white german shepherd puppies for sale in illinois

Website: appleridgegsd. They have been deeply committed to the breed for over a couple of years, and they are one of the only breeders in the state to have both AKC and SV German Shepherd Dog Club of America breeding permits. They are a small, family-run kennel that breeds German Shepherds for companionship or working purposes. They breed German Shepherd dogs that are versatile, stable, loving, loyal, extremely smart, and trainable from the best West German lines in the world. Their breeding stock is all OFA certified for hips, elbows, heart, and diabetes. Their breeding stock is also VWD-free, so their puppies will not contract the disease. They strive to breed German Shepherds that are healthy, happy and have good temperaments. They also have a small number of retired adults who are looking for loving homes! Please contact them if you are interested in adopting one of these pets. You are guaranteed lifetime support and coaching! Provided at no additional cost. Emial: mechezarreta yahoo. They breed German Shepherds and provide a stud service, drawing on the best genetics acquired from Germany to achieve their success. Their puppies come with a health guarantee, which makes them one of the few breeders who do so. If you decide to purchase a German Shepherd puppy from them, they can assist you with the full process of bringing your new pet into the country in order to make it as seamless as possible for you and your loved ones. A hereditary hip and elbow guarantee, current vaccinations and deworming, a microchip, and AKC registration papers are all included with every puppy purchased from Puppy Heaven. The puppies are available in two sizes: small and medium. According to their owners, a number of championships, including Best In Show, have been won by their Shepherds at both the regional and national levels. If you are looking for a reputable and reliable breeder of German Shepherds in Florida, then these 11 breeders should be at the top of your list. Each of them has a long history of breeding healthy, happy, and beautiful puppies that make excellent family pets or working dogs. We hope this list will help you decide which of these kennels are best for your family and pets. Do any of them sound like a good fit? What other factors do you think should be considered before making this decision? Remember, this is one of the most important decisions that you will make in your life, so take some time to research these breeders before contacting them. The German Shepherd makes a wonderful companion dog, as well as a guard dog if trained properly. The breed has been used in many roles throughout history, including therapy and search-and-rescue. If you have any questions about the breed or their temperament then feel free to contact your local German Shepherd rescue for more information on how this amazing dog can enrich your life. Are there any other Florida German shepherd breeders that should be on this list? Please let us know by leaving a comment below. I've been breeding German Shepherds of sound body and mind for over 30 years and specialize in providing families with loving companion dogs, and dogs for emotional support therapy, for veterans suffering PTSD, and for other special needs. I'm trying to share my extensive knowledge on breeding and training the perfect German Shepherd with the wider community. We offer lifetime guarantees on health and temperament. Our bloodlines started out of the top 2 bloodlines in the world, Vom Arlett and Bad-Boll. As I continue this blog I will help you learn how to assure you are picking a healthy and happy pup for your next family companion. Recent Posts. Haus Brezel German Shepherds 7. Southernwind Kennels Living the life as a dog owner and handler, Cecilia started off working as a mounted police officer while breeding her own personal dogs. Working with the mounted unit she took time to bring the pups around so they could get access to proper socialization which gave her an understanding of how a working dog is made, and that turned into her being sent to many Police K9 Trial over the US. Her work with Police K9s eventually gave her experience to open the first woman-owned k9 security business where she bred, trained, and boarded dogs. Her experience with dogs also has a background in being an FCI judge and trainer. Earning titles with many dogs in her years of training along with being a dog handler in many shows, but she also makes it an annual event to attend the Seiger Shows with her dogs. Taking the care of her dogs to the highest priority, all of them are held to the highest standard for performance abilities and health checks. Breeding American German shepherds with a strong VA lineage and importing European German Shepherds, the health of their dogs is the first priority. But all of their breeding stock and puppies live on a high-quality diet of raw meat, high-quality kibble, and extra supplements for the best life possible. A puppy from them is going to come home with lifetime support, a microchip, state health certification, and a contract of health guarantee. With a strong devotion to the workability of the German Shepherd breed, all of their dogs have the availability to go into any lifestyle that suits your family such as a family companion, service dog, or support companion. But the dedication does not stop there as you can also receive educational materials, Southernwind specific educational and informational videos, educational blogs, and a bi-monthly newsletter. And with their dedication to their dogs, they also offer a variety of training options to help you get your pup on the right track. Along with puppies and training they also offer stud services to approved females. And if you find that a German Shepherd is not for you they also breed Belgium Malinois at another facility.

Life Span Did You Know? The Boxer is one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States. It has been recognized by the AKC since .Although the Boxer dog breed originated in Germany, their ancient ancestry can be traced back to the Assyrian empire war dogs of BC. The modern Boxer breed we know and love today was originally developed in Germany in the late s. English-bred Bulldogs and the Bullenbesiier were crossed to create an energetic and agile hunting dog to chase wild game. The Boxer is a popular family companion and a versatile working dog. As a member of the Working Group, Boxers can be found competing in dog sports like agility, obedience, and herding. They also make great service and assistance dogs, as well as therapy dogs, and can be found working as search and rescue dogs, drug detection dogs, police dogs, and military dogs. The Boxer is a muscular and energetic dog that tends to have a happy, friendly disposition. They bond closely with their families and tend to get along well with children and other dogs. They can even do well with other pets despite their high prey drive if they are socialized and trained with them. As long as they are well-socialized, Boxers are generally upbeat, playful, and friendly. Although they have a natural instinct to protect their family from unwanted visitors, they do tend to warm up once introduced and are happy to make a new friend. They can be prone to barking a lot if you do not work on socialization and training your dog to stop barking early on. Boxers can be highly adaptable dogs. Although they have a lot of energy and are better suited to homes with yards where they can run, they can adapt to apartment living as long as they get the daily exercise, attention, and mental stimulation they need. As with any non-arctic dog breed, they are sensitive to very cold temperatures. Boxers are also a brachycephalic breed, which means they are even more sensitive to heat than other dogs. A Boxer is also one of the most affectionate dog breeds. Because they bond so closely with their families and get bored easily, they should not be left alone for long periods of time. Potential health conditions to be aware of in a Boxer include hip dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, thyroid issues , and heart conditions like aortic stenosis and cardiomyopathy. Good breeding practices make a big difference and reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. So, make sure you are asking the breeder about the health and genetic history of the parents and about any health tests that have been done. Boxers are intelligent dogs that are eager to please their owners. Despite their energetic personality, they are one of the best dog breeds for first-time owners and are highly trainable dogs. They tend to excel at almost any task put before them! Because of their open, friendly nature and high energy, they have a tendency to jump up at people in excitement and playfulness. Since they grow into powerful dogs, you will want to make sure you train your dog not to jump up. Boxers have smooth and short coats that will shed a little year-round and require minimal grooming. A brush-down once or twice a week and the occasional bath as needed will keep their short coat healthy and looking great. Nail trims once or twice a month are usually enough to keep nails from growing too long. Checking ears weekly and carefully cleaning as needed can help prevent ear infections. Checking and wiping their facial wrinkles weekly or a few times a week if your dog is prone to getting into things can help keep their wrinkles clean and free of irritation. Dental diseases, like gum disease, are the most common health issues in older dogs because dental care is often overlooked; and, it can lead to other serious health issues. Brushing daily, plus cleanings at the vet when needed, is ideal. The Boxer is a high-energy dog breed that needs plenty of daily exercise to stay happy and healthy. Due to their high prey drive and urge to chase, they should only be let off-leash in secure areas. Boxers tend to get bored with repetition, are excellent problem solvers, and are naturally exuberant. A fully-grown Boxer usually stands inches tall at the shoulder and weighs pounds. Boxers generally live years on average. In Germany, the Boxer was one of the first dog breeds chosen for police training. Featured Boxer Article. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. The Brass Tacks This is where you learn a little about us, and more about how to purchase a puppy from us.That would drive me nuts! Ready Set.Our puppies will have dewclaws and tails done, will be current on vaccinations and worming appropriate for the puppies age at pickup or delivery. We do ENS with our puppies, we affectionately call it baby exercises, daily from day 3 to day .To create Super Dogs! Healthier and Smarter Dogs! Click here to learn about ENS. All our babies also come microchipped, with a pre-paid membership, all you have to do is mail it in. They each come with a goody bag with their AKC limited papers and a lot of info to help you raise a cherished family member, not just a dog you have for a while then re-home. Also in the bag is some items to help baby not miss mommy and its siblings so much, like toys, food and a blanket that smells like home. Speaking of home, we are located in Central Texas outside of the little town Luling which is about an hour South of Austin or an hour East of San Antonio, or 2. Our puppies are available for local pickup and possible local delivery for a fee. We are also able to meet you at the San Antonio or Austin Airport if you wish to fly down and pick up your baby yourself. Some people fly back, and some rent a car and drive home. There are also companies who provide door to door delivery of puppies for a fee. Deposits can be Cash, Venmo, or PayPal. Deposit can be transferred to a different litter in the future, if your circumstances change or the puppy you were looking for was not in that litter, with the understanding the price may be different based on parentage, color, sex, and quality. I have tried to address as many topics as I could think of, I'm sure I forgot some, feel free to shoot me an email or text with any questions and I will get back to you as soon as I can. Loyalty, affection, intelligence, work ethic, and good looks: Boxers are the whole doggy package. Bright and alert, sometimes silly, but always courageous, the Boxer has been among America's most popular dog breeds for a very long time. A male can stand as high as 25 inches at the shoulder and weigh lbs; females are a little smaller, lbs and inches tall. Their muscles ripple beneath a short, tight-fitting coat, and the dark brown eyes and wrinkled forehead give the face an alert, curious look. The coat can be fawn or brindle, with white markings, and some are born solid white. Boxers move like the athletes they are named for: smooth and graceful, with a powerful forward thrust. Boxers are upbeat and playful. Their patience and protective nature have earned them a reputation as a great dog with children. They take the jobs of watchdog and family guardian seriously and will meet threats fearlessly. Boxers do best when exposed to a lot of people and other animals in early puppyhood. The Bullenbeisser descended from Mastiffs was crossed with the Old English bulldog to eventually produce the modern breed. Bullenbeissers were generally used as catch dogs for hunting bear, wild boar, and deer. With their strong jaws, they would catch and hold prey until their hunter masters came. The first Boxers were developed to be a smaller, faster dog for similar purposes. Unfortunately, like their bulldog ancestors, Boxer dogs were sometimes used for bull-baiting, and, after the practice was outlawed, for dog fighting. Many are still working dogs, for the military and as police dogs. But most have taken an equally important place as the popular companion dog we know and love today. Boxers are, for the most part, versatile dogs. But be wary of leaving your Boxer dog unattended with access to local pets in your neighborhood. A strong fence without escape routes is a good idea. And although Boxers do well in hot weather, white ones might need some sunscreen. Yes, dog sunscreen is a thing. A bored boxer will chew, lick, and dig to excess, so a kennel or crate may be necessary when you need to be away for longer than they like. In the perfect world, a boxer owner would work part-time, or from home, so that they could spend maximum time caring for and bonding with their pet. After a puppy is reserved its is our goal to make the update within minutes with few exceptions outside holidays and unforeseen events. You can be confident the available puppies and their pictures shown are accurate and up to date. Welcome to our website! A photo of Rocky, the best Boxer ever, and the one who started it all! We are a family owned operation that breeds champion bloodline AKC Boxer puppies. Our objective is to produce the highest quality puppies, for family pets and companions. We do not offer nor do we guarantee our puppies for show or breeding, instead we would rather they be considered by the people that adopt them as family members, preferably as children! Our love for Boxers came about after we welcomed our first Boxer Rocky into our home. He is an amazing dog, and has been the backbone of our program, providing many of the adult Boxers that we have today. Although he is no longer used for breeding, his amazing personality seems to be what everyone we encounter is looking for in a Boxer. It's no accident that we chose to keep his puppies, they have the same laid-back and relaxed personalities as Rocky. We are vigilant to assure that our puppies are the finest available, we use the best technology to closely monitor the mother and her babies for the first eight weeks. We work with and handle the puppies daily, pampering them helps to create superior emotional health. Three days after birth dew claws are removed and tails are docked by a licensed veterinarian. Vaccinations and deworming is completed utilizing a strict program, all documentation is provided. Pre-crate training begins at six weeks of age. Puppies are socialized with adult dogs and other animals, such as cats at an early age. All trademarks and copyrights on this page are owned by their respective owners. All else Copyright Riverhillboxers. All Rights Reserved. Boxer Description The Boxer has a compact and powerful body. Their head is proportionate with the body and has a short muzzle with an underbite. The tail is set high and typically docked. Their coat is short, smooth, and comes in multiple colors including fawn, tan, brindle, mahogany, and black and often with white markings. Boxers also come in a white coat, but some clubs will not register them. Discover more about our Boxer puppies for sale below and see why they are one of the most popular breeds in the U. Disposition and Temperament Boxers are happy, playful, curious, and energetic. So much so that many remain extremely fit and athletic into their old age. They are very intelligent, eager, quick to learn and known to be a good breed for competitive obedience. Boxers bond closely with their family and are loyal and affectionate. In fact, they are known to get along well with children. A properly socialized Boxer will get along with dogs and other household pets, such as cats, but small animals such as rodents or birds may be too tempting. Being energetic and playful, the Boxer can become boisterous and jump on people without proper training and leadership. Boxers need to go on a daily walk and get daily mental and physical exercise. Without it, they can become stressed out. You should start training your Boxer while it is a puppy: Boxers do best with dominant owners who can be firm, consistent and committed. You need to establish yourself as the leader of the pack with this dog breed. Owners who do not establish dominance often find their dogs to be stubborn or demanding which can hamper the owner-pet relationship. Living Conditions As for living arrangements, they can be fine in an apartment if sufficiently exercised even though they are active indoors, but Boxers really do best with an average-sized yard. They are also temperature sensitive, overheating easily and chilling quickly. Boxers have a natural tendency to protect their owners and home, and although visitors who the dog recognizes are not seen as a threat, will protect their owners if they sense danger. Boxers are courageous which makes them great watchdogs and will even restrain intruders. It is important to know Boxer puppies require human leadership and need to be taught not to be boisterous or jump up on people. It requires very little grooming. Brush it with a rubber curry brush once or twice a week to keep it looking good. The Boxer tends to be a clean breed only occasionally needing a bath. Origin The name Boxer is thought to come from the way they use their front paws for just about everything; pawing at its food bowls, toys, and even its owner in a playful way. The Boxer was developed in Germany in the 19th century and its ancestors were two German mastiff-type breeds. They were later bred with the ancestors of the Mastiff and Bulldog. Boxers were first used for dog-fighting, bull-baiting, cart pulling, cattle dogs, rounding up livestock, and to catch and pin wild boar and bison until hunters could arrive. Later they became popular theater and circus dogs. There are two types of Boxers: the German and the American Boxer. German Boxers have bigger heads and are generally more muscular than American Boxers. See store for details on a puppy. The American Canine Association, Inc. The American Canine Registry.

