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German Shepherd Dog with Panda pattern Phenotype: The Panda pattern is characterized by symmetrical markings of white forelock, muzzle, chest, ventral abdomen, collar, and tip of the tail. The amount of white can vary from dog to dog. They cannot transmit this Panda variant to any of their offspring. Additional Details A mutation in the KIT gene has been found to be the source of the dominant white spotting pattern known as Panda that occurs in a line of German Shepherd dogs. This mutation is very recent: it appeared spontaneously in a female, Lewcinka's Franka von Phenom, born in .The Panda pattern is characterized by symmetrical markings of white forelock, muzzle, chest, ventral abdomen, collar, and tip of the tail. In the homozygous state, the Panda mutation is considered an early embryonic lethal as no live dogs with the pattern and with two copies of the mutation have been observed. Heterozygous dogs one copy of the mutation do not have any health defects associated with this pattern. Testing for the Panda pattern to allows breeders to determine if white patterning is caused by this KIT gene mutation. Type of Sample. White markings tend to be determined by the genes on the S locus. The white areas tend to be at the tip of the tail, end of the muzzle, breastbone, or paws. This is known as residual white. The cause may be unknown or may be due to a minor illness in the mother. This transition occurs when the pup is around months old and sheds his soft fluffy coat. This process can happen quickly or may take a few months. You may also see changes in the pattern. Nonetheless, she had many white markings across her chest as a puppy, which soon blended into her thick adult coat. Below is a picture of her at three months old. My 3-month-old German Shepherd Willow showing off her white chest markings! German Shepherds can have white paws. It usually appears on the tips of the paws. This study determined that the variant was associated with one or more spotting patterns in many dog breeds, including the German Shepherd. Regarding paws, white spotting can occur on one paw, all four, or any combination. What is a Panda German Shepherd? So, what exactly are they? They tend to have symmetrical markings of white forelock, muzzle, chest, belly, collar, and tail tip. The amount of white coloring can vary from dog to dog. They are typical-looking German Shepherds, other than their color, and have the same temperament and traits. The first-ever recorded Panda mutation occurred relatively recently in a female GSD in the year .Although these dogs look like they have Irish spotting consisting of white muzzle blazes and Border Collie-type markings, they are very different. This is due to being caused by the mutated dominant KIT gene. The gene that causes Irish spotting is yet to be identified. This allows German Shepherd breeders to establish whether the KIT gene mutation causes white patterning. There are often misunderstandings about whether German Shepherds with white markings can enter dog shows. However, this is a difficult question and depends entirely on the breed standard of the individual country. Strong rich colors are preferred. Pale, washed-out colors and blues or livers are serious faults. A white dog must be disqualified. However, they are still allowed to be registered as purebred. They are also still permitted to participate in events, such as herding trials, tracking, and obedience. However, the consensus is inconspicuous white markings would not disqualify the dog from conformation. The UK Kennel Club also recognizes the all-white German Shepherd but states they are highly undesirable for conformation. However, they also refer to dogs having white markings. There are many varieties of coat colors in the German Shepherd breed. These are the main ones:. Next » by stormy on 02 April - I went to look at a puppy today from a local breeder. She is the last little one left, and after seeing her I think I know why. She has white markings on her toes, chest, and a small white patch on her chin? Will these spots go away? Will the fade? What caused the spots? She is the only one out of the 10 pups with the white markings. Take a look at this dog. He is considered the first German Shepherd. His grandfather on his mother's side was a white German Shepherd. Eliminating that from the gene pool through selective breeding is part of why GSD's have so many health problems. If you like the puppy, go buy it, raise it, train it, most importantly enjoy it and provide it an excellent, life-long home, then the pup can wear its white markings as a badge of honor! As I have never seen this. And he is absolutely beautiful and wonderful. I don't care about breeding or showing. She would be a family pet and loved even with her white marks. There have been many top famous dogs with a little white on the chest and toes. Often it gets less noticed with age as the dog gets bigger. Good luck! The white gene is a recessive masking gene that causes the dog to be completely white. I bought a pup that had white marks on her toes and chest. Her pigment faded badly by her second birthday. So, beware, if you are planning to show this dog, it is NOT a good candidate for the show ring! Look at the nails. If they are white, the dog is lacking in pigment, and will likely fade as it gets older. If they are black and look like they've been dipped in India ink, it will be okay. Here's my pup at 8 weeks: and here's what she looks like now: by GSD Lineage on 02 April - Here is a nice pup. You can have a large blanket and white feet. Look at the parents! Eila vom Mecklenburger Bolz Goergeous pup. A German Shepherd can have natural white patches on them as a puppy that usually disappear into adulthood. Adult dogs might get white patches due to vitiligo, health problems, natural aging, or premature aging caused by stress or genetics. To learn more about German Shepherds and why these white patches might occur, keep reading! German Shepherds are typically bred to have little to no white patches in their coats. This is because they were bred to be animal herders, and only the darker dogs could intimidate the other animals into moving. A dark-furred German Shepherd can have white markings, but this is only an indicator of a breeding fault instead of anything more insidious. That particular German Shepherd has the recessive white gene in its DNA, passed down from one of the parents. If your German Shepherd has a white spot on its chest or paws, but is only a puppy, the spot will likely fade as it gets older. Even if this does not happen, as long as your dog has been registered with the American Kennel Club AKC as purebred, having or not having a white spot does not make it any less of a purebred. If the white spotting is extreme, you might have what is known as a Panda German Shepherd. This