help you gaher sufficient information about the German Shepherd, and the information you get can help you know if your German Shepherd is purebred. Before purchasing any dog, you should get as much information about the dog as possible. This way, you will be in a position to understand your dog perfectly, and caring for him will be seamless. Certainly, the dog will be accompanied by the owner, and it is good you take your curiosity and approach the person to find more information. You can begin by complimenting the dog and follow by asking if it is a German shepherd. The owner will respond. Talk with a veterinarian. Your veterinarian has more experience and knowledge about dogs. These apps scan photographs of the dog and instantly give a response on which breed it is. While a German Shepherd may have the build, color, and strength of a German Shepherd dog, it may be a crossbreed with other dogs like Malnoise, Pitbull, and Golden Retriever. If you want to know if your German Shepherd is purebred, you should subject them to an evaluation test. One of the easiest and proven methods is to conduct a DNA test to determine its lineage and ancestors. Recent Posts.

Labradoodle VS Australian Labradoodle Labradoodle VS Australian Labradoodle Labradoodles were originally bred in Australia around in an attempt to provide a guide dog for a blind woman in Hawaii whose husband had allergies. When the Labrador, a standard guide dog breed, was bred with a Standard Poodle, whose coat tends not to elicit an allergic reaction, the Labradoodle was born. Genetics play a huge role Show More Labradoodles were originally bred in Australia around in an attempt to provide a guide dog for a blind woman in Hawaii whose husband had allergies. Genetics play a huge role in the look, size and temperament of the Labradoodle. Hello Welcome There's much to see here. So, take your time, look around, and learn all there is to know about us. We hope you enjoy our site and take a moment to drop us a line. New email is AlaskaDoodles gmail. They have an amazing line of dogs that make the perfect pet. Copper is the kindest, most gentle, handsome goof ball ever. I was referred to UpNorth Doodles and have referred them to others and will stick to her dogs for our future dogs, I know I am getting a great line of healthy dogs. Show More Thank you Upnorth Doodles for giving me the best doodle! You were so caring for your furbabies and I thank you for passing along some helpful knowledge and tips to a new doodle owner. You take your time finding the right home and family for each pup and I thank you again for choosing me. I live in Montana now but would have no second thought of flying back to Alaska for another one. Christine M. She was so helpful during the whole process, great updates and flexible scheduling to visit the fur babies! She is a great teacher for first-time puppy parents! Celeste, Anchorage We love our UpNorth doodles so much, we have three in the family: Stella and Ruby live with us, and Sprig lives with extended family. Having relationships with three UpNorth dogs and even more with those owned by friends , The dogs we brought home from UpNorth have also been free of any major health problems. They are smart, loyal, and so much fun. Thank you, for helping us find our best buddies Show More I have two labradoodles fom UpNorth labradoodles, Kinley 6, and Luna 6 months. They are both so smart, sweet, and playful. The puppies are raised in a great environment and Patrice is there if you have any questions along the way as your doodle grows up. Thank you Patrice! Shannon, Anchorage. Email: lazymountainlabradoodles gmail. Here are some factors to be aware of when looking for the top breeder in Alaska: They should be able to answer your questions professionally, and they should be knowledgeable about the breed. It might take time, but they should be able to provide you with the information you need. They are an ambassador of positive labradoodle breeders in Alaska for future references for their customers. The best breeder will always ask you for references. They care about the future home of their pups and will want to make sure that it is a healthy one. If they do not ask, then beware! Do your research, too. Before getting in touch with any labradoodle breeders in Alaska, be sure that you know what it is that you are looking for. You can check out some reputable breeder referral websites to be sure of what your choice should be. You must learn first about the characteristics of a responsible labradoodle breeder before getting one. Do not just go after the cutest pup from a litter because you might end up with a dog that ends up having health problems! It is important to understand the needs of your labradoodle puppy before getting one from a breeder. Final Remarks On a concluding note, responsible labradoodle breeders in Alaska can provide you with a responsible, healthy, and well-socialized doodle that will bring much joy into your life. So be sure to check out their credentials first before going into getting a single pup from a litter to ensure that you are dealing with the best labradoodle breeder in Alaska available! Now, if you are on the outlook for a great Labradoodle breeder in Alaska, then you will want to check out Lazy Mountain Labradoodles and Up North Doodles. These two responsible and top Labradoodle breeders in Alaska produce only the best quality Labradoodle puppies for you and your family! These amazing, hard-working Alaskan labradoodle breeders will ensure that all of their dogs are healthy, happy, and live long lives. You can rest assured knowing that these people care about the health and well-being of your puppy because they will provide you with a great support system even after you have brought your pup home. 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. These days I have two adorable fuzzy rascals around me, that ensures I get plenty of exercise and laughter throughout my day! Legal Information The owner of this site, LabradoodleHome. This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. Labradoodle Home does not intend to provide veterinary advice. All articles and posts are aimed at giving users a better understanding of their dogs. The content on this blog is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. Amazon OneLink. Mini Labradoodle vs Mini Sheepadoodle Comparison Two dog breeds, one purpose: to make your life a joy-filled journey powered by strong bonds, friendship, and unconditional love. Meet the Mini Labradoodle and the Mini Sheepadoodle. Two very adorable and friendly dogs with upbeat personalities, the Mini Labradoodle and Mini Sheepadoodle make the perfect addition to any lucky family. Your way of life, hobbies, and work schedule are all important factors that can help determine which of the two dog breeds is a good fit for your lifestyle.Welcoming a new puppy into your home is an exciting time filled with joy, cuddles, and a few inevitable challenges. One of the most common questions new puppy owners ask is, "When can puppies go outside? They are fun, easygoing, and gentle. Mini Labradoodles enjoy canine games like chase, fetch, and Frisbee, and thrive on cuddles and love. Energetic, friendly, and full of life, the Mini Labradoodles make wonderful jogging and hiking companions. They are known to enjoy a good swim, a long stroll, and are very fond of adventures. The Mini Labradoodle puppies are happy, energetic, and bright bundles of joy. They are loving and eager to please, love to play and cuddle, and are excellent training students. A cross between Labrador Retrievers and Mini or Toy Poodles, the Mini Labradoodle may take after one parent breed or the other in appearance or they may have their own unique look with an added bonus of a hypoallergenic coat. Questions about Labradoodle puppies for sale in Alaska? We have answers. Give me an overview of Labradoodle puppies for sale in Alaska. Love puppies but hate wheezing and sneezing? Would you rather not deal with clumps of dog fur on the carpet? Our multigenerational Australian Labradoodles are both non-shedding and totally hypoallergenic, making life with your new pup a whole lot easier. Friendliest Dispositions Australian Labradoodles are famously fun and outgoing. To help you raise the ultimate Labradoodle and enjoy life with your new pup to the fullest, we also offer the best food, supplements and training help you can find. Mission accomplished! Highest Alaska Labradoodle Breeder Standards Uptown breeders follow a strict set of guidelines to keep our dogs happy and healthy, including age and litter limitations for our mommy Labradoodles, keeping our mommy dogs with loving guardian families, and treating our puppies like family. Elite Utah Labradoodle Genetic Lines Our Australian Labradoodle lines are truly elite, and we work extremely hard to improve our dogs with each litter. By maximizing positive traits and minimizing negative ones, Uptown Pups have a reputation for being healthy, smart, and even-tempered.