Scroll Welcome to the home of Gaetacreek French Bulldogs! That is approx. We would like to welcome you to visit us and our little clowns, as they are otherwise known, the French Bulldog. These funny little wonderful dogs are soon to melt your heart as soon as you meet one. If you have never had the opportunity to own a Frenchie you will be in for quite a ride! We are here to help you and teach you everything we know and have experienced about these very special dogs. Please visit our about us page to get to know us a little better. It is our goal to raise beautiful, happy, healthy French Bulldogs. We breed to the French Bulldog Breed Standard. The health and temperament come first and foremost in our breeding program. Our goal is to produce a French Bulldog that can participate in AKC conformation while at the same time become a certified therapy dog and also be a member of the family. Our dogs become certified therapy dogs through Love on a Leash. We are committed to the breed and our puppy parents. Our website is a place to not just connect to new families but also a place to reflect on the beautiful family we have created. Please enjoy looking around! We have answers. What are French Bulldogs like? Looking for a pup that will make everyone say "aww"? Then a Frenchie is the dog for you! French Bulldogs are one of the most popular breeds around for their lovable appearance. With their big eyes, flat face, and large head, they sure are hard to resist! Not to mention, they are friendly and loving dogs that make great companion pets. So why not bring one home today? Why are French Bulldogs so expensive? One thing to note about Frenchies is that they cannot reproduce naturally due to their narrow hips. This means that breeders need to take special care when artificially inseminating the mother and delivering newborn puppies by C-section. A little extra work, but just look at these adorable dogs! When looking for a puppy, it's important to find a reputable source. Uptown Puppies only works with the best breeders out there. We vet every breeder in our network to make sure you're getting a high-quality pup. Whether you're looking for an established breeder or a new all-star, Uptown Puppies has you covered. Are there any French Bulldog puppies available right now? Are you searching for a French Bulldog puppy? You're in luck! Loads of Frenchies are readily available right now. Due to their delightful countenances and charismatic personalities, it's not surprising that French Bulldogs are one of the most favored dog breeds. If you become attached to one of the puppies featured here, move quickly to secure your new friend before someone else does! Are French Bulldogs good for apartments? Do you want a dog but don't have a lot of space or time for walks? A French Bulldog might be perfect for you! They are a small breed and don't need a lot of exercise. Although all dogs need some form of activity, French Bulldogs don't require as much as other breeds like Golden Retrievers. Are French Bulldogs easy to train? Dogs come in all shapes and sizes, each with their own unique personality. Some Frenchies may be stubborn, but with the right training program and attitude, they can be obedient too. Start off strong and be consistent to set your puppy up for success. A little persistence will go a long way! I want a French Bulldog for sale in Long Island, but do the puppies snore? Looking for a loyal and lovable companion? A French Bulldog may be the perfect fit! Though they may be small, they make up for it in personality. Don't let their stub noses fool you - these pups are full of spunk. Keep in mind though that because of their unique anatomy, French Bulldogs can have trouble with breathing. So if you're looking for a quiet dog, a French Bulldog is probably not the best choice. Do Frenchies shed? Looking for a hypoallergenic dog breed that doesn't shed? French Bulldogs are perfect for families who want a low-maintenance pet. Although all dogs shed some hair, Frenchies shedding is minimal compared to other breeds. So if you're looking for a pet that won't leave hair everywhere, a French Bulldog is an excellent choice. Are French Bulldog tails docked? Do you love French Bulldogs but worry about their tails? Don't worry, their tails are naturally short and stumpy! In fact, the unique charm of a French Bulldog lies in its stubby appearance. French Bulldogs' tails can vary in appearance from little nubs to curly, but they are all equally adorable. So if you're considering getting a French Bulldog, don't let their tail discourage you! Different strokes for different folks, as the saying goes, and this is certainly true when it comes to dogs. Some people prefer purebreds while others are drawn to mixed breeds, or hybrids. There has been a recent trend of hybridization among canines, with new mixes being created all the time. These mixed-breed dogs often take the best physical characteristics from each of their parent breeds, resulting in some seriously adorable pups. Are Frenchies good with kids? Looking for a pup that will bring lots of joy to your family? Consider a French Bulldog! They are not only patient and playful with kids, but also small in size — which means they're unlikely to get hurt during rough play. In addition, their adorable appearance is sure to bring a smile to your face. Is it easy to find a dog here? Get your dream dog, Long Island! With dozens of French Bulldog puppies, Long Island families like yours are really spoiled for choice!

This cross means that Australian Shepherd Mix puppies can have the traits of an Australian Shepherd, the other dog breed in the cross, or any combination of both of the parent breeds. On the Australian Shepherd side, you have a loving, loyal, dedicated, and high-energy working dog that also makes a great pet for an active family. This, in addition to meeting the puppy and the mother dog in-person, will give you a good idea of what to expect in your puppy. If the Australian Shepherd Mix takes after the Australian Shepherd, they will be a highly intelligent and highly active dog that loves to be doing things with their families. Although Australian Shepherds are high-energy working dogs with herding instincts built-in, they tend to get along well with children and are highly protective of their families, which makes them good watchdogs and guard dogs. They can be wary and suspicious of strangers and other dogs, but with socialization early and often, they can take on a more open and friendly nature. Asking the breeder about the other parent breed in the cross will give you a better idea of what temperament to expect in your Australian Shepherd Mix puppy. Puppies raised in the same litter will often learn how to behave from their mother, so meeting the mother dog in-person will also give you a good idea of what sort of temperament your puppy might have. Depending on the other dog breed in the cross, the Australian Shepherd Mix is likely to be highly adaptable. An Australian Shepherd can adapt to large homes with plenty of space to run as well as smaller apartments, as long as they are given plenty of exercise and attention. They also do well in both cold and warm climates. This could change a bit depending on the other parent breed, but asking the breeder about the parents is a good way to determine what to expect. The Australian Shepherd is a relatively healthy dog breed, but there are some potential health issues to be aware of. These include deafness, allergies, cancer, hypothyroidism, epilepsy , and sensitivity to certain drugs. Talking with the breeder about the genetic history of both of the parent breeds, any breed-specific issues with the other parent breed, and asking to see any health clearances can help allay several potential health concerns. Australian Shepherds are highly intelligent, tend to be sensitive to their owners, and are innately eager to please. If the Australian Shepherd Mix takes after their Australian Shepherd parent, they will be a good fit for an owner of any experience level. The grooming level to expect in an Australian Shepherd Mix will depend heavily on the parent breeds in the cross. An Australian Shepherd does shed year-round with two heavier seasonal shedding sessions and will require regular brushing to maintain a healthy coat. If kept groomed, they only need to be bathed when they are dirty, which keeps their bathing needs low maintenance. You will want to ask the breeder about the other dog breed in the mix to get a better idea of what coat types you could expect. If the Australian Shepherd Mix has ears that flop over, they will be more prone to ear infections as their ears are more likely to trap moisture, dirt, and debris. You may just need to check floppy ears more often. Dental disease is one of the most common, and most preventable, health issues in dogs. Good dental care for your dog could include one or a mix of brushing their teeth daily, using enzyme toothpaste, dental chews, and more. Because the Australian Shepherd has such a high energy level, you need to be prepared for an Australian Shepherd Mix to require a lot of daily exercise to stay happy and healthy. Not only do Australian Shepherds need a job to do, but they also need to run and play a lot to expend energy. This could vary in an Australian Shepherd Mix depending on the other breed in the cross, but you will need to be prepared for the possibility of a high-energy working dog. An Australian Shepherd usually stands 18 — 23 inches tall at the shoulder and weighs between 35 and 70 pounds. The size of an Australian Shepherd Mix can be greatly affected by the other parent breed in the cross. Asking the breeder about the other parent breed and meeting the mother dog can give you a good idea of what size to expect in your Australian Shepherd Mix puppy. Australian Shepherds generally live for 12 — 15 years. Although the other parent breed of an Australian Shepherd Mix can affect the average life expectancy slightly, you should be able to expect a similar life span from them. Featured Australian Shepherd Mix Article. In general, these online breeders are searching platforms, websites that act as a bridge for all breeders and sellers. Another great feature is that you can filter out your searches according to your preference. It means you can also find an Australian Shepherd in it. In most cases, female puppies are slightly cheaper than their male counterparts. Lastly, Australian Shepherd pups that are tri-colored are highly in-demand. Thus, they can be more expensive than the rest. Below are some essential things you need to prepare for your Australian Shepherd pup. As you finish these tasks, you can be confident as you welcome your new family member home. Prepare your home Home preparation is the first thing you need to do as soon as you settle your pup with your breeder. Such a time would be enough for you to make some changes to your home. You can do such a thing by putting away hazardous items. Among these are medicines, cleaning supplies, and even your valuable items. Go shopping The next thing to do is to shop for your pup. Like you, your pet will also need some supplies. Australian Shepherd Description The Australian Shepherd, commonly known as the Aussie, is a medium-sized, robust, and well-balanced dog. The ears are set high at the side of the head and are triangular in shape with a slightly rounded tip. Discover more about our Australian Shepherd puppies for sale below! Their eyes are oval in shape and medium in size and come in a variety of colors including brown, blue, amber, or any combination including flecks and marbling. The coat colors include black, blue and red merle, red with or without white markings, or tan. Disposition Australian Shepherds have a high energy level and playfulness. As a result, they are easy-going and still act puppy-like in their adult years. They are also courageous and therefore make a good watchdog. The Australian Shepherd is excellent with children because they love to play. In addition, they are naturally protective, affectionate, lively, agile, attentive, highly intelligent, and eager to please; therefore making them easy to train. However, they are not the type to lie around the living room all day, live happily in the backyard, or go on just a fifteen-minute walk. They need a lot of exercise and something to occupy their mind daily. Otherwise they will become bored, which leads to behavior problems. They would be an excellent choice for intermediate dog owner who can keep up with their energy levels. More work is required during shedding season, though. During this time, use an undercoat rake every two or three days to remove excess dead hair, followed by a cleanup with the wire brush. Origin Despite its name, the Australian Shepherd breed is actually not from Australia but was most likely from the Pyrenees Mountains between Spain and France, and then refined in the U. It is believed that at some point it probably crossed with the Collie breed. As mentioned previously, its many talents include retrieving, herding, watchdog, guarding, police work, narcotics detection, search and rescue, agility, competitive obedience, and performing tricks. See store for details on a particular puppy. The American Canine Association Inc. The American Canine Registry.

Only interact with dogs that are safe and you know for sure will have positive reactions to your new German Shepherd. Forcing them will only make them develop stress and anxiety in new situations and with animals. Think quality, not quantity, when socializing your German Shepherd. There are tons of new things your dog needs to get comfortable with. Use treats and positive encouragement when they investigate a new situation with confidence. Train daily. Make it fun. Punishment will only cause your dog to fear you and increase anxiety. Crouch down to offer them a gentle scratch and pet. This connects their name to paying attention to you and marks you as a positive leader, which is important for obedience training and living with their new family. Always work on rewarding good behavior instead of punishing bad behavior. The goal is to build trust in the first few weeks and months that you have your new dog to create a bond. And dogs are actually happier when they are trained rspca. Keep the sessions short, but have multiple training sessions throughout the day. Never end training on a bad note. For example, give them a command they know for sure so they finish with success. Read this guide to learn all about the basics of proper German Shepherd obedience training , including a helpful training schedule and the foundation commands. Be prepared for chewing by offering the right options. Biting and chewing are natural instincts for dogs and puppies. These actions provide them with opportunities to investigate the different amounts of pressure to use in relation to the purpose of their biting. Your job as their new owner is to help your pup understand and educate them on what is appropriate to bite, nip, and chew. This teaches them your signal and cue. They should let go or look a bit startled. Follow their release with praise or a tasty treat when your dog stops the unwanted behavior. Do NOT physically punish your dog! Instead, redirect them to a proper chew toy. Sometimes puppies teethe and their gums are sore and need something to chew. Other times adult German Shepherds have a desire and natural urge to bite for relaxation and to reduce anxiety. Only use safe, non-toxic chew toys, which are found listed here, in the best strong chew toys for German Shepherds to avoid boredom. Avoid accidents by managing the home environment. Create a set routine and schedule and stick to it to avoid accidents and train your puppy faster. Say hello to your new sloppy family member… They not only shed everywhere but also dump water out when drinking, spill their food, and… Have total disrespect for your carpets! You must have them in a secure area or watch them all the time to avoid any accidents. No matter what you will clean up some kind of bodily function when owning a German Shepherd. So, do yourself a favor and stock up on pet stain and odor remover! Use food-dispensing toys and slow feeders to keep them at a healthy weight. This is a food toy called a Kong Wobbler. Keep to a schedule so that you can control their food intake and watch their weight. Instead, use rubber toys in which you place part of their food to help control their voracious eating. I like to use a Kong Wobbler for both puppies and adults. Even better? Puppies are more responsive to the Ignore method of training. As a new German Shepherd owner, you might think you need to appease your dog all the time or give in to their excessive attention-seeking. In my experience, this is one of the most effective training methods that you can use when owning a German Shepherd. Put simply, here are the basics to use the Ignore method of training: You ignore the behavior that you want to stop or reduce. On the flip side, you give attention to the behavior you want to encourage. The hard bit is ignoring a very intelligent German Shepherd who is persistent! Give your German Shepherd a job at home so they stay entertained. This represents big challenges as a German Shepherd owner. You must be smarter than your dog! But the jobs can be as easy or difficult as you have the time and energy to train. This is not a mentally lazy dog, but a breed with extremely high intelligence and a huge breadth of application for that intelligence. Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. Imagine you knew how to discipline a German Shepherd puppy the right way so that your bond with your dog grew instead of fell short! Learn how to communicate with your pup and get the behaviors you want using these simple and easy methods for training a German Shepherd puppy. They may become frightened of you or fear your presence, depending on how severe your discipline is. Anxiety may even develop with too much punishment or useless corrections. Training a German Shepherd puppy at 8 to 12 weeks old? Yes, you can! A GSD pup of 8 to 12 weeks of age or older still needs positive reinforcement for the best behavior changes. Disciplining your GSD should not involve hitting, kicking, slapping, intimidation, or yelling. Do you want your German Shepherd puppy to stop their unwanted, bad behavior and turn into the sweet angel you want them to be? You can easily learn how to train a German Shepherd puppy if you work smarter… Not harder! Start early and remain consistent with your expectations. Training a German Shepherd means knowing what to do when your puppy acts up. Shepherd pups are one of the smartest dogs on the plant and learn quickly what you expect of them. But the best way to learn how to train a German Shepherd puppy at home is to work on your own behavior first. You should show them what behavior is unacceptable in your house. This means that you must stay consistent when responding to their behavior. For example: If your pup jumps on you and you redirect their attention to a toy to chew on instead. But, then your pup jumps on your friend and your friend lets them and you say nothing. This makes it likely that your dog will jump on whoever they feel like in the future. Use reward-based training. Use reward-based German Shepherd training techniques to get the quickest results. Reward-based training helps your puppy recognize when something is a bad choice source. When your pup performs what you ask, offer a tasty treat and words of praise. For example: Have your pup sit when you are by the front door getting ready to go for a walk. This teaches them that when they behave, they are more likely to get what they want. The best way to train your German Shepherd is by following a fun, engaging program that teaches not only the basics but covers problem behaviors, too. Sound difficult? It teaches you how to get your pup to learn positive behaviors. You can also have fun right at home with these games for German Shepherd puppies. Offer your puppy another option when they begin jumping on you for attention. Think about what your puppy is trying to get when engaging in jumping and bad behavior to determine when to ignore them. When your pup jumps on you when you come home, they probably want your attention. Withholding your attention when they are acting out shows them they need to act differently to get your approval source. Instead, offer them pets and praise when they have all 4 paws on the floor. You can also place them behind a puppy gate until they learn not to jump in order to avoid them scratching or nipping house guests when they arrive. After you teach them their basic obedience, ask them for a competing behavior like a sit or down when they begin to jump. Always remember to reward the behavior you want to see again! Ultimately, your puppy learns that good behavior earns your affection and attention more quickly. Your dog soon understands that they get nothing from you when they act badly. Here are some great commands for a German Shepherd that you can work on training. Redirect bad German Shepherd puppy behavior. Does your puppy jump, nip, chew, bite, or dig and you want to know the right discipline? The noise and disapproving tone distract your dog from bad behavior source. Showing them a favorite toy. Offering them another option you would like that is more constructive. You want to remember to watch out for: If your dog chews inappropriately on a pair of expensive shoes, get their attention by making noises or calling them to you and immediately offer the correct approved chew item. If you know your dog tends to bite you during play, have a toy nearby you can show them that you want them to bite instead of your arms. If you know they get wild and crazy in the evenings, have a list of these easy German Shepherd brain games to distract them and funnel their energy. Use time-outs appropriately when training a German Shepherd puppy. When your dog engages in bad behavior, remove them from what is causing the unwanted behavior. Put them in a different environment that is more calming and quiet instead. Respond immediately to the bad behavior and use the same routine every time to maintain correct discipline. Time out should: Not be done with force or yelling. Not be in a closet or other dark, scary area. Work to calm your puppy down, not frighten or stress them. Give your puppy a break from over-excitement. Not be a long punishment. Timeouts are generally recommended for only 1 to 2 minutes for puppies. Also, remember that closed doors can cause anxiety in dogs, so use a reliable pet-safe baby gate so that your puppy knows that you are still nearby. Remember, when training a German Shepherd puppy: Time out should not last over minutes. Watch