is caused by a mutated KIT gene. All-white German Shepherds also do exist, but they are rarer to find. As a result, all-white puppies are usually more expensive than the working kind. These dogs are usually bred from all-white parents or one all-white and one non-all-white with the recessive white gene. An all-white needs to inherit the white gene from both of the parents. That also takes all the health risks associated with albino dogs out of the equation. There is no difference between an all-white, a black dog, or a dog with white spots other than the coat color and, in some cases, hair length. Instead of fixating on coat color, you should be ensuring that your breeder is responsible and does health tests on dogs because some breeders overlook health issues to get the perfect coat color. As your dog gets older and older, those gray hairs will turn whiter. Stress It is common knowledge that stress in humans can cause hair to turn gray faster than usual. It is hypothesized that stress prematurely triggers the graying process — where either aging prevents the production of melanin , the chemical which keeps your skin and hair at the natural color it is, or your hair gets bleached from within via hydrogen peroxide. According to a study published in Applied Animal Behaviour Science , anxiety or stress can replicate this process in dogs. If your dog displays anxiety or impulsivity in the form of the symptoms below, take note. Buy a German Shepherd puppy that should be at least 35 days-old or 40 days-old. Show Line German Shepherds have an angulated back that slopes from high to low as you go from shoulders to rear end, but the Working Line German Shepherds backs are less sloped as compared to Show Line German Shepherds. Color Though German Shepherds are found in many colors, but the most common colors are: Black and tan. Pure black. Pure white. As the puppy will grow, the tan or orangish color will grow upward from claws to body. Some White Line German Shepherds have wolfish gray color as well. As German Shepherd puppy grows its ears droop straight whereas ears of other breeds droop sideways. The distance or gap between the ears of Germans Shepherd is less as compared to other breeds. White Spots When it comes to purity check, the white spots on German Shepherds have always been a debate. To clear your doubt you can carry a DNA test for the identification of breed and ancestry. German Shepherd puppies do have white spots on paws, legs and upper chest. Always remember that these white spots on paws, legs and upper chest will not make German Shepherd impure, it is normal. Some white spots perish naturally as the puppy grows. After 30 years a German Shepherd won this title again, and interestingly this dog has a white spot on his chest. Normally it takes 2 to 3 weeks for your sample to reach the lab. Once it reaches the lab you get customized comprehensive online report. These Dog DNA tests help you to better understand your dog and provide the best possible care, food, training etc, that it deserves. We hope these guidelines will help you to identify the purity of the German Shepherd puppy. Share your feedback in the comments section below. Also Read.

Why do German Shepherd puppies need the best dog food? German Shepherd puppies need dog food designed for large breed puppies to ensure controlled joint and bone growth. This is because large-breed puppies are prone to certain health risks like hip dysplasia and other Orthopedic conditions. The best dog food for German Shepherds will ensure your puppy grows healthy, strong, energetic, and with lovely skin and coats. Nutritional requirements for German Shepherds puppies German Shepherd puppies require a balanced diet that contains four types of nutrients below. These ingredients will ensure that your pup grows and develops optimally for a longer quality of life. Proteins Proteins help the puppies in building up their body tissues. Proteins can be found in chicken, salmon, beef, lamb, eggs, and dairy. Fats Fats are important for healthy skin, fur, brain, and vision. The recommended fat level per dry matter basis is 8. Fats can be found in fish oil, chicken fat, and beef fat. Digestible carbohydrates Because puppies are incredibly energetic, they need digestible carbs to provide them with energy. Digestible carbohydrates can be found in rice, sweet potatoes, potatoes, and whole oats. Micronutrients In addition to these key nutrients, German Shepherd puppies also need micronutrients like calcium, phosphorus, DHA, and omega-3, and vitamin A. They also need fiber to promote digestion and bowel movement and clean water to help with bodily functions. For large dog breed only: Foods specially formulated for German Shepherd puppies: Veterinarian and pet advisor Dr. Choose a dog food that is specially formulated for German Shepherds puppies or large breed puppies can ensure your pups are getting the nutritional requirements at every stage of their growth. The opposite side is giving your pup the wrong food that may lead to serious growth and digestive problems. Things to consider before choosing dog food for German Shepherds puppies 1. Their growth Puppies may need different nutrients at different stages depending on their growth rate. For instance, a puppy in the weaning stage between three to four weeks will need more antioxidants which are found in foods containing Vitamin C and E. In contrast, a teething puppy will need wet dog food which is easily digestible food on its tummy to minimize intestinal upset. For instance, a younger puppy may have difficulty eating larger food pieces than an older puppy. Teething If your dog is teething, which starts at around three weeks, you may want to consider food that contains calcium like dairy and bone broth for strong and healthy teeth. On the other hand, if the dog has teething problems, wet food may be a better option than dry food until they recover. Alternatively, you add wet canned food to their kibble to make it soft and palatable. The body weight An underweight puppy has different dietary requirements from an overweight puppy. You do not want to underfeed or overfeed your puppy. Activity Level Puppies that are extremely active require foods high in carbohydrates to keep up their energy levels. If your dog is not as active, you want to keep the carbs down to avoid obesity. With all the many dry foods out on the market, it can be hard to choose the healthiest for your pups. Step 1. The Association of American Feed Control Officials developed nutrient profiles to establish minimum and some maximum nutrient concentrations for dogs and cats. These profiles are updated when new findings from research in pet nutrition become available. They provide practical guidance for pet food manufacturers. Adult Maintenance: Dog foods formulated for adult maintenance have the nutrients adult dogs need. Dogs over