Parent Breeds The parent breeds of the German shepherd pitbull mix include the German shepherd and the American pitbull terrier. As these breeds are both large dogs, the resulting mix is a large dog with unique physical and personality traits from both parent breeds. German Shepherd The German shepherd was originally selectively bred from shepherd dogs in 19th century Germany, where it was used as a herding dog. The breed was developed to be intelligent, strong, agile, and protective of flocks, all qualities that made it successful in its line of work. Horand von Grafath was recognized as the first German shepherd dog in .Today, the breed is still regarded as one of the best working dogs in the world because of its loyalty and eagerness to please. The German shepherd is used in police work, detection, service work, and search and rescue. German shepherd pitbull mixes often inherit the protective, hardworking temperament, strength, and wolf-like features of the German shepherd. The dogs were bred from terriers and bulldogs and used in blood sports like bullbaiting and dogfighting. American pitbull terriers were later selectively bred in the United States to have the muscular builds, sizes, and affectionate temperaments seen today. With proper socialization, American pitbull terriers make loyal, well-behaved companions. Lifespan A German shepherd pitbull mix has an average life expectancy of 10 to 12 years if the dog follows a nutritious diet and exercises daily. Regular vet checkups help reduce the risk of health complications in German shepherd pitbull mixes. This mixed breed comes in shades of tan, white, gray, or black. Height and Weight German shepherd pitbull mixes are considered large dogs, with a height at the withers of 18—26 inches, and a weight of 30—90 pounds. Males are typically larger than females. Most German sheppits are lean, muscular, and slightly taller than their pitbull parents. Colors German shepherd pitbull mixes are typically tan, white, or black with bicolor markings. The coat color depends on the genes they inherit from their parents: German shepherd colors: Most common color combination is black and tan. Other colors include solid black, gray, red, and white. American pitbull terrier colors: Common colors are brown, black, and tan with various markings. Rare colors include solid white and brindle. German sheppits shed minimally to moderately throughout the year, depending on coat type. Double-coated dogs blow their coats twice a year. Personality and Temperament Photo by spcaofnorthernnevada German shepherd pitbull mixes are smart, affectionate, and protective dogs that form strong bonds with their owners. They get along well with kids, and their intelligence and athletic stature make them well-suited to agility classes and fieldwork. Socializing and training this mixed breed from a young age will help it grow into an outgoing, obedient, and even-tempered adult. These dogs can be trained with positive reinforcement from an early age to not bark excessively. Left alone, German sheppits often experience anxiety and engage in destructive behavior, like barking and scratching, to cope. While smart and not fussy over food, these dogs need plenty of exercise, training, and mental stimulation to stay happy. Food Needs A German sheppit adult should be fed 2 to 3. Grooming Needs The German shepherd pitbull mix should be brushed weekly, or a few times per week if it has inherited a double coat, to distribute natural oils and keep its fur tangle-free. Bathe the dog once every few months and ensure its nails are well-trimmed. Exercise Needs An adult German shepherd pitbull mix requires at least 60 minutes of exercise per day, split into two separate walks, to remain physically fit. A two-month-old puppy needs 10 minutes of exercise per day, while a four-month-old puppy requires 20 minutes. German sheppits do best in homes with large, secure backyards where they can run freely. Certain states, cities, and territories have laws in place that restrict or ban pitbulls and pitbull mixes. Check local laws before exercising this mixed breed in new areas. Mental Needs German shepherd pitbull mixes need 60 minutes of mental stimulation per day to prevent aggression, boredom, and anxiety. Suitable mentally-stimulating activities include obedience training, scent work, herding, puzzle toys, agility classes, and interactive games like fetch. Depending on the severity, the condition can be managed with medication and surgery. Bloat : When the stomach fills with gas, food, or fluid, and then twists, causing severe abdominal pain. Bloat is often fatal if not treated immediately. Hip dysplasia : Abnormal formation of the hip joint that causes pain and mobility issues. Treatable with surgery and lifestyle changes. Degenerative myelopathy : Degeneration of the spinal cord that causes leg weakness, incontinence, and eventually paralysis. The condition is managed and treated with lifestyle changes, anti-inflammatory medication, and in some cases surgery. Symptoms include lethargy, weight gain, exercise intolerance, and coat changes. Hypothyroidism is treatable with medication. Cataracts : Cloudiness of the eye lens that causes vision issues. The German sheppit is particularly prone to food and skin allergies. Take these dogs to regular vet checkups to reduce their risks of health complications. Use positive reinforcement and be firm and consistent when training this mixed breed. Never use punishment-based training methods because these can cause anxiety in dogs and exacerbate their aggressive behaviors. These dogs need plenty of training and socialization throughout their lives to keep their dog aggression in check. German shepherd pitbull mixes are often available for adoption from rescue shelters. This price includes expenses such as food, treats, vet checkups, toys, and training. First-year costs are higher than subsequent years because of the costs of first-year puppy vaccinations and neutering or spaying, and initial supplies like bedding. The German shepherd pitbull mix is an affectionate and loyal dog that loves pleasing its owners. The mixed breed is playful, energetic, and well-suited to people that lead active lifestyles. German shepherd pitbull mixes are suitable for people that are active, have a large backyard, and can dedicate lots of time to socializing and training the dog. The best owners for these dogs are people that use positive reinforcement measures and stick to set boundaries. First-time dog owners should also avoid these dogs because the breed is difficult to manage without proper socialization and training. Check out these other hybrid dog breeds: German Shepherd Mixes. You can expect moderate shedding from this crossbreed. Be prepared to use a vacuum cleaner often. Most German Sheppits will come in a variety of colors like tan, black, white, fawn, and gray. Some have beautiful multi-colored coats like the GSD, while others inherit the brindle coats of their Pittie parents. Because of its moderate shedding, the German Pit is not the ideal dog for people who suffer from allergies to dander. Is a Shepherd-Pitbull mix dangerous? As we mentioned before, this breed is often negatively associated with being