for when your puppy is calm and quiet for a very brief period seconds long of calm. Then let them out quietly, without scolding them. This can cause anxiety. Remember to use a pet gate to separate them from the excitement that caused the unwanted behavior, while still allowing them to see you and not feel trapped. Ignore the unnecessary barking. German Shepherd puppies bark, but there are positive ways to help train them to bark and whine less. When they finally quiet down, even if only for a few seconds, reward them with a treat or praise. To have success, wait until they are quiet and stop barking, even if only for a few seconds in the beginning source. For example: If your puppy barks at joggers out the window every morning pull the blinds or curtains. If the behavior continues, place your dog in another room for a couple of minutes and repeat the previous time-out procedure every time they bark at the joggers remember to use the pet safe baby gate and to not shut a puppy behind a solid door because it can give them anxiety. If they are whining and crying at night, this could be a warning they need to potty. Make sure you read this post to know how to potty train a German Shepherd before you ignore all whining, barking, and crying. If your puppy barks during play they might be too excited and you can offer them a chew toy instead or cut your playtime short to allow them to calm down. Puppies bark for a number of reasons. But it does get easier to train your GSD over time as they learn what you expect. Keeping your pup from nipping and chewing. Puppies have sharp teeth, especially German Shepherd puppies! Puppies are energetic and must learn their limits for playing too rough source. Puppies view you jerking your hand back quickly as part of a game and could also tear your skin. And physical punishment should never be given! Show them what they can chew, instead, such as their favorite chew toy. Have plenty of safe chew toys to grab nearby to give your pup when they get wild and decide to bite you. Always use toys that your puppy can chew and bite to play with — pick from this list of German Shepherd Chew Toys to Prevent Boredom so you have a safe puppy toy that can take their bites. When they stop biting or nipping reward them with verbal praise and pets. Return later to try playing with your pup again and repeat the procedure. Read this information for more helpful tips to stop your German Shepherd puppy from aggressively biting and nipping you. Catch your dog being good and reward them out of the blue. See your puppy acting the way you want? Reward them out of the blue! Keep small bits of treats in jars around the house out of reach of your pup or in your pocket or a treat bag on your waist and use any opportunity your catch your pup doing good to reward them. If they sit and wait at the door, instead of dashing out ahead of you, reward them! Aim for one of these healthy treats that are the best for German Shepherds and pick carefully to ensure your dog stays athletic and fit. Food-based rewards are very motivating when training and disciplining a puppy. Avoid physical punishment and harm. Your German Shepherd is your companion for life. Research shows that physically punishing your dog for example hitting, kicking, growling, or staring them down increases aggression in your dog study source. Never use physical punishment to correct undesirable behavior. Not only can this punishment injure your puppy, but it also ruins your relationship and causes anxiety. It means setting expectations that they understand and staying consistent. Physically hurting your German shepherd will ruin your relationship with them. They will lose their trust in you and begin to avoid you. In the worst case, your dog could develop anxiety disorders, health issues, or even more problem behaviors. You could even accidentally injure your dog and they need vet care! Use the right tone and body language to communicate. Different commands and body language conveys information for training to your German Shepherd. The different tones of your voice and body movements are better understood by your dog. The actual command words are of less importance to your puppy. Use a direct tone and body language that matches what you want to say to your dog. Even pointing to a missed treat on the ground is body language your dog learns to understand. Still not convinced? Try out your training with this extensive list of helpful German Shepherd commands and watch how much your dog is capable of understanding. Shepherd pups want to please and have order in their home. To do this, stick with your training. Begin with a plan in place and disciplining your GSD will go smoother from the start. Persevere with your training and discipline. Remember that your German Shepherd is highly intelligent and needs your help to get the best from them. If you feel like giving up, take a break from training for a day or two. In order to avoid training frustration, remember that just like you a German Shepherd needs time to learn the rules of the house and new commands. This is true especially of puppies or rescue dogs. If you want to take a break from training and have fun, then include a few days a week of puzzles. German Shepherds are one of the smartest dogs in the world, so training them generally takes a short time. Never discipline a German Shepherd puppy for having accidents during potty training. Whether your German Shepherd is potty trained or not, never push their faces into their potty accidents. Your dog is counting on your leadership to show them the rules in a positive manner. Work on setting a consistent schedule with feeding and walks to avoid potty accidents indoors. German Shepherds are easy to train given the right attention. And they need to understand their schedule by having you teach them using consistent patterns, rather than receiving punishment or discipline. Keep a potty schedule posted nearby so all your family can see it and help prevent your puppy from having an accident. Use your bond with your puppy to your advantage during recall training. Use your positive bond with your German Shepherd puppy to work on early recall training. Especially when there are so many natural pleasures to see and explore outside. When you call your German Shepherd, its obedience simply depends on whether the motivation to obey your commands outweighs what your dog is focused on at the moment. Use this to your advantage! Tips for great German Shepherd puppy recall training: Begin calling your puppy in as many locations inside as you can. Give them a tasty reward or play a game with their favorite toy when they come. Work your way up to a perfect recall by having others try to distract your puppy while indoors. Next, move to your back or front yard with your dog on a long leash like this so they stay safe nearby and do the same. You can disciple them by showing them your tasty treat and walking backward a few steps to encourage them to move toward you. Train the come command in all situations, including the home and outdoors, from the time your puppy is 6 to 8 weeks old to avoid discipline problems later on. Need to train your German Shepherd on their recall? There is nothing cuter than a fluffy bundle of German Shepherd goodness. Quickly, however, reality sets in. German shepherd puppies are a lot of work! From housetraining, chewed up household items, and establishing a routine, the very first day your adorable puppy enters your home, there are sure to be challenges as well as heart melting rewards. To help you and your puppy start off on the right paw, you need to set your puppy up for success. To get started, there are numerous books on puppy training that you can buy, free training advice online, and many opinions on the best way to raise a German Shepherd dog. You can also learn a lot from the mistakes that other German Shepherd owners have made and most are more than happy to share their experiences. Some of the most common mistakes that people make when raising a German shepherd puppy are: Getting a puppy that is too young According to the American Kennel Club, the best time for a puppy to leave its mom and littermates is at eight to twelve weeks old. Puppies develop many life skills from their mom and littermates. When placed in their new home too soon, they can develop anxiety, lack confidence, suffer from health issues, and have many more behavior problems. If a confident, healthy, well socialized dog is your goal, the wait is worth it. Trying to channel the energy of a true working line dog into the average pet home is unfair to the dog and often results in destructive behavior by the dog. There have been many frustrated owners who have ended up trying to rehome a dog with behavior problems or worse, dump them at a shelter. Before you choose a puppy, talk to breeders, rescues, and other experts to find the perfect fit for your home. Not puppy proofing the home German shepherd puppies are smart, full of curiosity, and love to chew. Left to their own devices, they will inspect every inch of your home and chew anything that catches their eye. Not being prepared for the pupping biting Like all puppies, German Shepherds like to chew. But given that they are herding dogs, they are mouthier than most breeds. Many first-time German Shepherd owners have been caught off guard by just how much their adorable puppy likes to bite and how razor sharp their teeth are. Although a small puppy nipping fingers and ankles can be cute, German Shepherds quickly start teething and soon grow into rowdy adolescents who may learn that biting is a fun game. This behavior can easily escalate and hurt someone. Chew toys can be used to redirect biting onto something acceptable. They also need plenty of chew toys to offer to teething puppies. Allowing resource guarding behavior German Shepherds are naturally protective and easily given to resource guarding. Owners should never allow their puppy to guard anything including their food, space, or favorite toy. Some signs of resource guarding include protecting an item, hard stare, laying on an item, growling, lunging, air snapping, chasing, and biting. This behavior could be as simple as a look, head turn, or slight baring of the teeth. Some ideas on how to prevent resource guarding include hand feeding and treating your puppy from their food bowl while holding it in your lap, trading up their toys and treats for higher value items, teaching them to allow you to take it, drop it and leave it, teach them to place, and letting them enjoy high value chews in peace. Failing to socialize Young German Shepherds not only need to learn the house rules, but they also need to be exposed to people and places outside the home so they grow up to be a confident dog. This should be done in a safe way, so they have good experiences and are not forced into fearful situations or hurt by other animals and people. Before your dog has its shots, you can start socializing by having people come to your home, taking your pup on car rides, drive throughs, and vet visits. Once your puppy has its shots, you can expose your puppy to all sorts of people and situations, such as people of different genders, colors, races, ages, sizes, disabled wheelchairs, crutches, etc. Not keeping to a schedule Puppies do best when they are kept on a schedule. When a puppy has regular mealtimes, potty breaks, walks, play time, and bedtime, it makes all training much easier and sets the puppy up for success. Conversely, lack of a schedule or an unpredictable environment can cause your German Shepherd puppy to develop behavior problems, cause training setbacks, and potty-training accidents. By sticking to a realistic routine, your dog will be calmer, happier, and grow up to be a confident dog. From the day you bring your dog home, commit to schedule that includes predictable mealtimes, potty breaks, training time, naps, play time, and bedtime. Avoid unrealistic schedules, such as expecting a young puppy to not have frequent potty breaks or to skip meals and drinking water. Not starting training immediately German Shepherd puppies love to learn to please their owners. Puppy training should begin the day the move into your home. By starting training early, you will help your puppy develop and grow into the amazing dog they were born to be. Young puppies can easily learn basic commands such as sit, down, wait, come, and more. We hope you enjoy this article. As always, please feel free to share with your friends. Calm older dogs are good for this one. Most importantly for German Shepherd puppies, it will give you a chance to work with them around other people, and different dogs from a young age. Settle on a mat German Shepherds are incredibly curious, which can make it difficult for them to relax while out and about. Leash walking — no one wants a large breed of dog pulling them down the street, so be sure you teach loose lead walking and how about some heelwork too? Recall games — Play a game of tennis with your pooch! Calling them from person to person with treats on either side. Get started with grooming and brushing sensitive areas — In long-haired German Shepherds, this is typically the case with the face, legs, and ears, which become tangled the most and may hurt when brushed. Remember to brush carefully, do a little bit of brushing on a sensitive area while feeding them treats or letting them have a lickimat, and then brush an easier to brush area. For socialisation, start working on items that are vital to your lifestyle this week, such as if you have a horse and want your puppy to be comfortable with horses, or if you enjoy sailing, having them near water will be important to you. Getting your puppy exposed to new experiences early on can help them accept them much more easily. Socialization exercises to do this week Training to do this week Husbandry Tasks to do this week — Go to the pub — you deserve it! Remember that settle training you did before, take your mat and get your German Shepherd puppy to settle on it with a nice stuffed kong. Alone training: increasing time alone is important for your puppy. It gives them essential coping skills. Recall — Practise this outside, using a lead, and lots of rewards. Lead walking — Take this outside. Make sure you keep a strong pace going, since German Shepherds enjoy walking quickly, and praise often to keep your puppy interested. Pretend Nail Clips — simply holding a claw, pretending to clip , and rewarding your puppy with a treat is enough. Following on walks — Bring special toys, like the Tug-E-Nuff Pocket tugger, with you on walks to ensure your German Shepherd puppy enjoys hanging out with you. Playing with them will make you irresistible! Week 7 — Training your German Shepherd puppy The 7-week itch! Nah not really. I bet your German Shepherd puppy is doing wonderfully and growing rapidly! Tick 3 things off your personal socialisation checklist — How about taking your German Shepherd to a city farm, letting them watch from afar and rewarding them for being such a calm puppy? Teach your German Shepherd puppy to stay — this will be a great one to show off at the park, trust us. So, first, take a walk with a dog that your German Shepherd puppy has already met. At first, it may be difficult for your puppy not to get distracted, so keep the rewards coming and try to keep them interested in you, rather than the other dog! Recall — off the lead Make sure you do this in a secure and confined area and bring plenty of smelly treats, a fun toy to play with, and your silly high-pitched voice so you can call your German Shepherd puppy back regularly. Remember, German Shepherds enjoy learning! Tick 3 things off your personal socialisation checklist — maybe take your German Shepherd for a swimming lesson? Practice exercises in different locations — how about a train station, or in a shopping centre or mall? Teach a hand target — This is a favourite among pups and their owners. Hand Targeting or touching is the foundation for additional trick behaviours like leg weaving and closing doors. Introducing nose work to your puppy — We mean it when we say your German Shepherd puppy has a better nose than you! Play a game of hide and seek with their favourite toy to bring out those excellent search skills. Looking for more great puppy training tips? Check out our overview of when to start teaching your puppy anything , next. It will be fun they said. We go the extra mile for you. If you want a stress free puppy experience, get this downloaded! Worth every single penny! This app is very helpful. It helps you to understand and gives you a path to follow. The coaching support is excellent and super speedy. Download the app now. To train a German Shepherd puppy dog you must be consistent, kind and clear. German Shepherd dog puppies are divinely cute and for a reason! Just like babies are cute, puppies will win your heart even after destroying your favorite pair of shoes or that expensive carpet! Making sure you use them will start you on the right side of training and pave the road for you to get an obedient dog. The good news is that you do not need any special equipment to have an obedient GSD puppy. All you need is love and treats. The most important German Shepherd puppy training tip is socialization. Some vets will tell you to keep the pooch inside until the full set of vaccines is completed. Unfortunately, if you do keep your pooch safe inside until he is months of age, his socialization period will have closed forever and your chance to raise a friendly and confident dog drops significantly! That said, it is ultimately your decision whether you want to take the risk to take him outside or not. Most large US cities do not have too many disease problems and taking your puppy to a class where the trainer checks that every puppy has had the first set of shots is mostly safe. However, if you leave in a rural area, make sure there is not an outbreak of a disease that can affect your pooch. Of all the German Shepherd puppy training tips, I suggest you really think this one through. As a dog trainer, I recommend you find a safe puppy socialization class because this developmental period is critical to prevent behavior problems in the future. Apart from that, you also need to socialize your puppy daily on your own, this link will explain the process and give you a list of things to check as you go! Tip 2: Teach your German Shepherd puppy to use his mouth properly. You may have noticed that your German Shepherd puppy likes to chew on your shoes, toys, boxes, carpets, pillows, your hands…well, pretty much everything! Before you loose your mind and all your precious possessions let me tell you that this is normal puppy behavior. At this age dogs explore everything with their mouths and even though annoying, it is a great time to teach your pet what is appropriate for his mouth as well as how to soften the bite. The reason German Shepherd dog puppies have sharp teeth is because they are capable of learning how much or how little pressure to apply when biting different things. This is good news! To train a German Shepherd puppy to do this follow this link! Tip 3: Potty train your German Shepherd puppy the right way. Right around now you are also probably dealing with potty training, the best German Shepherd puppy training tips for potty training are outlined below. You should know how many times, and when to take you puppy out. I am sure you have heard all sorts of things against the use of food for training. To do this, you need to find the things that your dog likes most and use them as rewards. Food will be one of them, so use it. But also use anything else, like walks, petting, play time, toys, etc. So, of all the German shepherd puppy training tips here, I don't want to hear any excuses for this one! Done the right way, your pooch will respond to your command even when empty handed. Hope my website is helping you better understand and train your dog. Do you want to help? Be a modern philanthropist through Patreon. This is a hard concept to understand for us, clever human beings. When we learn something new, we can very easily generalize the concept to any situation, that is what makes us creative creatures. Fortunately, you have a German Shepherd puppy, they are clever and chances are they will need less repetitions than the average breed. To help you out on this matter, this link will take you to a step-by-step guide to train a reliable command. Tip 6: Train your German Shepherd puppy to ask for permission. Dog commands and fun and useful and you can probably find hundreds to teach your GSD. This one though - Ask for permission - is technically not a command, because you will not ask your canine to do it every time, instead you want to teach him to do it on his own every time the occasion requires it. Take time to do this with your puppy, it will be worth it! This is another one of the most important German Shepherd puppy training tips because a dog that asks for permission is an obedient and safe dog. To prevent a dog from jumping on people it is imperative to teach that same dog not to jump when he is a puppy. If he jumps again, then ignore again. When I say ignore, I mean it! No eye contact, no pushing or kneeing…nothing. Keep turning around if you have to. Pulling on the leash is another of those dog behaviors that people think come out of the blue, but actually they happen because there was never formal training done. To prevent pulling on the leash all you have to do is make sure your puppy understands that he gets rewarded food, petting, attention, verbal praise, keep on walking, etc. Pay close attention to what he does during those first few walks together and make sure you reward him for staying close to you! Got any German Shepherd puppy training tips to share with us? Tell us about them here! Those ideas came from research done in wolfs in captivity and have now been debunked by new research done in wolfs in the wild. The new research says that you need to be a good leader, kind of like a parent. Alphas are most often the parents of the group. Provide shelter, food, safety and limits. This article tells you more about it! Tip The best German Shepherd puppy training tip is… Reward good behavior and ignore bad behavior. This rule is amazing and will work wonders, besides it is really easy to apply, all you have to do is pay attention to your German Shepherd puppy and reward the good things he does. You need to figure out what the reward is and remove it. For example, when a dog is laying down, it is harder to bark. This Form cannot be submitted until the missing fields labelled below in red have been filled in What is your DOG's name? Please note that all fields followed by an asterisk must be filled in.