the age of one are considered adults, except for some large and giant breeds who do not fully mature until age two. You may see variations of these nutrient profiles on dog food packaging. Step 2. Read the food label The label is the most important thing you should check when deciding which puppy food to pick. Here are the 3 things you would like to read on the packaging: a. List of ingredients The list of ingredients should have the main ingredient as the first ingredient then followed by the rest according to their percentage. For instance, in the label below the first five ingredients, are chicken as the main ingredient, ground whole grain corn, chicken by-product meal, ground whole grain sorghum, corn gluten meal and dried plain beet pulp. Feeding guidelines This will show you how much food and how many times you should feed your puppy. Watch this video if you want to better understand the wording on a dog food packaging means: Step 3. Are there any claims of pups reacting to the food? Do the users recommend or warn against the food? Of course, you want to go with what the majority of the reviewers say. You can also check dogadvisor. Step 4. The vet is in a better place to advise on what type of food to go for or what ingredients to avoid. Best dry foods for German Shepherds Puppies There are hundreds of dog foods out there with fancy names and ingredients, which make it so hard for dog owners to find the right food for their pups. To help you narrow down your search, we asked a couple of vets to suggest the best dog food for German Shepherds puppies. Purina Pro Plan — For sensitive skin and allergies Why do we like it? This dog food is ideal for all large breed puppies weighing over 50 pounds, GSD included. It is specially formulated for puppies with sensitive skin and stomachs. It is made with real chicken, among other high-quality ingredients. This dry food has optimal calcium levels to promote proper joint and bone growth. It helps prevent forms of hip dysplasia. Ideal for German Shepherd puppies of all ages. Delicious dry food for large breed puppies like GSD. It is specially formulated for superior vision and healthy brain development. This is an all-natural dog food specially made for large-breed puppies of all ages. It is made with real, wholesome ingredients. Making the right food choice will ensure that your puppy grows healthier, stronger, and more energetic. Weaning for a GSD puppy should start at around 6 to 8 weeks while still maintaining nursing. Complete weaning should be from 8 weeks when the puppy is fed on puppy food only. How is puppy food different from adult dog food? Puppy food contains more protein and fats, and certain minerals than adult dog food to support their growing brain, vision, nervous system, immune system, bones, and joints. When should German Shepherd puppies transition to adult dog food? German Shepherd puppies should transition to adult dog food from 12 to 24 months. The transition should be gradual, and the puppy should be constantly monitored. More posts on feeding your German Shepherds Must read:. It also tends to be high in protein. Food that is high in protein and calories will provide your puppy with the energy that they need and help them gain the right amount of weight as they grow up. Most puppy food also includes vitamin and mineral supplements, such as calcium and phosphorus, for healthy and strong bones and teeth. You should speak to your vet to ensure that you have the right food and are feeding your puppy the proper amount. We hope that these reviews have helped you decide on the right food for your German Shepherd puppy. Remember to stick with large-breed food because it usually has the correct ratio of vitamins and minerals to give your GSD puppy all the suitable nutrition that they need so they can grow up strong, healthy, and happy. Featured Image Credit: Victoria Antonova, Shutterstock Written by Kathryn Copeland Author Kathryn was a librarian in a previous lifetime and is currently a writer about all things pets. When she was a child, she hoped to work in zoos or with wildlife in some way, thanks to her all-consuming love for animals. Unfortunately, she's not strong in the sciences, so she fills her days with researching and writing about all kinds of animals and spends time playing with her adorable but terribly naughty tabby cat, Bella. Kathryn is hoping to add to her family in the near future — maybe another cat and a dog.Read more Advertisement. This is a question that many German Shepherd owners ask, as they want to make sure their beloved furry friend is getting all the nutrients they need. The good news is that there are plenty of healthy dog food options out there for German Shepherds. You should eat foods that include high-quality animal-based protein sources like lamb, beef, pork, chicken, fish, eggs, and legumes. In addition, the meal should be plentiful in fats, vitamins, and minerals. Are eggs good for German Shepherds? Yes, eggs are a great source of protein for German Shepherds. In fact, they are one of the healthiest foods you can feed your dog. Eggs are packed with nutrients that are essential for a German Shepherd's diet, including vitamins A, D, and E. They also contain omega-three fatty acids, which are important for a dog's coat and skin health. What is the best food for German Shepherds with allergies? If your German Shepherd has allergies, it's important to find a hypoallergenic best dog food for German Shepherds that will not trigger their symptoms. There are many brands of hypoallergenic dog food on the market that use alternative protein sources, such as duck or venison. These foods are often grain-free as well, which is ideal for German Shepherds with allergies. What is the best food for German Shepherds with sensitive stomachs? If your German Shepherd has a sensitive stomach, you'll want to find a dog food that is easy on their digestive system. There are many brands of dog food that offer formulas specifically for dogs with sensitive stomachs. These foods often have limited ingredient lists and use easily digestible ingredients, such as chicken or potato. What is the best food for German Shepherds with joint problems? If your German Shepherd has joint problems, you'll want to find a dog food that is rich in omega-three fatty acids. These essential nutrients help to reduce inflammation and pain in the joints. There are many brands of dog food that offer formulas specifically for dogs with joint problems. These foods often contain ingredients like glucosamine and chondroitin, which are known to help relieve joint pain. Now let's chat in more detail about the best dog foods for your furry friend. It is made with all natural ingredients and has no fillers or preservatives. The kibble is also enriched with omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for dogs' skin and coat health. The