aggressive. A Shepherd Pit Bull mix is a loyal, intelligent, protective, and bold dog that likes spending time with his family. This canine has a calm and loving personality toward its owner, but it can be an attention-grabber, too. She loves nothing more than to run, play Frisbee, and roll around all day. Just make sure that your German Pitbull mix puppy is introduced correctly to small kids. Proper socialization and training are crucial because these dogs tend to chase down smaller animals. They may also have a dominant personality and may try to be the alpha to other dogs. Being raised with other pets will help this crossbreed co-exist with them. With early training and socialization, this naturally friendly and affectionate dog is an excellent choice for a family pet and the perfect companion for children. How much activity does this crossbreed need? A Pitbull German Shepherd hybrid has a strong and robust physique and he requires plenty of physical activity. You can take your dog on a one-hour jog or run in the morning and a minute walk in the evening to keep him in the excellent physical condition and as release excess energy. Without a proper exercise regimen, he may exhibit unruly and destructive behaviors like excessive barking, hole-digging, or chewing on slippers. Remember to keep it slow with a German Pit puppy because his legs are shorter. After that age, you can increase your speed as long as he can keep up. He can also have some playtime, like romping in the dog park. Or maybe play some fetch and let him catch a frisbee so his brain gets a workout, too. These crossbreeds require a high level of physical and mental activity to be in their best form. How to train Pitbull German Shepherd mix puppies The unfortunate truth is that this hybrid is not easy to train and is not suited for first-time dog owners. You need to be a firm and confident alpha , or he will try to control you. Be patient and try not to give in. Socializing him at an early age helps him interact better with other animals and encourages a better sense of adaptability in the dog. Socialization also fixes anxious and timid behavior and will help your pet get along with your family members. This breed may be intelligent, but he has a certain level of stubbornness when it comes to training. This hybrid tends to bark quite frequently, too, so you may want to include a routine that will help you control excessive barking. Try including crate training and leash training in your sessions. Starting it young is the best way to train a German Sheppit. The best age to start would be at seven weeks old. An adult dog can still receive training, although it will be more difficult. These are the most common health concerns to watch out for in your German Sheppit:. Conclusion 1. What does a German Shepherd Pitbull Mix look like? It is impossible to tell with certainty what the dog will look like when it is a mixed breed. What we do know is that this breed is more likely to have the face of the Pitbull, with a broad head and a short muzzle. As for coloring, this breed comes in a variety of colors: black, white, brown, tan, gray and fawn. Given that both the Pitbull and German Shepherd have strong physiques, it is not surprising that this mixed breed does too. Fully grown, these dogs are large , as mentioned in the first paragraph their average weight between lbs 29 — 38 kgs , so it is important that you have her under control. You can do this by properly training and socializing her. What characteristics can I expect? As with all crossbreeds, it is not easy to say precisely what temperament this dog will have, as it will always be a different combination. In my experience, however, they tend to have the following traits: High energy All dogs need regular exercise to stay fit, and this large breed usually needs a whole lot. I recommend at least a one-hour walk a day, providing you have an outdoor space where she can release excess energy for the rest of the day. By giving her the exercise she needs, you will avoid undesired behaviors such as slipper-chewing, hole-digging or nuisance barking. As long as she gets her exercise needs met, she will be happy to settle down and relax with you. Loyal and loving Pitbull German Shepherd mixes are very affectionate dogs when raised right. While they are good at entertaining themselves, they still love to be around you and make a good family dog. This dog can have a very protective nature. This is due to its German Shepherd relatives , who were bred to herd and guard livestock. To prevent this from the outset, you should socialize her with people as much as possible from an early age. Intelligence Both the Pitbull and the German Shepherd are incredibly intelligent breeds. It is no surprise, then, that this mix is no exception. These dogs learn quickly and respond incredibly well to training and commands. Just as you exercise her body, it is important to keep her mind stimulated, too. You should start training at the earliest possible stage. It is important to keep a close eye on this type of behavior because, if it gets out of control, it can turn into aggression. What are the common health problems? Providing that she has a healthy lifestyle, as we mentioned above this breed can live for up to 12 years. Every dog breed is susceptible to certain health difficulties, however, and it is good to be aware of these so that you can treat your dog accordingly. In the meantime, it is worth knowing that this breed can suffer from the following diseases: Skin irritation The Pitbull German Shepherd mix can be prone to skin irritation, which they inherit from the Pitbull side of its family. They tend to have more sensitive skin, which can react strongly to insect bites as well as to fleas and ticks. To prevent this reaction, make sure you use a high-quality tick and flea treatment. Diet also plays an important part in maintaining the health of the skin. Hip Dysplasia Hip dysplasia is a condition that can begin in dogs as they grow and results in an unstable or loose hip joint. While weight management is essential for any dog breed, it is highly important that this breed maintains a healthy weight to avoid stressing the hip joint. How much will I need to groom her? This mix has a coat that can range from short to medium in length. I recommend starting your grooming regime when she is a puppy so that she can get used to the routine. I do not advise over-bathing these dogs no more than once a month due to their tendency to skin irritation. It may also be worth buying a shampoo specifically designed for dogs with sensitive skin. German Pits are usually floppy-eared, which means they get less air circulation and are therefore more prone to earwax build-up and ear infections. I advise that you get her ears checked at least monthly, either at the vet or with a reputable groomer. So is the German Pit the right fit for me? After all the information you have read, it is now important to put this question to yourself. As you can see, these dogs have the potential to be lovely, loyal dogs that are ideal for a family. Yet they require a lot of attention, walking and training, so they need a dedicated, and preferably experienced, dog owner. Conclusion Here are the main points to consider before committing to owning one of these dogs: Are you an experienced dog owner? Are you dedicated to walking your dog at least an hour a day? Do you have a spacious house with a yard, or can you walk her twice daily? Are you able to provide a rigorous and dedicated training routine? If not, it might be time to reconsider getting a different breed of dog. Do you own a German Shepherd Pitbull Mix? Leave a comment below and tell me all about it! About Alexandra Animalso I was raised to be a dog person. My first Shepherd grew up as I did and wanted to be where I was at all times. I got my second dog as a 16th birthday present, and her loyalty for me was just as strong as my first. I hope that my contribution to Animalso will help others find dogs who give them that same unconditional love. I have worked with various large breeds all my life. The German Shepherd