which dog food is best for german shepherd puppy

We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. The black German shepherd is a rare and highly sought-after variety of the standard German shepherd dog breed. Although multiple color variations of GSD exist, black German shepherd puppies are one of the most popular thanks to their sleek, handsome coats. The pitch-black color that gives these dogs their magnificent appearance is the result of a naturally occurring recessive gene. This means black German shepherds have naturally existed for quite some time, but they are much rarer than their black and tan counterparts. When properly socialized from a young age, black German shepherds make wonderful companions and excellent guard dogs. These large doggos are best suited for experienced owners with large homes and fenced-in yards. If you are looking for a handsome companion that can double as a guard dog, the black German shepherd is a fantastic choice! Keep on reading to find out more about this rare variety and decide if it is the right canine for you. Black German shepherds are a color variation of the standard German shepherd dog. While they may look completely different, these dogs are the same breed, and the black variety is recognized in the official GSD standard. While purebred black German shepherd puppies can compete in dog shows, they are often overlooked in favor of the classic black and tan look. These dogs were later used by the military as messengers, sentries, guards, supply carriers, and rescuers. Black shepherds tend to be slightly larger than the average GSD, and most have a straighter back. When it comes to features, you can expect your black German shepherd puppy to have a clear-cut head, pointed ears, a long snout, almond-shaped brown eyes, and a black nose. Males are usually around 24 to 26 inches tall at the withers and weigh between 65 and 90 pounds. Female dogs are typically smaller and stand between 22 and 24 inches tall and weigh from 50 to 75 pounds. The average GSD can be black and tan, black, sable, grey, red and black, or even black and silver. In German shepherds, black coats are caused by a recessive gene. This means a puppy needs to inherit two copies of a recessive gene from both mom and dad in order to have a black coat. For example, if you mate two sable German shepherds that carry this recessive gene, a quarter of their puppies will have a black coat. However, if you breed a black German shepherd with a sable dog that carries the gene, roughly half of their litter will be black in color. Breeding two black German shepherds is the only guaranteed way to produce a litter of completely black puppies. Bear in mind that all German shepherd puppies change color as they grow. Coat Texture These pitch-black canines have a medium-to-long double coat. The coat can be either straight or wavy and will shed all year long and go through two blowouts — once in the spring and again in the fall. If you decide to welcome a black GSD into your home, be prepared to welcome lots of loose doggy hair as well! Since these doggos shed a lot, invest in a powerful pet hair vacuum cleaner and be prepared to vacuum every day to keep your home clean and tidy. Black German Shepherd Temperament And Character Black German shepherds are best known for their loyal, courageous, obedient, and watchful temperament. Thanks to their protective nature and working history, they make amazing guard dogs that will fiercely protect your family and your home. A properly trained and socialized black GSD puppy will get along well with people outside the family but remain a loyal guardian and protector. They are naturally wary of strangers, so early socialization and consistent training are a must! Although they are working dogs at heart, black GSD make wonderful companions and even get along with children and other pets when properly socialized. An anxious or stressed black shepherd will turn to destructive behavior to relieve their frustrations. As a result, your black German shepherd pup may decide to chew woodwork , destroy your home, or bark loudly. While they are not the best choice for first-time owners, black shepherds make fantastic family pets and companions when properly trained and socialized. Because they tend to get so attached to their people, these pups are better off in homes where someone is usually around to keep them company. Activity Level Highly energetic and agile, these handsome solid black pups need regular exercise to stay healthy and in good shape. Apart from at least two daily walks, your black German shepherd pup will also enjoy running, jogging, hiking, cycling, swimming, or any other activity that allows them to spend time with you. Caring For Black German Shepherd Puppy While they are not harder to care for than standard German shepherds, your black GSD still needs a lot of love, care, and affection to stay happy and thrive. It is crucial to design a consistent care routine for your pooch and keep track of regular veterinary check ups to detect any health problems early on. When creating a care routine for your GSD puppy, pay special attention to the following factors: Exercise The black German shepherd is a highly energetic dog that needs at least one hour of intense exercise every day. Enrolling your puppy in agility classes is a great way to keep them exercised and can be a fun and entertaining experience for them. Games such as fetch, flyball, Frisbee, tug-of-war, and hide and seek are also great options and will keep your pooch exercised and entertained. Intellectual Stimulation Black German shepherds are highly intelligent dogs that can easily become bored, frustrated, and destructive when not mentally stimulated. A bored or anxious black shepherd can cause serious damage to your home and belongings. Companionship Loyal and devoted to a fault, black GSD puppies make superb family dogs and companions. They form strong bonds with their people and are happiest when they can spend time and interact with their families. While they are large and intimidating at first, these pups are loving companions that crave affection and attention. Black German shepherd puppies need company and are best suited for homes where someone is around all day. Grooming The black German shepherd is a high-maintenance dog when it comes to grooming. If your pup has a medium-length coat, brush them two to three times a week to remove loose hair and keep their coat in pristine condition. Use a de-shedding tool to remove loose hair and minimize the shedding during spring and fall. To further reduce shedding, bathe your GSD with an anti-shed dog shampoo every two months or as necessary. You should also brush their teeth at least three times a week and trim their nails every other month. Diet An ideal diet for black German shepherds should be formulated for a large-sized dog with high energy. When choosing the best food for your pooch, make sure it contains higher levels of protein, a moderate amount of fat, and easily digestible complex carbohydrates. Keep in mind that black German shepherd puppies grow extremely quickly between the ages of four and seven months, which makes them susceptible to bone disorders. Feed your pup high-quality, low-calorie food to prevent them from growing too rapidly. Known Health Problems As a breed, German shepherds are considered generally healthy. Black GSD and all other German shepherds are prone to the same health problems, including: Hip Dysplasia: This is a hereditary condition that causes malformation of a hip joint. Affected dogs may or may not show clinical signs of this condition, but in most cases, dogs experience pain and lameness in one or both hind legs. Elbow Dysplasia: This is another hereditary condition commonly seen in large breeds. This condition is caused by varying growth rates of the three bones that make up the elbow, resulting in joint looseness. Gastric Dilatation Volvulus: Also known as bloat, GDV is a life-threatening condition that affects large, deep-chested dog breeds, particularly if they are fed one large meal a day, eat rapidly, drink a lot of water after eating, or exercise just after a meal. Degenerative Myelopathy: This is a progressive disease of the spinal cord. This condition affects the part of the cord that gives information to the brain regarding the rear legs. Lifespan The black German shepherd has an average lifespan of around 9 to 13 years. With proper care and regular veterinary checkups, these pups can reach their senior years in good health. Training A Black German Shepherd Puppy Black German shepherd puppies are highly intelligent and obedient, which makes them very easy to train. These pups are fairly easy to housetrain, and they also learn obedience commands after just a few repetitions. Like all other dogs, black German shepherds thrive on reward-based training and a lot of praise. Positive reinforcement training techniques are highly effective for training puppies and adult dogs and are much more reliable than dominance training. Besides training, you should start socializing your black GSD puppy as soon as you bring them home. Since these pups are naturally aloof with strangers, early socialization is essential and will help your dog to become friendlier to other people. Try to expose your puppy to as many people, places, situations, animals, children, and sounds from a young age to help them grow into an outgoing dog. Properly trained and socialized black German shepherd pups make wonderful companions to people of all ages and families with children. Due to their large size and highly energetic nature, these dogs are best suited for large homes with spacious, fenced yards. While they can live outdoors, black shepherds should primarily be kept indoors so they can regularly interact with their people and stay close to them. In addition, because of their high social needs and potential to develop separation anxiety, they thrive in families where someone is at home often and able to keep them company. However, when compared to other varieties, black German shepherds are quite rare and hard to come by. Finding a reputable breeder might require a bit of research on your part, but all the extra effort will pay off in the long run. Since black German shepherds are rare and in demand, be mindful of puppy mills and unethical breeders who just want to make a quick buck. However, the exact price depends on a lot of factors, namely the breeder, supply and demand in your area, and pedigree and quality of both parent breeds. Black German shepherds make wonderful family pets and companions. Naturally loyal and devoted to their owners, they like to be close to their people and spend lots of time by their side. Plus, due to their protective nature, black German shepherds make excellent watchdogs and will always feel the urge to watch over you and your family. The black German shepherd is a rare and absolutely stunning color variation of a standard German shepherd dog. Loyal and protective of their owners, these dogs make fantastic family companions and can also serve as vigilant guard dogs. If you want to bring a black shepherd pup home, be prepared to: Exercise your pooch for at least one hour every day Start training and socialization from a young age Groom your dog at least three times a week Do you own a black German shepherd dog? What do you like the most about your pooch? Share your experience owning this gorgeous dog with us and our readers in the comment section below! Related Article:. This is not true. They have a large, muscular build They have a fluffy tail Their ears are erect They have a double coat They are heavy shedders They are a solid black color They can be larger They often have a straighter back Their coat can be longer, sometimes with a flowing mane around the rear of the neck , skirting on either side of the body between the front and back legs and feathering long hair on the ears, backs of legs and beneath the tail 3. Black German Shepherd puppies are born black All German Shepherd puppies are either born black, gray or white and can change color as they grow. Their true coat color can usually be determined at about 8 weeks of age. Black German Shepherd puppies are born black and will stay black through adulthood. So, if you are looking for a solid Black German Shepherd puppy, you will want to get her at this age, and not before, in order to be sure she is indeed a solid black color. A German Shepherd that is, say, black and tan, can carry the recessive solid black gene and produce Black German Shepherd puppies. However, both parents must have the recessive gene for solid black to appear in the litter. It can happen. The second way solid Black German Shepherd puppies are produced is by mating two solid blacks. This mix can only produce a solid black litter. The color of this dog does not affect its temperament. The Black German Shepherd is just as loyal, alert, active and intelligent as the standard variety and is not predisposed to aggression. She is often aloof at first, but once you bond with her, she will be your companion for life. Black German Shepherds are also incredibly trainable and are used as police and military dogs, disability aid dogs, and obedience dogs. Look how obedient this month old Black Shepherd puppy is: Just like any German Shepherd, their protective instinct can be strong. These are dogs that were used to herd and protect livestock, and they will do the same with their human pack! In the case of your family coming into danger, have no doubt this dog will defend you. As a companion dog, however, you want her to recognize that not all people are a threat. Make sure you socialize her from a young age so that she gets on well with people in adulthood. They can be pricey Black German Shepherds are quite rare and for this reason tend to cost more, especially if they have the long, luxurious coat. Like all German Shepherds, they are prone to health problems The German Shepherd breed can, unfortunately, suffer from numerous health issues. The number one concern for this breed is hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. This condition occurs when the ball and socket joint is malformed and can result in arthritis or even lameness. This can be helped by maintaining a healthy weight in your dog. Other potential health problems include: Heart disease. Top German Shepherds off championship bloodlines Limerick German Shepherd Age: 3 months 1 Male, 1 Female We are delighted to offer for sale our beautiful, intelligent, well-bred German Shepherd puppies. Born just a few months ago, these alert pups are already showing signs of their brilliant lineage. We have two female and one male puppy, all boasting a striking black and tan coat. Their father, a jet-black German Shepherd with a unique white Mallon streak, is a brilliant guard dog. His lineage includes top protectors from Ireland, England, and Germany, with a sire sheet available for viewing. He also boasts a lineage of show dogs. The mother, a beautiful black and tan German Shepherd, is not only intelligent but also a wonderful guard dog. She too comes from a champion show dog lineage. Both parents are our family pets and can be seen upon your visit. These puppies have been vet checked, wormed, and vaccinated. We are looking for good homes only, preferably with people who have experience with German Shepherds. Located in Limerick. Mother in last picture. She loves exercise. I always tie her to my bike and she runs next to me. She has never shown aggression but usually barks when a stranger knocks at the door. I taught her the commands sit, down, stay and come here. My sister taught her to say "Hi" with her paws. Her parents May and June came to Nepal from Japan. My Japanese friend gifted me with Dixy at the age of 1 and a half months. She is very friendly to every person who comes to my house. She likes to sit beside me all the time. Early mornings she likes to drink half a liter of cow's milk, at around 11 a. She enjoys chewing bones all of the time. Beau is trained in protection and obedience. She is a bit overweight due to her hip dysplasia, but still maintains her amazing personality and quality look of a Shepherd. Beau loves to play in the snow or in her kiddy pool in the summers. She is a very active old girl. She is super friendly and just strives on attention. Beau has three siblings, which happen to be cats. She loves to curl up with the cats in the living room to take a nap. She is currently training for her CDX, has won a few blue ribbons in conformation, and just began Schutzhund training. Apollo the GSD—"He is very clever and energetic. He weighs 85 pounds and his height is 26 inches.