addition of zinc proteinate and other chelated minerals to the formula is a plus, as it leads to better absorption and nutrition. We also note the inclusion of various probiotics for better digestion and salmon oil, which is beneficial to both skin and coat. Highly suggested! All of their recipes are made with whole ingredients and cooked in small batches. The meals are portioned according to your dog's weight and activity level. Wilderness is a grain-free and protein-rich product with over a dozen options and recipes, which makes it ideal for people who want to rotate their diets. It's reasonably priced, and it gets high marks from consumers. Probiotics, high-quality fiber, and digestive enzymes are included in this formula to aid your dog's digestive health. These components create mouth-watering, healthy food that will sustain your canine companion throughout the day. The foods in this recipe include multiple probiotics for improved digestion, chelated minerals for maximized absorption, and nutrient-dense food. It's inexpensive to buy as well as simple to suggest. Eagle Pack Power Adult Dog Food Image courtesy Eagle Pack The majority of the animal protein in Adult takes the form of fresh chicken and pork meal, as confirmed by the nutritional label. The all-time classic, fully grain-inclusive design that is free of legume concentrates. Antioxidant preservatives are used in a safe and natural manner. There's no BHT or ethoxyquin. It has high animal protein levels, as well as vitamins and minerals that have been boosted through the use of freeze-dried raw pieces. It's designed to unleash your dog's potential to thrive and put the advantages of raw nutrition into every bowl, using cage-free duck as the first ingredient for powerful, lean muscles. It also contains a probiotic boost for digestive health, greater amounts of omegas for healthy skin and coat, and more antioxidants for immune health—all from the highest-quality ingredients from all over the world. This high-protein, low-carb diet is designed for sporting dogs and plush animals with rigorous exercise requirements. It's also perfect for growing pups and pregnant or nursing females. This formula has DHA to support cognitive development, as well as calcium for strong bones and teeth. Iams ProActive Health also has 22 essential vitamins and minerals to keep your puppy healthy and strong. It's nice to discover a Southwest Canyon recipe that includes natural preservatives, which implies the food does not contain any BHA, BHT, or other harmful chemicals. A major brand and a healthy all-age option for any German Shepherd. Champion Petfoods, the well-known maker of Orijen, has long promoted a meat-based "biologically appropriate" diet. This is a tried and true design that makes this particular dish an excellent choice for developing Shepherd pups. This natural dry food is developed to give complete-body nutritional support for puppies of all sizes. It's made with high-quality proteins and whole grains, all of which are complemented by omega fatty acids—such as DHA—necessary vitamins, antioxidants, glucosamine, and probiotics. This balanced, nutritious dry dog food is intended to promote teeth and bone strength, healthy brain growth, general health, energy and vitality, optimal nutrient absorption, and healthy muscle development. It's free of GMOs, by-products from processing animals into pet food ingredients meat meal , fillers, or artificial preservatives to ensure that your dog gets the healthiest food possible. This is a tried-and-true approach that has been developed and studied for decades. It includes controlled calcium and phosphorus ratios, making it ideal for German Shepherd puppies. This large-breed dry food is made with high-quality proteins and whole grains. It's free of chicken by-product meal, corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors or preservatives. This recipe is designed to support the health of large breed puppies with an optimal balance of calcium and phosphorus for bone growth. It also includes DHA from fish oil for healthy brain development. This recipe includes DHA for brain development, calcium and phosphorus for bone growth, and antioxidants to support the immune system. It's also free of artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. You can feed your dog either dry or wet food, and he may sample two distinct flavor profiles: rice and oatmeal for salmon. Because it contains no allergens like wheat, corn, or soy, there's less of a chance that your dog will suffer an upset stomach. It also includes omega-3 and -6 fatty acids, which help to promote skin, coat, and joint health. Image courtesy Blue Buffalo If you're searching for high-quality, all-natural wet dog food, Blue Buffalo Wilderness is a wonderful alternative. This dog food is high in protein and low in carbohydrates, making it ideal for an entourage diet. It's made with real beef and chicken, can be served as a delicious treat, or blended into your dog's regular dry food. The Blue Buffalo puppy food contains no chicken by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, or artificial flavors or preservatives; making it a healthy choice for your dog. All dishes are prepared in collaboration with veterinarians and come in a variety of delicious flavors, including beef, lamb, and turkey. All of the meats are imported from the United States, although only lamb comes from Australia. It's also gluten-free, so if you're allergic to grains, you'll be safe. There is a large selection of carbohydrates, which are mostly in the form of potatoes, and there are numerous healthy vegetables and superfoods including lentils, peas, salmon oil, and flaxseed. It's made with real meat, vegetables, and fruit. This recipe is grain-free and free of artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. It's also high in protein and low in carbohydrates. It's made with real beef, vegetables, and fruit. It also contains sweet potatoes, peas, potatoes, canola oil, and flaxseed. This formula provides your German Shepherd puppy with the high protein diet they need for proper development and growth. Taste of the Wild is one of the most popular brands among dog food reviewers. It's included as our last on this list but has ranked high among some of the best dog foods for German Shepherds because it's high in protein and free of grains. What foods are German Shepherds allergic to? German Shepherds are known to be allergic to a variety of things, including wheat, corn, soy, and even some meats. If you're not sure what your German Shepherd is allergic to, it's always best to consult with your veterinarian. They will be able to recommend the best food for your dog based on their specific allergies. If your German Shepherd is having any sort of adverse reaction to their food, such as scratching, biting, or licking themselves excessively, then they may