is my favorite. I recently brought home a mixed breed. .Our Puppy is high energy at 8 weeks old. Highly intelligent and very affectionate. I have a large family with lots of boys and 1 girl. So our family is definitely the right fit! In my opinion every family member should have an caring active role in raising the family dog. German Shepherd Pitbull Mix Video Temperament They have a calm nature and somewhat affectionate nature that can be enhanced with proper training. The German Pit is loyal to its family, enjoying spending time with them. Though they may not need your attention always, contented enough to spent some time on their own, leaving them alone for prolonged periods might make them destructive. Since they take on the genes of the German Shepherd and Pitbull, the Pit-German Shepherd mix may inherit their guarding instincts to a certain extent, being protective towards its family and exhibiting wariness towards strangers. It could even be territorial with other dogs and get into a chasing mode on encountering smaller pets. While allowing them to interact with children ensure there is proper parental supervision and the dog has been well socialized. Care Exercise It has a high exercise need, requiring two brisk walks a day, along with sufficient playtime. Keeping its excessive energy levels in mind it is not recommended to keep it in an apartment or enclosed space as it might get restless. Remember to leash it while taking it out. Grooming Though it does not need excessive grooming, brushing your Shepherd Pit with a brush having hard bristles on a weekly basis would be sufficient enough. It might resent grooming in the beginning, so you need to handle it gently and use positive reinforcements if needed, to help it get accustomed. Bathe it when it gets dirty and also check its ears and eyes once a week to keep any infections at bay. Brushing its teeth and trimming its nails are also essential. Health Problems Though healthy, the German Pit might inherit some of the conditions suffered by its parents like bloating, hip and elbow dysplasia, allergies, hypothyroidism and heart problems. Training Training the German Shepherd mixed with Pitbull since its puppy days is mandatory, though an experienced master is preferred over a novice trainer. Socialization: Having the genes of German Shepherd and Pitbull, it might exhibit aggression and biting instinct, for which early socialization is a must. Teach it to differentiate between a threat and a pleasant situation so that your pet understands that a crying baby or playful kids playing in the yard is not bad. Feeding Feeding it cups good quality dry dog food in combination with a nutritious homemade diet would be sufficient. Your vet can help you develop a care routine that will keep your dog healthy. German Shepherd Pit Bulls are prone to weight gain. They also have high energy levels. About three hours a day of activity is recommended. Agility training, hiking, walking, running, or playing around a yard will keep them happy. Check their ears for debris and pests daily and clean them as recommended by your vet. They should not be clicking against the floor. Your groomer can help with this. One of the toughest jobs when caring for a German Shepherd Pit Bull is maintaining their oral health. You should brush their teeth daily, as many breeds are prone to dental issues. Vets or groomers are good at performing this messy task. You should consult your veterinarian or professional pet nutritionist for advice on what to feed your German Shepherd Pit Bull and the correct portion sizes. Their dietary needs will change as they grow from puppyhood to adulthood and into their senior years. Stay on top of these nutritional requirements. Their German Shepherd parents grow very rapidly between the ages of four and seven months, making them susceptible to bone disorders. They do well on a high-quality, low-calorie diet that keeps them from growing too fast. Overfeeding your German Shepherd Pit Bull and letting them pack on the pounds can cause joint problems, as well as other health conditions. Limit treats, keep them active, and serve them regular meals rather than leaving food available at all times. The main colors of German Shepherd Pit Bulls coats are brown, black, white, grey, tan, and fawn. Almost never solid, their coats are generally a mixture of two or more colors. They usually have short thick coats, and this mixed breed is not recommended for people with allergies. They tend to shed quite a bit and you may need to pick up a RoboVac. These pups will require at least three good brushes per week. Brushing will also help to spread the oils throughout the coat. German Shepherd Pit Bulls may be able to handle some extreme weather conditions for short periods of time. These dogs must live indoors with their families. However their size could put them at a disadvantage around smaller children. They could easily accidentally knock over a toddler. No matter how friendly, no dog should ever be left unsupervised with a small child. German Shepherd Pit Bulls can get along well other dogs, especially if raised with them. Socialization early on is a must for this mixed breed. For a better understanding of this breed read more about their parent breeds, the German Shepherd and American Pit Bull Terrier. However, you may want to try German Shepherd Dog or American Pit Bull Terrier breed specific rescues, as they often care for mixes, as well. Here are some rescues you can try:. Temperament: It depends. A German Pit dog can be gentle, loving and protective of its family. It will like to be top dog and may challenge authority but with proper training it will learn who the master is. It gets bored easily. They cannot be left alone for long periods of time, or they can become noisy and naughty. Feelings and signals: Dogs communicate in many ways from playing to barking. Never approach a dog with its tail way down! How should you train a German Shepherd Pitbull Mix? With patience! There are several types of training required: obedience, discipline, agility and socialization. Each is important to help this type of puppy learn to socialize and behave. This looks like a dangerous dog so it is important to train it to challenge perceptions and show people the best of this breed instead. How do you begin puppy training? It will take time, patience, with positive reinforcement, using praise and small treats as a reward for success. So, if you are not going to use a professional dog trainer — Here are some tips to begin: 1 Develop your basic command words: Find the keywords you think you will use most like Sit, Stop, and Fetch etc. It will become its nest and it will feel safe and sleep there. Any mix from purebred dogs, could have congenital health problems. A German Shepherd and an American Pitbull Terrier cross breed could develop: Hip Dysplasia Hip dysplasia is a mal-formation of the hip joint, where the ball at the top of the leg does not fit properly into the socket and the ligaments attaching it are weak. This allows excess movement of the fitting which can eventually lead to stiffness and pain for the dog. This active dog could have hip problems, causing pain when moving. Early warning signs are — stiffness when getting up or walking, reluctance to get up when prompted and its usual walking style can change. It can occur early or later in life. The only way to check is to trace the health history of the birth parents. There is no cure but a Vet will help with medication to manage the pain. Skin problems Atopic dermatitis They can develop allergies causing skin conditions and itching — from grass, mold, pollen etc. Bloat Gastric Dilatation-volvulus Affects many deep-chested, larger dog breeds that like to eat large volumes quickly, drink too much water after eating or even eat too close to exercising. Early signs are: restlessness after eating, a bloated stomach and an inability to reject excess air or food through ineffective retching. In each case it is important to seek medical help! Exercise: This will be a very active dog, with lots of energy and need lots of exercise. They like