Sabo is a fun and energetic puppy. He was born on Halloween from a litter of .We got him when he was only 6 weeks old. He loves to play with other dogs at the dog park and is really great with kids. He is the perfect mix of a Boxer and an Akita because of his great loyalty to his owners and his colourings and size. Sabo has been a great dog, always entertaining and keeping me on my toes. He is almost a year old and it feels like only yesterday he was a cute, cuddly puppy. It is a cross between the Boxer and the Akita. The best way to determine the temperament of a mixed breed is to look up all breeds in the cross and know you can get any combination of any of the characteristics found in either breed. It is very common for breeders to breed multi-generation crosses. We chose him 1 of 8 immediately.Aldo rode the whole minute drive in my lap. My grandma had an Akita mix, the price and breed did my research before purchasing a dog was right. This dog fit right in!!! He is VERY sweet, protective, and he loves our son best friends! We couldn't be happier with our Aldo dog, big lug! Lifespan Sociability We know that Boxita puppies are incredibly cute, so you might find your willpower severely tested if you go to meet a litter of pups. But waiting a little longer to do your research and find out if you can provide everything that a Boxita will need is the right decision. Boxitas are powerful dogs, with a strong protective instinct that their owner needs to know how to channel positively. This breed is best suited to dog owners with experience socializing and training large breeds. These dogs will also sometimes try to assert themselves with other dogs, especially ones of the same sex. A Boxita owner needs to know that they can handle these situations and monitor their dog closely. Bored Boxitas will often make their own fun, and a dog this size can cause major issues! This extreme loyalty was perfectly demonstrated by an Akita called Hachiko. Hachiko used to walk his owner to and from the train station every day. While his owner was at work, Hachiko would patiently wait at the train station for him to return, and then they would walk home together. One day, when Hachiko was 1. When he did not arrive home on the train, Hachiko continued to wait loyally at the train station. He waited there for his owner to return for 9 years, 9 months, and 15 days. Hachiko died at the age of 11, from old age. His remains were cremated and buried next to those of his owner whom he had waited so long to be reunited with. Boxers are an ancient breed. Along with the ancestors of the Bulldog and the Mastiff, they were used as war dogs and protectors. More recently, we know that the Boxer is descended from the larger Bullenbeisser breed that was used for hunting for bear, wild boar, and deer. By the late s, the Bullenbeisser had been bred into a smaller type, the breed that we now know as the Boxer. Over the years, the breed has excelled at working as service dogs, guide dogs, search and rescue dogs, and other working categories. Boxitas are like a box of chocolates. Generally, where characteristics overlap between both breeds, the puppies are highly likely to inherit the same characteristics. So, like their parents, Boxita puppies are going to be large, intelligent, and energetic and have a strong instinct for protecting their families. Your pup could end up with the coloring of a Boxer and the thick double coat of the Akita, or vice versa. They could also end up with a mixture of the two. Boxitas need an above-average amount of exercise to keep them feeling content. Remember that a Boxita has the potential to become aggressive with other dogs, especially those of the same sex. This is something that you as an owner need to take seriously and be fully prepared for. While your puppy may end up being good-natured, Boxita owners still need to be confident enough to handle a large dog. Are These Dogs Good for Families? They make a great choice for families with older kids who would love playing games with them in the backyard, although these dogs may be a bit too strong for young teens to walk on their own. You might need to enlist all family members to help make sure these dogs get enough exercise! Take your time to keep introductions short to start with, and make sure each animal has a safe spot in the house that they can retreat to if they need it. Never leave your Boxita unattended with smaller pets. Introducing a Boxita puppy to an older dog of a different sex will often work, but you may encounter problems as your Boxita matures. So, before you make your decision, there are a few more things to know. You might want to speak to your veterinarian about whether this is something you should consider for your Boxita as well. The Boxita can escape from insecurely fenced areas, especially if they spot local wildlife that they feel like chasing. They can be aggressive toward other dogs, so you need to stay alert to that possibility. They need correct training from the start, and an experienced breeder will begin the process of training and socializing the puppies before they even leave for new homes. Signing up for puppy classes is a good way to make sure you keep this training up, as well as helping you work out the best techniques for these large and somewhat headstrong dogs. They may also inherit a thicker double coat from their Akita parent, which will also need a weekly brush but will shed twice a year. At this point, prepare for your house to be full of clumps of hair. Daily brushing will be needed until the coat is fully shed. Certain conditions can still affect this breed. Minor Conditions. The Akita Boxer Mix is loyal and lovable, and his bravery will make it defend your family at all costs. The Boxer mixed with Akita is a loving dog and a true bird dog. It has a cheerful disposition and is happy snuggling on the couch with the kids. On average, the Akita mixed with Boxer may be as tall as 27 inches for males and 25 inches for females. The problem is that this particular mixed breed may be prone to the diseases of both its parent Boxer and Akita. Always get your dog checked for entropion, cardiomyopathy, hip dysplasia, and subvalvular aortic stenosis. The Huskita would normally have an average lifespan of up to 13 years, would weigh 75 pounds on the average. Their height would also reach 25 inches. The Husky mixed with Akita has been bred since the late 20th century when both Akita and Siberian Husky parent breeds were relatively common in the United States. The Akita mixed with Husky is generally tall and muscular. They usually have a wide chest, powerful hind legs and forequarters, and an arched neck. Make sure that you get your Corgi Akita Mix puppies from a responsible breeder who knows about the parent breeds very well in order to guarantee the puppies safe from diseases. There is not much information online regarding the Corgi mixed with Akita so it would be best to look at the characteristics of both parent breeds. The Akita Corgi Mix is a very powerful breed because both parent breeds are equally powerful and have a strong instinct to attack their prey. The Corgi mixed with Akita is particularly affectionate and will enjoy spending a lot of time with its owners. Thus, do not leave it for a long time as it might get depressed. The Akita mixed with Corgi is an active dog because of the very active parents. However, you should try to get them to exercise in order to get their energy level balanced. If they become hyperactive, they may run around and destroy things. This hybrid dog is also called Aki-poo. The Akita Poodle Mix grows up to 25 inches in height, lbs in weight, and lives up to 15 years. The Poodle mixed with Akita is a very good watchdog and is very good for families with older children. It could be rough with smaller children if untrained. The Akita mixed with poodle is naturally intelligent, loyal, protective, and affectionate just like its parent breeds. This unique designer dog does not have enough information online, and so it would be wise to check out the characteristics of these two ancient breeds. The Akita was a guardian of the noble lords in feudal Japan. It is an extremely loyal dog that is not very fond of strangers. The German Shepherd has been a good guardian of a flock of sheep in the US since and has been used in several countries for police and military operations. The Akita German Shepherd Mix is, therefore, a very strong and loyal dog owing to the qualities of the parent breeds. However, make sure that your German Shepherd mixed with Akita does not suffer from separation anxiety , as this is a problem with its German Shepherd parent. There is not much information online about the Akita Beagle Mix. Thus it would be good to look into the characteristics of its parent breeds. This unique hybrid dog can be unusually aggressive as it has a parent Akita that is aggressive with other dogs and a parent Beagle that can be difficult to train for many beginners. Take care not to let very young children get near an untrained Beagle mixed with Akita, or they might get injured. The Beagle is an excellent companion dog once it is trained while the Akita is a dog that once guarded the Japanese noble lords. Thus the Akita Beagle mix is a perfect guard dog. The Bull Mastiff Akita mix breed does not have much information about it online. Thus the best thing to do is to study its parent breeds. The Bull Mastiff is a deep and loud barker and has a fearsome appearance. They are excellent at guarding the house. The Akita is an excellent watchdog and can be extremely aggressive around dogs of the same sex. However, they are extremely loyal to their owners. The Bull Mastiff Akita mix has a tendency to be destructive when it gets bored owing to the fact that its Bull Mastiff parent is no different. There is not much information online about the Akita Labrador Mix. The Akita can be quite aggressive without training, but it can be trained by a tough master. The Labrador is a sociable dog that follows its master very well and has a more or less stable temper. Just be careful not to let the Akita Labrador mix get near rabbits or squirrels, or the dog might get irritated and might chase them. This is a natural reaction from a hunting dog such as the Labrador. The Akita Chow Chow Mix is a rare cross. Thus there is not much information regarding its characteristics. It is, therefore, necessary that one should check out the qualities and behavior of the parent breed. Both the Akita and the Chow Chow may be aloof to strangers and may not make friends easily with an unfamiliar face. Thus, you should train your Akita Chow Chow mix so that it can get along with people and other animals. Take your Chow Chow Akita mix to the vet regularly for a regular eye checkup. Its Chow Chow parent is prone to eyelid diseases. At the same time, it could be as smart as its Border Collie parent. The Border Collie Akita mix has a nice temperament, but you need to train it so that it can be better socialized with other dogs and with people too. Keep it away from cats or fast-moving things because it might just chase it due to its high prey drive. The Akita Australian Shepherd Mix is basically very aggressive and extremely protective of its owners owing to the natural aggressiveness of its parent breeds. The Australian Shepherd Akita Mix is affectionate toward children and their families, but you should train them to socialize first. Do not let them near very young children if they are not trained. It is also best not to leave them alone for a long time, or they might become destructive. The Akita Pug mix does not have much information on the Internet. Thus, it is a good thing to check out the characteristics of its parent breeds. The Pug has a tendency to overeat, so you should try to regulate the food of your Akita Pug mix because it might take after its Pug parent when it comes to eating. It is better to keep the Pug mixed with Akita as a house dog and not to bring it out often except if you have trained it to stay outdoors. Make sure to buy your Akita mixed with Pug from an experienced breeder because this rare dog might have diseases of both parent breeds in it. Akita The St. Bernard Akita Mix is a dog that is considered a very powerful and strong cross between two dogs that have strong prey drive instincts. The Akita St. Bernard mix is affectionate to the family, but it hates being left alone for a long time as it might destroy its surroundings. The Akita mixed with St. Bernard loves playing around because of its seemingly unlimited energy, so it is your job to take them for long walks in order to tire them out which is a good thing for their health and keep their energy levels down. The American Bulldog was once an extremely loyal family dog and a loving farm dog, while the Akita was extremely loyal to Japanese nobles in the feudal age. Thus, the Akita American Bulldog mix is a symbol of loyalty. Both parent dogs are naturally aggressive so the American Bulldog Akita mix needs to be trained when they are puppies. The Cane Corso Akita mix has extremely strong prey drive instincts, thus do not let it near fast-moving small objects or unfamiliar faces especially very young children, especially if you have not trained your dog yet. You should brush your Akita Cane Corso mix a few times a week because they may shed a lot. Use a firm, strong hand when training your Akita Cane Corso mix, or let an experienced trainer train them to be obedient to you first. The resulting Akita Shar-Pei mix is a dog that is extremely committed to protecting its owner and keeping him safe. The Akita Shar-Pei mix maybe a little bit challenging when it comes to training, so make sure that you do it with firmness. Keep young children away from the Shar-Pei Akita mix breed until you have fully trained the dog. The Blue Heeler Akita hybrid dog is a rare breed. Thus there is not much information about it online, and so it is necessary to look more into the characteristics of both parent breeds. The Akita Blue Heeler mix may look like a medium-sized cattle dog but with the toughness of the Akita. You need to constantly groom your Blue Heeler Akita mix and to regularly clip around the tail, ears, and head approximately two times a month. Your Akita Blue Heeler mix is a moderate shredder, and so regular grooming is a must. This hybrid dog combines the traits of the efficient and intelligent Golden Retriever and the loyal and tough Akita. Akita Golden Retriever puppies are a loving mix of the aggressive Akita and the mellow Golden Retriever, so expect a mild temperament from this hybrid dog. The Akita Golden Retriever mix needs a regular medical checkup for possible health concerns like hip dysplasia, aortic stenosis, and bloat. There may also be an occurrence of glaucoma, skin allergies and cataracts, so you should ask the vet for some preventive medicine for this. Train your Akita Great Pyrenees mix well before you let it near people especially very young children. This intelligent hybrid dog might prove to be difficult to train, so you need to use a firm and tough approach to it. Avoid leaving your Great Pyrenees Akita mix alone for a long time, or it might destroy your things. Keep your Great Pyrenees Akita mix breed from fast-moving objects. Its strong prey drive instinct might cause unnecessary trouble. It is a rare cross. Thus one needs to check on the distinguishing traits of the parent breeds. The Akita Rhodesian Ridgeback is a little bit challenging to train, so you need a firm hand and a strong approach in order to do it. Never leave your Rhodesian Ridgeback Akita mix breed alone for too long. Otherwise, it will destroy the furniture and other things in the house. Build a high fence in your yard to keep your Rhodesian Ridgeback Akita mix from escaping. Thus it is important to study the characteristics of the parent breeds. Take your dog to the vet regularly because it might have elbow and hip dysplasia just like both its parents. Train your Pitbull Akita mix consistently or find an expert to do it for you. The Pitbull Akita is good with very young children, but it needs to be trained for the sake of safety. The Pitbull Akita Mix is a family-oriented dog, but its Pitbull DNA may make it extra aggressive towards other dogs, even the large ones. Thus, you need to keep it on a leash. The Pitbull Akita Mix may have allergies just like both its parents. Thus, you need to consult your vet regularly for anything that can prevent it. The Akita French Bulldog Mix is an intelligent dog that is loyal and easy to please. However, its Akita DNA will make it extra aggressive, so it needs tough training. The French Bulldog Akita Mix needs regular medical checkups as it tends to have a propensity to deafness, skin problems, hip dysplasia, and many more diseases from both its parent breeds. The French Bulldog Akita Mix can be extremely stubborn and may injure young children so be firm when giving it a command. Thus, never let any fast-moving object get near the dog or else it will try to chase and catch it. The Catahoula Akita mix is rather affectionate towards children and their families, but make sure the dog is properly trained and its prey drive properly tamed. Feed your Catahoula Akita mix with fish oil and glucosamine as well as chondroitin supplements in order to lessen the occurrence of hip and elbow dysplasia. Both the Catahoula and the Akita parent breeds are expected to have energetic offspring, thus take your Catahoula Akita mix for long walks in order to keep its energy levels down. The Doberman Akita Mix is interesting between the tough royal guard Akita and the smooth-coated Doberman. The Doberman Akita Mix may have dominant Doberman DNA, so it basically needs adequate attention, and you should make it participate in the activities of the human family. Make sure that your vet can help you with all these health challenges that your Doberman Akita may suffer from. It is a rare breed, so this hybrid dog does not have much information about it online. One should, therefore, look more closely into its parents. The Newfoundland Akita Mix is a medium- to the large-sized dog because of its large Akita parent and its medium-sized Newfoundland parent. Take out your Newfoundland Akita Mix to long walks in order to give it plenty of exercises and to keep its energy at regular levels. More Blog Articles You May Enjoy… If you enjoyed reading this article, head over to our blog section where more stories can be found. Tricolor, brindle, fawn, sesame, white Suitable for: Temperament: Protective, aloof, affectionate, adventurous A Boxer is a brachycephalic large dog with protective yet goofy temperaments. When you combine the two, you can get a myriad of different physical and temperamental possibilities. It is important to stress that both breeds are very different and can create various outcomes in a single litter. Getting to know both of the parent breeds will help you decipher what you can expect. Dogs that are harder to train will require a bit more patience and practice. Proper exercise, nutrition, and hygiene also play an important role in the lifespan of your pet. More social dogs have a tendency to run up to strangers for pets and scratches, while less social dogs shy away and are more cautious, even potentially aggressive. These dogs are not regulated, meaning that most litters are likely accidental. If the litter is intentional, and the breeder continues to breed these two pups together, you might be dealing with a backyard breeder. Backyard breeders breed dogs together without acknowledging the welfare of the parents or puppies. They aim to turn out as many puppies as possible for the most financial gain. They might also not offer necessary vetting or make you put down a deposit or sign any contract. Many seem very eager just to get rid of the pups. We highly recommend that you use your own judgment. In this case, they are probably looking for the most suitable owners possible to take the puppies off their hands. Both the Boxer and Akita are similarly priced when they are purebred. The ultimate cost would depend on the quality, particular breeder rates, and the area you live. However, a Boxita should be significantly less expensive, especially if it came from an accidental litter. You might also find the Boxer Akita mix in a rescue or shelter nearby. Often, these dogs are fully grown, though sometimes you can get juveniles and puppies. To adopt a dog, you likely have to go through an application process and extensive steps to see if both the Boxita and your family are compatible. If you get a pup from a rescue or shelter, all vet costs, including a span neuter, are included in the total adoption fee. So make sure you are keeping up with routine, regular training, such as basic commands and potty training. They will be terrific candidates for advanced learning, too, but require experienced and patient owners. The Boxita will impress you with their intelligence and sometimes frustrate you. The Akita is notorious for being very dominant and stubborn. Boxers can also carry a few of these characteristics but tend to be the more agreeable of the pair. So keep in mind that you will have to keep a firm hand and have a strong understanding of both breeds to raise your Boxita correctly. Are These Dogs Good for Families? Both the Boxer and Akita are incredibly affectionate and connected with their owners. While they can be social with others, it does take early exposure, constantly introducing them to various faces and situations. Boxitas are known for being slightly aloof with strangers. When you put these two together, you could create a suspicious dog who might not enjoy the company of others. You may have to put them in another room when company visits. Granted, many personality traits come from their lifestyle. So if you acclimate a puppy very early in life, the chances of them rising to the occasion are pretty high. But naturally, you need to know the incompatibility factors as well. Some people want nothing more than to have a guard dog that is loyal only to the family. Since these are very large dogs with high energy levels, they might not do as well in homes with very young or old household members. The Boxita can get along with other dogs. However, you want to make sure that you raise them together to ensure ultimate compatibility. Both parent breeds can be a little territorially aggressive sometimes, so if you plan on welcoming new dogs into your home in the future, well-socialize them right up front. Due to the prey drive of this potential parent, these dogs might not make the best candidates for homes with chickens and other barnyard life. While they can generally get along with cats if they are raised with them, they might still want to chase or play too rough. As the pet parent, you can discern the difference and respond accordingly. Here are some general care guidelines for the breed mix. The type of diet you choose is at the discretion of you and your veterinarian. Dry kibble is still one of the most prevalent options on the market. Wet canned food makes a fantastic topper for many meals and some use it for a standalone diet. Although, it can lead to weight gain and not be suitable for larger breeds since it does get expensive. Some families are relying on subscription-based food brands that deliver fresh food right to your door. These options are generally hassle-free and specially tailored to match the needs of your particular pooch. However, the service tends to be more expensive than traditional feeding. It is imperative to feed your Boxita according to their life stage. In the puppy stage, your dog needs a diet that fully supports their growing muscles, bones, tendons, and organs. When they are seniors, they also need some additional support to avoid potential health issues. Both parent breeds require an extensive amount of exercise per day. Your Boxita will require approximately 60 to 90 minutes of intense exercise per day. You can make the exercise fun and try out various interactive games. They will certainly need walks or a huge fenced-in backyard to burn off all of their steam. Due to their inclination to wander thanks to the Akita parent, they might never be suitable for open spaces with no secure borders. So if you live in the country, you might always find a runoff, and you might have a little trouble locating them. On the contrary, this is an incredibly intelligent combination. However, Akitas are notorious for their stubborn nature. Boxers might have a little bit of this tendency as well. When you combine the two, you might find that training is a challenge. That is why these dogs are often best for homes with a lot of canine experience. First-time dog owners might need to learn how to handle the unique challenges of this pairing. The Akita and Boxer have very different coats that require varying maintenance levels. Boxers might need a few passes of a brush per week to make sure their fur stays shiny and reduces shedding. On the other hand, Akitas are heavy shedders with long, bulky hair. They also have double coats, which means they have blowouts twice a year. As the seasons change, they will ultimately lose their old coats to make way for new growth. During these times, household maintenance and grooming your pup are very important. However, mixed breeds tend to be a little healthier than their purebred parents. However, they are just as capable of carrying any genetic disorders that plague the breed or genetic line. Regularly taking your pup in for vet visits is a great way to avoid problems. They will get to know their vet well in their first year of life. Since there is no true way to know for sure what ailments your Boxita might have, here are some health issues that can crop up in both parent breeds. Minor Conditions. It all boils down to the personalities of both the Akita Boxer Mix and the other pets in the family. For instance, the Akita parent breed has a very high prey drive. This means they tend to pursue prey and this trait may extend to your cats and others pets too, so a Boxita owner should take proper care to manage and control the mix to keep other pets safe. Make each socialization session short in the beginning, and make sure all the pets have their own safe place where they can find refuge if need be. Avoid leaving your Akita Boxer Mix alone with cats and other animals. Raising a Boxita with other dogs in the home can be a challenging process since they might not get along well with them, particularly if they are of the same sex. Socializing a Boxer Akita puppy with older dogs of the other sex might work, but you can expect some issues as your mixed breed dog grows. However, both parent breeds can be stubborn , so the Boxita is not the best choice for first time owners. With their stubbornness, housetraining may also be a challenge. The good news is that it is still possible to successfully train your Boxita puppy, especially if you start early. Start training your puppy immediately using positive reinforcements like treats, praise and other rewards. Besides housetraining, you want to teach your Boxer Akita to be an obedient dog. Start with teaching your puppy to see you as the pack leader. That way, your puppy will learn to feel safe and secure knowing that you are in charge. If your pup shows aggressive behavior towards cats and other dogs, try and keep him inside a secure, fenced-in yard from puppyhood. Introduce your puppy to different people, animals, and situations early in their life. Give them treats and other rewards for displaying good behavior. That way, your Boxita will learn to be friendly and calm around people and other dogs. Exercise Needs The Boxita is a high-energy dog who enjoys playtime and requires at least one hour of exercise each day. Daily walks, playtime and regular trips to the dog park can help meet the exercise needs of an Akita Boxer Mix. Other recommended activities include swimming, obstacle courses and agility training. If you do not give these lively dogs enough exercise to burn any excess energy, they might develop behavioral issues. Intelligent dogs like the Boxita also need interactive dog toy s to kill boredom and keep them mentally stimulated. Since this dog has a fine, short coat, he does not require much maintenance. Brushing their coat at least twice per week should be enough to minimize the shedding and keep their coat and skin healthy. Bathing can be done with a mild doggie shampoo only when necessary and not too frequently because it removes the protective oils that keeps their skin healthy. When not bathing your pup, wipe them clean using quality deodorizing wipes for dogs. Since their floppy ears are vulnerable to ear infections, you need to check them regularly and clean them as needed. If you notice redness, excessive moisture or wax, or anything else that looks strange, make sure to consult your vet. Practicing proper dental hygiene for dogs will help prevent harmful dental diseases in the future. Brushing their teeth regularly is recommended. You can also buy quality dental chews for your dog or ask your vet to help you create a custom dental care program for your puppy. Nail trimming can be done monthly to prevent the nails from getting too long.