Imagine you could come home to a lovable, dedicated, companion for life! If you knew what to look for when buying a German Shepherd puppy, you could find your next best friend. Before you buy your new best friend, read this information so you know what to look for in buying a healthy, quality German Shepherd puppy. I group them into major categories. Will you show him in conformation? Do you want to work with him in Schutzhund or herding? Or do you want a confident and alert companion? Know exactly what you want from your puppy. These dogs are the least costly since they have a trait that prevents them from winning in conformation competitions. These flaws rarely matter to most pet owners. And many minor faults like flat withers or slightly smaller offset ears will probably go unnoticed by most owners. The vast majority of GSDs are family pets. These dogs make great pets as long as they have sound temperaments! They breed some dogs for certain traits that are highly desirable but considered a fault. For example, long-coat or plush-coat GSDs. Show-quality dogs have good temperament and health. You usually buy them for their breed standard qualities that make them able to compete in confirmation or show events. A show-quality dog may cost significantly more if they have the traits desirable to win at a show. This group comes from Championship show lines with a long history of winning. If you plan on showing your Shepherd this is the quality you want. Beware of any breeder who claims they only raise competition-quality dogs. Even the best breeders produce many pet-quality dogs and if a breeder says they only breed perfect dogs, this is a red flag to not buy from them. The GSD is a herding breed, and the working-quality dogs excel at working trials such as scent competitions and Schutzhund. Other work includes climbing and jumping competitions or searching and tracking. They need mental stimulation to keep them occupied and take a lot of time to handle properly. These dogs are better with experienced handlers since you use them for high drive working and competition. They require hours and years of training and preparation for you to have total control during competition. We base this decision on preference. With the correct upbringing and training, both sexes are loyal companions and good with children. They may grow into more dominant dogs, so a confident handler is more desirable. Males may hike their back legs to mark their territory. This can occur on any object — chairs, walls, couches or even your leg. I suggest an extra bout of socialization during this stage, especially with other well-behaved dogs. So they may be better for the first-time owner. Unspayed females come into season every 6 months, so they must receive monitoring and watch to avoid unwanted pregnancies. Their season time can vary from as little as every 4 months to every 9 months. They can attract males to your property and on walks that will harass them if not spayed. Certain breeders and organizations will deal only in a certain coat length and color. The standard coat length is a short coat with double layers. Guard hairs on the top cover a softer underlayer of hair that provides warmth and protection. But there are many coat lengths available depending on your liking. Look online at the different GSD coat lengths to get an idea of what type of fur you want your dog to have. The longer the fur the more grooming involved. The color you choose is a matter of individual taste. Keep in mind the color of many Shepherds alters from their puppyhood to around 2 years of age. Your dog may become lighter or darker. Perhaps they will lose some of their markings as the color fades into the adult pattern. The best way to know what color and patterns your dog grows into is to see the parents of the litter. If the father is unavailable, then ask for photos. Why should you care where your dog comes from if you only want him as a pet companion? You want to get a dog that will live a long and healthy life from a source that has quality puppies. These tips will help you make the best decision on what type of pup fits in your life. Newspaper and Internet Classified Ads Newspaper and internet ads are in abundance. Many backyard breeders hide behind ads online or in local papers. But some breeders who use newspapers and classified ads are reputable and knowledgeable. The problem is you need to visit them to find out, and this can take time to sift through them all. Try the following more reputable suggestions to save yourself time. Dog Care Professionals Ask dog professionals for recommendations. Check with your local veterinarian, groomer, and boarding kennel personnel if they know reputable breeders in town. These professionals are good sources of quality leads. Use the same caution that you will for a classified ad. Verify their suggestions. Many of these organizations regularly receive puppies they need to re-home. While you might not know the full pedigree of the dog, purebred GSDs find themselves in shelters and rescues from no fault of their own. These organizations are a good resource for your first pup. Before adopting, find out as much information as you can. Was the puppy exposed to children? Did he live with other dogs or cats? A well-organized shelter or rescue helps you choose a German Shepherd match for your lifestyle. Start with looking online for GSD rescues and local shelters. Dog Clubs Dog clubs are local and national. These groups put you into contact with registered breeders through their own programs. They can give you the name of the GSD club contact closest to you for breed contacts. Dog clubs also have dog shows open to the public. This is a good time to watch the breed in action and to ask around for quality breeders. While using a dog club to connect you with a reputable breeder is not the only choice, it is one of the more reliable. If you are using a breeder to choose your German Shepherd puppy, this section will help you know the good from the bad. Use these tips to stay safe. Are selling overpriced or under-priced dogs. Lie to you and say you can make money off your new puppy by breeding them, despite them having flaws. Tells you that the GSD is a dog for everyone, with no disadvantages. Breeds multiple types of dogs and claims to be an expert on them all. If a breeder lets their mothers get pregnant more than once a year, this affects the quality of the puppies, so ask how many litters the mother has. These breeders selling unhealthy puppies also will refuse to take bag their dogs if you need to return them for any reason and have no contracts. They have healthy puppies and will answer your questions and have you make multiple visits. Openly show you where the mother and pups spend their time, including their garden or yard. Tells you the up and downs of owning the breed. Have all pedigree and vet paperwork on hand for your review. Specializes in breeding only GSDs source. They openly share this information with you. They have screened their dogs for health issues and can confirm this with documentation which they proudly give you a copy. Healthy mothers are given rest from breeding, and a reputable breeder gives their mothers time off from reproduction. Ask if your breeder if they are willing to take back their dogs if you cannot keep them, as this is standard for a quality breeder with a good reputation. Make sure your breeder has a written contract with detailed information and health guarantees. These are expected for safe breeding practices. How to Buy a German Shepherd Puppy Following this guide gives you the best chance of buying a German Shepherd puppy that suits your lifestyle. Know what you want from your GSD and where to find quality dogs. Learn what to look for when buying a German Shepherd puppy to stay safe from a sick pup and a bad breeder. German Shepherds have their own unique set of challenges. They are a large, active, and intelligent breed that requires an understanding owner who is willing to train their GSD using positive techniques. Devote yourself to their overall health to see the best results and help give you and your dog a lifetime of happiness. Remember, your pup will need mental stimulation to keep their brain active , a gentle exercise program , and need daily love and affection. Buying a German Shepherd puppy is a choice for your whole life that will bring you many years of joy and excitement! Found this helpful? Share it! She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. Do further research into these local German Shepherd breed clubs in your area. Whether you get information from their websites or contact them directly for help, local breed clubs are a great way to get the names of reputable breeders in your area. Veterinarians come into contact with a lot of different types of animal care-givers, from breeders to shelters to individual owners. Because they know so much about animal issues in the community, it's a good idea to talk to a few vets in your area for ethical breeder recommendations. Also consider speaking to other German Shepherd owners, dog groomers, or dog trainers. If you visit a breed show, talk to owners and trainers about who they've had good or bad experiences with. A good breeder won't have a variety of breeds available for adoption. Look for a breeder who specializes only in German Shepherds. Your best option is to find a breeder who has years of experience with the German Shepherd breed. They should be able to answer your questions about development, temperament, and training easily and without hesitation. A key marker of a good breeder is the amount of effort they put into early socialization. Puppies need to be taught from an early age to live harmoniously with humans. If a breeder keeps litters isolated away from the home, the puppies will not be used to the sights and sounds of a normal household, and won't be used to human interaction. This can become a problem by the time they are old enough to be adopted. Make sure the puppies spend at least some time in the breeders' home with them. The more time they spend with humans, the more you can trust the breeder. An ethical breeder will never try to breed a female who hasn't reached sexual maturity — about 2 years of age. Mothers should also be given enough time to recover from pregnancies and being separated from their litters as they get adopted. Females should be healthy and alert. Never adopt a puppy from a breeder who breeds a young or unhealthy female, or who doesn't give mothers time to recover before breeding them again. Puppies should never be sold or separated from their mothers before 8 weeks of age. The breeder should have begun the puppies' vaccination and deworming processes before adopting them out. Make sure that's happened, and ask about any health problems the vet may have reported in these early checkups. Ask if the breeders have their dogs tested for the Degenerative Myelopathy DM gene. This can determine whether a common inherited disease in German Shepherds is present in the litter's bloodline. Dogs with DM suffer from progressive paralysis, particularly in the hind legs. Note that being AKC-registered does not mean that you are getting a healthy animal. It means that the owner paid money to the AKC to register the dog. While experts recommend against breeding animals with known genetic problems, an OFA certification will give you proof. Be aware, though, that there's no guarantee of health in any animal. There's always a chance that two dogs free of known genetic diseases can still produce a puppy with genetic problems. The breeder should be evaluating you as a potential owner, just as you're evaluating him or her as a breeder. No good breeder will just hand over a puppy without being sure that the new owners will be able to provide it with a good, healthy life. Ask the breeder what they look for in a good owner, and whether they've ever turned potential owners away. The breeder should be able to answer these questions without even having to think about it. You might also ask the breeder for references so you can contact other families who have dogs from previous litters. A reputable breeder should ask questions about your dog background and experience, your lifestyle, and your family to guide you in making the best decision. As difficult as it may be, a good breeder will be willing to turn you away if they think you're a bad fit for their particular puppies. For example, if the litter has particularly inactive parents, the puppies may not be a good fit for your highly active lifestyle. If you get turned away, ask if the breeder can point you to other options and litters so you can expand your search. Also ask if they have any unborn litters coming up that may be a better fit for you. Be patient and don't get discouraged. With enough patience and legwork, you'll find the right puppy. Don't lie to a breeder just to get a puppy, though. Trust the breeder's decision-making process. You don't want to end up with a dog who doesn't fit your needs. Avoid any breeder who offers to cut you a "deal," who has unclean or smelly kennels, or who acts suspiciously in any way. Trust your instincts. A breeder who's in it just for the money has the wrong motivation, and likely isn't interested in the welfare of their dogs. Make sure the dogs are not crowded into cages. They should have plenty of room to stumble around and explore their surroundings. Part of the time, puppies should be kept in the home to expose them to household environments. There should be adequate food and water for all animals on the premises. Kennels should be cleaned daily. Although it may be that a dog had an accident just before you arrived, be suspicious of a kennel that looks like it hasn't been cleaned recently. If a breeder doesn't have a return policy, it suggests they don't really care what happens to their dogs once they leave their property. That's not a good sign! Also find out what kind of documentation you would get with your puppy. Would you get registration papers and pedigree papers? Negotiate for what you want if it's not included in the contract. Be very wary of a breeder who will not discuss the chance that a puppy may need to be returned. Does the contract require you to take the puppy for a vet visit within a set time? Does it cover hereditary issues for life? For only a certain period of time? What does the breeder agree to offer? Trade for another puppy when one is available? Are there restrictions on the activities you can do with your dog that will invalidate the contract or guarantee? Are you purchasing a show prospect puppy or a pet quality animal? Does the breeder have strong feelings or even bans about the vaccinations, foods or supplements for your puppy? Are these opinions based on solid science? Of course, you have already read a lot of books with advice on how to choose the right puppy of a German Shepherd, east European, as well as a Newfoundland, Rottweiler, Spaniel, or Spitz puppy. You understand what is the fundamental difference between these breeds and why a Retriever puppy will never become a VIP bodyguard, and a black terrier will hardly ever pass for a draft husky. Why Opting For a German Shepherd Puppy Is a Good Choice The German Shepherd is prone to learning from a very young to deep old age, while many other breeds cannot boast of this, even if their appearance is more perfect than that of a German Shepherd. The most well-known characteristics that a German Shepherd owns are: pronounced protective and guarding instinct; the ability to make independent decisions, and active actions, and at the same time be completely submissive to the owner; sociability, playfulness, and curiosity; lack of aggression signs towards others and deep affection for the owner; a willingness to happily take on tasks, learn, and remain completely fearless when faced with unfamiliar surroundings or unforeseen difficulties; In addition, the Shepherd dog is calmly confident and features strong nerves, combativeness, and assertiveness which are the main qualities of a good service dog. Perhaps, due to this set of breed characteristics, few larger and more ferocious breeds can compete with a GS, both for guarding the house and as a personal protector. It is not recommended to take puppies under 4 weeks old from their mother. This applies not only to GSs but other breeds. At the age of one month, the baby has already been given all the necessary vaccinations. However, only a person who can devote a lot of time to raising a puppy can afford to take a Shepherd at such a young age. In addition to 6 meals a day, and socialization, the new owner will need to complete 1, different tasks, which require, above all, a lot of time. If there is no time, it is worth finding a puppy aged 4 to 6 months. And it is advisable to take such a teenager from a nursery that focuses on breeding German Shepherds and not all the breeds at once. It happens that a puppy stays in the nursery because the money deposit was given for it but, for some reason, people could not pick up the reserved puppy. If the grown-up German Shepherd puppy constantly lived in an aviary and was deprived of close contact with people and the outside world, owners who have not previously dealt with this breed should not choose such a youngster. These young dogs are for experienced cinologysts. Lack of socialization can be corrected but it cannot be fully eliminated. Testing for the Puppy and Its Future Owner You may already know how to choose a purebred German Shepherd by external signs under the age of 3 months. Simple tests will help you choose a puppy with the desired character. Visit the breeder at a predetermined time when the puppies do not sleep or, conversely, are not hungry. You are taking a future friend for life, and enthusiastic emotions with such a choice are inappropriate. When buying a new friend, inspect the litter meticulously. Pay attention to the following: eyes do not water; traces of diarrhea under the tails are not observed; wet noses are without purulent crusts; legs are straight and strong; fur is clean, reminding of the plush; on the skin under the coat, there are no signs of peeling and scabs; all puppies are active and well-fed; the body is elastic and strong to the touch; the puppy has a pleasant dog smell; the mother is not exhausted; bowls and bedding are clean; there is enough heat and light. Of course, the owner of the dog mother has already taken her to the next room. Those who paid attention to the unusual sound are yours. Throw carefully, of course a tennis ball at the puppies. Those who were not afraid and did not try to escape are yours. Those who, having scouted the situation, did not begin to whine , pressing themselves onto the floor, but hurried towards the bedding are yours. Pay attention to those who have shown interest in a new object. The best are those who took and dragged it. Keys and money are the dirtiest household items. This testing method was used 20 years ago. Today, it is dangerous for the health of puppies! Invite those who dragged the rubber duck to pull a piece of fabric. If the baby dog willingly starts the fight, not letting the cloth go when you pull it towards you, they are good boys or girls. Turn the puppy you like on its back and hold it with an open palm for a few seconds. A clear alpha leader is easy to identify by its non-calming behavior for seconds, and even trying to bite you in this position. It may not be your choice! You will get too many problems associated with the puppy, or it will never be possible to completely subdue it. The puppy that squealed, pulled back its paw, and did not lose its interest in you is yours. The one who barks trying to drive brothers and sisters away from the bowl is not for you. The one who gives up its place at the feeder is also not yours. Yours is the one who, regardless of the obstacles, has taken its place and calmly devours food, without moving from its point, snapping, and running around the bowl. Now, you have at best 2 or 3 puppies left in front of you. You need to select the fat-footed one who will try to get out through the opening without panic and squealing. The tests are simple, but they will allow you to select a good puppy and raise a real working German Shepherd from it without unnecessary costs and nerves. Talk to the breeder. Such puppies are sold at a more reasonable price, but the puppy card for them is mandatory to be filled out as well. If you are given puppies for free, in the absence of their mother, there is a reason to seriously consider whether it is a Shepherd dog at all, even if their mother has pedigree documents. This is not a dog of one owner! The versatility and flexibility of this breed are proven by the fact that GSs accept a new family and a new environment without any problems. The main thing for it is to have its own business — to serve a human! Of course, parting with the former owner seriously affects the condition of the dog, but it will not have a destructive effect on its psyche. And the sooner you engage the German Shepherd in work, the more chances you will have to become a new God for it. If the German Shepherd was properly brought up and grew up surrounded by people, it has working characteristics in good conditions, and the reputation of its previous owner is beyond all questions, such a dog will be quite useful to your family. Finding out the previous story and background of an adult GS why it is refused, what the complaints about its behavior are, and other prompting questions is a must! The reason may be the saddest and most trivial — the previous owner died, and relatives are not able to either support or care for the dog. David W. I admire German Shepherds. They are magnificent dogs! I have