to play chase and fetch. A puppy needs hours of exercise every day and more when older otherwise it will get bored. It will love running around and adventures but not adapt to small spaces. Therefore not suited to apartment living. Remember: Puppies should not be exercised too much on hard ground as their paws are still delicate so a mix of hard and softer ground is recommended until they are at least 2 years of age. Leash training is strongly recommended for discipline, safety and control in the early years. Feeding: Feed as an active large-sized dog with a recommended type of specially-formulated dry food. A Vet will advise the food type, exact amount, how often and if they need extra mineral and vitamins. Puppies should have their daily amount split into 3 daily feeds. Be careful not to over-feed them as weight gain can put pressure on their hips. Grooming: This dog has a short to medium length coat of hair that does shed but not too much so it only needs to be brushed times a week. A good brush is recommended. Bathing: This dog has short hair like the Pitbull so bathing is only recommended when needed, but not too often as their coats contain natural oil; which can be stripped with over-bathing. Certain shampoos have the double effect of cleaning the coat and protecting it against fleas and insect bites. Chewing helps, so use doggie chew toys, bare bones, soft tooth brushes and toothpaste. Nails grow quickly and need to be trimmed regularly, say once a month, and checked for infection. Their floppy ears need to be regularly checked for dirt build-up or infection. Anything unusual should be checked by a Vet. What is life like for a GSPM? Otherwise, with their high energy levels they may show their boredom through destroying or chewing things and barking. They can make a great family dog. Remember just how active this dog is before choosing one. How much does it cost? Always best to adopt rather than buy if you can. Adopting a German Shepherd Pitbull mix from an adoption center is the best thing you can do. It can be life changing — not only for the dog but to you as well. He requires a low-to-medium maintenance level due to its short coat and a moderate amount of shedding. Brushing his coat can be done weekly, or three times a week if you are the type of person who is greatly bothered by scattered dog hair. Make sure to clean his ears often since this area is common to accumulate dirt, moisture, and bacteria. Nail trimming should be accomplished every few weeks to keep his paws clean and healthy. Pitbull mixed with German Shepherd Health Problems Provided that he is given the proper care and is living a healthy lifestyle, this crossbreed can live up to 12 years. Every breed is susceptible to specific health issues, and so it is essential that as a dog owner, you are aware of these things so that you know how to take care well of your dog accordingly. It is worth remembering that the Pitbull crossed with German Shepherd may suffer from the following diseases. Hip Dysplasia: The German Shepherd breed is genetically susceptible to this condition, and the possibility of passing it to its offspring is highly possible. The disease is characterized by malformation of the hip joints which may cause lameness and ongoing pain. Atopic Dermatitis: It is an inflammatory skin condition which may be triggered by exposure to certain environmental factors such as grass sprayed with pesticides and mold spores. To avoid this condition from affecting your pup, make sure to keep your house clean. Also, keep an eye for increased use of pesticides at dog parks. Skin Irritation: The Pitbull German Shepherd is prone to skin irritation, which it inherits from the Pitbull side of the family. They have a more sensitive skin, which can react strongly to insect bites, such as fleas and ticks. Generally, feeding him cups of good quality dry food daily in combination with nutritious homemade diet would be sufficient. A well-balanced diet covering all the essential nutrients, including an appropriate protein and calorie intake, is vital in an active breed like the German Sheppit. On average, the German Shepherd Pitbull needs calories for males, while calories for females. Its core ingredients include ground brown and white rice, lamb meal and chicken meal. It has all-natural ingredients infused with additional minerals and vitamins. Its main components include chicken, real beef and salmon meat products. Blue Buffalo Wilderness: If your Pitbull German Shepherd has food allergies, this dog food is the right choice for you. It is a grain-free turkey and potato recipe dog food supplemented with antioxidant-rich kibble. This dog food is formulated to minimize food sensitivities while maximizing the nutritional value dogs receive. Wellness Simple Limited Ingredient: This dog food is formulated for dogs with sensitive stomachs. If your pooch is still a munchkin, you should go through best puppy food brands. Senior, gray-coated dogs require different diets. Your pooch takes genes from two parents. This means you could also take into account buying the best dry dog food for small dogs or best large breed dry dog food. Pitbull Crossed with German Shepherd Exercise Requirements The Pitbull German Shepherd mix is an active and high-energy dog, so it might get destructive if he gets bored. This breed love to move around and therefore enjoys doing exercise activities. It is recommended to exercise him at least 90 minutes daily. Their exercise requirement is not just a guideline, but it is crucial that they are met. Without enough exercise, this breed may fall into a pattern of aggressive and destructive behaviors, such as excessive barking, unwanted chewing, and digging. Mental stimulation exercises should also be part of your routine to keep them from getting bored and further improve its social interactions. You can provide your pet with interactive dog toys. While it is true that they come from parent breeds with remarkable high intelligence, you should be warned that training them can be a bit overwhelming. Patience, attention, more time and positive reinforcement are the key components that owners should abide by in training this crossbreed. This is for your dog to learn the proper etiquette at a young age and avoid developing unwanted behaviors when it grows up. Remember to keep the pace of the training slow as your pup is still young and its body might still be fragile. After a year or two, however, you can increase the pace. Moreover, take note that an experienced trainer is better than a novice trainer. You need to be strong and authoritative. Otherwise, this dog will try to dominate you. Gentle yet firm treatment is the way to go with the German Sheppit puppy. Use Positive ReinforcementEven if this mixed breed has a tendency to become stubborn, avoid taking extreme measures. Using negative punishment-based training will not do any help, he might just end up not respecting you as a leader. Make it a regular routine to reward him whenever he does something right. Implement simple rules that they can follow and in return, give them praises and treats for obeying the rules. Training your German Sheppit consistently in a positive method will provide you with pet companions that are obedient and good-natured. Puppy socialization has been proven to reduce developing aggressive behaviors, anxiety, and fearfulness later on in their adulthood. You just have to introduce and desensitize your dog to different people and environments. You can try doing the following: Puppy classes Playing at dog-friendly parks Make him attend doggy daycares The above activities ensure that your dog interacts with a range of fellow dogs and people as well on different environments, which may include on and off leash interactions. Include Mental Exercises on Their TrainingThe Pitbull mixed with German Shepherd is an intelligent dog, and they need stimulating mental activities to avoid developing aggressive and other unwanted behaviors. Mental stimulation activities can be in the form of games or puzzles. German Shepherd Pitbull and Families With consistent proper