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. Do you want to learn how to exhaust a German Shepherd to tire them out so you can stop feeling worn out and stressed? So, how do they do it? They use essential dog skills, which you can learn easily right here. Below, I will show you exactly how to exhaust a German Shepherd even a puppy to not only tire them out… But to calm them down, too. German Shepherds have one of the highest exercise needs and are considered not only athletic but highly intelligent. These two traits, coupled together, make for a breed that may seem hyper and overactive. Some might even refer to their dog as having ADHD. Instead, they probably need a more creative daily routine to help them meet their breed-specific needs. Can you teach your German Shepherd how to be calm? Calm is hard to train a German Shepherd to perform on command. Being calm is a learned behavior that takes time to master and requires daily interaction and ongoing training to perfect. How to Exhaust a German Shepherd Learning how to tire out and exhaust a German Shepherd is a process that you can learn. But it does require time, effort, and grit. Stick with the program for a few months to see the best effects. Your German Shepherd is a well-muscled athlete whose body structure is designed for endurance. Think you can outrun and outdistance your German Shepherd? Never forget that your dog is first and foremost an athlete and must be challenged regularly and exercised in a variety of ways daily. Instead of focusing on walking your German Shepherd, consider all of the options you can introduce to your working breed dog. Follow these steps for a rounded exercise plan: For puppies, let them enjoy off-leash exploration in your yard or use a long line leash in a safe area and encourage them to explore at least 20 minutes daily For adults, try hill walking to increase muscle, or using fallen logs, tree stumps, and other natural obstacles and having your dog move around and jump over them to improve coordination and balance Find a physical game your dog loves, such as tug, and play it for an extra 15 minutes in the morning and evening Offer them mind games, described below, to have them use up their mental energy Find new activities to enjoy together with your German Shepherd, such as backyard agility or dog parkour You can create a breed-based exercise program that includes a variety of physical movements, like the German Shepherd exercise routine found here , to help you learn new exercises that engage your dog. When they master one of the mind games, you can increase the difficulty with a different and harder challenge. Exhausting their mind through mental challenges encourages calm, thoughtful play. Playing mind games also includes: reduces boredom are great for small spaces are perfect for bad weather days increase confidence and problem-solving skills Mental stimulation and mental exercise are best played 2 to 3 times daily for 5 to 10 minutes each session. Add in a mental enrichment session in the morning before you leave for the day and after their last walk to help calm them down for the evening. Wondering what mind games your dog will like? Or, how about learning how to play these fun mind games for German Shepherds to reduce boredom? You can always find new toys your German Shepherd will love for some exciting games together! Step 3: Let them sniff to calm themselves. Are you guilty of pulling your German Shepherd along on their leash outside, rushing them through the routine, and hurrying them along? Did you know that sniffing is exhausting work for your German Shepherd because they have to mentally process the source of the smell? Compared to the meager 5 million olfactory receptors in our human nose, German Shepherds have around million scent receptors source! Sniff to Calm Routine Try adding in more time to simply let your dog sniff and enjoy the smells around them. Try this sniffing routine to help calm a hyper German Shepherd: Set aside at least 15 minutes of your walk for sniffing. You can split this time during the beginning, middle, or end of the walk as you see fit. You can even visit a new path or trail to allow your dog to follow their nose for different scents. If you want to let your dog off-leash to sniff but keep them safe and close, then consider using a long line leash that allows your German Shepherd to sniff around freely while staying safe and nearby. Step 4: Encourage appropriate daily chewing. Chewing is actually beneficial to hyper, overexcited German Shepherds that need to calm down. Kong toys to the rescue! When they become too hyper, focus their attention on the Kong toy. I love to keep multiple stuffed Kong toys in my freezer. Freezing the Kongs increases the time it takes for my German Shepherd to earn her meal, so she stays calmer for longer, and working for her food tires her out. Feed your German Shepherd from a Kong toy for at least 1 of their daily meals to give them an outlet for their hyper energy. This is one of the daily essentials that I use to help exhaust my German Shepherd. Kong toys for German Shepherds are an essential item when tiring out your dog. The guide not only shows the most durable Kong toys, so you spend less money, but also the exact ways to use the Kong to prevent and lessen unwanted behavior issues. If you want an even more chewing variety, then choose from this list of German Shepherd Toys for Bored Chewers. Step 5: Build and practice new tricks and training skills. Or, do they only know their commands inside the house? Do you train your German Shepherd daily? Spend at least 10 minutes a day, preferably broken up into smaller minute fragments spread throughout the day, working on polishing up their old skills and learning new tricks. If you need a refresher on the basics, you can get step-by-step instructions here: German Shepherd beginner obedience at home. Even more tiring for your German Shepherd? Take them to different, safe areas on a leash, work on what they know, and see how well they perform. Start in your home, then try different rooms, in the backyard, front yard, or while on your daily walks. You can then see what you can polish up or add to their skill set. The German Shepherd is a dog built for endurance, athleticism, and tireless work. Every week, you add just a few more minutes of running to your routine. The same is true for trying to tire your German Shepherd through physical exercise alone. What adding more exercise does is simply build a more powerful and athletic German Shepherd. Your German Shepherd is more than a well-oiled athletic machine. Give all their senses a workout to truly tire out your German Shepherd. The best way to exhaust a German Shepherd depends on their age, health, and unique personality. But, as a general rule, you can use the following exercise formula to help you exhaust and tire out your German Shepherd. Adult healthy German Shepherds need a minimum of 60 minutes of physical exercise, but most adult German Shepherds do best with minutes of exercise, split throughout the day. This time should include about 15 to 30 minutes of high-intensity physical activity, such as tug or off-leash running. Also, include at least 15 to 30 minutes of mental activity and brain training, a daily chewing session preferably with a food-filled frozen Kong. And last but definitely NOT least, set aside 15 to 20 minutes of your day or longer to enjoy one-on-one time with your German Shepherd to help them bond with you. Exhausting and tiring out your German Shepherd means a complete and balanced routine that you perform daily over a long period of time. Consider that your German Shepherd puppy might not need you to exhaust them if they seem too hyper and wound up. Puppies need lots of sleep and rest and may act wild, crazy, and uncontrollable when what they really need is a quiet place to rest and get a nap. Always give your puppy the opportunity to find a place where they can rest, away from the bustle of the family. Many German Shepherd puppy owners have had success feeding their dogs a stuffed Kong in their crates or beds when they have a lot of energy, which encourages calmness and helps them to tire while in their resting place. Try giving your hyper German Shepherd puppy a frozen Kong to help with teething and give them an outlet for their hyper energy or a way to help calm themselves and drift off to sleep. Running your puppy while their bones are not fully fused can cause lifelong damage and put them in pain. Your German Shepherd puppy needs the right amount and type of exercise for their age. Examples of good exercise for German Shepherd puppies include: playing with other dogs and puppies of similar energy levels while supervised self-directed play indoors and out in safe areas short walks that gradually lengthen over time, preferably on grass As your puppy grows, you can slowly introduce more activities, such as going up and down stairs, jumping onto soft surfaces, and swimming. Try the following routine when looking for safe exercises for your German Shepherd puppy. The workouts listed in the post work on the essential physical movements your puppy needs to master while protecting his or her soft joints. There are more fun games to tire out your German Shepherd here you might miss out on! A properly stuffed and frozen food-filled Kong can keep a dog busy for minutes or more while tiring out their minds. And puzzle games will provide your German Shepherd with a way to work out when the weather is less than ideal to release some of their energy and improve their problem-solving skills. In other words: Tiring out and calming a German Shepherd requires a healthy balance of both mind and body exercise. Knowing how to exhaust a German Shepherd means thinking smarter, not harder. Spend time not only with physical movements but also with mental enrichment, as well as their innate desire to chew and sniff. While it takes some time to see the benefits of adding these tips into your daily life, the new routine will give you more freedom with your German Shepherd and help prevent annoying behaviors. They might seem tired the first few days, but German Shepherds have extraordinary athletic abilities and are known for their quickness to adapt. The end result of all your running and jogging? A German Shepherd is capable of learning almost anything, even being calm. How awesome is that? Catherine Krasavin, BS Hons. She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. Mar 10, German shepherd dogs are an active breed. If you live with one, you know what we mean. As working dogs, they are high energy and have lots of brain power, too. And even then, as long as they have the ability, they still love to have fun and play well into their senior years. Since German shepherds were bred to work all day, they have lots of stamina. Built for herding and guarding livestock, they have plenty of energy to burn. They can easily get destructive, frustrated, develop anxieties, and even get depressed. Bored German shepherds are unfulfilled, unhappy dogs. The age a German shepherd begins to slow down is unique to the individual dog. The energy level expended in these sessions will lessen as the dog ages, their physical condition declines, or they develop orthopedic problems, etc. By the time a German shepherd reaches 8 — 10 years old, they are usually content to play, roam around the yard, go for a short walk, enjoy the outdoors, or go for a car ride. Taking them out for several short sessions several times a day is better than 1 — 2 long sessions. Some experts suggest exercising your puppy 5 minutes for each month of age several times per day. So, if your puppy is 4 months old, you would go for a minute walk several times a day rather than one power walk for an hour. Training Training your puppy will also help tire them out. You can also burn off energy by reinforcing training throughout the day. By doing things like having your puppy sit and wait for food, sit at the door before they go outside, or sit before you hand them a toy, you can work in the type of training that will also help calm them down. By exposing your puppy to new people, places, scents, noises, and animals, you will help them grow up into a confident dog that is free from fear and anxiety while burning up some of that puppy energy. Things like stuffed Kongs, puzzle toys, chew toys, snuffle mats, games, problem-solving like finding treats , scented toys, and more are all fun and help burn off steam so they can relax. Teach your Puppy to Relax or Settle Down Did you know you can also teach your puppy to relax and settle down? But, at the end of the day, your puppy can learn to chill out for a while. You can do this by marking calm behavior with a verbal command. Other tips for calming a high-energy puppy include: Crate training Confining to an exercise pen Mental games, such as sniffing and finding things Treat dispensing toys Switching out toys Calming the environment To recap, German shepherds, are working dogs that have lots of energy. They will be active from the day they come home and remain so well into their adult years years old. The age they begin to slow down depends upon the dog, their overall health, breeding, drive, etc. You can expect your adult dog to start becoming calmer around 6 years old. But even senior dogs continue to enjoy activities that they are physically able to do. After all those needs are met, you can teach your puppy how to relax and be calm. We hope you found this information helpful. As always, please feel free to share with your friends. Of course, all dogs have varying temperaments and some are more active than others, but all dogs are capable of learning to chill. Teaching a dog to relax begins the first day you bring them into your home. One of the most important things you can do to raise a calm and relaxed dog is to be calm and relaxed yourself. No, it simply means if you raise your pup in a predictable, stable environment, you will help them to be more calm and relaxed in their daily life. Reduce Stress Dogs are a product of their environment and will feed off the energy in a home. If you live in a stressful or unstable environment, it will be much harder or even impossible to teach a dog to be calm because other people in the home are not calm. Chronic stress can cause dogs to be distressed, which may result in anxiety or other behavior problems. When dogs suffer from stress, they begin to focus on what is causing them stress. Dogs can actually regress in their training, begin urinating in the house, suffer a decrease in appetite, and exhibit other negative behaviors due to stress. Stress in dogs can cause nervous behavior, anxiety, destructive chewing, and other behavior problems. By staying calm, positive, consistent, predictable in speech and behavior, kind, and loving, you create an environment that is less stressful and nurturing. Other things that can cause pets stress at home is a sudden change in routine, a new pet, a death in the family, illness of owner of the dog, house guests, new furniture, remodeling, changes in the neighborhood, construction, or a move. This type of stress is usually short lived and can be worked through by following the rest of the tips in this article and giving your dog extra support. Stable Routine By creating a stable routine for your pet, you help set them up for success, which instills calmness in them. If you can follow a regular schedule most of the time, your dog will quickly learn what is expected of them all the time. For instance, if you feed your dog on a regular schedule, it makes bathroom breaks more predictable and easier. Dogs excel when the activities of daily living are predictable. Exercise and Play Time Each dog is different but each dog needs the appropriate amount of exercise and play time. You can help your dog to be calm and relaxed by knowing your breed and providing it with what it needs to be fulfilled and happy. If you have a French bulldog, your pup will need far less exercise than an active German shepherd. The same as with a young puppy that will need to burn off more steam than a senior couch potato. A sad fact is, many dogs end up in shelters because they are brought into homes where their physical needs cannot be met. To prevent this, research the breed before buying. Or, now that you own the dog, take the time to provide them with enough exercise and unstructured play. Each dog requires different amounts of energy for their breed, age, life stage, and health. For example, some little dogs get enough exercise just by playing indoors while other little dogs, such as a jack russell, need long sessions of physical exertion. Taking the time to exercise and play with your dog is a great bonding time and will improve all aspects of your relationship with your pet thus making them calmer and more relaxed. Training Another very important aspect of raising a calm and relaxed dog is training them. This seems like a basic concept but many frustrated owners find daily life getting in the way of training time. When this happens, dogs can soon run amuck, begin entertaining themselves, or start behaving in not so great of ways. Training is important as it teaches the dog exactly what is expected of them, which instills a calm and relaxed mindset. Training also provides a dog with mental stimulation, and will burn up some of their physical energy. Teaching your dog how to behave in the house, basic obedience skills, how to walk on a leash, how to act in public, etc. Important things to teach your pet that will help them be calm are to go to their place a spot where they rest in the house , to be comfortable in a crate a great skill in case of emergency, hospital stay, travel, or to keep them safe , and to control their impulses. By providing your dog mental and physical stimulation during their training sessions, you teach them to relax and entertain themselves. For instance, when you train your dog to go to their place, if you give them a chew to keep them busy, they expend some energy focusing on their chew, which is also their reward. Hence, the place becomes something they look forward to. In Conclusion: All the steps in this article may seem basic but when taken together, they are important to the overall health and wellbeing of your dog. They will also be more confident, better behaved, less anxious in new situations, when major changes occur, and can fit better into different environments, making it easier to take them on trips or to the vet. We hope you found this information helpful. Please pass along to your family and friends. If a hyper dog gives you anxiety, it could make your dog even more agitated. Some of the things you can do to signal your calm demeanor are as follows: Lower your voice — Speaking in a low baritone makes your calmness more noticeable to a German Shepherd. Minimize physical movement — Do not wave your arms or move too much when getting your GSD to calm down. Your physical stillness can inspire internal peace in your dog. The goal of you being calm and showing it to your German Shepherd is to get him to control the excess energy. But if you do this step right, step 2 will be safer. In either case, your dog is not in an ideal state to exercise around the public. As long as you have a backyard, you can let the German Shepherd Dog run around, exhaust at least some of his pent-up energy, and then take him on a long walk. But if you have the German Shepherd as an apartment dog and neglect his exercise, getting him to calm down safely can be rough. Look into getting him a physically engaging dog toy and let him play with it while you sit next to him, calm as a cucumber. Do Not Reward Hyper Behavior German Shepherd puppies are cute and manageable, making owners inadvertently condition them to be hyper. When you come back home, your dog is likely to be excited. Your puppy might jump on you, and you might pat him. This transaction rewards the dog for being hyper, reinforcing the behavior. And as the puppy grows, you have to reckon with the consequences of having a large dog trained to be over-energetic. Treat your German Shepherd puppy as a fully grown large dog when setting boundaries. And regardless of whether your GSD is a puppy or an adult, you can always start holding back on rewarding behavior when the dog is hyper. Usually, attention is the unintentional reward humans give when a dog is hyper. To avoid rewarding a German Shepherd for being too energetic, you should ignore him when he starts acting up. Reward the Dog With Attention For Being Calm If you ignore your German Shepherd unless he is barking or displaying hyper behavior, you might unintentionally incentivize him to be more excitable. Even negative attention can be satisfying to a GSD that is usually ignored. And when a large dog crosses a certain threshold of hyperactivity, you cannot afford to ignore it. When All Else Fails: Use Calming Products As mentioned earlier, rewarding the dog while progressively getting calmer can instill the importance of being relaxed in your canine. If all of the previous natural techniques fail, you can try calming products. Usually, these products are meant to help the dog feel less anxious around loud noises like thunder or fireworks or help with separation anxiety and travel sickness. Some of the most effective calming products on Amazon for GSDs are: Zesty Paws Calming Dog Chews — Calming chews work unbelievably on German Shepherds because they have over 40x the scent perception capacity as humans. These soft chews help with hyperactive and aggressive behavior. It releases oxytocin and helps the dog calm down when it is anxious. This study of 32 dogs found that aromatherapy diffused lavender odor for canine travel-induced excitement calmed the dogs down. Speak with a low baritone voice and drawn-out words to soothe the dog and reward him for calming down. You may use products like a calming jacket, scent, or calming chews if needed. Above all, the most healthy way to calm your GSD is to spend time with him and give him plenty of exercise to exhaust that excess energy. Below, I will mention a number of reasons why your German Shepherd is calm and the signs to look for. It is naturally calm It could be the case that your German Shepherd is just naturally calmer than most other dogs. In this case, be glad that it is so calm. Having a German Shepherd that is overly calm is much better than having one that is destructive. With that being said, if you want it to be less calm you could try playing games such as tug of war with it or teaching it to play fetch. Related post: How to tell if your German Shepherd loves you It is getting older If your German Shepherd was not always so calm then it could be calm now because it is not young anymore. This would be more likely if it was more energetic as a puppy and it has gradually become calmer as it has gotten older. You trained it to be calm If it was a lot more energetic as a puppy but you spent a lot of time training it to behave the way that you wanted it to then it likely learned to be calm. As mentioned above, this would be a good thing since it is being well behaved and not destructive. Diet A poor diet could also be why your German Shepherd is calm. This would be especially likely if it started to become calmer at around the same time that you changed its diet. You can look at this website to see what you should and should not be feeding your German Shepherd. If you are unsure of what food to get for your German Shepherd, consider getting dog food designed specifically for German Shepherds. Heat Being too hot can also cause your German Shepherd to start acting calmer. This would be more likely if it started to act calm when it became hot outside and if it tends to become more active in the mornings and evenings when it is cooler. If it is hot outside then be sure to give it access to shade, water and a cool area. Illness The cause could be that it is ill and it has less energy than normal because of it. It could also be that an injury is causing it to be less active. This would be more likely if it started being calm suddenly and if it started after it ate or did something that might have caused it to get ill or injured. It would also be more likely if it has been acting differently in other ways as well such as if it has been crying or if it has become slightly snappy or aggressive. If you think that illness or injury might be causing it then it would be worthwhile for you to see what a vet has to say about it. Not enough exercise The cause could be that a lack of exercise is making it feel less energetic. German Shepherds were bred to be very active dogs. If they do not get much exercise then it will cause them to behave abnormally. Generally, it is recommended that you make sure that your German Shepherd get at least an hour of exercise every day. Related post: Ways to exercise your German Shepherd. Considerations Below, I will mention a couple of particularly helpful things to consider when trying to figure out what is causing your German Shepherd to be calm. When it became calm The timing of when your German Shepherd started being calm would likely be helpful to consider. If it was not always calm and it became calm suddenly then it would make it more likely to be due to things such as illness, heat or a change in diet. When it becomes calm It would also help to consider the timing of when it becomes calm. If it is less calm at certain times than at others then it would make it more likely that there is an external cause such as heat, boredom due to a lack of exercise or it has just eaten. Again, it would help to consider what times it seems to be calm at and what else happens at around that time. What to do about your German Shepherd being calm If your German Shepherd is naturally calm then it would likely be a better idea to allow it to be calm. Having a German Shepherd that is naturally calm is much better than a German Shepherd that is destructive and easier to handle than one that is highly energetic. However, there are some things that you can do to get your German Shepherd to be less calm that I will mention below. Take it to a vet If your German Shepherd became calm suddenly then it could be due to illness. If you think that it might be due to illness then the best option for you would be to take it to a vet. Make sure its diet is right As mentioned above, if it is not getting the nutrients that it needs in its diet, it can cause it to become less energetic. If you want to get your German Shepherd to be less calm and for it to be as healthy as possible it is important to make sure that it is eating correctly. You can look here to see what you should be feeding it. Give it exercise There are a number of ways that you can give your German Shepherd exercise. One way would be to just walk it for an hour daily. If you live in a hot area then try to do this when it is not so hot outside such as in the morning or evening. Another option you have is to play fetch with it. Fetch is good because it gets your German Shepherd to wear itself out quickly. If your German Shepherd does not know how to play fetch then I have written about how you can get it to play fetch here. Give it toys to play with Another thing that you can do is to give your German Shepherd some toys to play with if there is not much for it to do where it spends most of its time. There are puzzle games that you can get and toys that you can find online that are specially designed for dogs to play with. If you want a happy and obedient German Shepherd, this is one of the best online dog training programs available right now. You can get the first month free using This link.