been dealing with dogs, namely German Shepherds, throughout my life. I have been working part-time as a dog trainer and instructor for about 5 years, dealing mainly with German Shepherds. So I know a bit about these animals. Therefore, I decided to share my knowledge and experience about this fantastic breed. If you need help with advice and care tips or want to know more about German Shepherd dogs, welcome to this blog. This guide will help you learn how to select the best German Shepherd puppy to add to your family. Is a German Shepherd right for me? This is the first question you should ask yourself before you even consider bringing home a new German Shepherd puppy. You need to evaluate your personal and family lifestyle by asking yourself the following questions: Where do you live? German Shepherds are often on the restricted breed list for apartments. Do you spend much of your time at home, or do you have an active work and social life? Are you willing to spend more time at home on the weekends and evenings during puppyhood, even if it means missing social events? Do you love traveling a lot? If so, will you take your puppy with you? If not, do you have someone or someplace you trust to watch your dog when you travel? Is your whole family excited about the idea of a new German Shepherd puppy? Are you already active or willing to become more active? Do you have time in your schedule to devote to training? Knowing the answers to those questions will help get you a couple of steps closer to deciding whether or not a German Shepherd is the right choice for you. Important things to know about German Shepherds: German Shepherd dogs are sometimes affectionately known as German shedders. German Shepherds shed all year long , however, they blow their coats twice a year during which time they will shed exponentially more. When considering getting this breed, you should be comfortable having a dog that sheds. Trimming their nails , cleaning their ears, brushing their teeth, and brushing their coat regularly is sufficient. Of course, during the shedding seasons more frequent brushing will be needed. German Shepherds were originally developed for herding sheep. Accordingly, they have the desire to work and respond best to proper training from a young age, and an active lifestyle. German Shepherds are known to be clingy, so be prepared to have a shadow following you around the house and maybe even in the restroom. German Shepherds are good with kids and are great family dogs. However, they need proper socialization and training at a young age so they can learn how to behave around both kids and adults. German Shepherds require a lot of mental stimulation and have high energy levels, especially as a puppy. As much as I love Allie, she was more than a handful as a puppy. I have seen instances where people underestimate the time, energy, and training a German Shepherd puppy requires and get overwhelmed after bringing their puppy home. These people end up giving up their puppies. It breaks my heart to know these awesome dogs are given up because of a lack of knowledge when selecting a breed of dog. Although they are a handful if you are willing to put in the effort they are in my opinion one of the best breeds of dog to own. German Shepherds are too smart for their own good. They learn things scary fast and sometimes get themselves into trouble because of how smart they are. They learn your routine and habits, and they also learn when and how they can get away with mischief. German Shepherds are incredibly loyal and become very connected to their owners and family. German Shepherds are typically loving and affectionate. From the second I met Allie she greeted me with a wet tongue to the face. That is still her favorite greeting she will kiss anyone that will allow her to get close enough. German Shepherds need training. They need to know that you are the leader and in charge. If not, they will quickly take over the role of being in charge and that is where problems arise. A bored, untrained, not active German Shepherd can become one of the stories you sometimes hear on the news about a GSD being aggressive. In most of those cases, the problem was with the owners and not the dog breed as a whole. Adoption or Breeder? First, you need to decide if you are going to adopt a German Shepherd puppy or buy one from a breeder. Here are some of the benefits of adopting: Rescue puppies are often already sociable, at least partially trained, and loving dogs. Therefore, you will save a lot of time on house training your new puppy. Older puppies or dogs are likely to be calmer than a younger puppy. You are saving the life of a dog that might not have otherwise found a home. The cost of adopting is typically much cheaper than buying a puppy from a breeder. If you decide to get a German Shepherd puppy from a breeder, here are a few things that can help you identify a good, ethical German Shepherd breeder: Ethical breeders care about the health and wellbeing of the puppy and are not just in the business for money. Ethical breeders always make sure that only healthy dogs breed together and follow a strict breeding program where they ensure that breeding and puppy spaces are clean. They should also have papers showing the age of the parent and the family tree of the puppy. Ethical breeders will happily show you around their entire setup; they should have nothing to hide. Ethical breeders will happily answer as many questions as you have to ask. You want to select one that will be compatible with you and your family. Consider the following when picking a puppy from the litter: Choose a puppy that is sociable around you and other puppies. Pick a puppy that walks confidently with its head high and tail up and wagging. Choose a puppy that has clear eyes, ears , and teeth, walks evenly, and appears clean. Basically, choose a puppy that looks healthy. Look at the personalities of the puppies. Choose a welcoming puppy that wants to greet you as opposed to one that retreats or appears shy. Ask to interact with each puppy one by one after seeing them with their littermates. That way you can get a better sense of how the puppy responds to you without distractions. If possible, visit the litter at least three times before making a final decision, this will allow you to determine the personalities of each of those little fluff balls, and see which would best fit into your family. How old should a German Shepherd puppy be when you take it home? Any puppy should be at least 8 weeks old before being separated from their mother. By this timeline, their sensory organs will have also developed fully which will help you to spot any deformities or medical issues. Be wary of any breeder that will allow you to take your puppy home before 8 weeks old. How do you puppy proof for German Shepherds? German Shepherds are naturally active and tend to explore the world with their mouths, especially during their adolescent period. So, before you can bring your new puppy home, there are a few things you can do to puppy-proof your house: Get rid of any poisonous plants or put them out of reach of your new puppy. Cover electrical cords with cable wraps or PVC pipes. Buy a new laundry basket that has a lid, no holes, and is tall. Make sure both your kitchen and bathroom trash cans have lids. Your new puppy will dig around for anything to bite, like chicken bones, diapers, used hygienic products, or even a disposable razor. If possible, you should buy new trash cans that only open when a button is pressed. Store all the chemicals in secured cabinets or even better on high shelves. German Shepherd puppies have strong teeth and can open plastic containers by biting through even the toughest of plastic! Put away any small items or toys that are small enough for your puppy to swallow. Think of small kid toys like Legos or dollhouse furniture that could be dangerous for a curious puppy. Find a safe spot for your shoes. Whether in a closed closet or in the laundry room behind a closed door. I remember losing a pair of brand-new shoes because I forgot to put them away and Allie thought chewing them was a fun idea. Bringing home a new German Shepherd puppy The period of bringing a new German Shepherd puppy home and introducing them to your home and family takes time and above all, patience. If possible, plan to take off work for at least a few days after bringing your puppy home. I picked up Allie on a Saturday, and then took most of the following week off to spend time getting her adjusted to her new home. Remember, your new puppy has been taken from the only family it knew, and you are now their new family. That first week home was a good week of bonding with Allie. It helped her feel comfortable with her new life and allowed me to really get to know my new beautiful energy filled puppy. The best tip for a smooth transition when bringing your German Shepherd puppy home is to begin crate training and potty training as soon as possible. As a breed prone to separation anxiety , you want to give your GSD a zone to feel safe, comfortable, and content to be on their own. While the initial steps of crate training can be time-consuming, it can make the difference between a dog that is a joy to own, and one that can never be left on their own — so, be the dog parent your pooch deserves and put the time in! New German Shepherd puppy checklist and things to buy It is important that your new puppy feels welcomed into their new home. Some items are ok to be left with your puppy, and other items are more dangerous or will be destroyed. This checklist will help you to know what to buy when getting a puppy. New German Shepherd Puppy Checklist. Final thoughts Where do I start? The first thing that you have to do before you can pick out the best puppy, is to pick out the best breeder. This may come easily, as you may already have a breeder in mind that you trust and who has a good reputation. But chances are that you will have to do your research. And there is also a good chance that you may need to travel some distance to the right breeder. Even if the breeder is several states away, consider making the trip. Getting a new GSD puppy is a significant life commitment. The effort and time that you invest now in going about this properly will pay off for years to come. Here are some important things to look for in a breeder once you locate one that you are interested in pursuing. Call the breeder and have a conversation The first thing to do is call the breeder and have a conversation. A quality German Shepherd breeder will actually require this. They will not permit someone to just show up and purchase one of their dogs and take it home. They will ask you questions such as: Why do you want a GSD puppy? This will aid them in helping you choose. Where do you live, in an apartment or in a home? They will want to ensure that the puppy will not be in a cramped space. Do you have a yard, and is it fenced-in? They will want to make sure that the puppy will have adequate room to exercise as it grows. Do you have children in your home? They will want to make sure that you understand the importance of socialization and training to keep your family safe. Do you have other pets in your home? They will want to make sure that you know how to properly introduce the puppy to other animals, and whether any other pets you have may actually be a danger to the puppy. What type of work do you do, does it require you to be away from home for long periods of time? Because GSDs do not do well alone, they will want to make sure that you have adequate time to devote to your dog. Are you financially prepared to take on a GSD? While this may be a bit of a personal question, it is important to know that you are financially able to care for a GSD. They are expensive to care for, and it is fair for a breeder to ask this question. If a breeder does not ask you some form of these questions, then perhaps think twice. It may be an indication that they are more interested in profit than raising a quality puppy that they care will go to a quality home. Questions for you to ask the breeder: How many different types of dogs do you raise? Can you provide me with a pedigree of all of your puppies? A pedigree is essentially a family tree for your puppy. A good breeder should have a detailed pedigree for any dog they sell. Beware of any breeder that wants to charge for this or says that they will provide it at a later date. Do you have references? They should provide you with several without thinking twice. All reputable breeders will offer this guarantee in the form of a written contract. Do you breed your females more than once a year? Female GSDs should not be bred more than one time per year. This allows for adequate recovery time and maintains good health. Can you provide me with a detailed medical history for your puppies? Health screenings are essential for puppies, and a reputable breeder should be able to provide proof of these. Can you explain any potential health issues for GSD which may come up later in life? A knowledgable breeder should be able to clearly explain conditions like hip dysplasia and other health issues more common in GSDs than other dogs. If the answer to any of these questions comes up as unsatisfactory, move on. It is simply not worth the risk of pursuing the breeder any further. Unfortunately, there are far too many unethical breeders who take a lot of shortcuts which results in dogs prone to both health and behavioral issues. Why is this? You should never take home a puppy that is less than 8 weeks old. More than half of the states in the U. And out of those states, only 3 permit a puppy to be offered for sale under the age of 8 weeks. The reason for these laws is primarily so that puppies are properly weaned from their mothers and able to eat on their own. In addition to weaning, puppies need to be initially socialized by their mothers as well as their siblings. So a puppy will be taught that these things are bad during these 8 weeks. If you remove a puppy from the litter too early, they may not learn these lessons and develop behavioral problems as they get older. Much like a spoiled child that never learns, often times the source of an ill-behaved puppy can be traced to a lack of discipline at a young age. So to ensure that you have a healthy puppy, that is also sold in accordance with state laws and regulations, understand that it must be 8 weeks old see link above for exceptions — regardless of state law exceptions, waiting 8 weeks is good practice. Decide whether you want to male or female You may have a personal preference for either a female or a male German Shepherd puppy. It is important however to not necessarily just go with your gut on this one. Take a moment and understand some general differences between the two genders. I will explore this issue more in-depth in another post, but here are some important general points to consider. Territorial: Males are naturally more territorial than females. This may give them more of a tendency to wander off in an effort to broaden their territory. Very possessive: Male GSDs are generally more possessive than females. They may be possessive over food and bones, toys, and you! Dominance: Male German Shepherds tend to be more dominant than females. This may result in more of a proclivity towards aggressive bullying behaviors to make sure that it is understood that they are the boss. Dominance requires training to keep it in check. Singular bonding: Male GSDs tend to bond more closely with one person rather than a group of people like a family. Territorial: Females are therefore more welcoming and less territorial than males. They are also less likely to wander off as they have no desire to expand their territory. Dominance: Females display less dominant behaviors than males. Non-singular bonding: Females are more likely to bond with a number of people in a family rather than an individual person. So, how do I choose between the two? This question comes down to the purpose for which you want a German Shepherd. If you are looking for a dog to have trained in protection and are looking primarily for a four-legged security system for your home, then a male is a good choice. However, if your primary interest is to just have a family pet that socializes well with others, then a female is probably right for you. Testing the puppy There is no better way to determine whether or not a specific puppy is the right one for you than to actually get hands-on and doing some investigating. However, even before you begin any interactions with a puppy, make sure that you are testing the correct one. Never try and force any interaction, begin with puppies that are naturally drawn to you. Just like with people, you cannot force a match and expect fruitful results. So be patient and make sure at very least that the puppy is not aversive toward you before you being. The tests: Clap your hands: Does it run away or does it come? A more timid dog may, however, be apprehensive to approach. Make eye contact: When the puppy is looked at, does it stare back at you? If the puppy looks directly at you, it is showing confidence. Vocally call the puppy over to you: Does it come to you right away? If it does how not, however, this could show a behavioral issue or hearing problem, or it could be an indication of another illness as well. Pet the puppy: How does it respond to your touch? However, if it meets your touches with biting or growling, then this is likely an indication of an uneven or bad temperament. It will not just grow out of this, it will have to be trained out of it. Bring a ball with you to test with the puppy: Roll the ball and see what the puppy does. Does it follow it and then bring it to you? Or does it take it away for itself. A more dominant puppy will just take the ball and keep it for itself, reluctant to give it back to you. On the other hand, a more independent puppy may show no interest at all. And one that is submissive may actually be frightened. If you are looking for a very sociable puppy, look for the one that brings the ball right back to you to play some more. The puppy that brings it right back is also an ideal candidate for training in retrieving and other exercises. An even-tempered puppy will show interest in and play with the toy, but it will also allow you to participate and take the toy back without showing you any aggression. Roll the puppy over: Once the puppy comes over to you, gently roll it onto its back and hold it in place. Do not be forceful but be firm. See how the puppy reacts. Is it resisting, or is it just relaxing? A puppy with a more dominant personality will take the path of most resistance, and it may growl or attempt to bite at you. And the even-tempered puppy is the one that may resist for a short time but then submit to what you are doing. Pick up the puppy: Physically pick up the puppy by gently holding it underneath its chest with an open hand. Lift it up high, even above the height of your head and hold it there. What does the puppy do? Does it struggle, or does it stay relaxed? A puppy that struggles may be fearful or dominant. On the other hand, a puppy that stays absolutely relaxed is displaying confidence in itself and trust in you. Hold on to a paw and press it gently: This is somewhat similar to holding it on its back. If there is a response to be had, it will happen immediately. Resistance or pulling the paw away may show dominance and temperament towards aggression. The even-tempered puppy will be you curious as to what you are doing. It may investigate a little and might even lick you. Make an unexpected noise: Whether it is banging a pot and pan together or just yelling, create an unexpected noise. See what the puppy does, does it show fear, interest, or aggression? A fearful puppy may run away or even whimper. While an aggressive-tempered puppy may actually growl and try to bite you. An even-tempered puppy will simply look surprised, and may even want to investigate a little bit further. Meet the parents A lot of breeders will have both the father sire and the mother bitch of the puppies on site. However, some of them will only have the mother because sometimes the father is on loan as a stud from a different breeder. But the mother for sure should be on site, and you should get an idea of what she is like. In the case of my last German Shepherd, I was able to meet both parents. His mother was very kind and sociable and eager to be petted. While on the other hand, his father was clearly dominant, and not a dog to be messed with. Because of my prior experience and knowledge, my GSD turned out exactly as I thought he would — fairly sociable yet wildly protective of me. This was all right because I knew what to expect and I was able to train my dog properly to take the edge off of some of his more dominance behaviors. However, my choice was an informed decision based on years of experience. If you are new to owning a German Shepherd, this may not be an ideal combination. I would recommend for a new German Shepherd owner to consider making sure that both parents are more docile, and possibly even lean towards acquiring a female for your first German Shepherd. Visit the puppy on more than one occasion Just like people, puppies have their on days and their off days. You will not be able to get a very accurate picture of how your puppy will be on one short visit. In fact, with my last dog, I visited him at least 4 times and stayed for at least 30 minutes with him each time prior to taking him home. A good breeder will have no issue with you doing this, and in fact, will prefer it. They want their dogs to be well-matched with their new owners, so this is common practice. The puppy should become