training, exercise and correct socialization, the German Shepherd Pitbulls are incredibly loyal, friendly and affectionate towards family members, making them an excellent choice as a family pet. This crossbreed can even be the perfect breed for children, especially that its parent breed Pitbull was previously known as a nanny dog. Young kids, especially those under 8 years old, may play rough with dogs and they may tire them out or provoke them unknowingly causing the dogs to react in aggressive behaviors. Children should be taught to love and respect all members of the family including your four-legged family companions. This dog loves to spend time with you and other family members. So give love lots of affection to your German Shepherd crossed with Pitbull and expect an unconditional love in return. They are still prized working dogs on ranches or farms, but can fit well into active families with older kids. German Shepherd Pitbull mix puppies need lots of socialization, training and exercise. They require regular grooming despite their short coat, and can suffer from separation anxiety if left alone. However, when you give them everything they need, this mix can be an amazing companion for experience dog owners and working dog trainers too. A member of the herding group, the German Shepherd was developed with the hopes of creating the perfect herding and service dog. Because of the cold and wet European climate, the German Shepherd had to be very hardy to handle long days in often brutal conditions. At that time, it became popular with military, police, and service work. Early Bulldogs and Terriers were crossed to create an athletic, bold dog primarily used for hunting. This is a practice where the dog would grasp a bull, bear, or other large animal around the head. Today, Pitbulls are still very agile dogs that make excellent contestants in agility, weight pulling, and tracking tests. This mix will be tall with a medium build and a coat that will range in length from short to long, depending on their parents. They will have a relatively long muzzle, dark eyes, a long tail and pointed ears. The German Shepherd Pitbull mix is probably going to be a large dog. You can expect a German Shepherd-Pitbull hybrid to grow up to 17—24 inches tall at the shoulder. If a hybrid puppy takes after its German Shepherd parent, then they may mature to between 80 and 90 pounds. When they more closely resemble their Pitbull parent, then they may reach anywhere from 30 to 60 pounds. Additionally, hybrids may look more like one parent than the other, or they may appear to be a lovely mix of both parents. Both breeds are commonly associated with territorial aggression and biting, both of humans and other dogs. Of course, with mixed breeds, you cannot say with much certainty how much the offspring of two purebred dogs will take after their parents. This goes for looks, health, and temperament. German Shepherd Pitbull mix puppies are no different. The Pitbull was first bred to fearlessly attack large animals and later to work, hunt and protect. This means that they are strong and agile enough to chase after such animals as cattle and hogs. Also, if needed, they can grasp and hold a moving animal with their powerful jaws. They can also be territorial. Furthermore, fewer Pitbulls in the study had attempted to bite their owner or a strange human than those who had attempted to or had attacked a strange dog in the past. Socialization As we mentioned earlier, proper training and socialization with other dogs and humans from an early age can help to prevent a puppy with German Shepherd lineage from developing aggressive behavior later in life. This is especially important if your dog has hypothyroidism in its genes. Additionally, both Pitbulls and German Shepherds are working breeds that are high energy. German Shepherd and Pitbull Health Your puppy has the potential to inherit the following conditions from one or both of their parents: Allergies — Allergic reactions to pollen, mold, and dust cause itchy skin on the feet, belly, folds of skin, and ears. Hip dysplasia Patellar luxation — When the knee cap pops out of place while the dog is in motion. Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis — Progressive nerve damage that results in weakness of the legs and sometimes blindness. Progressive Retinal Atrophy PRA — An inherited disorder in which deterioration of the retina leads to eventual blindness. Bladder stones —Pitbulls can inherit Hyperuricosuria. The urine is too acidic, which causes precipitation of solid masses called bladder stones or kidney stones depending on where they form. Lifespan The average life expectancy of a German Shepherd is about 11 years. Similarly, the Pitbull typically lives between 11 and 13 years. This means that you can expect a German Shepherd Pitbull mix to live to be approximately 11 or 12 years of age. A Shepherd Pitt may mature to be a large dog with lots of energy. In addition to the energy outlet, exercise is also important for this hybrid due to the high probability of it developing hip dysplasia. As a family dog, this hybrid may not be ideal for homes with young children or other dogs. Make sure that you meet both parents. They should be relaxed and confident around strangers, if not overly friendly. Make sure the breeder also shows you evidence of clear health test certificates.

What Vaccines Do Puppies Need? Core Versus Non-Core Vaccines CORE vaccines: Some infectious diseases of dogs are so common, debilitating, easily spread, or can be spread to people zoonotic that vaccination against them is deemed of critical importance. The first three are often administered as the combination DA2P shot. NON-CORE vaccines: On the other hand, there are diseases and conditions for which there are vaccines, but either because of their limited geographic distribution meaning they don't affect all parts of the country equally , lesser severity, specific lifestyle risk factors, or other reasons, they are not automatically recommended for every dog. The Benefits of Vaccines The benefits of vaccines far outweigh any risks. Vaccines are very effective and safe. Their use has notably decreased the morbidity and mortality associated with many infectious diseases. Per a study, there were only .Adverse events were more typical among smaller dogs and those receiving multiple vaccinations at one visit. Vaccine Safety Before I jump into which vaccines your puppy may need, it's critical to know that where they get their vaccines is equally as important. This is because individuals and organizations that aren't regulated, like veterinarians are, buy vaccines from places that may not know how to handle them properly. They may allow the vaccines to get warm, and this inactivates them. Or people transport them and don't keep them temperature-controlled or leave them in a vehicle for too long. In both these cases, the vaccines are essentially useless. Where you get your vaccines matters, and your veterinarian is trained and regulated to administer them properly. Puppy Vaccines By Age 6—8 weeks of age In some cases, your puppy will already have received some of these vaccines before you pick them up. Check with the people or organization you're getting your puppy from to confirm which vaccines your pup received and when. See the safety note above. This information is important for your vet to have to know best how to structure your pup's initial vaccination series, as all these puppy vaccines need to be given in a series of initial shots followed by booster shots. This vaccine may be administered as a DA2PP, which is the same thing but also includes protection against Parainfluenza an important but non-core vaccine to help protect against a highly contagious respiratory virus. If your puppy is only receiving its first vaccine or is a toy breed, your veterinarian may administer the Bordetella at the next appointment. The Bordetella vaccine comes in three different types, intra-nasal, oral, or injectable. Depending on which type of vaccine your veterinarian uses will determine if it needs to be boosted in 2 to 4 weeks. This