be allergic to something in their food. Consult with your veterinarian if you're not sure what's causing the reaction. What is the best dog food for German Shephard puppies? Puppies have different nutritional needs than adult dogs, so it's important to find a food that's specifically designed for puppies. Look for a food that has high levels of protein and fat, as well as essential vitamins and minerals. Puppies also need more calories than adult dogs, so make sure the food you choose has a high calorie content. As your puppy grows, they will need less calories and protein, so you'll need to switch to a food that's designed for adult dogs. Consult with your veterinarian to find the best food for your German Shepherd puppy. What is the best food for an adult German Shepherd? The best food for an adult German Shepherd is a diet that is high in protein and fat. This breed of dog is known for its high energy levels and need for exercise, so a food that can help them maintain their energy levels is important. A diet that is too low in calories can cause your German Shepherd to become overweight or obese, which can lead to health problems. When choosing a food for your German Shepherd, it is important to read the label carefully and choose a food that is right for their age, weight, and activity level. Can a German Shepherd drink milk? Yes, German Shepherds can drink milk. Milk is a good source of calcium and other nutrients that are important for this breed of dog. However, it is important to choose a low-fat or skim milk to avoid adding unnecessary calories to their diet. What is the best way to feed a German Shepherd puppy? The best way to feed a German Shepherd puppy is to start them on a diet that is high in protein and fat. Puppies need more calories than adult dogs, so it is important to choose a food that will give them the nutrition they need without making them overweight. As your German Shepherd puppy grows, you can slowly transition them to an adult dog food. It is important to make sure that they are getting the right amount of calories and nutrients for their age, weight, and activity level. What are some common health problems German Shepherds face? Some common health problems German Shepherds face include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and allergies. This breed of dog is also susceptible to obesity, so it is important to choose a food that will help them maintain a healthy weight. German Shepherds are also prone to joint problems, so a food that is rich in glucosamine and chondroitin is important for this breed of dog. What is the life expectancy of a German Shepherd? The life expectancy of a German Shepherd is between nine and thirteen years. This breed of dog is known for being a healthy and hardy breed, but there are some health problems that can shorten their lifespan. It is important to feed your German Shepherd a diet that will help them maintain their health and keep them at a healthy weight to help ensure a long and happy life. Is it OK to put a raw egg in dog food? The answer is complicated. While some experts believe that raw eggs are perfectly safe for dogs, others believe that they can be dangerous. The truth is probably somewhere in the middle. If you decide to feed your dog raw eggs, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, make sure the eggs are fresh. Second, only feed your dog eggs that have been properly refrigerated. Finally, don't forget to wash your hands thoroughly after handling raw eggs. If you're still not sure whether or not to feed your dog raw eggs, talk to your veterinarian. They can help you make the best decision for your pet. What are the benefits of raw eggs for dogs? There are a few potential benefits of feeding raw eggs to dogs. Some people believe that raw eggs can help increase a dog's energy levels, improve their coat, and even help with joint pain. While there is some anecdotal evidence to support these claims, there is no scientific evidence that raw eggs offer any health benefits for dogs. Our Criteria for Ranking the Best Dog Food Choosing the right dog food is essential for your pet's health and well-being. With the plethora of options available in the market, it can be challenging to determine which dog food is best for your furry friend. To simplify this process and help you make an informed decision, we have established a set of criteria for ranking the best dog food products. These criteria are based on scientific research, expert opinions, and the specific nutritional needs of dogs. Ingredients Quality: High-Quality Protein: The primary ingredient should be a high-quality animal protein source, such as chicken, beef, or fish, to support your dog's muscle development and overall health. Whole Grains and Vegetables: Whole grains and vegetables should be included to provide essential carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Absence of Fillers and Artificial Additives: No Fillers: The best dog food should not contain fillers like corn, soy, or wheat, which offer limited nutritional value and may cause allergies. No Artificial Additives: It should be free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives, which can harm your dog's health over time. Meat Meal vs. Whole Meat: Preference for Whole Meat: Whole meat sources are preferred over meat meals or by-products, as they are less processed and retain more nutritional value. Digestibility and Allergen Consideration: Hypoallergenic Options: For dogs with allergies or sensitivities, hypoallergenic options that avoid common allergens like poultry or grains should be available. High Digestibility: The dog food should be highly digestible to ensure your pet absorbs the maximum nutrients from each meal. Life Stage Appropriateness: Age and Size-Specific Formulations: The best dog food should offer formulations tailored to your dog's life stage puppy, adult, senior and size small, medium, large. Transparency and Sourcing: Transparent Labeling: Brands should provide transparent information about ingredient sourcing and processing methods. Sustainable and Ethical Sourcing: A commitment to sustainable and ethical sourcing of ingredients reflects a brand's responsibility toward animal welfare and the environment. Health Benefits and Special Considerations: Support for Special Health Needs: The best dog food may offer formulations to address specific health concerns, such as joint health, dental care, or weight management. Customer Feedback and Reviews: Positive User Experiences: Customer feedback and reviews are valuable indicators of a product's performance, safety, and palatability. Price and Value: Affordability: The cost of the dog food should be reasonable and commensurate with its quality and ingredients, offering good value for pet owners. Recall History and Safety: Safety Record: Brands with a history of recalls or safety issues