accustomed to the people it will soon be spending its entire life with. So the more familiarity that you build now in this phase, the easier that puppy will transition to home life with you and your family. All of these steps are positive reinforcement for your new puppy and will build familiarity and a bond even before you arrive home. Also, bring a small blanket or clothing item and ask the breeder to leave it with the puppy. This will allow your puppy to become familiar with the scent of you and your home. Making for a better transition. So by default, this knowledge enables the breeder to be very good at placing the proper puppies with the proper personalities. Remember to stay focused and not lose sight of your primary objective, which is to select the right puppy for you and your family. If you take the time and care to do your research and ask the right questions, you will come together with the right puppy for you. But remember, this is just the beginning of a major life commitment. So take this step of choosing the right GSD puppy seriously, and you will have laid the foundation for a loving and rewarding relationship for years to come. One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a German Shepherd puppy is what their personality and temperament are like. German Shepherds are just like people. They each have their own personalities, and some are able to get along with other dogs better than others. In fact, how your German Shepherd puppy interacts with other dogs and people will mostly come down to their individual personality. This will mean that your German Shepherd puppy will need less training, and a lot of your interactions with one another will come more naturally. The best puppy for your home may not be the biggest, prettiest dog in the litter! How to get started Before you can worry about choosing the best German Shepherd puppy for your home, you will need to find a breeder. You will need to opt for a German Shepherd breeder who has a good reputation. So you will need to do your research to find the right breeder for your needs. You may even need to travel a fair way to find the perfect breeder. Even if your German Shepherd breeder is located several states away, it will be worth the trip. If you put in the right amount of time and effort now, it should pay dividends throughout the next few years. Here are a few handy tips to help you find the right breeder to buy a German Shepherd puppy from. Talk to your German Shepherd breeder One of the first things you should do is to give the German Shepherd breeder a call. You may be surprised to learn that quality breeders will actually require this to ensure that the puppy is going to a good home. They may not be as interested in the health of the puppy and their new home as they should be, and are more concerned about making a profit from their dogs. The breeder will want to ensure that you have the right space to accommodate your German Shepherd puppy. Have you got any kids? Training your new puppy and giving them the right amount of socialization will be essential for keeping your family safe. Do you have a fenced outdoor space? Your puppy will need to have a good amount of room so they can run around and play. They will need regular exercise to stay fit and healthy. Why do you want a German Shepherd? The breeder will want to know what purpose you want a German Shepherd puppy for. It could be as a pet, for added protection, or to show competitively. Do you have any other pets? This will be an important factor as you will need to know how to introduce your new puppy to other animals. It will also be crucial to know if you have any other pets which could pose a danger to the puppy. What do you do for a living? If you have to work away for long periods of time so that your puppy is left alone for large portions of the day, the breeder will want to know this. Can you afford the financial responsibility of this puppy? Dogs are a financial commitment. This may seem like too much of a personal question, however, it will be important to establish that you can properly care for your new dog. Questions you can ask your breeder There are far too many unethical breeders around. Some irresponsible breeders will take shortcuts when it comes to breeding, which will leave you with dogs who have behavioral and health issues. Do you raise other breeds of dog? This can show you whether they have been bred from healthy dogs. Have you got any references? A good quality breeder should be able to give you these easily enough. Have you got a pedigree for the puppies? This is essentially a family tree of the puppies. A good quality breeder should be able to produce the proper lineage of your new puppy when asked. If the breeder attempts to charge you for this, or says they will give it to you another time, be very wary. Every breeder worth their salt will give you this guarantee as a written contract. How often do you breed your females in a single year? This will allow them to properly recover from giving birth, and help to maintain great health. Have you got a detailed medical history for the puppies? A reputable breeder should be able to give you proof of any health screenings that their puppies have had. This is essential for healthy dogs. Could you explain to me if German Shepherds have any health issues they may suffer from as adults? Puppies should never be taken home if they are less than 8 weeks old. In fact, more than half of the states in America have laws to prevent this from happening. There are several laws which dictate how old a puppy needs to be before it can be adopted or sold. There are only 3 which actually allow puppies to be sold under 8 weeks old: D. These laws are in place for a reason. This is to ensure that all puppies have been properly weaned from their mothers and that they are able to eat without help. Puppies will also need to have been properly socialized before they can leave their mothers. Their mothers and siblings can help to socialize the puppy properly. Most of the behavioral problems in adult dogs can be traced back to this lack of discipline and not having been socialized properly. To make sure that you have a healthy puppy, you will need to choose a puppy that is being sold in accordance with the laws of their state. This will mean buying a puppy that is at least 8 weeks old, if not older. Even if you happen to find a puppy in D. Male or female puppy Perhaps you already have a preference for the gender of your puppy. You will need to understand that the two genders actually have distinct differences. Here are a few things for you to consider to help you make a fully informed choice. Female German Shepherds 1. Physical appearance Typically, female German Shepherds will be much smaller than males. They will also have a less muscular stature. Dominance A female dog will display less behavioral dominance than a male dog will. Family bonding Female German Shepherds are more likely to bond with the whole family rather than a single individual. Territorial A female German Shepherd will be much less territorial than a male dog will be. Male German Shepherds Male dogs will tend to be much larger than females. They are also more muscular. Dominance Males will display a lot more dominance than females. Single person bonding A male German Shepherd is more likely to bond very closely with a single person instead of a whole family. Territorial A male German Shepherd is more likely to be territorial. This means they could be more likely to wander off in an attempt to expand their home turf. Possessive These males tend to be on the more possessive side than their female counterparts. This could be over their food, their favorite toys, or even you. It will be important to give them correct training to teach them not to be aggressive towards you. They should be able to socialize better with others, too. But the best way to find out if your prospective puppy will be the right fit for your home is to do some proactive investigating. This can also be a great indicator of their future behavior, too. You should never force the interaction. If the puppy is reluctant to come near you and interact with you, then you will be better off choosing a different pup. Tests for your German shepherd puppy 1. Eye contact When you look directly at your puppy, does it look back at you? If your puppy stares back at you, this is showing confidence. If your puppy avoids eye contact then it may be anxious, scared, or have a vision issue. Clapping your hands This can indicate how social your puppy is. If it comes towards you and tries to interact with you, this is a great sign. This shows that the dog is eager to socialize with people. Call out to the puppy Do they come towards you at the sound of your voice? This is a fantastic sign. Pet the dog It will be important to note how the puppy interacts with your physical touch. If the puppy is affectionate and loving, this will be another great sign. If they bite or growl at you, this will likely be an indication of a bad temperament. The dog will have to be trained out of this. Play ball Bring a ball with you when you meet your puppy. Roll this towards the dog and see how the puppy interacts with it. Does the puppy follow the ball? Bring it back to you? Or does the dog keep the ball for itself? Puppies that are more dominant will keep the ball for themselves. They will also be reluctant to give the toy back to you. A more submissive puppy is likely to be frightened of the ball coming towards them. A more independent dog will likely show very little interest, if they show any at all. Puppies with an even temperament will show some interest in the ball, will play with it, but will also be willing for you to play a part of the game without showing any aggression. Searching for a more sociable dog? Keep an eye out for the puppy that brings the ball right back to you and asks you to play more. This puppy will be a fantastic candidate for training as well as other exercises. Roll the puppy When the puppy has come over to you, you can try to gently roll them onto their back, then hold them in place. Watch how the puppy reacts to you. Do they relax under your touch, or do they resist you? A dominant puppy will be more likely to resist you. It could even try to bite you or growl at you. An even-tempered puppy will resist at first, but will submit to you after a short time. Pick up your puppy You can physically pick up the puppy by gently holding it under its chest with an open hand. Lift the puppy up, and see what it does. Does the puppy stay relaxed or does it struggle? A struggling dog is likely to be dominant or scared. A puppy that stays perfectly relaxed is showing that it trusts you and that it is confident. This is a similar test to holding the puppy on its back. Chances are the puppy will react immediately. Any resistance or trying to pull their paw away from you could be a sign of an aggressive temperament or dominance. A puppy that accepts your actions will show a more submissive temperament. They could even lick you! Create an unexpected noise This could just be a sudden shout or banging some pots and pans. The important factor will be watching how the puppy reacts to a sudden noise. Do they show interest? Are they scared? Aggressive puppies could try and bite you and growl at you. Visit the puppy parents Most breeders will have both puppy parents in the same place. Some of them may only have the mother with the puppies because the father was on loan from a stud or a different breeder. Either way, the mother of your puppy should be with them when you pay the dogs a visit. If one of the parents appears aggressive, this could show you that you need to do some more training with your new puppy. A dog that displays more dominant tendencies will need proper training to take the edge off these behaviors. Choosing a female German Shepherd will also be a good choice. Puppies will have their off days, just like humans do. It will be important to visit your new puppy a few times and spend at least 30 minutes with them so that you can see what they will be like. They will likely prefer it to someone who only pays their puppy one visit before collecting them! This is a good indicator that the breeder wants their dogs to be matched with the right owners. If there are other people in your household who will be living with the German shepherd puppy, such as kids or a partner, you will need to bring them along, too. Your new puppy will need to get accustomed to the people it will be spending time with. It will be much easier to transition your puppy to living in your home. You should also bring some treats along for your new puppy each time you visit. These are all positive reinforcements that can allow your new puppy to get used to you and encourage them to bond with you. It will also be a good idea to bring something with you that you can leave behind for the puppy. This could be a new toy or a blanket that smells like you. This will allow the puppy to get used to your smell, which can also make the transition easier. They will also be very well acquainted with the mother of the puppies and have knowledge of the father. So your breeder should be able to help you choose the right puppy for your needs, and match the right personality to you. In summary So there you have it! Choosing the right German Shepherd puppy for your needs is certainly more challenging than it first appears. The most important goal is to choose the right dog that will fit in well with you and your family. As long as you do the proper research beforehand, you should be able to find the right dog for your home. Remember to ask the right questions when you find your breeder to make sure that they are a good person to buy a dog from. Be sure to visit your new puppy several times before you bring them home. As long as you take this responsibility seriously, you will have laid the perfect foundation for a fruitful relationship with your new puppy. May not even be aware of the breed standard. Breeds to any convenient dog. Strives towards the ideal. Often helps to define it. Does not need to promote establishment; sells to brokers, pet shops, etc. Often rescues only to attain more stock. Rarely attends shows or trials. Shows and trials to objectively test breeding stock. Often judges, provides seminars, writes articles, and willingly mentors serious Hobby Breeders. Knowledge Often pretends to know some. May share false or incomplete information. Studies continuously. Impacts the breed for many decades with knowledge of dogs over many generations. All pups sold have full breeding rights. Yes, and diligently follows up on progeny. Keeps up with health and temperament issues affecting the breeding and provides in-depth guarantees No need to; mostly supplies brokers and pet shops. Meets minimum standards as required by state law. May refuse to acknowledge most problems. Maintains a solid support system — accepts full responsibility for every puppy produced. Performs health testing for all breeding stock for genetic diseases affecting the particular breed. No interest, may offer papers as proof of quality. Papers alone are not proof of quality. No interest. May provide undocumented paperwork for appearances sake. Is unfamiliar with health testing usually statements of good health are stated to impress consumers. Intensive testing always a priority. Often initiates club sponsored seminars and clinics. Maintains records on all dogs in gene pool including progeny. Often supplies brokers and pet shops, records unavailable. Dogs and puppies are often auctioned off in lots, records unavailable. Focuses mostly on current dogs, no records or knowledge of genes. Attempts to continuously track every puppy produced. Bases entire breeding program on extensive gene pool data. Clean environment always maintained Minimum standards vary greatly in cleanliness. Minimum standards maintained for state inspections. Conditions may vary greatly depending on available income, usually makeshift accommodations. Clean, healthy and mentally stimulating environment. Expected longevity with any particular breed Will continue as long as the sales are coming. Depends on popularity of specific breeds. Unrealistic expectations — easily disillusioned. On a mission-plans to stay for the long haul. Health guarantee provided No, it cuts into profits. No health guarantee beyond proof of first set of vaccines, if that. Not qualified to give advice if a problem arises. Offers written guarantee and is available to answer questions to new owners. Good knowledge of history in dogs. Extensive knowledge of health history, offers replacements to owners of genetically affected dogs. Ability to meet the parents of the litter If available, may be in poor physical condition. If available, dogs are not used to contact with people. May or may not be well loved and cared for companions, often unwilling to show entire litter or parents to buyer. Shows friendly mother and entire litter in clean environment; stud dog too, if in residence. Helps buyer choose appropriate puppy. Can explain how breeding was planned to emphasize specific qualities and can speak at length about how puppies compare. What you can expect after purchase Nothing, may not be able to contact at all. No concern for dog after sale is final. Available for questions, and wants to keep in touch. Will take back dog or puppy at any time. After purchase will help with training and grooming, available for all questions and knows the answers. Price Priced according to market, but is marked up from original source for profit. Mid-range to move puppies quickly. High end of mid-range. Price will not reflect all that is invested. Use only physically sound, mature dogs of stable temperament for breeding. These characteristics are rarely, if ever, determined before the age of two for females. Continue to educate themselves regarding genetic diseases pertinent to the breed including, hip and elbow dysplasia. Documentation of hip and elbow screenings should be available to prospective puppy buyers. Apply the same high standards to outside bitches sent to their stud dogs as they apply to their own breeding stock. Temperament testing of a litter before puppies are offered for sale is encouraged. Take appropriate steps to have each puppy examined by a licensed veterinarian for general health prior to placement. Each puppy should be vaccinated and de-wormed by a veterinarian. Endeavor to gain personal knowledge of the temperament and health of every dog they breed, or to which they breed, in order to gather information on which to base future breeding decisions. They share this information fully and honestly with other breeders and with prospective buyers. Sell breeding prospects to knowledgeable, ethical and experienced persons or are willing to help educate and guide novices. Do not engage in misleading or untrue advertising and do not use GSDCA membership as a marketing tool. Do not sell, supply, donate or surrender any dog for which they are responsible to a pet shop, catalogue house, wholesale dealer in dogs, Humane Society or to a laboratory. They should have reasonable assurance that each individual receiving a dog will provide a home with appropriate shelter, restraint, control and responsible care. Encourage puppy buyers to go to puppy obedience classes to help their puppies to become better canine good citizens. The achievement of a Canine Good Citizen certificate should be encouraged. Since homeowners insurance and local laws vary greatly, a refusal to let you visit the kennels may not, in and of itself, be a bad sign. You should ask for and receive a satisfactory explanation. The puppies are not social or look sickly. How to read those ads. A few more things to look out for. Anyone can buy a puppy from a champion, but it does not mean that they have any other interest in the breed but to bank on the name and make money. Having a Champion in a pedigree is like having a billionaire relative. AKC registration does not guarantee quality. AKC papers are much like the title of a car; papers are issued to the junked Chevy on blocks in your yard just as easily as they are on a brand new, shiny Jaguar. AKC does not control breeding, approve litters, or guarantee temperaments. AKC Registration is automatic if you buy from a reputable breeder — they will provide all necessary paperwork when you buy a puppy. There are several groups that are registering dogs, even mixed breeds, for a fee. This registration means nothing, and is of no value to you. Are there too many defects for the animal to be bred? Shop with care. Rarely will a good breeder have the luck to own both dogs for the perfect litter. There are some good and very reasonable reasons to have both parents on site. However, you need to ask the right questions and understand why this is true. They might be, they might not. Are they too big to be cute anymore? Need more money? Is there a problem? Usually because there are more on the way. Be very wary of this one. Will a Breeder Ask Me Questions? Conscientious breeders want the best available home for their puppies. This determines the amount of time you will have available for your new addition. There are very important items that should be supplied by the breeder. Breeders will typically give you the following items: A signed pedigree A current Health Record; including de-wormings and vaccinations. American Kennel Club registration papers or application Sales contract. The type of contract varies and must be mutually agreeable to the breeder and buyer. Much depends on what you expect from the puppy show, pet, or performance. Feeding schedule including the type and amount of food. Copy of OFA certification of sire and dam, if available.