vaccine is often recommended for dogs who will go to dog daycare, puppy classes, dog parks, dog shows, be boarded, etc. Dog Flu There are two different canine flu vaccines available, each protecting against a different strain of dog flu. If this is the first dose of this vaccine your pup is receiving, they will need another vaccination in 2—4 weeks, depending on which vaccine they are given, for the best protection. Again, this non-core vaccine is suitable for dogs who will go to puppy classes, grooming, dog parks, dog shows, travel, be boarded, etc. However, the facility needs to be clean, and all pups in attendance need to have also received their first veterinary-administered vaccines and deworming. Check with your vet and your puppy training facility of choice on timing, and see this position statement on puppy socialization timing from the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior. Meet some not all other dogs: A puppy can usually also start to meet other KNOWN and healthy puppies and adult dogs at this point in locations that are safe and clean. Avoid: Sidewalks, parks, pet stores, doggie daycare, groomers, and other areas or settings frequented by other unknown dogs. Socialization of puppies is critically important for their emotional and behavioral development, and it isn't just about them being "social" with other dogs or even people. There are many "non-social" things that young puppies need to be properly exposed to early on. Check out our Pupstanding App with its fun, easy-to-use checklist to help socialize your pup. Either way, it's an important visit. This vaccine may be administered as a DA2PP, which is the same thing, but also includes protection against Parainfluenza an important but non-core vaccine. Kennel Cough The initial vaccine can be given at this age if necessary or desired, depending on the type of vaccine used intra-nasal, oral, or injectable. Depending on which type of vaccine your veterinarian uses will determine if it needs to be boostered in 2 to 4 weeks. If this is the first dose of this vaccine your pup is receiving, they will need another vaccination in 2—4 weeks, depending on which vaccine they are receiving, for the best protection. Avoid: Sidewalks, parks, pet stores, daycare, and other areas or settings used by other unknown dogs should be avoided. Shopping malls and home improvement stores can be great places to socialize your puppy without excessive risk of contagious dog diseases. However, keeping your pet in a stroller or backpack lessens your pup's chances of being exposed to diseases. Your goal is to remove any trace of fecal matter before your pup licks their paws or contaminates your care or home. Their booster shots at this visit are important to build their immunity and help protect them from these diseases. This vaccine may be administered as a DA2PP, which is the same thing but also includes protection against Parainfluenza an important non-core vaccine. State and local regulations determine the age at which all dogs must be vaccinated for rabies. See below for more detail on what this vaccine covers against and why you or your vet might want to consider it. Note: Because Lepto can be devastating to both your dog and you it is zoonotic , and also because all dogs can be at risk including even indoor-only dogs and those that never leave their backyard , your veterinarian may highly recommend and consider this vaccine "core," and may recommend starting the initial series in the 9—12 week age range rather than 12— 16 weeks old. See below for more detail on what the Lepto vaccine covers against and why you or your vet might want to consider it. Where your puppy can usually go and what they can usually do after this 12—16 week vaccine visit: Play with unknown dogs: Following this visit, a puppy can usually begin to expand their circle of friends to include unknown dogs i. Still avoid: Daycare centers, fields, and parks including dedicated dog parks should still be avoided. Where your puppy can usually go and what they can usually do after this 15—17 week vaccine visit: Freedom! One week after this final puppy vaccine visit, most pups have enough vaccine protection against the common vaccinable conditions to be able to get a full groom and go to the dog park, doggie daycare, pet stores, and other places where large groups of unknown dogs frequent and congregate. Of course, it's still a good idea to keep an eye out and avoid any obviously sick dogs. Booster vaccinations will be needed throughout their life. The frequency and types of vaccine boosters your dog will need throughout their life are influenced by their lifestyle, where you live and travel to with them, how common certain diseases are in your area and at different times of the year, and a host of other factors. For some dogs and some conditions, titers blood tests measuring the level of antibodies in your dog's system may help to determine vaccination intervals and may be preferable. This is a discussion to have with your vet. Titer Testing for Dogs A titer is a test that is done using a sample of your dog's blood to measure the level of antibodies to a specific disease. Antibodies are proteins made by the body as a response to antigens. Antigens are foreign substances or stimuli to the body, such as viruses, bacteria, or vaccinations, that cause the body to mount an immune response. Vaccine titers are used as a screening tool to determine whether or not to revaccinate for a particular disease. If a vaccine titer comes back high, this indicates that your dog, if exposed to that disease, should be able to fight it off. The problem with titers Vaccines are given either yearly or every 3 years. With titers, there is no way to predict what the levels will be in three to six months, even if they tested high at the time of the titer testing. Many factors can affect the immune system and its level of resistance. Factors such as disease, stress, or medications can impact it, and therefore there is no consistency over time regarding what the antibody levels could be. This could put your dog at risk until you go in for another titer test. Rabies is a vaccine required by law in all states. There are only certain states that allow titers for medical exceptions. Every puppy is different. Similarly, some puppies are born with deficiencies in their immune system, or their immune system may develop more slowly because of dietary or other factors. Maternal immunity is protective but can interfere with a puppy's vaccinations. Over the first few weeks of life, maternal immunity begins to decline, and by about 12 weeks it is generally gone. However, some puppies are provided protection by maternal immunity as old as 20 weeks. The vaccines are given as a series to give the maternal immunity time to wane while their own immune system is fully developing in response to and in conjunction with their shots. Missing a Vaccine or Booster Shot Dog owners should be aware that missing or delaying a vaccine in a series for more than 4 weeks puts a puppy at risk of disease. During the initial series of a vaccine, if you delay a booster more than six weeks or miss one, an additional booster vaccine will be needed 3 weeks after resuming the series. For example, if you miss the third vaccine in the DA2P series, a vaccine will be given and then boosted again in 3 weeks. Note: You may need to restart a series two vaccine doses 3 to 4 weeks apart for yearly vaccines that are not boosted within 1 year and 6 weeks from the last vaccine given. Vaccine-Preventable Diseases in Dogs The core vs. Your veterinarian is your best resource for helping to determine which vaccines your new pup would benefit from and when. They are the only ones who have the medical training and understanding, as well as the first-hand knowledge of your dog and your environment necessary to best guide you. Note that some of the vaccinable conditions listed below can be zoonotic, meaning that they can also infect and cause disease in people. The bacteria is transmitted through the air or direct contact, especially when an infected dog coughs or sneezes. It can