should be viewed with caution, as the safety of your pet is paramount. But with our list of the 25 best dog foods for German Shepherds in , you can rest assured that you're giving your furry friend the best possible chance at a long and healthy life. When choosing dog food, consider factors such as your dog's age, size, activity level, any allergies or sensitivities, and consult your veterinarian for specific dietary recommendations. What is the difference between dry and wet dog food? Dry dog food kibble is convenient, has a longer shelf life, and can help with dental health. Wet dog food contains more moisture and can be more palatable for picky eaters. Some owners choose to feed a combination for variety. Is homemade dog food a good option? Homemade dog food can be an option but requires careful research and balance to ensure your dog gets all the necessary nutrients. Consulting with a veterinarian or veterinary nutritionist is recommended. How can I tell if a dog food is of high quality? Look for high-quality protein sources, whole grains and vegetables, minimal fillers and additives, and adherence to AAFCO guidelines for complete and balanced nutrition. Checking customer reviews and consulting experts can also help. Should I choose a dog food based on my dog's breed? While some breed-specific formulas exist, it's more important to consider your dog's individual needs, age, and size when selecting dog food. What should I do if my dog has food allergies or sensitivities? If your dog has allergies or sensitivities, consult your veterinarian for advice. They may recommend hypoallergenic or limited-ingredient dog foods. Is grain-free dog food a better choice? Grain-free dog food isn't necessarily better. While some dogs may benefit from grain-free options, it's essential to ensure the food still provides balanced nutrition, as some grain-free diets have been associated with certain health issues. How often should I feed my dog, and in what portion sizes? Feeding frequency and portion sizes depend on your dog's age, size, and activity level. Puppies typically require more frequent meals. Follow the feeding guidelines provided on the dog food packaging and adjust based on your dog's needs. Can I mix different brands or types of dog food? Mixing different brands or types of dog food can be done, but it should be done gradually to avoid digestive upset. Consult your veterinarian for guidance on the best way to transition your dog to a new diet. Should I be concerned about recalls when choosing dog food? Yes, it's important to stay informed about recalls. Check the FDA and manufacturer websites regularly for recall information. Brands with a history of recalls may be worth avoiding. What is the role of my veterinarian in selecting dog food? Your veterinarian can provide valuable guidance on selecting the right dog food based on your pet's specific needs, health conditions, and dietary requirements. How can I ensure my dog stays hydrated when feeding dry dog food? Always provide access to clean, fresh water. Wetting the dry food or incorporating wet food into the diet can also increase moisture intake. Can I give my dog human food as part of their diet? While some human foods are safe for dogs, it's essential to know which ones are and to avoid potentially toxic foods. Always consult with your veterinarian before adding human food to your dog's diet. Remember that each dog is unique, and their dietary needs may vary. Regular check-ups with your veterinarian and open communication about your dog's diet are key to ensuring their health and well-being. Related Content.

Things to consider before getting a puppy … Can I afford a dog? Being a responsible dog owner can be a costly business. You will have this cost for up to 14 years, with increasing vet costs and insurance premiums as the dog gets older. Do I have the time? This is a very important consideration when getting a puppy. We realise that people need to work to make a living but you need to think hard about how it will affect a dog being left at home for long periods of time alone. This is a very good rule to bear in mind when thinking about a puppy. If the dog is going to be left from 8am to 5pm for five days a week, is this really fair on them? Boxers are very social animals that love human company. Trust us, if you leave a boxer alone all day when you are out at work you will soon come home to a very stressed out dog and a destroyed house. Boxers will also need at least two x one hour walks a day as adults. Do you have the time for this? Again, this is a commitment that you are taking up which could last up to 14 years. How well do I know the breed? As much as we adore boxers here at BWS we know they can be a right handful. Think beyond the cute tiny pup to the large powerful dog bursting with energy that they will become. A boxer can weigh anywhere between 24kg and 40kg. Boxers are full of energy and they love nothing better than being out on a long walk. Boxers are very sociable dogs and love being part of family life. They will follow you from room to room just to see where you are. Lay down on the sofa to watch TV and they will creep up to lay on top of you, whether you want them to or not! Is a rescue dog a real alternative? Why not give some consideration to rescuing a boxer? The boxers that come into our care are of all ages and, to be honest, a boxer never really grows up; they are always puppies at heart. You get the added bounce of helping out a dog in need and with a Boxer Welfare Scotland dog you will get lifelong support. Where to get your puppy? This is where things get tricky. There are a lot of unscrupulous people out there breeding dogs purely for money; these people vastly out number responsible breeders. Never buy a puppy from a shop or a puppy farm which will usually be selling a variety of different breeds of dog. If you buy from any of these places you run the risk of a dog that could suffer from any of the numerous conditions that are becoming more and more common in boxers such as heart problems, hip problems, allergies, epilepsy, etc. You also run the risk of behavioural problems being passed from unstable parents or that can arise from poor early socialisation. So what does that leave you with? Reputable breeders. There are breeders out there who care deeply for the breed and who breed their dogs in a responsible manner. To find them however will take some work on your behalf. One way could be to ask your vet. Another is to use a scheme such as the Kennel Club Accredited Breeder. Please do not take these breeders at face value; you need to be just as carefully with them as any other breeder. You will also find breed clubs throughout the UK with information on breeders. Are you planning on having children further down the line and do you think you can cope with both the pressure of looking after a new born