They have a short muzzle and have been bred to have an even and pleasant temperament which makes them a great companion for families with children. They are very playful in nature and even have some hilarious moments as they thrive for human attention and long, lasting friendships. French Bulldogs are typically less than 28 pounds. They're consistently in the top 10 of most popular registered dog breeds in America. Before you start asking where can I find a "French Bulldog for sale near me" you need to make sure it's the right breed for you. Here is everything you need to know about French Bulldogs, including their history, appearance, disposition, activity level, care needs, and cost. History French Bulldogs are the result of a cross between Toy Bulldogs imported from England and local ratter dogs in Paris, France, in the s. The breed was then exported to France, where it became known as the Bouledogue Francais. In , these dogs were brought back to England and they eventually made their way to America. Frenchies are now their own specific breed. Appearance When it comes to appearance, the number one thing people associate with them are their large, bat-like ears that are set high on their heads. French Bulldog puppies for sale typically have a stocky build with short legs, a large head, and a stubby tail. A French Bulldog puppy has a wrinkly appearance and a short nose and muzzle. French Bulldogs typically weigh between 20 and 28 pounds and stand 12 to 16 inches tall at the shoulder. Their incredibly gorgeous, short-haired and long-haired coats come in several colors and patterns, such as fawn, tan, brown, chocolate, cocoa, blue or dilute, cream, lilac, Isabella, black, brindle, piebald, and merle. Disposition If you're looking for a small, lovable companion dog, you can't go wrong with a Frenchie. These dogs are known for their affectionate, gentle nature and loving, easygoing personality, and they make great pets for families with children. They can be lively and hilarious. Searching for "French Bulldog puppies near me for sale" and finding the right pup will leave you a companion dog through and through. They love nothing more than to cuddle up with their favorite person and they make excellent lap dogs. They do well in homes with children and other pets, although they can be a bit boisterous at times. They don't bark much and don't like to be left alone for long periods of time. French Bulldog puppies thrive in any environment from apartments to rural areas. Activity Level Looking for French Bulldogs for sale may have you wondering how much exercise a Frenchie requires to be happy and healthy. They are relatively inactive dogs and don't require a lot of exercise, although they do enjoy occasional walks and playtime. They are a great choice for busy people. You won't need a large yard for a Frenchie. Grooming Requirements French Bulldogs are relatively low-maintenance in terms of grooming needs. They can have a short coat that is smooth and soft to the touch. Some long-haired French Bulldog puppies are called Fluffies. When it comes to grooming, French Bulldog puppies only need to be brushed occasionally, and their nails should be trimmed regularly. They are also moderate shedders, so you'll need to do some regular vacuuming to keep your home clean. Training Opting for a French Bulldog puppy for sale is the perfect choice if you're looking for a funny, even-tempered, social pup. Training them can be more challenging since they are so incredibly stubborn. These dogs have big personalities and a mind of their own. You can make training a French Bulldog puppy into a game and offer rewards like food or treats, praise, and playtime. However, with consistency and motivation, their people-pleasing personality will have them trained in no time. Cost If you're wondering, where can I find a "French Bulldog puppy for sale near me? French Bulldog puppies for sale can be higher priced due to their coat length, genetic makeup, and rare coat colors, including which genes they carry, such as the intensity coat color gene variant, dilution, merle, lilac, or Isabella. They also have some health problems that can be expensive to treat, such as hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, and respiratory issues, so be aware of these expenses in addition to regular veterinarian care. However, with proper care, a Frenchie can be a loving and loyal companion for years to come. When looking for Frenchies for sale, it's crucial to factor in the ongoing costs beyond just the initial price. Food, toys, veterinary care, vaccinations, and other ongoing expenses should be taken into consideration. For instance, if you're planning to travel with a fluffy friend, be ready to pay for a pet-friendly transportation service. However, for many owners, the joy and companionship that these beautiful pups provide are well worth the investment. If you're looking for French Bulldog puppies near me, be sure to research breeders carefully. A trustworthy breeder with Frenchie puppies for sale will provide documentation of vaccinations and other health records for their puppies. A good breeder will also be happy to answer any questions you have about the breed, including size, temperament, and grooming needs — so don't be afraid to ask away! Some unscrupulous breeders are known for selling sick or poorly-bred puppies, so it's important to find a reputable source like Pawrade offering happy, healthy French Bulldog puppies for sale through pre-screened breeders. Why Pawrade? Finding a reputable breeder has never been easier Ready to find your perfect French Bulldog? Pawrade is dedicated to connecting loving families with a dog that needs a home. Using Pawrade to browse for a French Bulldog for sale is a reliable way to ensure that you get a dog from a reputable breeder. Our focus is on the health of the dog and ethical, sustainable breeding practices. We ensure that the breeders on our platform are genuine, so you have peace of mind in knowing that you are receiving exactly what you expect. If you've always dreamed of owning this type of dog, choose Pawrade for your French Bulldog for sale and begin a new chapter in your life today! Stop searching for "French Bulldog puppies near me" — you've come to the right place! We understand just how difficult it is to find a legitimate breeder, so we've put our experience and expertise to work for you. Why wait any longer? Browse through our vast selection of puppies for sale from a safe and reputable source. No Puppy Mill Pledge We have zero tolerance toward puppy mills and pride ourselves in connecting you with honest and reputable breeders where puppies are raised with love and compassion. Learn More Health Guarantee As fellow puppy owners, we know the importance of having a happy and healthy puppy. Every puppy is backed by our comprehensive health guarantee. Life Span Did You Know? While the name of this breed is the French Bulldog, their origins cannot be credited to only France. One of the facts about French Bulldogs is that the idea and reason for the creation of the breed originated in England. This adorable dog breed, which has always been meant to be a companion, started as a miniature version of the English Bulldog. This mini-version accompanied lace workers across the English Channel and into France during the Industrial Revolution. Once the dog breed became prominent in France, the subsequent successful crossbreeding of the English Bulldog, Pug, and Terrier led to the creation of the modern-day Frenchie. The French Bulldog we know today originally came to the United States with groups of wealthy Americans who came across them and fell in love while touring Europe in the late s. The French Bulldog was recognized by the American Kennel Club in and is a member of the non-sporting group. The French Bulldog is an easygoing, affectionate, and playful dog that loves their family and gets along well with children. They also love to make new friends, which means they get along well with other dogs, animals, and people. Intelligent and affectionate, this small dog breed certainly wins over hearts and earns its status as a popular companion dog. Frenchies are not known to bark much, unless you train them into it, but they are naturally alert and make excellent watchdogs. As long as they are well-socialized and trained, they tend to have an open and friendly nature. The Frenchie is a highly adaptable dog that pretty much adapts to any living situation that includes plenty of love and attention. Being a short-snouted, snub-nosed dog breed, they do not tolerate heat very well and are also sensitive to cold. This tends to make them one of the dog breeds that hate winter and you will want to make sure to bundle them up to stay warm while out on cold winter walks. Because Frenchies bond closely with their families and thrive on attention from them, they do not tolerate long periods of time alone. They can also be prone to developing separation anxiety if they are poorly socialized or you do not work with them on this when they are young. Potential health concerns to be aware of in French Bulldogs can include cataracts, cherry eye, and entropion. Good breeding practices make a big difference in the health of 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. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances. Heart and joint certifications are recommended for this breed. Playful and happy, the French Bulldog is a great fit for a novice dog owner. They are sweet-tempered, eager to please, and eager to train. Occasionally, Frenchies can be stubborn and they do tend to have big personalities. Although this can sometimes be a challenge for first-time dog owners, it can usually be overcome with consistent and patient training. Puppy training classes are always an option and offer plenty of benefits aside from training. Standard coat colors for Frenchies are Brindle, Cream, Fawn, and combinations of these. They have a short coat that will shed a little year-round. Nail trims once or twice a month keep nails from growing too long and causing issues. Weekly ear checks, along with careful cleanings as needed, can help prevent ear infections. As a small dog breed, the Frenchie is more prone to developing gum disease. Daily dental care plus cleanings at the vet as needed can help prevent this and other painful dental diseases later in life. You will also need to take care of the wrinkles. Frenchies have hereditary face wrinkles and it is important to keep them clean and dry to prevent skin irritation or possible infection. The French Bulldog is an easygoing companion breed. They can be one of the laziest dog breeds that are couch potatoes. Frenchies will often be energetic when they play and will try to match their activity to yours. So, if you live a more active lifestyle, you need to be careful that your French Bulldog is not overexerting themselves trying to keep up with you. As a Brachycephalic or snub-nosed dog, they cannot cool themselves as easily and are extra sensitive to heat. They can also get winded easily, so be aware of this when playing with your dog or puppy and watch for signs of overexertion. There are safe ways to exercise flat-faced dogs and you can work with your vet on specifics for your Frenchie if needed. French Bulldogs usually stand inches tall and weigh pounds. Frenchies generally live for years on average. With this dog breed being so popular, there are plenty of celebrities who have chosen the French Bulldog as their companion, which also means there are plenty of famous Frenchies out there. Also, French Bulldogs cannot swim, at least without a life vest. They can be taught to swim while wearing one, but they should never be left unattended around bodies of water or swimming pools and require constant supervision while in the water. Featured French Bulldog Article.

We are a German Shepherd breeder that specializes in quality, intelligent dogs with proven superior genetics. We sell German Shepherd puppies that are the perfect choice for professionals and families. We focus on producing a stable, protective line of German Shepherds that you can trust with your children. Sweet tempered companions that will protect your family and property Our German Shepherds have incredible pedigrees and we carefully choose only the best genetics to constantly improve upon the German Shepherd bloodline. We have German Shepherd puppies for sale in Texas, but arrangements can be made to sell a puppy to any state within the 48 contiguous states. We are always happy to talk or visit with you and would love to show you our beautiful German Shepherds. Our German Shepherd Dogs can be used for search and rescue, tracking, guarding, guide dogs for the blind or physically disabled, police work, show and of course a family pet. Our dogs are well socialized with children and other pets. Our puppies are AKC Registered and come with a health guarantee. Our high quality puppies are excellent with children and very easy to train. We have carefully selected world class German Shepherds with proven superior genetics. Our puppies have the potential to become champions in the show ring and your family hero. The West German bloodlines are bred to have great personalities and superb temperaments. They go through extensive training and rigorous testing to earn their titles. The West German Shepherd bloodlines are not just tested on their beauty and showmanship, but also on their ability to perform difficult tasks that require a high level of intelligence, motivation and desire to please their master. As a German Shepherd Breeder, it is our desire to provide you with an exceptional puppy that can bring you the same joy that ours have brought to our family. Our German Shepherds are the perfect choice for personal protection and are great companions for all ages. Testimonials: "Hi. He blended right into our family and we don't remember life before him. His temperament and intelligence are above average. At the vet I heard the vet and techs in the back gushing over how behaved he was and they sent me home with extra goodies for him hehe. He's already house trained. I've already been able to teach him two commands "here" and "place". He's also the best snuggler and is sooo very patient and forgiving with my tornado of a two year old son. He is the best dog I've had in my entire life and love him to the moon. I can't wait until he's old enough to start going on adventures with us. Thank ya'll for a wonderful dog! We get soooo much attention with her! We've had people literally pull off the road just to comment on her! Lots of people asking if we are going to breed her! We are meeting with someone on Friday to evaluate her for protection training. She's my girl and she knows her job well! Btw, people always ask me where I got her.I tell them all about you guys! Here are pictures of Liberty sunbathing with her sister, Queen Bitsy! She loves her boy! Share A Story! German Shepherd Rescues In Texas A small commission may be earned on any purchases made via links on this page. Read our full affiliate disclosure. The good news is that there are also a lot of breed-specific rescues to help German Shepherds in this state. They primarily rescue from rural shelters and places that do not have a lot of adoptions. This rescue is entirely volunteer-run. Dogs are usually housed in foster homes until they can be adopted. They have four shepherds of their own and hate the thought of any shepherds being mistreated, neglected, or euthanized in county shelters. They work full-time, but strive to save shepherds in their spare time. They believe that finding the perfect match for the dogs in their care is essential, so they are not in a rush to find homes for dogs, but rather take their time to make sure that the right dog ends up in the right home. German Shepherd Rescue of Texas is always seeking out fosters to help them rescue more dogs. They provide foster homes with everything they need to give superb care to the dogs in the rescue. Foster homes are given a crate, training support, and training strategies customized to each dog. If you would like to adopt a dog from German Shepherd Rescue of Texas, you can expect your application to be approved within about five business days. German Shepherd Rescue of Texas requires that dogs be allowed to live inside with the family, rather than being kept outside in a dog house. They save dogs from very difficult situations where they may have been neglected, abused, or euthanized in a shelter. They make the important distinction that rather than selling dogs, they adopt sensitive creatures into new homes where they will be valued as they deserve. This is a foster-based rescue, which means that dogs live in a foster home until they can be adopted. Foster homes are provided with food, medical care, and whatever else dogs may need. If you are interested in adopting but not ready to make a commitment yet, fostering through German Shepherd Rescue of Central Texas is a great solution. You can see beautiful high quality pictures of the dogs right on their home page so you will fall in love before you know it. German Shepherd Rescue of Central Texas strives to keep bonded pairs together, so you may be encouraged to adopt two dogs instead of just one if you are interested in one of the bonded dogs. Rescue and Adoption Details.