We strive to produce some of the finest Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers for the home and field. Whether you are seeking a family companion or your next hunting dog we look forward to assisting you. Field dogs are my passion, but I quickly recognized that not everyone is seeking the same kind of dog. For that reason, we do have lines in our program for both Golden Retrievers and Labradors Retrievers that are known for bigger, blockier builds and calmer temperaments. Regardless of your preferences, we can help you find your next retriever! We prioritize quality genetics in our Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers. Our sires and dams have exceptional pedigrees as well as health clearances. Our litters, whether bred in-house or produced by outside studs have proven to be talented dogs well suited for family life, hunting and field events such as hunt tests or field trials. Our puppies come with AKC papers and a written 26 month health guarantee. Southfork Retrievers offers Golden Retriever and Labrador Retriever puppies and occasionally started dogs. If you are seeking training services, we have plenty of reputable programs we can recommend to you! Pet Keen is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more. We understand there are many reasons for seeking a breeder, though, so we encourage it to be done the right way. We have not personally investigated all of the breeders below, rather, we have gathered their details for you to get in touch and ask all the right questions before you decide. Learn more about our position and how to choose a breeder here. Labrador Retrievers are always near the top of the list of most popular breeds. The 7 Labrador Retriever Breeders in Wisconsin 1. They offer a significant level of training in both obedience and field through their training program for interested families. Plumtree breeds yellow, chocolate, and black labs, depending on the year. You may need to wait for quite a long time for a puppy to become available. They breed all three popular colors—chocolate, black, and yellow. A deposit is required before you can add your name to their waiting list. The dogs come with a health guarantee as well as instructions for vaccinations, feeding, and more. They breed both companion and hunting dogs. All puppies are up to date on vaccinations, socialized with other dogs, and come with AKC papers. They breed yellow, chocolate, black, red, and white Labradors. Their dogs are AKC registered and are of show dog quality. They also breed excellent hunting dogs for those looking for a hunting companion. Their puppies are yellow, black, or chocolate-colored, depending on the parents. They come with a health guarantee for 26 months. There is a long list of conditions protected by this guarantee which means you can purchase a puppy with confidence that is in good health. Their dogs are excellent for hunting, retrieving, service, obedience, agility, and companionship. They raise yellow, chocolate, and black Labradors. All dogs have undergone a health screening and have pedigree and AKC papers. Ollie, originally from the USA, holds his master's degree in wildlife biology and moved to Australia to pursue his career and passion but has found a new love for working online and writing about animals of all types. We have AKC English Lab puppies for sale Our goal here at Winter Valley Labs is to breed excellent dual purpose AKC Labrador Retriever puppies that make great companions and family pets, that also have the ability to excel in the field as well as show ring. And of course, in our hearts. We breed for quality, not quantity. We breed English Lab puppies! Each of our litters is carefully planed and bred with purpose. We are a small breeder in Hatley, Wisconsin. Our love and passion for Labrador Retrievers drives us to better the breed and provide families with healthy, happy, perfect pets, companions and hunters. We have been breeding labs for over 10 years, and look forward to that number growing. We bred our first litter in January of .We hope to grow in size now that we have the room for it. We love to take the dogs out bird hunting, and am excited to get them started on waterfowl this year as we are located on the river. I have been around dogs my whole life, but the lab has always been my favorite. I started studying at the UW of Stevens Point for Wildlife Ecology and Captive Wildlife management, and had done some study in veterinarian medicine but complications with pregnancy forced me out. I decided after my first son was born that I wanted to stay at home with my babies anyways both human and canine. So I am now a stay at home mom for all of our babies. Prior to that I had worked at an animal shelter as well as a grooming and boarding facility. I am doing some online studies for genetics and animal behavior, as I am always striving to be very well educated with the dogs. I am an avid hunter and LOVE spending the days outside with the dogs. Please note; We do not breed silvers, charcoals or champagne. We do not breed labradoodles, golden labs or any other designer breed. We do have English lab puppies for sale- We breed Fox red lab puppies, yellow lab puppies, black lab puppies, chocolate lab puppies and white lab puppies. Fox red and white labs are registered as yellow labs! These ARE akc recognized unlike the dilute colors. Click here to see what english lab puppies we have that are ready to go and looking for their loving forever homes! Our focus is on the English Lab breed. Please contact us for more information on any of our wonderful English Lab puppies, or upcoming and planned litters! We will help you find the perfect puppy for your family! All of our English Lab puppies are vet checked with the vaccines that are needed and also wormed. They also have their dewclaws removed. If in any case a dew claw, or partial dew claw grows back, that will be the buyers responsibility to take care of, if they feel the need to do so. This can be done at the time of spaying or neutering. This is not a common thing. All of our English Lab Puppies are placed with limited registration Pet homes only If you are looking for full registration Breeding rights Do not wait until pickup day to discuss this with us. Our dogs come from primarily American field lines. A couple dogs have a small mix of English show lines in their pedigree, a couple generations back. We are looking for families to volunteer time with their kids to come here and help us socialize Thunder Labrador puppies. Appointment required. Call .Thank you military Veterans, law enforcement and first responders. Claim your dollar discount on a Thunder Labrador puppy. Must bring appropriate ID to receive discount. Because of you, we get to raise Lab puppies for a living in the greatest country that has ever existed. Thank you also to those people who stepped up to the plate and adopted all of the Moonlighter Labs!!! We placed the last dog on November 4, .Puppy selections go in the order of deposits received by Thunder Labradors. Specify sex and color and include your phone number. Puppies available now and soon: Now accepting deposits of to secure a pick for our litters. Picks go in the order of deposits received. Buy a Thunder Labrador and see why we get so many repeat customers and referrals. Email us below at thunderlabradors hotmail. All Thunder Labrador puppies go home with a five pound bag of Fidovite to sprinkle on puppy's food. We request that you buy one or two more five pound bags, as needed, while your puppy is going through the rapid growth phase. If your finances allow, supplement for life to aid in a lifetime of good health. Go to www. No Thunder Labradors are sold for breeding purposes. We do extensive DNA testing along with radiographs to guarantee your Labrador puppy's health. Our bloodlines consist of primarily American field dogs. Some of our pedigrees have a small mix of English show champions in the line. Compare us to others. There is a table below that tells you what all these acronyms mean. You want none of them. We believe everything begins and ends with pedigree. Most of our stud dogs are titled JH too. That is how you get a smart, trainable puppy. Most of our pups never see the field at their forever homes. But, with training, these dogs will hunt or hunt test. Tell us what you want to do with your dog and we will steer you in the right direction. Equally as important as a pup's ancestry, is the socialization he or she receives. All of our puppies go through an Early Neurological Stimulation Program. ENS that starts at 3 days old. A bio-sensor program used to increase the pups' performance later in life. Puppies going through this program were found better able as adults to cope with stressful situations, problem solve and were physically healthier with higher cardiovascular performance, stronger immune systems, adrenal glands and heart beats. See our Testimonial Page and see what past customers have said about our Labrador pups. Our program allows for socialization and motor skill development. Pups are handled daily. We have over 25 years experience socializing puppies and fulfilling customer needs. The tail works on all our puppies. One poop in the kennel is too many. Consistent temperatures with in-floor heat and Air Conditioning. Consistent dog and human interaction too. Great for first time puppy owners. It's not cheap but it's money well-spent. House trained, Crate trained, Leash training started. Payable at the end of training. You may visit any time with an appointment. We take photos for the website as time allows. You are welcome to make a field trip and bring your camera. Please step on our sanitation mat before you enter the kennel. Most dams and sires are on site. Most customers live within a couple hours from us so feel free to visit and take all the photos you wish. A link is above left and at the bottom of this page. Pups will be coming from our stud Woody JH. Their pedigrees are as sweet as their temperaments. Also, Boom will now be siring litters. Because we love our dogs:.

By Chris Labradoodles are amazing dogs, and Labradoodle colors are just as interesting! Labradoodles come in many different shapes, sizes, and coat shades. Labradoodle Images — our favorite Labradoodle photographs Some Labradoodles have black coats with white spots on their chest or paws. Others have brown coats with golden highlights around their eyes. But no matter what color labradoodle you have, they all make great companions for all! A chocolate medium Labradoodle enjoying a park visit Labradoodles with chocolate coats are such pretty dogs! There is a Labradoodle with a chocolate coat that lives in my neighborhood pictured above on a walk with my Labradoodle Max that I see every day walking all over the place. When he sees me, he actually jumps up on me and starts licking my face! He is a medium-sized Labradoodle dog. There are three sizes of Labradoodles, standard, medium, and miniature. Occasionally you will find a LAbradoodle that does not take to the water — but they are few and far between. The golden-brown coat of a tan Labradoodle enjoying the beach Labradoodles are more than just pets, they become part of our family. Labradoodles are friendly, social animals that love to play and run around with their human friends. Some Labradoodles like to be outdoors, and you will find them rolling in the grass, chasing butterflies, or just plain relaxing. This wavy coat white Labradoodle has very long hair. White coat Labradoodles can get pretty stained and dirty. White Labradoodles are especially prone to this. My labradoodle gets dirt all over his coat after she plays outside! Luckily basic grooming and shampoo do the trick. This rich black coat is a fairly common Labradoodle shade. Black Labradoodle puppies normally have black eyes too see the photo above. This actually makes it quite difficult to capture photographs of them. Labradoodles are loyal and bond closely with their primary family members Labradoodles are amazing friends! Australian Labradoodles are a different breed the Labradoodles although similar! Labradoodles come in all shapes and sizes. Some Labradoodles are thin while others are more stocky. A Red Miniature Labradoodle looks happy in the studio. Friendly, energetic, playful, social, cuddly, smart. AKA — the Labradoodle. Two Labradoodles sniff each other out at a dog park. Labradoodles get on well with other dogs. It is important to introduce your puppy to other dogs as soon as possible. If you live in a city, this will be easy because there will be lots of dogs everywhere. You can find out about off-leash dog parks and dog walking groups in your area and try going along to meet the Labradoodle owners and their Labradoodle friends. This can be done in a professional setting, but many owners prefer to take the job on themselves at home. You will need a Labradoodle-specific brush, labradoodle shampoo, scissors, and nail trimmers. Before you start brushing your Labradoodle put, it in a comfortable position in front of you on the floor or sitting on your lap. Brush their fur from head to tail with a Labradoodle-specific brush picking up any tangles as you go. Labradoodle playing in a water fountain. What a way to cool off on a warm day! Even though they have long coats, Labradoodles can still get sunburn or suffer from sun damage. Give them plenty of opportunities to cool off away from the sun. A Parti Labradoodle in this cause black and white Some Labradoodle will have two shades in their coats. Black and white two-shade Labradoodles are common. A Labradoodle dog running in the snow. Labradoodles love running through the snow, playing with their family, rolling around in the white stuff, barking at the sound of someone nearby, or just relaxing. Labradoodles are also found in many climates. The Labradoodles can be found living on islands such as Hawaii or Australia or on the cold mountainsides of Europe. It will help make bath time easier for life. It can even save money because some Labradoodles shed a lot of hair and need to be groomed more often and DIY grooming saves a bunch. A Labradoodle sits on a couch next to a Pomeranian. Non-shedding small dogs are popular. So are shedding small dogs like Boxers, Bulldogs, Pomeranians, and more A rich Apricot coat Labradoodle at the groomer. Miniature Labradoodles Images This Apricot Mini Labradoodle is looking up at the camera, because he thinks he might get a treat he did. My Labradoodle Max wearing his party hat. POV: You are walking my Labradoodle Max wearing his usual harness Labradoodle Max looks at a toilet paper wall obstacle Labradoodle Max enjoys a cuddle in a towel after a shower and bath Giving a labradoodle puppy a bath can be challenging. Bath time is much easier if Labradoodles are groomed early on. Labradoodles, like other dogs, need to be brushed often. A non-shedding dog coat still needs regular brushing, even when it is cut short like the photo above we shaved our Labradoodle Max before a beach holiday to help prevent coat knotting with daily swims. Before taking a puppy to the beach be sure you have a plan, and safety in mind. My Miniature Labradoodle Max wearing a stylish raincoat Dogs rarely need raincoats. We got one just because it looks great. It does help during walks in cold rain or when there is wind and I am worried that Max will get a chill. An Apricot Mini Labradoodle my puppy Max! Labradoodles will often hang out with their tongues out. A Red Labradoodle enjoying time in the snow. 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. He does not have the gene to make a rose-nosed puppy. They display slightly smaller curls than some pups, but it is still not a tight curly fleece. As adults, they will have a coat similar to Tilly, their mom. This coat is easy to care for, does not mat easily, and is easy to brush out regularly. The first two pups pictured have a different dad, they are out of Riley, and the other four are from Sam. Also, note that Riley's pups have a rose nose, and the others have a black nose. These two display tight fleece. Keep short for easy management, or brush regularly to avoid mattes. The first pup had a slightly curlier coat than the others and was fluffier as an adult. You can also see the rose nose on the caramel pup 3 versus the black nose on the apricot pup 6. The black pups range in colors; the first black Australian labradoodle puppy is solid but already showing signs of silver showing through around his nose and will likely silver out as he matures. The other two black pups are phantom or sable, with adorable brown eyebrows—two caramel pups with rose noses and one apricot pup with a black nose. You can see three of each type in this litter. The pups in positions 1, 3, and 6 are tight curls, and the other three are loose. An equal distribution of rose noses, 3 rose and three black. Gypsy makes a wide range of sizes in her litter. In this litter, the Australian labradoodle puppies range in weight, at age 1, from lbs.

Rottle Highlights Rottles are mixed breed dogs. They are not purebreds like their Rottweiler or Poodle parents. The main colors of Rottles are brown, black, white, red, gray, and blue. Rottles are relatively easy to train compared to other mixed breeds, as long as training starts at an early age. Due to their high intelligence, they can become destructive if they get bored. Rottles have high energy levels. Make sure your dog gets at least one good half-hour- to hour-long walk per day with a few good, active play sessions and shorter walks mixed in. Be sure to include some mentally stimulating games. Generally, the Rottle is considered a family friendly mixed breed dog. Rottle History The Rottle mixed dog breed may have existed naturally over the years, but designer breeders started intentionally mixing Rottweilers and Poodles sometime in the s , likely in North America. They continued to create Rottles as demand for the mixed breed pups climbed. Even though the Rottle breed got their start as a designer breed, some have ended up in shelters or in the care of rescue groups. Consider adoption if you decide this is the breed for you. Check your local shelters, look up Rottle rescues, or check with breed specific Rottweiler or Poodle rescues, as they sometimes take in mixed breed dogs and find homes for them. Rottle Size As the Rottle is a relatively new mixed breed, there are few standards when it comes to size. That said, as a mix between Rottweiler and Poodle parents, you can expect Rottles to be on the medium to large side. Most weigh in at 60 to 90 pounds and range in height from twelve to 27 inches at the shoulder. However, many can be smaller or larger than average. Rottle Personality Many Rottle parents describe their mixed breed dogs as incredibly smart and eager to please. This makes training Rottles relatively easy compared to other mixed breeds, as long as training starts at an early age. They can also grow protective of their favorite humans and may bark at unexpected guests. If you want a watchdog who is also super snuggly with your family, the Rottle may be the right pup for you. These dogs are incredibly trainable, and the sooner you start, the better. Rottles who are untrained or unsocialized may develop negative coping patterns like resource protecting. Be sure to use a lot of positive reinforcement with your Rottle, as they crave your validation. Rottles can get along in a one-person household, but they truly are fabulous family dogs. Rottle Health The Rottle breed is predisposed to some of the same conditions that the Rottweiler and Poodle also face. While most are generally healthy, some may be prone to a few health issues, which is why it is important to maintain good care and regular veterinary checkups. Some of the more common health problems Rottles suffer from include: Dysplasia. Lifespan Sociability The Rottie Poo is a hybrid breed, which means that normally you should be able to find a Rottle at a lower price than the parent breeds. Take your time to search for an ethical and reputable breeder. A good breeder will offer healthy puppies from good stock. Do your research on the breed and any breeders you consider buying from. Speak to the breeder. Ask questions about the breed and their puppies, in particular. Ask to see proof of screening and health checks. This will include proof that the parent dogs have been screened and checked for hip and elbow dysplasia. Ensure that you get to meet the puppy before you part with any money. Ask to see one or both parents. Check to see if the mother is responsive and looks healthy. Ensure that they are happy to meet you, but not overly friendly. This is a reasonable sign that your puppy will show a similar temperament, because puppies learn from their moms, just like babies do. Because hybrid breeds are not worth the thousands of dollars that purebred dogs fetch, and because hybrids like the Rottle can occur naturally without intentional breeding, you may find one in a local shelter. Try to determine why the dog was put up for adoption, and ensure that you meet the dog at least once before you adopt. If you have dogs of your own, try to arrange to bring them with you to meet your rescue Rottle before you take them home. The Poodle parent is described as hypoallergenic. One of the reasons that the Poodle has become such a popular pet, other than his intelligence and his loving nature, is because he sheds very little compared to other breeds. It is also beneficial for those that suffer allergies but still want a dog. Allergy sufferers are allergic to a specific protein that is found in dog saliva, skin secretions, and dander. Therefore, a dog that sheds less, distributes less dander and should cause less of an allergic reaction. Although some breeders and owners describe the Poodle as being hypoallergenic, they do still cause an allergic reaction, so they are not truly hypoallergenic, but they are as close as you can expect to get. The Rottle is likely to adopt a similarly low-shedding coat. Poodles and Rottweilers both hail from Germany. Most people believe that the Poodle is French and the Rottweiler German, but they would only be half correct. The Rottweiler is believed to be a descendant of drover dogs that were left behind by the Roman army. Their name originates from the town of Rottweil, where they were left when the Roman army abandoned the area. However, while most people believe the Poodle to be French it is the French national dog, after all , it too hails from Germany. In France, the dog is known as the duck dog. The Poodle cut is not just fashionable. It consists of various puffs and pompoms, although there are several exact fashions and styles that dictate where the shocks of hair should be found. While they are common in exhibitions and shows, the cut was functional before it was fashionable. A full coat would have left a Poodle hampered by its hair, and a wet coat would have weighed the dog down when he was busy retrieving birds from rivers and other bodies of water. Cutting all of the hair down would have left the Poodle vulnerable to the cold and wet. The Poodle cut was introduced as a means of enjoying the best of both