and a dog? Are your work commitments likely to change? Here are Boxer Welfare Scotland we find the vast majority of dogs we get in are due to a change in family circumstances; mainly family members having to work longer hours or a new baby in the family. So please think about this and how this will affect your ability to care for a dog. When going to a breeder for a puppy here are some good points to bear in mind: Make sure you see the puppy interacting with the rest of the litter and its mother. A puppy is not ready to leave its mother before it is eight weeks old. Make sure you see the puppy with the rest of the litter. The breeder should allow you to handle the puppies. Visit the breeder at least twice before making the final collection. The breeder should allow you to handle the puppies each time you visit. Check that the puppies have regular access to human contact — it is better that the puppies are being raised in a home environment, rather than a kennel, so that they become familiar with everyday sights, smells and sounds. Check whether the facilities appear clean and the puppy seems alert and healthy. There should be no discharge from its eyes or nose or any sores, bald patches or scabs on the skin. The puppy should be alert and show no obvious signs of illness such as coughing. Find out whether the puppy has been wormed and vaccinated — some breeders will vaccinate puppies at eight weeks of age before releasing them to their new owners. If possible, request a written agreement that the purchase is subject to a satisfactory examination by your vet within 48 hours of purchase. Ask if the puppy will be covered by insurance for any illness during the first few weeks in your care — most good breeders subscribe to this scheme. If no certificates are available, go to another breeder. If you need help understanding the results, ask your vet. Ensure all the relevant paperwork is available for inspection when you visit the puppy. This should include a vaccination certificate, a health check report from a vet and a Pedigree or Kennel Club certificate. If your puppy appears unwell on collection, do not take it. Arrange with the breeder to return another day. If you have any doubts, choose another breeder. Please stick to the above points, any breeder worth talking to will be happy to help you follow the above guidelines. The breeder should also be interested in your boxer experience, your working hours etc. If the conversation is simply about how much money they want walk away. Some words of warning: Just because a breeder is on the Kennel Club Accredited Breeder Scheme, a member of the regional boxer club or has done well at dog shows does not mean that they are a reputable breeder. Trust us, we have come across many dogs from the biggest show kennels in the country that are racked with health problems. Vet these breeders as carefully as you would any other breeder. Please do not settle for the first puppy you see. A final word: Ok all the not so nice things out the way… We really hope that you make the right choices when choosing a puppy and end up with a happy healthy boxer. We would love it if you and your new addition would become part of the Boxer Welfare Scotland family, whether that is through joining our Facebook group, by coming along to events to introduce yourself, becoming a volunteer or rescuing one of our dogs in the future. If you have a passion for boxers we would love you to be part of our world. Copyright All Rights Reserved .Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Scottish Terrier vs Boxer? Prefers average to cold weather conditions The Scottish Terrier can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog. Prefers average to warm weather conditions Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions. Scottish Terrier vs Boxer energy level comparison: Scottish Terrier dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds. Boxer dogs are high-energy dogs. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Scottish Terrier or Boxer? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest? Scottish Terrier dogs have an average exercise need. Boxer dogs need quite a lot of exercise. Scottish Terrier dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping. Boxer dogs don't need too much sleep. Does the Scottish Terrier breed eat more than the Boxer breed? Recommended daily amount: 1 to 1. Recommended daily amount: 2 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. Scottish Terrier vs Boxer weight gain potential comparison: Average: The Scottish Terrier has an average risk for obesity. Both of these dogs can be friendly but personalities differ, so you never know. The Boxer is known for being intelligent, friendly, and devoted. All dogs need proper socialization and that will be a big factor in how they interact with others. What does this mixed breed look and act like? Is it more like the Boxer or the Scottish Deerhound? Those are the questions we will try and answer below. Continue reading below to see pictures, videos, and learn more about the beautiful Boxer Scottish Deerhound Mix. While we really recommend that you acquire all animals through a rescue, we understand that some people might go through a breeder to get their Boxer Scottish Deerhound Mix puppy. That is, if they have any Boxer Scottish Deerhound Mix puppies for sale. If you are interested in helping animal rescues raise money, please play our quiz. Each correct answer donates to help feed shelter animals. We will take a closer look at the history of both parent breeds below. If you are looking at breeders for new, designer dogs please beware of Puppy Mills. If you have a few minutes, please sign our petition to stop puppy mills. Boxer History Boxers are large, muscular, square-headed dogs that are extremely playful and have a lot of energy. The typical Boxer is intelligent, alert, and fearless, yet friendly. He's loyal to his family and loves to play with them, but he's also headstrong, especially if you try to use harsh training methods with him. They are extremely patient and gentle, especially with children. They are high energy dogs and need a lot of exercise. Because of their strength and courage, Boxers have a wide use in the military and the police, as well as search-and-rescue work. When specifically trained for guard work, Boxers are excellent watchdogs and will restrain an intruder in the same manner as a Mastiff. Boxers also excel in obedience, agility, and schutzhund a demanding three-phase competition event that tests the dog's tracking, obedience, and protection abilities. Boxers should not be left outdoors for extended periods of time. Their short nose doesn't cool hot air efficiently in the summer, and their short coat doesn't keep them warm in the winter. The Bullenbeisser had been used as a hunting dog for centuries to hunt bear, wild boar, and deer. They were trained to catch the prey and hold onto it until the hunters arrived. The Boxer we know today was developed in the late 19th century. Lehman of New York. Unfortunately, there weren't many female Boxers in the U. When Word War I broke out, Boxers were enlisted into the military, serving as messenger dogs, carrying packs, and acting as attack and guard dogs. Boxers started becoming popular in the U. They were highly regarded because of their courage. They almost went extinct various times over the last few centuries. This happened throughout Europe and after World War One. They were first recognized by the American Kennel Club in .This is still a very uncommon breed. They are known for being gentle, sensitive, and brave. They are also very courageous when doing what they do best, hunting large game. 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.