Life Span Did You Know? The German Shepherd is one of the most versatile, well-recognized, and popular dog breeds in the world. The modern German Shepherd is descended from a family of various German herding dogs. Breed standards were not developed until the late 19th century when Captain Max von Stephanitz, a German cavalry officer, worked with Arthur Meyer and other breeders to develop the ideal German herding dog. Stephanitz and Meyer wrote the breed standard in and the American Kennel Club recognized the German Shepherd as a member of the Herding Group in .Although they were originally bred as herding dogs, they were also bred for versatility, which made the German Shepherd an all-around working dog that could excel in a variety of applications. German Shepherds are one of the common dog breeds employed in K-9 units in both police and military applications. They also make great service dogs and, of course, are still awesome herding dogs and farm dogs! The German Shepherd is a strong-willed and highly intelligent dog. They have a playful, energetic spirit and tend to get along with children, other dogs, and other pets, which makes them a great family companion. A born protector, the German Shepherd will provide a great sense of security for their family while their loving and lively personality will make them fit right in as a companion. German Shepherds are naturally protective and can be wary of strangers at first. A well-socialized German Shepherd will bark to alert you and tends to warm up to strangers once introduced. German Shepherds are dogs that were bred to herd and work. This, plus their high energy, makes them a better fit for homes with fenced yards where they can run. They can adapt well to larger apartments as long as plenty of time is dedicated to ensuring they get enough exercise, mental stimulation, and attention every day. A bored, ignored, or under-exercised German Shepherd can often become a destructive one. They also can be sensitive to their surroundings and large gatherings can be off-putting. With a longer coat, they tend to prefer cooler climates and are sensitive to heat. The German Shepherd is a generally healthy breed, but there are some potential health concerns and good breeding practices make a big difference. Potential health concerns to be aware of in a German Shepherd include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia , and degenerative myelopathy. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. So, make sure you are asking about the health and genetic history of both parents. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done. As a barrel-chested breed, the German Shepherd is also at risk for bloat. While the German Shepherd is highly intelligent and highly trainable, they are generally not recommended for novice owners. If you are a novice dog owner, enroll in puppy training classes or enlist the help of a professional dog trainer; not just for your dog, but for yourself as well. Training assistance will help you grow in experience and build a strong bond between you and your German Shepherd puppy, which is essential. Also, the GSD has a thirst for training and fulfillment. They get bored easily and especially with repetition, so continued training with your German Shepherd throughout their life will be necessary. German Shepherds have a medium-to-long double coat. They will shed year-round and heavier as seasons change. Brushing a few times a week is usually sufficient; brushing daily is even better and your GSD will likely love you for it. Bathing is occasional on an as-needed basis. Ear checks weekly with careful cleanings as needed can help prevent ear infections. German Shepherds are high-energy working dogs. Not only do they require a lot of daily activity, but they also are a herding breed that was made to run, guard, and observe, so they need a job to do to be happy and healthy. Daily walks plus playtime, time to run, and other activities are usually enough for a GSD, but they will likely be up for more activity if you are. With their versatility and athleticism, you can try a lot of different activities when puppies finish growing and they are cleared for higher-impact things. A fully-grown German Shepherd usually stands inches tall and weighs pounds. German Shepherds generally live for years on average. Corporal Duncan brought him back to the United States and Rin-Tin-Tin became one of the most famous dog actors in history. Featured German Shepherd Article. We can assure you that our puppies are bred responsibly and receive the highest quality care. We are licensed by New York State as breeders and provide proof of such if requested. Happy, Healthy Bloodline Happy, Healthy Bloodline Happy, Healthy Bloodline All our dogs are provided with the highest quality of care and are offered ample exercise each day. They are on a raw food diet and enjoy all the amenities our 20 acre property has to offer. More details about our dogs' lifestyles can be found under the "Life at Graceland Farm" section. German Shepherds are highly protective of their families yet maintain a friendly and playful nature. All of our dogs are properly socialized and puppies receive plenty of human interaction as they grow. Meet our dogs Graceland's Kamilla Kamilla is one of our black and tan long-haired females. She is European descent and has 5 champion Shepherds in her direct bloodline. She is incredibly well mannered, friendly, and obedient. She is an absolute joy to be around. Graceland's Olive Olive is a very playful and energetic pup. She is black and tan and loves attention from people. She also loves playing with the other dogs and is registered by the AKC. Pride of Graceland This is one of our most energetic and playful studs. He is black and tan and loves attention and playing with people and other dogs. He loves to jump, has a high ball drive, is protective, vocal, and is a joy to be around. In addition, he is registered by the AKC. Clocking in at over pounds, this is one big boy. Graceland's Hazel Hazel is one of our breeding females, she is registered by the AKC and has a very calm temperament. She is a very loyal dog, enjoys working, and is extremely obedient. She is a beautiful black and tan girl. Update: Hazel has retired in .She is living her best life with her loving new family on the Jersey Shore. Graceland's Hunter Hunter is our resident stud at Graceland Farms. He is a solid black shepherd and has a very calm temperament. He loves attention and enjoys running and playing with the other dogs. He loves hanging out in the house. In addition, Hunter is registered by the AKC and is the grandson of a world champion shepherd. At over pounds, Hunter is a very big boy and OFA certified for healthy hips and elbows. Graceland's Zara Zara is one of our black and tan long-haired females. She is an absolute joy to be around and loves people. Graceland's Zoe Zoe is one of our newest additions! She is a sable female who is extremely playful, obedient, and a joy to be around. She will begin breeding in a couple of years. Graceland's Holly Holly is a very playful and energetic pup. Graceland's Maple II Maple is a super excited, extremely social, and very outgoing pup. She loves to play with both humans and people and is a joy to have around. Maple is named after our first dog and is a favorite of kids and adults alike. She is registered by the AKC. Graceland's Aspen Aspen is one of our black and tan females who tends to be more reserved. She loves to play with other dogs and is otherwise very social. Aspen is registered by the AKC. They are super social, playful, and smart. They love being around people and other dogs and are living out their puppyhood years on the farm until they are ready to breed in a few years. Life at Graceland Farm All of our dogs are very-well taken care of and enjoy our newly built barn, offering them plenty of space to run and play. They are all treated like family and each have their own ft runners on which they get effective exercise daily. Many of them enjoy swimming, so on hot summer days they enjoy the pond on our acre property nestled in the heart of the Catskill Mountains. All of our dogs are fed an all-natural diet consisting of raw meat, raw eggs, and holistic dog food on occasion. They are all very well socialized, often coming into our home to enjoy time with the family. Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. Click here for more information on this characteristic German Shepherd Dog Overview The German Shepherd Dog, recognized as the Alsatian in Great Britain and various parts of Europe, stands as one of the foremost canine breeds globally, often finding its place in the top 10 most favored breeds in the United States. Its distinction and fame can be attributed, in part, to a poignant tale from World War I. Amidst the turmoil of war, Corporal Lee Duncan rescued a young puppy from a war-torn breeding kennel in France. This pup, later named Rin Tin Tin, would become a legendary figure in the entertainment industry, starring in numerous films and amassing an astonishing 10, fan letters weekly during the pinnacle of its stardom. Beyond the silver screen, the German Shepherd has embraced a multitude of roles. From aiding the visually impaired and apprehending criminals to detecting illicit substances and serving in the military, this versatile breed has exhibited its prowess. It has also demonstrated its compassion by visiting the sick and exhibiting its herding instincts with livestock. Originating as herding dogs tasked with day-long duties, they possess substantial energy levels, necessitating ample physical activity and mental stimulation. A lack thereof can lead to undesirable behaviors like excessive barking and destructive chewing. Characterized by an aloof and occasionally wary disposition, they excel as vigilant watchdogs but may not exude the warm welcome typical of a family pet. Nevertheless, early exposure to diverse situations and individuals during puppyhood can cultivate adaptability. Descendants from American breeders often prioritize the pursuit of dog show accolades and distinctive aesthetics, sometimes at the expense of traditional working abilities. These dogs tend to exhibit heightened energy and determination. Thus, a visit to a shelter provides an invaluable opportunity to connect with your potential lifelong companion before making a commitment. German Shepherd Dog Highlights Renowned for their vigor and intellect, German Shepherds thrive when engaged in various activities such as learning, playing, and purposeful tasks. Daily routines should incorporate both physical exercises like jogging and Frisbee, as well as mental challenges like training sessions. The German Shepherd may not be the ideal choice if your schedule frequently keeps you away from home or requires extended absences. When left alone, they can develop feelings of unease or monotony, which might manifest through undesirable behaviors like excessive barking , chewing, and digging. German Shepherds often exhibit an aloof and cautious demeanor towards unfamiliar individuals. Initiating obedience training, commencing with puppy classes, aids in familiarizing them with other dogs and humans, while also instilling fundamental canine etiquette. Crate training proves invaluable not only for housebreaking purposes but also in instilling a sense of tranquility and contentment when separated from their owner. This aspect is particularly significant for the German Shepherd, as they can experience separation anxiety, leading to heightened distress when left alone. While they excel as vigilant watchdogs, it is essential to avoid chaining or tethering the German Shepherd solely for guarding purposes. This practice can result in frustration and potentially aggressive behavior. Optimal living conditions involve indoor coexistence with the family, along with access to a spacious, enclosed yard where they can expend their abundant energy. Consider exploring local shelters or breed-specific rescues for your next furry companion, including German Shepherds. Adopting from these sources before resorting to a breeder not only benefits the dog but also offers a chance to make a meaningful difference. An officer in the German cavalry, Captain von Stephanitz harbored a distinct ambition: to cultivate an unparalleled German herding dog. In preceding centuries, German farmers and their European counterparts relied on dogs to manage and safeguard their livestock. Certain canines gained legendary status for their herding prowess, prompting shepherds to traverse great distances to mate their female dogs with distinguished sires. However, as von Stephanitz astutely observed, the local herding dogs had yet to evolve into a distinct and unified breed. In , upon retiring from his military career, von Stephanitz embarked on a new chapter dedicated to his passion: experimenting with dog breeding to fashion an exceptional German herding dog. Drawing inspiration from the British, renowned for their exceptional herding dogs, von Stephanitz studied various breeding techniques. He traversed Germany, attending dog shows and closely observing German-style herding dogs. Amidst the fine examples he encountered—athletic, intelligent, and capable—he found a crucial element lacking: a single dog that encapsulated all these traits. While von Stephanitz initially intended the breed to excel in herding, the industrialization of Germany led him to envision a different path. Among them was an American corporal from Los Angeles, who rescued a newborn puppy from a war-ravaged kennel in France. However, the aftermath of the war introduced challenges. By , he recognized certain unfavorable traits emerging in German Shepherds, such as poor temperament and dental issues. He instituted a rigorous quality control system, requiring dogs to pass rigorous tests before breeding, assessing intelligence, temperament, athleticism, and overall health. American breeding prioritized appearances and show wins, while German Shepherds from Germany remained steadfast in their working abilities. In the face of performance challenges and genetic health concerns among American-bred dogs, a shift began, with some U. This breed falls squarely within the medium to large dog category, characterized by a strong and robust build that exudes both elegance and power. Adult German Shepherds typically possess a height range of 22 to 26 inches 56 to 66 cm at the shoulders, with males often standing slightly taller than females. However, these measurements may vary based on factors such as genetics, lineage, and geographical regions of breeding. This weight range contributes to their substantial and muscular appearance, reflecting their historical role as herding and working dogs. Their well-proportioned body structure, characterized by a level back, strong hindquarters, and deep chest, further emphasizes their agility and strength. While their imposing stature contributes to their role as capable guardians and protectors, it is important to note that their size is coupled with intelligence and an eager-to-please temperament. This blend of physical prowess and mental acuity positions them as versatile companions, excelling in various roles such as search and rescue, police work, service, and family pets. Maintaining an ideal weight and overall health is crucial for the well-being of German Shepherds. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and routine veterinary care contribute to their longevity and vitality. These dogs are inclined toward reserve, forming connections not instantly but deeply, and once those bonds are forged, their loyalty knows no bounds. Within their family circle, they exhibit an affable and approachable demeanor, yet when faced with threats, they can transform into stalwart protectors, showcasing their exceptional watchdog abilities. Endowed with remarkable intelligence and trainable instincts, this breed thrives when given a purposeful task—no challenge is too great. However, one aspect that requires careful consideration is their need for companionship and engagement. Prolonged periods of solitude do not align well with their nature. Without the necessary interaction, exercise, and opportunities to engage their sharp minds, they can experience boredom and restlessness. A German Shepherd left under-stimulated and isolated from family activities may resort to undesirable behaviors, such as excessive barking and destructive chewing. In line with all canines, early socialization proves pivotal for a well-rounded development. The German Shepherd should be exposed to diverse people, environments, sounds, and encounters during their formative stages. Such socialization lays the foundation for an adaptable and balanced adult dog, equipped to handle a variety of situations with confidence and ease. By embracing these qualities and providing suitable outlets for their energy and intellect, the German Shepherd can evolve into an outstanding companion and guardian, embodying the best of their remarkable personality traits. German Shepherd Dog Health German Shepherds typically enjoy good health, yet, akin to all breeds, they have susceptibility to specific health conditions. Hip dysplasia can manifest with or without apparent symptoms. Some dogs may display lameness and discomfort in one or both hind legs, with arthritis potentially developing as they age. Screening for hip dysplasia through X-ray assessments is conducted by organizations like the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals or the University of Pennsylvania Hip Improvement Program. Dogs with hip dysplasia should not be used for breeding. The consequence is painful lameness. Veterinary recommendations could encompass surgical intervention or pain management medications. Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus Bloat : A life-threatening situation predominantly affecting deep-chested large dogs, bloat occurs when the stomach distends due to gas or air and subsequently twists. Immediate medical attention is crucial to prevent shock and possible fatality. Suspect bloat if your dog exhibits abdominal distension, excessive salivation, retching without vomiting, restlessness, lethargy, and rapid heart rate. Dogs with DM struggle to coordinate hind leg movements, often progressing to an inability to walk. Treatment options are limited, although rare instances might involve vitamin deficiencies, necessitating vitamin supplementation. Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency EPI : This genetic pancreatic disorder diminishes digestive enzyme production, leading to impaired food digestion and absorption. Symptoms include gas, appetite loss, weight reduction, altered stools, and increased hunger. Allergies: German Shepherds are susceptible to various allergies encompassing contact and food sensitivities. Indicators may involve persistent scratching, paw licking, and facial rubbing. Consult your vet if such symptoms emerge. This translates to a surplus of energy that necessitates daily exercise for release. Extended periods of solitude without physical exertion can result in issues. Boredom and inactivity pave the way for undesirable behaviors, such as chewing , digging , and barking. To satiate their energetic demands, German Shepherds require both physical engagement jogging, playful sessions at a dog park and mental stimulation participation in agility or obedience competitions. Similar to many herding breeds, German Shepherds have a penchant for vocalization. Furthermore, these dogs have an inclination for chewing, and their formidable jaw strength can swiftly demolish various materials. German Shepherd Dog Feeding Tailoring a diet for a German Shepherd Dog requires consideration of their large size and elevated energy demands. Seeking guidance from your veterinarian or a certified nutritionist is prudent to determine the appropriate nourishment and portion sizes for your German Shepherd. As they progress through puppyhood, adulthood, and senior stages, their dietary requisites will evolve. Remaining attentive to these nutritional shifts is crucial. For German Shepherd puppies, particular attention is necessary when it comes to feeding and physical activity. Their rapid growth between four and seven months leaves them susceptible to bone-related issues. To mitigate such concerns, a high-quality, low-calorie diet is advisable to regulate their growth rate. Grass surfaces are more suitable, and puppy agility with minor jumps is permissible. Cautious portion control is essential to prevent excessive weight gain and potential joint complications. Striking a balance with treats, promoting regular exercise, and adhering to scheduled mealtimes, as opposed to constant access to food, safeguards against overfeeding. By being attentive to their dietary needs and mindful of their activity levels, you can contribute to the well-being and overall health of your German Shepherd. German Shepherd Dog Coat Color And Grooming Originally bred to manage flocks in challenging climates, the German Shepherd boasts a medium-length double coat that suits this task impeccably. This coat serves as a natural shield against rain, snow, and prevents the accumulation of burrs and dirt. The German Shepherd exhibits a diverse range of coat types and colors. The outer layer features dense, straight hair that lies close to the body, occasionally presenting a wavy or wiry texture. Notably, the American Kennel Club does not endorse white as an accepted color for conformation shows, though they remain eligible for other competitions. Prospective German Shepherd owners must brace for hair on various surfaces, from clothing to furniture. While no foolproof remedy exists for shedding, regular brushing , ideally two to three times a week, can help manage the hair situation by capturing more in the brush than on furnishings. A reliable vacuum cleaner also proves advantageous. Despite their shedding reputation, German Shepherds tend to maintain a fairly clean and odor-free disposition. Supplying durable and secure dental chew toys or bones can combat tartar buildup, especially on the back molars. Supplementing this with periodic brushing using a soft toothbrush and dog-specific toothpaste enhances gum and teeth well-being. German Shepherd Dog Children And Other Pets A well-trained German Shepherd that has been exposed to children, especially during their puppyhood, can make an excellent companion for kids. Some liken them to a blend of a caretaker and a guardian, as they exhibit gentleness and protective instincts towards the youngsters within their family. However, given their size, there is a potential for accidental bumps with toddlers or small children. Their reserved demeanor translates into a cautious approach with unfamiliar kids, yet their reliability generally prevails. While not overtly exuberant, German Shepherds can harmoniously coexist with other dogs and pets, provided they receive proper guidance from their early days. In such cases, enlisting the aid of a professional trainer or seeking guidance from the rescue organization, if you obtained the adult German Shepherd from there, can prove beneficial. German Shepherd Dog Rescue Groups Many individuals acquire German Shepherds without a comprehensive grasp of the responsibilities associated with their ownership. A multitude of German Shepherds are seeking adoption or foster care, and numerous breed-specific rescue organizations are spread throughout the nation. Below are a few links to a few of these German Shepherd rescue groups. It lacks the physical deformities bred into western show lines of German Shepherds and has become one of Russia's most popular dog types. It was developed in the s and s to correct behavioural and conformational issues that have been bred into modern German Shepherds, and was bred for its large size, length of back, temperament and soundness of hips. White-coated German Shepherds were once banned from registration in their native Germany, but in the United States and Canada the coloration gained a following and a breed club was formed specifically for white German Shepherds, calling their variety the White Shepherd. The variety is recognised as a separate breed by the United Kennel Club. It descends from the American White Shepherds; the first stud dog of what was to become the breed was an American dog born in and imported to Switzerland. They are especially well known for their police work, being used for tracking criminals, patrolling troubled areas and detection and holding of suspects. Additionally, thousands of German Shepherds have been used by the military. These military working dogs MWD are usually trained for scout duty, and they are used to warn soldiers to the presence of enemies or of booby traps or other hazards. They were used in World War II as messenger dogs, rescue dogs and personal guard dogs. These include search and rescue, cadaver searching , narcotics detection, explosives detection , accelerant detection and mine detection dog, among others. They are suited for these lines of work because of their keen sense of smell and their ability to work regardless of distractions. When formal guide dog training began in Switzerland in the s under the leadership of Dorothy Eustis , all of the dogs trained were German Shepherd females. These results suggested that Labrador Retrievers were more suited to guide dog work while German Shepherds were more suited to police work. They are expected to patrol the boundaries to keep sheep from trespassing and damaging the crops. In Germany and other places these skills are tested in utility dog trials also known as Herdengebrauchshund HGH herding utility dog trials. He is regarded to be the dog who has captured the most drugs in Mexican police and military history. You may improve this section , discuss the issue on the talk page , or create a new section, as appropriate. By this number had grown to over .Returning soldiers spoke highly of the breed and animal actors Rin Tin Tin and Strongheart popularised the breed further. Her offspring had defects as the result of poor breeding, which caused the breed to decline in popularity during the late s. As of [update] , the German Shepherd is the second most popular breed in the US. Degenerative myelopathy , a neurological disease, occurs with enough regularity specifically in the breed to suggest that the breed is predisposed to it. A very inexpensive DNA saliva test is now available to screen for degenerative myelopathy. The test screens for the mutated gene that has been seen in dogs with degenerative myelopathy. The test is only recommended for predisposed breeds, but can be performed on DNA samples from any dog, collected through swabbing the inside of the animal's cheek with a sterile cotton swab. Prospective German Shepherd buyers can now request the test from the breeder or buy from a breeder who is known to test their dogs. Skeletal health and supplementation[ edit ] Musculoskeletal disorders are debilitating conditions that are often associated with genetic makeup, malnutrition, and stress-related events. Canine hip dysplasia CHD is an orthopaedic condition resulting from abnormal development of the hip joint and surrounding tissue causing the instability and partial dislocation of the hip joint, resulting in pain, inflammation , lameness, and potentially osteoarthritis of the joint. Both have stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. A German Shepherd named Inspector Rex is the star of an Austrian Police procedural drama program of the same name, which won many awards, where German Shepherd Rex assists the Vienna Kriminalpolizei homicide unit. It became one of the staple productions of Hungarian television history, making German Shepherds the most popular dog breed in the country ever since.