worlds. They can be very easily trained, but they can also become destructive if they do not get enough stimulation. Training should start at an early age, along with socialization, to prevent destructive and antisocial behavior. Are These Dogs Good for Families? He will bond closely with all human family members, including adults and children. He will usually be well behaved around children, especially if those children are old enough and willing to play. Parents should always supervise time between dogs and very small children. As understanding as the Rottle might be, toddlers tend to grab tails, faces, and other parts of the dog. It is also worth noting that the breed can become protective of their humans. Early and ongoing socialization will help to combat this problem. With that said, if you introduce your Rottle to your other dogs when they are young, they may benefit from having a canine companion to play with. Always introduce any dog slowly and patiently, especially to cats. He will get along with human family members and can be introduced steadily and calmly to other animals, but he may not be the ideal pet for your home. Consider the following factors when deciding whether this breed is the perfect addition to your family unit. You can feed dry or wet food. Many owners prefer dry food because it is easier to store, will keep longer, and will usually work out cheaper. Wet food helps ensure that your dog stays hydrated and may prove more appealing to your dog, however. You can feed a combination of wet and dry food, but whatever type of food you opt for, ensure that you do not overfeed your Rottie Poo. This breed is prone to overfeeding and can put weight on very easily, thanks to his Rottweiler parent breed. Once a dog is overweight, it can be very difficult to shed the extra pounds. This means that your hybrid dog is going to need a lot of exercise each day, and you should be willing to provide a minimum of one hour. Although the Poodle will enjoy running and swimming, the Rottweiler is happy walking, and it will depend on which of the parent breeds is dominant in your dog, as to whether you will be able to slip a lead on and go for a vigorous walk, or whether you need to find some way of burning off even more energy. This crossbreed is known for being intelligent and energetic, which is the ideal combination for canine sports like agility. Fortunately, the Rottle is eager to please his owners and he is very intelligent. They are also driven by their desire for food and treats. If you do use treats as a method of reward-based training, ensure that you take these into account when determining the daily food intake for your dog. Socialization is also important to this breed, and puppy classes can help introduce your dog to new people and new animals. You should also walk them to new places so that they meet different groups of people and are confronted by unique situations. This not only teaches them how to act in those situations but shows them that new things do not need to be feared. They will shed, but not as profusely as breeds like Golden Retrievers. Brush every week to remove dead hairs. You will also have to take responsibility for dental hygiene and claw clipping. Claw clipping is another activity that you should start when your dog is young. Look for signs of the following and seek veterinary guidance, if your dog starts to show symptoms: Minor Conditions. Rottweiler mixed with Poodle Poodle Poodles come in three size varieties: Standards at the shoulder should be more than 15 inches tall; miniatures should be 15 inches or less; toys should not be more than 10 inches tall. All three types have the same structure and proportions. Origin of the breed is still debated, with a significant controversy whether the puddle comes from Germany as a water dog or from the French Barbet. Ranked second most intelligent dog breed just behind the Border Collie, the poodle is talented in many dog sports and activities, including agility, obedience, herding tracking, circus performers, and support dogs. Poodles took top honours in many shows of conformation. If they are not physically and mentally stimulated, bored poodles can become destructive. But active owners who can meet the needs of the Poodle will find a loving, smart, trainable and loyal companion to the family. The Rottweiler The RottweilerIt is a domestic dog breed, considered to be medium to large or large. In German, the dogs are also called Rottweiler Metzgerhund. It means the dogs of Rottweiler butchers since their primary use was to store livestock and to sell carts laden with butchered food. Now also Rottweilers are used as search and rescue dogs, guard dogs, and police dogs. They have a very intimidating appearance for Rottweilers. They are tall and have an attractive short hair coat. These canines are predominantly black hair in most instances. Brown and white accents, though, are quite popular. These have long floppy ears, big heads, and a wide jaw as well. Such medium-sized dogs are well-built and sturdy with a slightly rounded head, floppy ears, small, oval-shaped eyes, a black nose, and a flat muzzle. The gentle and cheerful breed is known to engage in several activities like protecting, agility and obedience, and is renowned for its diverse talents. Although the breed is often considered to be a guard dog, it originated as a herding breed, bringing cattle to the market. The Rottweiler began to lose popularity when locomotives became the preferred way to move animals. Nevertheless, like police, military, and guard dogs, their protective instincts quickly made them famous again. Features of Rottles Temperament and Personality The Rottle Rottweiler mixed with poodle shows a lot of loyalty and devotion to the members of his family, being very protective of them. This breed requires a lot of outdoor activities with the instincts of a working and hunting dog running in its DNA. The calm, playful and affectionate disposition makes it a perfect companion for both adults and children alike. It displays a cold and cautious nature when encountering strangers, often warning the owners in the presence of the intruder by letting out a bark. Exercise Because the Rottle poodle mixed with Rottweilers is high in energy, enough outdoor activities such as a long walk or running games will be required. Indeed, gaining weight is likely to be quite easy, so adequate physical exercise helps to keep it physically and mentally fit. Grooming Although the Rottweiler mixed with poodle it is a minimum shedder, it is crucial to brush those with a single coat frequently. That is thick and curly like that of a poodle to stop the shed hair from being caught in the curls. Bathe your dog regularly and, from time to time, wash your ears and eyes to prevent infection. Ears will also require regular cleaning to avoid wax accumulation that can lead to a painful disease of the eye. Toenails may need clipping to keep up with their oral health if they overgrow, teeth brushing two or three times a week. Rottle can be groomed appropriately at home or by the family. Health Conditions The Rottweiler Poodle mix aka Rottie poo is a safe breed with no known genetic disorders. It is likely to inherit some of the diseases that their parents have experienced, such as hip dysplasia, diabetes, hypothyroidism, patellar luxation, and volvulus gastric dilation. The Rottie Poo has a possible lifetime of 8 to 12 years, but an average of about ten years appears to be close to the middle. Primary health conditions can shorten the lifespan of an individual dog. Although here at Mississippi Rottweilers we try to breed the top German and European bloodlines in the world there is always a slight chance especially if the new owner neglects basic health rules that your puppy could one day get Hip dysplasia. We recommend that you feed your new puppy a balanced healthy puppy food and keep the dog a safe weight. Doing this will help prevent dysplasia in your Rottweiler Occasional tests. Life Span Did You Know? They are also sometimes called a Rottle. Rottie-Poos are intelligent, powerful, and loyal dogs that are devoted to their families and are protective of them. Rottles are also energetic, loving, and playful. Although they are not recognized by the American Kennel Club, this mix is recognized by other notable dog organizations. Rottie-Poos make great family companions and tend to have a sweet nature. As long as they have been properly socialized, they are well-mannered and get along well with children, other dogs, and other pets. Because of their protective nature, they can remain initially wary of strangers. They can also be prone to barking. So, you will want to start to train your dog to stop barking early on to keep it from becoming a nuisance behavior. A Rottle is a moderately adaptable dog breed. They tend to do better in homes with fenced yards where they can run. In some cases, they can adapt to apartment living. But, their large size and exercise needs can make that difficult. They do well in most climates, but are sensitive to the extremes and particularly sensitive to heat. Rottie-Poos also do not like to be left alone for long periods of time as they bond closely with their families and also get bored easily. Are mixed-breed dogs healthier than purebred dogs? They can be at times, but it is definitely not a guarantee. A mixed-breed dog could inherit none of the health conditions common to their parent breeds. At the same time, they could also inherit all of them or any combination of them. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues on to puppies. So, make sure you are asking them about the health and genetic history of both of the parents. As a large, barrel-chested dog breed, the Rottie-Poo, like their parents, are at risk for developing bloat. Bloat in dogs can sometimes just be gas, but it could also end up in gastric torsion where the stomach flips. Rottles are highly trainable dogs. They are intelligent and eager to please, which means they pick up on things quickly. They do require a confident owner who can clearly and consistently communicate boundaries and expectations during training. This can sometimes be a challenge for first-time dog owners, so puppy training classes are recommended. These classes are a good idea anyway because they reinforce training, offer opportunities for socialization, and also strengthen the bond you have with your puppy. They could inherit similar to one of their parents or a combination of both. If they end up with a Rottweiler coat, they will shed a bit year-round, need weekly brushing, and bathed occasionally. Daily brushing is required to remove tangles and prevent mats and grooming is required every weeks. If they end up with a combination coat, you may get some shedding here and there. Depending on the length of their coat and the curl, you may need to brush them every day or you might be able to get away with brushing them a couple of times a week. They may also need grooming every weeks or so. When it comes to dental care for dogs , daily brushing or use of an enzyme toothpaste is ideal for helping to prevent painful dental diseases later in life. Rottie-Poos can range from a moderate to high energy level. This means they require daily walks plus some playtime and extra activity to be happy and healthy. With a working dog background, they also need a job to do. Generally, they will be up for more activity if you are. Also, Rottles are athletic dogs. So, once puppies finish growing and their bones are done developing, you can try a bunch of different activities to see what you and your Rottle like the most. A fully-grown Rottie-Poo usually stands inches tall and weighs pounds. A Rottie-Poo generally lives for years. Featured Rottie-Poo Article. But, this mix may be wary and reserved with strangers. Around its family, this dog is often playful, affectionate, and silly. They are also very loyal to their family and may act as a guardian towards the family, especially kids. The Rottle can be very cuddly and may try to act like a lap dog. However, this mix should never be left alone with children due to their size and clumsiness. The Rottweiler Poodle mix does not typically enjoy being alone, but is not usually prone to separation anxiety. The Rottweiler parent is known for its protective instincts. Socialization as a puppy is vital to ensure your Rottle grows into the best personality possible. This will help to minimise the risk of aggression when your puppy grows older. Training and Exercise The Rottie Doodle is immensely trainable and eager to please, but may have a stubborn streak. These work by rewarding the behaviors you want to see, rather than coming into conflict with your furry friend. The Rottle is a mix of two athletic breeds, so daily exercise is essential. Swimming is often a favorite pastime of Rottweiler Standard Poodle mixes. They also enjoy long walks, hikes, or jobs with their favorite people. Retrieval games can also be a fun way to stay fit. The Rottweiler Poodle mix tends to excel at canine sports like agility, tracking, and obedience, which can be excellent opportunities to exercise thebody and mind. Although the Rottle will enjoy a cuddle, they need to burn off those high energy levels first. Rottle Health and Care The Rottie Poo has a potential lifespan of 8 to 12 years, but the average tends to be close to the middle, around 10 years. They have the potential to inherit health conditions from either of their parent breeds. We recommend the Rottweiler parent has good hip scores, is PRA clear, has had a recent eye check and no family history of heart problems. Shelter Dogs As this mixed breed gains popularity, older Rottles in need of loving homes will become more common. Rescue dogs are usually cheaper than puppies, and many already have basic training and socialization. But, you may be able to find a Rottle in a rescue center for the parent breeds. Scroll to the end of this article for some links that will help you start your search. Rottle Puppies The first step to raising a healthy Rottle dog is choosing from healthy Rottle puppies. Healthy Rottle puppies come from healthy parents. OFA recommends that, before breeding, Rottweilers are tested for hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, vision problems, and cardiac problems. Poodles should be tested for hip dysplasia, vision problems, cardiac problems, and thyroid problems. Any ethical breeder can provide you with the results of these tests, but the results should be registered with a canine health registry like the OFA as well. Parents should be at least two years old for these tests to be accurate, as well as for the best odds of producing healthy babies. Because of the size difference in the Rottweiler and Poodle, the mother should be the Rottweiler, as birthing overly large pups can be dangerous for a Standard Poodle. The breeder should allow you to meet the mother as well as any puppies in the litter that are still present. They should all appear happy and healthy. You should also be able to get information about the father and the breeder who owns him. All dogs owned by the breeder should be working animals or beloved pets, and not simply treated as business assets. As designer breeds are becoming more popular, their prices are rising. However, this will vary depending on the breeder, your location, demand for puppies, and more. A lower cost can be an indicator of a puppy mill. Because the Rottweiler parent is big, muscular, and courageous, many people assume that the Rottle is also self-assured, ferocious, aloof, aggressive, and confident. However, the Poodle genes also impart a sweet softness to the Rottle, making it one of the most popular hybrid dog breeds today. Do you want to know more about the Roodle and whether it is a good fit for your household? Then read on, we have all the information you need. What Two Breeds Make a Rottle? The Rottle is a beautiful and wonderful hybrid dog obtained by breeding a Standard or Miniature Poodle with a Rottweiler. Also known as Roodle, Rottiedoodle, or Rottie-Poo, Rottles combine the loyal, affectionate, and calm nature of Rottweilers with the intelligence of a Poodle. Rottweilers date back to the Roman Empire. Today, they are primarily known for their guarding skills but originally, they were bred to be drover dogs to accompany cattle and keep a watch on the livestock. Some experts believe that it is from Germany while others think it might have originated in France. Today, there is little doubt that the breed is one of the smartest and most trainable dog breeds in the world. Origins of The Rotti-Poo No one can pinpoint the exact origins of the Roodle hybrid dog, although, we can safely assume that it is a relatively new designer dog breed. The concept of designer dogs first came into existence during the s. One of the first crossbreeds — a Labradoodle — was developed in the late s and became immensely popular due to its high trainability and hypoallergenic fur. By the mids, people were looking for even more variety in Doodle breeds designer dogs having one Poodle parent. One such mix was the Rottle. Rottles do not have fixed standards as far as their physical attributes are concerned. Naturally, you could have many variations in the breeding programs: crossing a purebred Rottweiler with a purebred Mini or Standard Poodle, crossing a Rottle back to a Poodle, or breeding two Rottles, and so on. As a result, a Rottle puppy could reach a height of anywhere between 10 and 27 inches 25 to .Some Rottiepoos develop the muscular structure of the Rottweiler parent but others might be leaner like the Poodle parent. Just as there are variations in the height and weight of a Rottle, there can be many coat variations in Rottiepoos. Your Roodle puppy could develop a straight and medium-length coat like the Rottweiler parent or a curly, tight, or wavy hypoallergenic coat like the Poodle. Coat colours commonly seen in the Rottle are brown, black, phantom and tan, red, grey, white, and blue. Some Rottiepoos also develop the rust markings seen in Rottweilers known as phantom colouring. For a Roodle to inherit the tan points of the Rottweiler, the poodle parents must also carry to phantom colouring. Is a Rottle Hypoallergenic? Rottles may or may not be hypoallergenic. The best Roodle breeders will DNA test their breeding dogs to determine the coat traits they carry. Through DNA testing it is possible to only breed with poodle parents who carry two furnishing genes, no improper coat or shedding genes. This would make the resulting puppies very low to non-shedding. The chances of getting a hypoallergenic Rottle will increase if a breeder develops puppies by crossing a Rottle back to a Poodle. This is because there will be a larger Poodle gene pool to consider. This is due to the pet dander that causes allergy in the first place. Do Rottles Need Grooming? Every dog needs grooming. If your pet takes after its Poodle parent, it may even need special haircuts every 6 weeks or so and regular combing to prevent matting. Temperament of Rottles Rottles are protective, loyal, sweet, loving, and faithful dogs. They are a bundle of energy, especially when they are young — so do watch out, they tend to be very mischievous! Even if your Roodle is muscular, it should not be aggressive. Sure, you might want your Rottle dog to guard your property, but aggressive behaviour like biting and snarling warrants contacting a dog behaviourist to help train your dog. Well-bred Roodles are generally sweet-natured dogs with exceptional trainability, solid handler focus, and biddable, social temperament. They are perfect for families with slightly older children and anyone who needs a companion guard dog. Therefore, it is very important to buy your Rottle puppy from a reputable breeder. Good breeders will use only dogs with sound temperaments in their breeding programs. You can also ask to meet the dam and sire prior to buying the puppy. That way, you can ensure that the Rottweiler and Poodle parents or Rottle parents in the case of F2 Roodles are of sound and sociable temperaments as well. Rottiepoos need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. Without these, your Rottie-Poo could misbehave including displaying destructive tendencies. You can always divide this into two or three shorter walks. Roodles can be good family dogs when they are well trained and socialised with kids from a young age. Standard-size Rottie-poos those from a Standard Poodle parent can be large, strong dogs and could unintentionally knock over small children during play. Are Rottles Good Guard Dogs? Some Rottles inherit the traits of a Rottweiler that make it a good guard dog. A successful guard dog needs to listen well and think fast. It should also be medium to large sized since small Roodles may not seem intimidating to intruders. Ideally, guard Rottles should have a lot of energy. Some dog handlers believe that female Rottles make better guard dogs due to their maternal instincts. Male Rottie-Poos, on the other hand, might be better off watching over the property as it is in their nature to be possessive about their territory. How Much Does a Roodle Cost? Some breeders may even charge more, depending on the efforts they have put into the breeding program. It is very important to know if you can afford a Rottle financially before bringing one home. If you want to save some money, you could consider adopting a Rottle. Contact animal rescue homes to see if they have a Roodle available. What to Feed a Rottle? Feed your Rottle a high-quality dog food containing nutrients that promote musculoskeletal health. This is especially necessary for large-sized Roodles as they are prone to musculoskeletal issues more than smaller dogs. If your Rottle is of a smaller size, then feed it a premium grain-free kibble that is appropriate for its small jaws. Some Roodles are known to have sensitive digestion, in which case, you may want to want to consult with a vet nutritionist about the right dog food to feed. Most dog owners prefer feeding dry dog food or kibble to their dogs. This is because of its convenience and longer shelf life. Wet or canned food is also a good choice owing to its higher moisture content. BARF or raw diet is another good option for Roodles. The raw meaty bone component of raw dog feeding will keep your Rottie-poo stimulated, content and their teeth sparkly clean. However, you must always consult a vet nutritionist before making any drastic dietary changes. Health Issues in Rottles Roodles from the best breeders are generally quite healthy. However, from time to time, health issues like hip and elbow dysplasia are known to crop up in the breed. Dysplasia is a congenital condition and can be prevented through good breeding practices. Larger Roodles could also develop issues like Osteochondritis dissecans OD and heart issues. With proper diet and overall care, Rottles could live for almost years. The Roodle is a fairly rare designer dog breed in Australia. Subscribe for poodle mix breed information and exclusive offers on the best products for your pup! Leave this field empty if you're human: Share this.