also be spread by contaminated clothing, bowls, beds, and other communal surfaces such as cages or kennels. What Shots Do Puppies Need Did you know that vaccines work the same for dogs as they do for you and me? By triggering the production of antibodies, vaccines allow the body the chance to build up immunity to a disease, virus, or bacteria. However, while vaccines are certainly effective, they do not make us immune to the possibility of contracting the illness we were vaccinated for—they just make us and our furry friends less likely to suffer severe symptoms. Puppy Pro Tip: Core vaccines are those which are recommended for all dogs, regardless of lifestyle factors. On the other hand, non-core vaccines are not necessarily recommended for all dogs, and are evaluated on a pup-by-pup basis by your vet; non-core vaccine recommendations are based on factors such as: lifestyle, health conditions, location, risk factors, etc. Bordetella Known to cause a highly infectious form of bronchitis in dogs, Bordetella is nothing to mess around with! Some pups become so ill from the bacterium that they suffer from serious side effects, including vomiting, seizures, and rarely death. The good news is, Bordetella can be avoided! Simply ask your vet about the different options for vaccination—which usually include a nasal spray or a traditional injectable vaccine. What makes distemper so contagious is the fact that it spreads easily through respiratory droplets in the air, as well as through shared water and food bowls that have been contaminated. For these reasons, the canine distemper vaccine is considered a core vaccine. The symptoms of distemper are often on the serious side and range from coughing and vomiting, to diarrhea, seizures, paralysis, and even death. Because there is no cure for canine distemper, the best thing you can do for your pet is vaccinate them! Hepatitis While unrelated to human hepatitis, canine hepatitis affects your pup in largely the same way—by attacking the liver, kidneys, lungs, eyes, and spleen. The symptoms can range from congestion and fever, to vomiting, stomach swelling, and severe liver pain. Like distemper, there is no official cure for canine hepatitis. Symptoms can often be managed in milder forms; however, more severe forms can be fatal. Because of the risk of fatality, this is considered a core vaccine. Additionally, this is considered a core vaccine. This infection is insidious, as the early stages produce no symptoms. However, in the later stages of the disease, a heartworm infection can cause breathing difficulties and lethargy in your pup. For the health of your pup, it is important to start the preventative medication as soon as your vet deems it appropriate to do so. Kennel Cough Also known as Infectious Tracheobronchitis, Kennel Cough is the all-encompassing name given to a set of symptoms that include dry, harsh coughing, and— occasionally—gagging, retching, and a loss of appetite. Rarely, it is fatal. Kennel cough is often caused by either Bordetella, Parainfluenza, or both. Kennel cough is highly contagious and can be transferred between dogs that are in close proximity. Leptospirosis Caused by a bacteria that exists naturally in soil and water all over the world, Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease— meaning, it can spread between animals and humans —that can have severe consequences. Serious side effects include diarrhea, vomiting, fever, weakness, infertility, and even kidney and liver failure. Lyme Disease As with humans, canine Lyme disease is contracted through a bite from an infected tick. In dogs, symptoms of infection can include swollen lymph nodes, fever, loss of appetite, and even limping. If left untreated, Lyme disease can lead to neurological disorders in your furry friend. There are antibiotics which can be administered if diagnosed quickly; however, if you have already received the vaccination, your pup has a much better chance of quick recovery. Parvo attacks the gastrointestinal tract and can lead to fever, vomiting, and bloody diarrhea. Because Parvo causes extreme dehydration in dogs, it can become fatal as early as hours after contracting it. Unfortunately, once Parvo is contracted, there is no cure. The serious symptoms— combined with the lack of a cure for Parvo— are a part of what makes it a core vaccine. Canine rabies is one of the most serious diseases your pet can get—it invades the central nervous system and eventually leads to death if immediate treatment is not administered. The good news is, the rabies vaccine is considered a core vaccine and as a result, most states have regulations requiring rabies vaccines to be administered regularly; simply talk to your vet to learn more. Usually, this means regular vet checkups and puppy vaccinations. This is especially important if you have other dogs or other pets in your household. Otherwise, you may want to bring a stool sample with you when you first see the vet. Ask your vet to clarify what, if any, samples you should bring with you. This article is intended as a general guide for puppy vaccinations. If you have any specific questions or concerns relating to your puppy, please consult your licensed veterinarian. Most puppies should be vaccinated starting at 10 weeks old. Some vets may recommend annual booster shots. There is significant debate on whether booster shots every year are necessary or if they do more harm than good to the immune system. Speak to your vet and share your concerns about booster shots. Vaccines are meant to keep your puppy from catching a specific disease. Just like children are vaccinated against measles or chicken pox, puppies are vaccinated against rabies, distemper and other common but dangerous diseases. However, if you live in an area where certain diseases are more frequent, then there may be other legal requirements for vaccinations. The American Animal Hospital Association and the American Veterinary Medicine Association both recommend that your puppy be vaccinated against these core potentially fatal and non-core not as deadly diseases. Your vet will also be able to recommend vaccines that are the most appropriate for your puppy so be sure to ask. This is why the rabies vaccine is required by law. Once your puppy has been immunized for rabies, you can expect to bring your dog in for a booster shot once a year or once every three years, depending on local laws. Death or chronic kidney problems are the unfortunate results of canine hepatitis. Parvovirus is a life-threatening illness that attacks white blood cells. In puppies, parvovirus can damage the heart muscles and cause death or chronic heart problems. Canine distemper does not have a known cure. Vaccination has significantly cut down on the spread of canine distemper. Your vet will have more knowledge about your dog and local infections, and should be able to recommend one or more of these vaccinations: Lyme Disease can be passed on to dogs from tick bites and typically causes joint inflation, arthritis and lameness. However, Lyme disease can be treated and very rarely causes death in dogs. Kennel Cough, a mild respiratory tract infection, can be caused by the parainfluenza virus or the bordetella bacterium. Coronavirus causes puppy diarrhea. Puppies younger than 12 weeks are at the highest risk for mortality. Giardiasis is caused by the parasite species giardia that lives in the intestine. Dogs usually catch the parasites from one another through infected fecal matter. Distemper is related to the measles virus and is part of the four recommended core vaccinations. Leptospirosis is contagious to humans and can be caught from infected water, soil or other animals. Soreness at the injection site is the most common side effect of vaccinations. But if you do notice changes in behavior, skin rashes, high fever, vomiting or signs of dizziness, call your vet right away. As to costs, it depends on where you live and the number of vaccines you choose to give your dog. Found this article helpful? Share with other dog lovers or let us know your thoughts in the comments section below. You May Also Like.