I wanted to let you know Flash is doing well. Flash is sleeping and Rahul is happy. Her first night she cried some. I knew it was going to be a bit of an adjustment for her to her new surroundings and family. I slept downstairs on my couch and Maizie slept right next to me all night. She is such a good girl. He gained 1. He is such a sweet little guy and learns quickly. He loves Molly and she has been so tolerant of him. I love when they curl up together. He sleeps with Molly and us every night. Owen understands when it gets dark, play time is over. He has so much energy now he runs around like crazy. You are the best breeder ever! He peed and pooped outside. He is such a special boy! Thank you so much! Jennifer, Danville, CA He loves hanging out with us in our office and in the backyard. He loves water! She is really well behaved and her vet visit went great. She has gained over 2 lbs since her first vet visit. She is precious. We love him so much. He is very smart, loves making friends with other dogs, and is the best cuddler ever! Kim, Durham, NH Java is just chilling at home. He went to the vet and everything is great! Wendy, Tewksbury, MA Jackson is doing great! Buddy has acclimated well. He loves playing with his toys and taking naps. He put himself to bed in his crate last night. He knows we are his people and we feel very lucky. He knows his name and gets along great with our other dog Tucker and fits right in with our cats. Becky, Laconia, NH Kenai is doing great!!! We are so happy! She is having fun chasing her big brother Brody all over and is eating and sleeping well. She is just a joy. We went to the vet yesterday and everything is great! He adores the water and is an excellent swimmer. We love him so much! He has mastered sleeping in his crate at night and loose leash walking. I love being a Lab dad again! Thank you for raising such good pups! He loves everyone and is so darn cute. He is such a good boy and I am glad I have him. I am so glad I found a wonderful breeder like you who was so good to him for the first 8 weeks. You guys are wonderful! He and the cat are slowly warming up to each other. He is doing really well with potty training and he puts himself in his crate for naps and at bedtime. He is doing great with the crate although his favorite thing is to snuggle and sleep with his boys! She also said he looks absolutely healthy! Steph Topsham, ME He has definitely stolen our hearts. Thank you. Alex, Salem, NH Things are going great here. Brianna, Bedford, MA Thank you so much. We love him lots. Art, Chelmsford, MA Floki is settling into a fantastic routine and is such a wonderful puppy. Ann, Lynnfield, MA Murphy is very smart and is fitting right in. He is awesome. He is doing great and growing a lot. Thank you for everything. Thank you for all your hard work during those first 8 weeks after his birth. It really shines through in how he presently acts. The work you do with your dogs and pups is to be commended. It makes the transition very easy. We love her so much. Jen, Langdon, NH He loves being home and playing. We are in love. Thank you more than you know. We feel so blessed to have met such a wonderful breeder and have Oakley in our lives. April, Annandale, NJ. Share 0 Shares I am not a researcher, but I can confidently tell you that if you ask ten or twenty people at the park their favorite dog breed, they will tell you that it is a Labrador Retriever. These dogs are fun, interesting, smart, and friendly, and they are like a human in form of a dog. Because everyone loves Labrador Retrievers, we have created a list of the best Labrador Retriever breeders in New Hampshire. Although this list is created on overall performances and passion for breeding Labrador Retrievers, it is advised that do a little research on any breeder of interest before transacting with them. If possible, visit their location from the address provided in this article. It is better to be safer. We would also review top Labrador breeders in cities like Manchester and Nashua, amongst others. Make sure that you read our final thought because it carries important information for you. This breeder breeds the best black, yellow, and chocolate Labrador Retriever puppies in New Hampshire. This Manchester breeder really loves what they do and they make sure that all their parent dogs are healthy before breeding. So, you can rest assured that Labrador Retriever puppies from this breeder are healthy and vaccinated. Labrador Retrievers bought from this breeder are also obedient and good for hiking, fishing, and canoeing. They can also fit in retirement homes as therapy dogs and emotional support animals. Contact Welcome Located in New Hampshire, we are a small family-owned kennel and have been breeding Labrador Retrievers for over 20 years. Our kids are now grown and gone and we have migrated back north to scenic Warner, New Hampshire to build our forever spot here for ourselves and the dogs. We raise sound English-style Labrador Retrievers. Before we consider a dog as breeding or stud quality, they are judged for temperament and conformation and must pass OFA hip and elbow clearances and eye clearances. Our Labradors are part of our family; we raise our puppies in our custom whelping room that is sanitary and climate-controlled. The room has gentle music playing and a bit of traffic every once in a while to show off the new additions when it is safe for visiting. We do our best to place our puppies in a home that best suits each puppy by conducting temperament screening and aptitude tests. We spend an enormous amount of time with these puppies and have had great success in evaluating the "right fit" of puppy to family. Goals My goal as a breeder is to produce a sound quality Labrador Retriever as close to the AKC standard to my liking. Every breeder has a preference to coat, size, movement, attitude, face and tail. The most important thing to remember in breeding is to keep in mind the purpose of the dog and ensure that they are physically able to get the job done for which they were bred. Our Boys. I want to welcome you to my website. We hope that after visiting our site, and YouTube Videos, you will feel like you know something about us and are comfortable working with us. Enjoy our website. This is a very large website with lots of information. I have been working and adding to it for many years now. So please take your time and read through it all. If you have questions, don't be afraid to call and ask. Read more about Meet The Dogs We occasionally have puppies available. We concentrate on producing good quality, easy to train, family pets - show dogs - hunting dogs - all a lab can be! Purebred Labrador retriever puppies. All of our puppies are raised with much TLC and socialization to integrate easily into any lifestyle. Pups have their first set of shots, NH health certificate, and are wormed before they leave our home. For details of our puppy placement policies, please review our Must Read Information. Sorry we do not and will not breed our girls or our studs for trend colors that are not purebred labradors. We occasionally have puppies available. They would be listed on the " litters Due Page" of this web site. We concentrate on producing good quality, easy to train, family pets - show dogs - hunting dogs -Family Companions.For details of our puppy placement policies, scroll all the way to the bottom of this page and read all the info. If you find yourself day dreaming about adding a dog to your family, Silver and Charcoal Kennels can turn that into a reality. We are a well-respected Labrador retriever breeder that produces some of the highest-end puppies on the market. They all come from a sire that has multiple Field Trial Championship and a Senior Title, with bloodlines that go back 20 years. Puppies also come with AKC registration, genetic testing, all vaccinations, and the most desirable breed traits. The puppies come in the desirable colors of silver, charcoal and champagne and grow to a large size. These dogs each have the right temperament for whatever is needed of them. Their loving and friendly nature makes them the ideal family dog. Meanwhile, their intelligence allow them to hunt and serve as service dogs. Many of our pups go on to serve veterans, as we donate one to a veteran each year. After reserving your puppy with a deposit , you can pick them up from the kennel or we can drive them to you in New Hampshire. Contact us with any questions or to reserve your pup today! Questions about our puppies? More than twice as many Labs were registered than any other breed making it a likely leader for many years to come. In a recent article, a licensed professional counselor for more than twenty-five years, explained how owning a Lab can help produce healthier, happier, more well adjusted children. Here is an excerpt from her article: Dogs are a mood booster. Historically, dogs have been great companions. Research has shown that it only takes a mere minutes with your pet to feel more relaxed and calm per Web, MD. Also, when children reach out and pet or hug their dog, they are giving of themselves and soon feel better. Why pay for tranquilizers? Besides, who wants to put children on drugs any way? Be sure to read the rest of her seven part article, Ten Reasons to Own a Dog. At Twin Lakes Kennel, we have been breeding and training world class Labrador retrievers for more than thirty-five years. Our second-to-none Puppy Guarantee makes buying a pure-bred Labrador retriever one of the wisest decisions you will ever make. Read the personal testimonials from prominent Lab owners from around the country. And visit our Puppy Page or call Woody or Judi for up-to-date puppy information at .Did you know… The site of present-day Concord was occupied as early as when a trading post operated on the west bank of the Merrimack River. The town was incorporated by Massachusetts in and renamed Rumford. The town was reincorporated by New Hampshire in and called Concord to mark the ending of the strife. Our world class Labrador Retrievers puppies for sale! Our Latest Happy Clients! Become A Happy Client!

These jovial little jokers can bring a smile to even the most frustrated dog owner. Although most pugs are fawn and black at birth, "fawn" covers a range of hues. Black is also accepted. Fawns Fawn is one of the two accepted coat colors under American Kennel Club registration guidelines. Fawn is characterized by a light tan or cream-colored coat and darker brown or black hairs around the face. When fawn puppies are born, their coats may range anywhere from tan to brown and will lighten as the pups grow up. The black mask must be present for the puppy to be considered a true fawn. Blacks Black is the other pug color recognized by the AKC. Black pugs are black from head to tail and are free of any light hairs. Any white patches are considered a mismark, and may render your pug ineligible for AKC conformation shows. Black pups look like little lumps of coal at birth, and they maintain that solid black coloration throughout their lives. Apricots Apricot pugs are a variation of the fawn coloration. Apricots have the same base coat as the fawn pug, with a few reddish-brown hairs scattered around the coat to give a slightly red tone, reminiscent of an apricot. Apricot pups are typically redder than fawn pups at birth, with the strong red color fading to a peach shade with age. The strong black mask should also be present in apricot pugs. Other Colors While not as common as other colors, white, brindle and chocolate pups occasionally crop up. White pugs are an even shade of white or cream, and lack the mask of fawn dogs. Brindle puppies are born with a mixture of hair colors, and the traditional brindle stripes develop as the pups get older. Chocolate puppies are born looking like a milk chocolate bar, and the cocoa color stays consistent through adulthood. More Articles. What Is a Fawn Pug? The fawn Pug is a common color variant of the Pug breed. This dog has a pale coat color that has soft cream or a faint tan shade. Fawn Pugs may also have lighter or darker fur in some areas of their body. Other than its color, the fawn Pug shares most of its traits with the rest of the Pug breed. When we chase back history, there are only a few details about the fawn color. However, it was noted that Pugs are considered an ancient breed, and it was through selective breeding wherein the fawn color was developed. These brachycephalic dog breeds were standardized by the 19th century, and the fawn fur color was generally used as a foundation in shows as it gained popularity during breeding processes globally. Generally, the fawn and black fur color of Pugs are recognized as standard by reputable kennel clubs worldwide. Fawn-colored Pugs are usually seen in dog shows and movies since they are more desired by pet lovers. These Pugs also come in different varieties, such as regular fawn Pugs, apricot fawn Pugs, and silver fawn Pugs. However, they are still the same dog breed. These color varieties are just simply to describe the tinge and fur shade. Are Fawn Pugs Rare? These non-black Pugs are the most common Pugs globally. Despite them carrying recessive genes, fawn Pug puppies are about two-thirds of the Pug population. However, a particular fawn Pug variety, the silver fawn Pug, is pretty rare. They are much lighter than the regular and apricot fawn Pugs. A fawn Pug is a small breed dog with a pale tan coat color or slightly yellowish and very light cream. They also exhibit a brachycephalic head, which means that they have flat faces. Fawn-colored Pugs have wrinkled faces, a short muzzle, big prominent eyes, round heads, and non-erect ears. Their bodies are usually compact with a curly tail at the back, and their legs are short. They have masks that typically cover the muzzle and chin and extend around the eyes. This marking is highly desirable in dog shows, especially darker ones. Moreover, they have a darker brown sheen or black hairs on their backs called trace. It predominantly starts at the back of the neck down to the base of the tail. However, the trace may fade away as the fawn puppy matures. In addition, there may be slight differences between male and female Pugs. However, both genders grow to about 10 to 14 inches tall and weigh between 13 and 20 pounds. Although fawn Pug puppies already came from a tiny breed, their size and weight should not be confused with teacup Pugs that are not pedigree dogs. As mentioned above, these Pugs have varieties that have silver or apricot tones. Some kennels consider them under fawn-colored dogs, while others separate them as apricot Pugs or silver Pugs since fawn is a broad term. Pugs with apricot fawn coats have a medium cream appearance that is darker than that of a regular fawn Pug. Silver fawn Pugs have the lightest shade, and they usually appear as extremely pale silver tinge coats. They may have markings such as masks on their faces, but each purebred Pug will have unique placements of these marks. Most Pugs are also not uniformly solid in color. Some may have lighter or dark coat hues. Other rare Pug colors that are not fawn are brindle Pugs, panda Pugs, and chocolate Pugs. However, we will discuss those in other articles. A Pug puppy gets one color gene from each of its parents. Combining these two color genes will determine the coat color of the litter. A reputable breeder usually does DNA testing to achieve the desired fur color. That means the parent should be both fawn Pugs, or the black Pug being bred to the fawn Pug should carry the recessive genes for fawn Pug litter to be produced. This happens because black is a dominant color, meaning you only need one black gene to produce black Pugs, despite being bred to a fawn Pug. In the case of a fawn-colored Pug puppy, they either lighten or darken, especially in their first year of existence. As puppies, they may appear with a dirt-like appearance due to the black hairs intermingled with their light colored-fur. These hairs are called smuttiness, and they often fade as the pup grows. The same goes with the trace. In contrast, the masks of non-black Pugs tend to darken as puppies mature into adults. They generally follow the guidelines set by the Pug Dog Club. However, Pugs with non-standard Pug colors such as silver fawn, those with brindle coats, and apricot Pugs can still be registered in AKC but cannot compete in show rings. The Canadian Kennel Club recognizes three Pug colors — silver-fawn, fawn, or black. Aside from either fawn or black Pugs, the Kennel Club of the UK accepts four coat colors as a breed standard, including silver and apricot-colored dogs. For generations, the Pug breed has proven to be great companions and family pets. Fawn Pug puppies have docile, charming, playful, and affectionate personalities, making them loved by most dog lovers. An essential thing to consider is that a fawn Pug does not tolerate being left alone for long periods and is highly attached to its owners. So if you want a clingy buddy, a fawn Pug puppy is perfect for you. They are great with children and other pets, including cats. However, they still need to be socialized early to know how to behave appropriately. These fawn puppies are intelligent purebred Pugs that respond well to training and positive reinforcement. However, you may need to stand your ground at times since most Pugs are stubborn. Furthermore, they tend to be energetic, so as Pug owners, you should give them about 30 minutes of exercise to shake off stored energies and avoid destructive behavior. It is important to note that coat colors do not affect the temperament of your Pug. Female Pug: Which Is Better? The lifespan of a fawn Pug is between 11 and 14 years. They are a brachycephalic breed which makes them prone to several health problems. This makes them at risk of developing respiratory problems like laryngeal collapse and hypoplastic trachea. This can cause neurological issues, pain, weakness, and loss of bladder control. However, this can be managed by rest and anti-inflammatory medicines. Heat Stroke: Pug dogs are affected mainly by heat strokes due to their tight coats. They are sensitive to changes in temperature and do not do well in hot climates. Keeping them indoors during summer can help avoid this condition as it can be life-threatening. Many factors will surround the health of your puppies, such as acquiring them from a reputable breeder, diet, exercise, and genetics. Puppy Prices and Expenses Since the fawn color in Pugs is one of the standard colors, fawn Pugs are priced similarly to other Pugs. Adopting a fawn Pug puppy is a great option. This means you get to save money while giving a rescue pup a second chance at life. They will need essential items to transition and settle into a permanent home. Here is a list of initial expenses in owning a fawn Pug puppy: Type of Expense. Overview When you have a dog from the age of a young pup, this gives you a wonderful opportunity. It offers you a chance to bond with your dog from the very beginning. This also gives you an advantage because you will be able to train and teach your pup what they need to know before they learn any bad behavior from elsewhere. This section will discuss how to care for a Pug puppy, starting at 8 weeks old and up until he or she is an adult, at the age of 1 year. Transition to a New Home Things will run much smoother if you plan ahead and have most, if not all, of your puppy care items already in your home. Here are the most important items to have: A crate — One with an adjustable size is best to fit the needs of a growing Pug puppy. Crating is a good night time method to use until a pup is housebroken. Gates or a playpen — Choosing an area to gate off or using a canine playpen are good options for when you must leave your Pug puppy home alone or for when you cannot be right at his side. This keeps the pup in a controlled space which helps in regard to bathroom needs and keeping a puppy in one area when he or she has strong chewing urges. Puppy food — This should be obtained before the puppy is brought home. Owners will not always agree with the food that a puppy has been being fed, however any change should be done gradually. Have the food that the Pug has been used to eating on hand, as well as your new choice. Details regarding making this change can be found here: Feeding a Pug. You'll also want them to be sized appropriately and at floor level. Honey — Puppies are prone to the condition of hypoglycemia, which is a rapid and dangerous drop in blood sugar levels. Stress, among other things, can bring this on and while going to a new home is a happy event, it can also be stressful for a little pup that is leaving all that he knew and no longer has the companionship and friendship of his litter-mates. Treatment can be provided at home as plans are being made to bring the puppy to the closest animal hospital or veterinarian. A small dab of honey is rubbed onto the gums and then the puppy should receive professional treatment, sometimes an IV to restore sugar levels back to normal. Leash, collar and harness — Pugs are prone to conditions that involve breathing problems. The body structure of this breed confines breathing passages into a small space and Pugs can have smaller than normal nasal passages and openings stenotic nares. For this reason, using a harness can help a Pug breathe easier when on leash. A short 6 foot leash works best for both potty training and heeling. Read more : Choosing the Best Collar and Harness for a Pug Grooming supplies — The thick coat of a Pug sheds heavily and brushing it well and offering baths on a regular basis can help control shedding. Starting dental care at a young age can help a puppy become used to this grooming element and set up a foundation for a life time of good dental hygiene practices. Keeping the wrinkles, eyes and ears clean are important part of caring for a Pug puppy. Read more: Shedding - Expect your Pug to shed a lot and be prepared by having the right tools. Dental care - Taking care of your Pug's teeth should be high on your priority list. Ears - Expected shapes and proper care. Wrinkles - Keeping the wrinkles dry and clean. Sleeping supplies - Some owners prefer to have their puppy sleep in the bed with them and while this is not always a bad thing, an owner should think about how that will play out as the pup matures into a much larger adult dog. Having a pup get used to his own canine bed from the beginning, set up in a quiet corner of a room, may work out best. Do keep in mind that Pugs crave human companionship and do not like to feel isolated. Setting up the bed in a quiet corner of a well-used room allows a Pug to have a nice area to retreat to for rest and sleep while allowing him to be close to his human family. It will be normal for a little one to sleep anywhere from 16 to 18 hours a day.This included both night time sleep and naps that will be taken throughout the day. Chew Toys — Teething will begin around the age of 3 or 4 months old and can last up until a Pug puppy is 8 months old. Having a good supply of toys on hand for a puppy to chew on is important. Puppy Proofing Before bringing a puppy home and on a regular basis at least weekly owners are encouraged to go over all floors to remove any small objects that could be accidentally swallowed. All items that could be chewed on such as pocket books and shoes should be placed up high until the Pug has matured. Whining It is normal for very young puppies to cry when first brought to a new home, this usually only lasts for a week or so as the pup becomes used to his new family and environment. This can also be a sign of needing to go to the bathroom, so following house training guidelines, be sure to take your Pug puppy outside on a regular basis. Vaccinations for the Pug Puppy An important part of caring for your puppy will be to make sure he or she is up-to-date for all needed vaccinations. An 8-week-old should already have received his shots, as well as a de-worming. Veterinarians will have varying schedules, however this is a general guideline: 5 weeks Parvovirus: For puppies at high risk of exposure to parvo, some veterinarians recommend vaccinating at 5 weeks. Dogs at high risk are those that live in areas where wild life raccoon, skunk, deer, etc. The inclusion of either canine adenovirus-1 or adenovirus-2 in a vaccine will protect against both adenovirus cough and hepatitis; adenovirus-2 is highly preferred. You will want to talk to your veterinarian about this. Reactions to Vaccines Immunizations are intended to stimulate the immune system to then protect a dog against a specific infectious disease. It is very important to have your Pug receive all needed vaccinations. Your Pug may react to immunizations in ways that range from soreness at the site of injection to mild fever to allergic reactions. The allergic reactions can range from mild to severe. Mild- Mild reactions include fever, sluggishness, and loss of appetite. Mild reactions usually resolve without any treatment needed. This is called Urticaria. This happens when there is a reaction of the skin and shows as hives or bumps. It is usually extremely itchy. Urticaria may progress to anaphylaxis, which is considered life-threatening. However, Urticaria is the most common reaction in dogs if a reaction is to happen. Severe - The most severe reaction is anaphylaxis. This is a very fast, sudden, severe allergic response that causes breathing difficulties, collapse and possible death. This is very rare. Urticaria the moderate and most common reaction, if one is to occur happens soon after vaccination, often even before the puppy is brought home. It can happen in the car while you are driving back to your house. Your veterinarian will recommend immediate return to the hospital for treatment. Urticaria is usually treated successfully with injectable corticosteroids like dexamethasone or prednisone. Antihistamines do little to help with acute allergic reactions but may be given by injection to help prevent recurrence of symptoms after steroids wear off. Mild vaccination reactions usually require no treatment. However, if the symptoms persist for more than 24 hours, call your veterinarian. Growth Rate A Pug puppy grows quickly and this can happen gradually or with spurts and stops. Many Pug puppies have a growth spurt near the 3 to 5 month mark. As the pup nears the 1 year mark, growth will slow down. Once a Pug reaches his or her full height, there may still be some growth in the width of the Pug, as the chest widens and fills out. How a Pug ages and his growth is rapid, yet can be staggered during the first year. Getting Your Puppy Comfortable One of the most important parts of bringing a puppy home is allowing him or her to become used to their new surroundings. Allow your pup to roam around and check out his new environment. Be sure to keep a puppy's water in one designed spot so that the pup can know that it can always be found. The drinking and feeding area should be in a quite corner of a room, without much foot traffic or noise, since small puppies can feel vulnerable while eating. The absolute longest that a 2 month old pup can hold their needs is 2 hours. The bladder and bowel muscles are not yet fully developed. As they grow older, this time will increase as they have more control over their body. Usually it will increase by 1 hour for each month that goes by. Therefore, a 3 month old can hold on for about 3 hours, a 4 month old for about 4 hours and so on.With 8 hours being the maximum time for any age. Informational Note: When your 2 month old needs to go outside at least every 2 hours, be sure to not get stuck into that habit.It is important to slowly increase the time intervals. Your 3 month old can wait about 3 hours, but only if you allow the pup to use his bowel and bladder muscles to work and grow stronger. If an owner always brought their Pug outside every 2 hours, the dog would never learn to hold their needs for a longer period of time. Keep reading about the best way to house train a Pug puppy. All puppy vaccinations should be given before you take him or her out to the park, to pet supply stores or any other area in which there may have been or could be other animals. Many new owners already have another dog in the household. As your puppy grows older and is receiving the needed vaccinations, you can slowly begin introducing your new puppy to other dogs and allow normal socialization to begin. The Necessities of Care To have a healthy and happy puppy that will grow into a happy and healthy adult dog, make sure to always provide the essentials: A proper diet. You will need to decide if you want to offer manufacture food, home cooked food or a combination of both. Pugs are very sensitive to their human's emotions. A hug goes a long way! All rights reserved. Privacy Policy We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon. As newborns they are deaf, bind, and largely immobile. They rely on their mom, or their breeder for food, warmth, and care. A Pug is Born! Unfortunately, the birthing process of Pugs is a difficult one. Flat-faced breeds, such as the Pug, are more likely to experience complications when giving birth. The Pug is also more likely to experience Dystocia, which is simply a term that means difficult or abnormal birth. Such situations put both the mother and her pups at risk. More often than not, the mother will require her pups to be delivered by a C-section. This is due to the fact that unborn Pugs have large and broad heads, whilst their mom has a very narrow pelvis. This awkward combination makes natural birth difficult. If the birth is successful, Pugs commonly have litters containing puppies, with 4 pups being the average. If your baby Pug is born naturally, their mother will next turn to chewing off the umbilical cord and cleaning them up. This is an important part of the bonding experience for mother dogs. The newborn Pugs will often nurse from their mother. When they are not nursing, they will spend the majority of their time sleeping. Newborn Pugs Pug pups begin their life fully reliant on their mother. They are born blind, deaf, and without teeth. A coat should be present, with the color being commonly either fawn or black. Fawn pups may experience their coat color lightening or darkening in shade as they mature. Their eyes and ears will be closed at birth and will remain this way for a while yet. Unable to support their own body weight, they will crawl on their stomach to get around. Baby Pugs are also not able to regulate their temperature, meaning that it is very important to stay warm. They will commonly clump together in piles, sharing body heat. Finally, the mother will also have to help her pups urinate and defecate as they are unable to do so by themselves. She does this by licking the anal and genital areas. One Week Old Baby Pug During the first week of life, baby Pug pups will either be nursing off their mother or sleeping. As they are still blind and deaf at this stage, they will not bother exploring or moving around more than necessary, spending most of their time lying close to their littermates and mother. Their weight should steadily increase every day. At the end of their first week of life, they should have doubled their birth weight, or at least come close. The owners of the pups will need to keep an eye on their breathing as brachycephalic breeds, such as the Pug, commonly have breathing issues. Two Week Old Baby Pug As we hit two weeks of age, we see a key development in the puppies growth; their eyes will open for the very first time! To begin with, their eye color will be blue, but will likely transition into a dark brown as they mature. Owners need to check over their eyes to ensure there are no issues, as this breed can be susceptible to ocular problems. At this stage, they may be a little more curious about their surroundings due to their newfound eyesight. However, they will still primarily be focused on sleeping and nursing. Their weight should continue to rise steadily over the coming weeks. By this time, the ears of the baby Pug pups will have opened. They will be able to hear for the first time and will begin reacting to more sounds. Their eyesight will also have developed significantly, with them being able to recognize their mother, littermates, and objects placed in their den. Along with their newfound perception of the world, they should now be able to support their own body weight and stand up. They may be able to walk, albeit with an unsteady gait. With all the interesting sights and sounds around them, they will likely be a lot more inquisitive of their surroundings. They may explore the den as much as their wobbly legs will carry them. The Pug puppies will also start teething, with their baby teeth coming through for the first time. This may start a passing interest in solid food. Gaining Independence On top of all this, they should now be able to urinate and defecate on their own, without any stimulation from their mother. We can also expect to see the start of the early socialization period. The puppies will begin developing behaviors and social skills for the first time, taking part in play with their littermates. Owners of the puppies should take advantage of this period to help them get used to human touch and presence. They will be establishing relationships with their mother, den mates, and people. Training can begin at this early stage. Despite the fact that their brains still have a lot of developing to do, a start can still be made on teaching them basic crate and potty training. They will also likely be much more mobile on their feet. Little adventures will be common and the puppies will play together often. Soft, easy to eat puppy food can be given. They will continue to rise in weight and keep learning social skills, with more complex behaviors being shown. While they seem a lot more independent at this stage, they will still require plenty of time with their mother and den mates before they are ready to be moved to a new home. Six Week Old Baby Pug At six weeks old, the Pug puppies are fast approaching the age where they reach full independence. By now, they should be fully weaned off their mother and placed onto solid food only. This is a big step. There is still much to learn. Up until now, the Pug puppies have been very curious and interested in completely new things. But they have always been safe under the watchful eye of their mom, too. Now, as they finally gain independence, the puppies learn to be cautious and careful; traits that keep them alive in the wild. Eight Week Old Baby Pug At eight weeks old, the Pug pups are developed enough to be able to leave their mother and littermates behind. They can be sold and moved into a new loving home. They should weigh around pounds. Training and Raising a Pug Resources Keep in mind that they still have a lot of developing to do; both physically and mentally! Remember, they are still within their fear period! Things learned here will make a big impact.

German Shepherds will start to calm down around 2 to 3 years of age. And this will continue as they get older. Then at 7 or 8 years old, owners might see significant changes in their behavior. The dogs will still be active, but not as hyper as before. So this is when their playfulness will begin to show. Phase 2: 2 to 4 months Next, German Shepherds at this age will be more active than before. So aside from being playful, they may also show other behaviors, such as: Humping. Being aggressive. Phase 4: 2 to 6 years German Shepherds might reach maturity at the beginning of this stage. Either at 2 or 3 years old. So as adults, their attention span will start to increase. And they may also calm down a bit. German Shepherds were reported to have calmed down at 7 or 8 years old. Note: This is generalized. So your doggo can experience it earlier or later. As there are other factors that can affect this. What are they? Scientists found a certain allele a type of a gene in German Shepherds. Which is linked to hyperactivity in dogs. As well as impulsiveness. Which are known for having heaps of energy as well. You may know this already. But the 1st registered German Shepherd was a sheepdog. Their ancestors used to run and control thousands of sheep before. This is why being active must be in their blood. And from then on, German Shepherds were trained more as working dogs. Which is a wider category and has many roles. Such as assisting people in need or doing search and rescues. Wanna know more cool trivia about them? Conclusion Hyperactivity in German Shepherds By definition, hyperactivity stems from the inability to be calm or completely relaxed. Still, you might have wondered if the absurd humping would ever end. This hyperactive particularity and their herding capacities affect their relationship with humans and also explains why they always have the knack to lead, rather than the other way around. They indeed display a lot of hyperactive currents. Still, their level of hyperactivity can vary depending on their age. What age is that? Follow closely to find out. There are a few reasons why your German Shepherd might be a little hyperactive. Here are some common reasons: Childhood Although German Shepherds have rapid-fire physical growth, it takes time for their internal appreciation to measure up with the outside growth. In other words, while they grow fleetly, they have low internal development. The active energy at utmost times is a result of a retarded internal growth. Nevertheless, there are situations of hyperactivity particularly common to German Shepherds. It humps and peaks as they grow older. German Shepherd hyper actively plays with a ball. Historical Background The hyperactive nature of a German Shepherd, as it is with any other breed, has been attributed to their ancestral descent or history. The antecedents of German Shepherds contended in packs and were always victorious over other contending creatures. Two German Shepherds lying on the grass after a training. Need for Attention Now, this is another reason for the hyperactive actions displayed by your German Shepherd. A German Shepherd left unattended can become overwhelmed and put up a largely reenergized front. German Shepherd being curious beside his owner. Minimum Engagement German Shepherds are trained to stick to routines. These routines may involve exercises that gauge for at least 90 twinkles daily, as well as violent cardio conditioning once a week. German Shepherd in its kennel. Signs That Point to Hyperactivity in Your German Shepherd Although it might be confusing to decipher if your dog is simply happy or hyperactive, there are some physical signs you can look out for that point to a display of hyperactivity in your canine. One of their happiest moments is when you gently pet them or give them treats. A hyperactive canine, on the other hand, may display some aggressive actions like biting on effects unnecessarily, smelling, gratuitous jumping, and nipping. Other actions can be running around, engaging you in a chase, jumping , spinning around, and submerging. German Shepherd runs on the water. Generally, German Shepherds are anticipated to calm down during their early times as puppies, which generally ranges from 6 months to 3 years. The fact is, like kids, they just want to be merry. Also, studies have proven that German goatherds can be calm when fixed. Altering your canine reduces the aggression position and the inherent nature of being territorial. Although the primary purpose of neutering is to help with severe health conditions when they grow old, it also calms the jitters of your legend. That is like killing two cats with one gravestone, right? On a final note, when your canine is in its early stages, you should prioritize helping your canine to interact and connect with its new terrain. At that moment, they must be given acceptable training in obedience during this critical moment of their life. What this does for your dog is that it helps him understand the place of respect in your relationship, as he also learns how to manage his feelings more and keep calm in needed situations. Relaxed German Shepherd lying on the floor. Black German Shepherd running. Engage them in challenging exercises The exercises you put them through must be more challenging than those of average dogs. You can also encourage their inner athletic spirit on a walk by removing the leash on them so they can run freely, or put up hoops for them to jump through. Neutering If administered early enough, this might be another way to help with that super surge of energy. Revisit the routine timetable If your German Shepherd still exhibits signs of absorbing hyperactivity, then you might need to recheck the routines you set up to measure up with their level of energy. That way, he drains his energy, and, rather than display aggressive traits, he might want to tone it down after doing so much. Daily walks, fetch and catch games , sports, etc. The owner and German Shepherd go for a walk. Give commands in low-pitch Do not give commands in a fast, high-pitched tone. Rather, in a low-pitched and controlled manner. Trust me, you also do not want to correct your dog with anxious and high-pitched tones; it only regurgitates their surge of excitement and energy. Owner trains her train German Shepherd. The calming therapy of scents Another trick is aromatherapy. You should calm down. The scintillating fragrance has its undoing, hiking nerves and adding calmness. It can work for your German Shepherd too. This is another trick you can use to calm your German Shepherd. Be sure to place fragrance diffusers around your home. Essential oils like vanilla, chamomile, sweet, and lavender do the job perfectly. You can try multiple scents to find the ones that are most effective in soothing your dog. Essential oils can help calm your dogs. Try a treat trick You can distract your dog with food. When your German Shepherd becomes extremely hyper, using this tricky way of giving them treats engages them mentally. It helps. Try it. German Shepherd plays with his toy at the park. Conclusion There are levels to the hyperactivity trait common to German Shepherds. With this hyper-active nature common to them, German Shepherds need owners that can keep up with their physical and mental requirements. With their fast-going and hyperactive nature, German Shepherds need owners who are patient and who can keep up with the intense physical and mental requirements. We hope you find this helpful. My wife and I love playing with our active miniature Labradoodle Max. We want all Oodle puppies to be healthy and happy, have lots of fun and be part of the family. Load More. I know that was something I thought all the time when Allie was a young pup. Unfortunately, every German Shepherd is different so there is no exact answer that will work for every GSD but this article can give you a guide. Working line German Shepherds especially are made to have a job, thus they require a lot of exercise and activity or they will be hyper. Ways to help your German Shepherd to calm down 1. Proper Exercise Exercise is key to helping your German Shepherd calm down. A daily exercise routine will help your GSD burn off energy which will help them to be calmer. Check out this article on 21 ways to exercise your German Shepherd for ideas. Exercise is also important because it helps to prevent destructive behavior. A tired German Shepherd is less likely to be mischievous and more like to quietly lay on their bed and rest. Because German Shepherds are working dogs, you should aim to give your adult German Shepherd at least one-two hours of exercise each day. Puppies should be exercised multiple times a day but for shorter durations. Check out this article on how long to exercise a German Shepherd puppy for more detail. Training Training is important for two reasons. One it helps you have more control over your dog when needed in everyday situations; and two, it is a form of mental stimulation that will tire your dog out. Participate in some type of training with your dog and you will find your dog is exhausted afterwards. For a puppy try a basic obedience class, for an older dog maybe try agility or Schutzhund. Many forms of training also involve exercise which is a win-win for you! You can also teach your dog new tricks at home at any time. Tricks training is a great way to bond with your dog as well as calm them down. Mental Stimulation German Shepherds aim to please and love to work. They also love to learn new things, in fact, they need to learn new things. Training is one form of mental stimulation, but puzzle toys are another. These toys usually involve the hiding of a treat in a manner where your dog has to figure out how work around the device to get to the treat. If you are interested in some great puzzle toys for German shepherd click here. Dogs should be socialized sufficiently as a puppy. The extra benefit of socializing your dog with other people or animals is that those other parties will tire your dog out for you. If you set up a doggie play date, the dogs will play and play by the time they get home they will pass right out. Some options for socialization include, doggie daycare, taking your dog to the dog park, doggie play dates, field trips to new places, or having a friend or family member who has time to spend the day with your dog. Trust me all that socializing is exhausting! Of course, when I got her home I suddenly realized I was in over my head with my first German Shepherd. She was hyper and I never seemed to be able to tire her out for long. A short rest and I do mean short and she was back to being bananas! My beautiful Black Germa Shepherd! I asked her vet when she was about a year old, when will she calm down? I was told around 5 years old! I was thinking 4 more years! I noticed the calming down process began around age 7. She was and is still is very active, but she could rest longer and be content. Some of the activities I used to do with her at age 1 where she would bounce right back in 10 minutes would tire her out for a longer time period. Now, at 9 years old — she is still NOT a super calm dog. However, she is the calmest around me. We can be active or relax together. Let other people come around and she is back to being a crazy young puppy full of excitement jumping up and down ready to play. Final Thoughts So when do German Shepherds calm down? German Shepherd calm may not be the type of calm you are thinking. They will calm down somewhere between the age of but may never be a full couch potato. Each dog is different and some may calm down earlier or later. Keep in mind that German Shepherds may never be as calm as another dog breed but they will get calmer over time. When I look back at it now, life would have been so much more boring with a calm German Shepherd: When did your German Shepherd calm down? Let me know in the comments. This is actually one of the most popular questions we receive from German shepherd owners! This article will explain everything you need to know on this important topic. German shepherds calm down after years. This is the most common age range when most German shepherds mature and calm down a little. How do GSDs have so much energy to begin with? To this day, German shepherds remain to be one of the top working dogs, if not the no. To perform at such a high level, German shepherds have adapted to have impeccable endurance, stamina, attention, and energy levels. I personally noticed a change in hyperactivity and energy level after 3 years with my GSD. The best way to get a calm German shepherd is to manage their energy levels appropriately. A quick word on Training! Results show improvement in obedience and behavior quicker than we thought possible! Definitely check it out. Stick to a routine The power of routine and sticking to set times is not spoken about enough! Dogs, especially highly intelligent breeds like German shepherds, absolutely need daily routines. Having set times for everything will instantly reduce stress, anxiety, and can even improve obedience. Eating, exercising, training, playing, socializing, and even brushing, should ideally be around the same time every day. Your German shepherd will learn to expect these activities at certain times, allowing them to remain calm during all other times. Exercise twice per day and first thing in the morning Although most owners exercise their German shepherd once per day, exercising them twice per day is extremely beneficial. Along with exercising twice per day, exercising your GSD first thing in the morning is a game-changer. German shepherd adults over 1 year should ideally receive minutes of exercise per day. Split this up into two sessions, once in the morning and another in the evening. German shepherd puppies, under 1 year should stick to a set puppy exercise routine to ensure their joints and bones can develop properly before receiving too much stress. Important read: German shepherd hip dysplasia information 3. Increase socialization activities Socialization is a hugeee one. Perhaps the most potent form of mental stimulation comes when two dogs sniff, play, and interact with each other. In most cases, socialization and mental stimulation are not focused on enough in daily routines. To increase socialization, you can stay longer at the dog park, visit doggy play groups, find Facebook groups online in your local area for the purpose of dog socialization, or visit friends that have dogs more often. Use puppy pens for cool down periods Puppy pens are an excellent tool when used correctly. Not only will they keep your puppy safe and contained, but they can act as a place where your puppy learns to calm down. Puppy pens are essentially like crates, but far more liberating and comfortable. By placing your pup in the pen, it will limit their movement and encourage them to calm down. If your pup considers the puppy pen as a punishment, it will not work to calm them down. Spend a week or so building positive associations with the pen. This means spending time with your pup around the pen, throw toys in there, treats, and give plenty of praise. As long as your puppy enjoys being in the pen, then this will work wonders for whenever you need your pup to calm down quickly. Related: Why are German shepherds so dramatic 5. Puzzle toys usually require your pup to figure out a simple or hard challenge in order to receive the treat. Some puzzle toys are better suited for when you are there to assist, and others are set-and-forget, perfect for when you leave the house. As explained before, providing more mental stimulation for your German shepherd will without a doubt reduce their energy and hyperactivity. Keep up with daily command training! Of course, any German shepherd owner knows just how important training is… But still, I speak to so many owners who stop command training way too early! With a little creativity you can make each training session different and more complex. Try to incorporate minutes of dedicated command training on a daily basis ideally at the same time! This will keep their stress and anxiety levels down, prevent bad behavior and reduce the chances of hyperactive behavior. If you are leaving your GSD home alone for a few hours per day, then ensure they have had some exercise before, and provide them with a puzzle toy, or training prior to leaving them. This could certainly be the case for German shepherds too, considering just how much they crave their owners attention and time. If a German shepherd starts to feel alone, understimulated, or disengaged, then many unwanted behaviors can be the result hyperactivity being just one of them. The 8 tips above all work to help keep your German shepherd calm because they are all stimulating and engaging. Working dogs like German shepherds absolutely need to be stimulated physically, mentally, and socially. The tips above accomplish this in one way or another. By adjusting your GSDs daily routine to include these tips, not only will their hyperactivity reduce, but their overall behavior, happiness and stress levels will improve. Prioritise what your German shepherd needs when they need it, and their behavior and temperament will be exemplary. German Shepherds Are Energetic Dogs! This last section is just a reminder that German shepherds are energetic dogs after all! These dogs are not couch potatoes, and will have energy way into their senior years. As long as we raise a friendly, obedient, and happy German shepherd, their energy levels will be manageable with fairly little effort. Thank you for reading! If you have any questions please message in! The Puppy Mag makes an active effort to search for plagiarized content using plagiarism detection software. If plagiarized content is found, action will be taken. They are strong, intelligent and full of unbridled energy. A German shepherd puppy will be curious and find mischief where mischief is to be found. He will bite, chew and eat everything he can get his paws on and teeth through. That is his nature and even with training, he might not fully shed that tendency. His coat on the other hand, he will shed all day, every day. You can ensure that they calm down by exercising and training them. German Shepherds Have Strong Protective Instincts Genetic predisposition: It is ingrained in them, ingrained in the genetic code passed on from their ancestors who were herders, hunters and guard dogs, to protect and take care of their pack—you and your family in this case. Your German shepherd is the product of his kind. Some of it is just him being a big puppy, but most of it is his instincts flaring up mixed with caution. This is what makes him a great guard dog, as long as his instincts and energy are honed by training to become a skill and not end up being a nuisance. They are sociable as well, which makes them wonderful friends and champions for your children. Again, what you think of as aggression: excessive chewing, eating your socks, barking boisterously and bounding about in an over-enthusiastic manner, is part adolescent pent-up energy and hormones—yes, even dogs can act out—and part him trying to be a good guard dog to you. He might growl at some strangers and bark at the pigeons, but he will be fiercely loyal to you and your children. The usual way—barking, whining, zoomies, prancing, jumping and in general, being hyper-active albeit in different ways. Chewing, Biting, Scratching I hate to be the one to tell you this, but all dogs chew, bite, scratch and then eat up what they bite, chew and scratch. Why is he chewing or biting so much? Sure, your German shepherd might just be an active pup, but a dog actually starts teething when he is three to four weeks old, and by the six to eight week stage, all his deciduous teeth baby teeth will have erupted. His adult teeth usually come in when he is 6 months old. Teething, and the consequent chewing and biting, will and should stop around that 6 month point when all his baby teeth fall out and adult teeth set in. Teething can be uncomfortable and painful for your German shepherd, and equally hard on your toes, socks and furniture if he decides to chew on them. What you can do is give them alternatives to bite, chew and rip. Consider investing in some chewable toys like this one for aggressive chewers , rawhide bones and a scratch post or board. Also buy some interactive toys to keep them occupied and away from your socks, shoes and furniture. In addition, frozen treats will not just keep him occupied, it will also cool down and soothe his gums. German Shepherd Barking and Howling This, too, is characteristic of German shepherds who love nothing more than to howl at the moon if you let them; so the point is to not let them all the time. If you think you have it bad with a GSD, a husky will be a shock to your system. A GSD puppy, especially under six months, who is just finding his voice will whine and yowl more than a dog who is a year or older. They should calm down a little at this age, especially since they can be trained not to as they mature. You want them to alert you to an approaching intruder, or to growl at someone who comes off as a threat to either of you. These vocal warnings are often enough to turn away most threats. The only way to get them to stop annoying the neighbors by barking at passing cars, cats and birds, and to instead bark only when necessary is to train them, starting early and doing it systematically. Running or jumping all over the house: When you give your German shepherd the playtime and exercise he needs, he will not be so active and hyper all the time. All of the above are signs of an active and hyper dog. Some of them outgrow it at the one year mark and some take longer and require more training, exercise and attention than others. But in the end, you can calm your German shepherd down. What can you do? Affordable, no price hikes, and a complete dog attitude change. So here are the basics of how you go about it. First, stay calm. Bark on command: Teach your German shepherd how to bark on command! Get your dog excited, a definite way to get him to bark. The minute he does, mark the bark. Remember to praise them. You, in return, must learn to recognize his concern and act accordingly. Give him a treat and praise him when he alerts you to real threats. Soon, you and your dog will be in tune with each other and he will alert you to trouble by barking at the right time. Give Your German Shepherd A Proper Diet Every breed requires a different kind of diet, suited to their age, activity level and their dietary requirements. A vet can chart up a good diet plan for you to follow if you are so inclined. A balanced diet will give him just the right amount of energy he needs—no more and no less. Make sure your German shepherd gets enough protein to build his muscles and keep up his energy. But too much protein in his diet will not only make him excessively energetic, but it will also affect his kidneys. The same goes for his sugar and carb intake. When you castrate your dog, you are effectively removing the glands that provide their system with hormones. These glands are responsible for the amount of testosterone and other hormones that make him overly hyper, rouse his libido and have him acting out aggressively. So, while neutering or spaying your German shepherd does help regulate his hormones —completely remove them, rather—and that in turn subdues them to an extent, he can continue to be an energetic dog if he is so inclined. It is not a quick-fix solution to hyperactiveness. Concluding Thoughts A combination of good training, a balanced diet, plenty of exercises and yes, even neutering, is necessary to effectively calm your German Shepherd down. When that will happen varies from dog to dog, but in the end, a healthy, happy and well-trained dog should and will calm down and be well behaved. Give it exercise German Shepherds are a breed that need a lot of exercise to be properly stimulated. They were bred to do energy-intensive tasks every day for hours at a time. So, if your German Shepherd is not currently getting much exercise then it will naturally seek to expend more energy causing it to be less calm. An easy way to give your German Shepherd more exercise is to teach it to play fetch. By doing so you will be able to get your German Shepherd to do a lot of running over a short time period. It can be difficult to teach your German Shepherd how to do it at first but the link above will guide you through the process. Another way to give your German Shepherd a lot of exercise in a shorter time frame is to walk it with other dogs. By walking it with other dogs your German Shepherd will play with them and expend a lot more energy in doing so. Training Another way to give your German Shepherd a lot of exercise is to give it lots of training. By doing so you will be able to teach your German Shepherd to be more responsive to your command and you will be able to get it to be better behaved when you want it to be. Ignore it when it gets hyper Since your German Shepherd might act hyper around you in order to get attention from you one option you have is to ignore it when it does so and then to reward it when it starts to behave well. Try a calming chew You could also consider giving your German Shepherd a calming chew or toy. By doing this you will be able to channel its attention into the toy and away from everything else. Reasons it might not be calm There are a number of things that might cause your German Shepherd not to be calm that I will try to mention below. Boredom As mentioned earlier German Shepherds require a lot of exercise Related post: How to tell if your German Shepherd loves you Separation anxiety Another thing that can cause your German Shepherd not to be calm is separation anxiety. It can also cause it to be more hyperactive when you are around. Attention One reason that your German Shepherd might not act calm is because it wants to get attention from you. If you think that your German Shepherd is doing this then you can try the ignore method above when it acts hyper and you can also make sure to give it lots of attention throughout the day. Things to consider There are a handful of things that you should consider that I will mention below. How old it is The age of your German Shepherd can have an influence on how it behaves. If your German Shepherd is still young then it should calm down a bit as it gets older. When done correctly it gives your German Shepherd a secure place that it can go to and be calm. They will be able to diagnose the cause of its actions and will be able to give you tailored advice to deal with it. When you punish it your German Shepherd will think that it is being punished for the last thing that it did which is coming to you and not the thing that you are actually punishing it for. It can cause other problems as well such as distrust, being less responsive to your command and aggression. Related questions Will my German Shepherd puppy ever calm down? German Shepherds and most other dogs will normally calm down as they get older. Despite that, you should still take measures to train it now so that it is well behaved and easy to manage as an adult. If you want a happy and obedient German Shepherd, this is one of the best online dog training programs available right now. You can get the first month free using This link.