The coat will be dense with length that can vary. They are a joy to have at home because the Germanees are sweet-natured and kind dogs. Both parents, the Belgian Malinois and German Shepherd, are very similar dogs. Imagine a slightly smaller but more energetic German Shepherd and you have the Belgian Malinois. These are high maintenance dogs that require a ton of physical and mental activity on a daily basis. This cross is not recommended for your typical family. They require serious work. As for physical appearance, these dogs can vary. Both parents have high energy, so you can expect nothing less from the Weimshepherd. They are quick, athletic and powerful dogs. Make sure to introduce training as early as possible for this mutt. Providing them with the a proper outlet is the only way to raise a happy and healthy Boxer Shepherd. Thanks to the Springer Spaniel side, these dogs get along with kids of all ages, other dogs and even cats. In fact, the more the better! But if you can handle this, the Spanierd is an excellent German Shepherd mix for any family! Because of the size of the Great Dane, the Dane Shepherd is fairly large, making them excellent watchdogs and an amazing companion. Depending on the lineage, these dogs can have a short or medium coat. Chances are the Dane Shepherd will have a double coat, so except to deal with heavy shedding during spring and fall. Just the massive size of these dogs can scare away potential intruders. Both parent breeds are large, and so is the Airedale Shepherd. The overall body shape resembles a German Shepherd, but they retain the muzzle and ears of the Airedale Terrier. These dogs are inevitably courageous dogs that play well with children. Despite their large size, they make fantastic family dogs, companions, watchdogs and more. Socialization is a must, while obedience training can be fairly easy. They are known for their beauty, intelligence, and athleticism. Hard working and easily trainable, they can easily fill many roles. When mixed with other breeds, some of their best traits and strengths are often passed along. For example, a mixed shepherd might require a little less exercise than a highly driven working German shepherd or will be a little more mellow yet playful pet while retaining some of the awesome traits of the German shepherd dog. All these breeds have lots of energy and love to have a job and are also very playful. No doubt this mix is the life of the party and enjoys a good time. Would probably be equally happy living on a ranch or with a family as long as she got plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. This dog is absolutely not a couch potato but must get plenty of daily exercise and attention. They love activity and need to be busy. Both these breeds also require lots of grooming and will shed year round. Loving, loyal, and active, they are a delight to own. Both are intelligent and regal. Both need socialization and lots of love but make wonderful family pets. Some other qualities both breeds have in common are that they are both loyal and very trainable and love to play games. Both breeds are quick and agile and love to do a job. Both breeds are protective and very loyal to their family. German Shepherd and Rottweiler - Shepweiller jin. This mix will require lots of socialization, training and strong leadership but with that, will grow into an amazing, loyal companion that will also be gorgeous to look at. German Shepherd and Hound - Shephound zmiksowanykodi Hounds love to use their noses, as do German shepherds. This mix would excel at scent work or barn sports but also make a great pet. Both hounds and shepherds are smart and active dogs so this mix would also be up for lots of fun adventures. German Shepherd Mixed With Floofyness - Shepfloofer Another fluffy unknown mix that just goes to show how versatile and adorable German shepherd mixes can be. Both require lots of grooming, human companionship, love, and a strong pack leader. This mix appears very smart and curious, a strong trait in the German shepherd breed. This one is tall and lanky with the markings of a German Shepherd. German Shepherd and Mastiff — Mastiff Shepherd andrea. Since both breeds can be leery of strangers, this powerful mix would require lots of socialization. It would also need lots of training due to its size but could grow up to be a very loyal and loving family pet. German Shepherd mixed with red puppy - Shepfox This cinnamon spice mix is simply adorable and has many qualities of the German shepherd and looks a little like a fox. German Shepherd Mix growing up-look at those sheppy ears! When placed atop the head of a mixed breed, they take on a life of their own and add a lot of character. German Shepherd and Great Pyrenees — Germanees The Great Pyrenees is also a working dog known for its calm demeanor but protective nature. This mix would create a naturally yet protective watch dog that would be completely devoted to its family. German Shepherd and Weimaraner - Weimshepherd Both German shepherds and weimaraners enjoy lots of exercise and are very active. They love to run and play and then relax as the center of attention of their family. Both are smart, trainable, and love pleasing their owners. German Shepherd and Adorableness - Shepcutie harrythemixedblood This mix is super adorable and loves the outdoors. The keen facial expression gives a hint that both breeds are smart and curious. A DNA test would be so much fun. Both can be trained to do many jobs, including search and rescue and obedience, and competition. This mix would be smart, strong, playful, and have a lot of endurance. The perfect dog for an active family or for a serious job. German Shepherd and Pug - Shug This curious combo is just adorable. Pugs are playful and funny so certainly a pug shepherd would be, too. Pugs are also known to be very loving and very adaptable so this mix would probably fit in just about anywhere. Both can be aloof with strangers but very loving with their family. German Shepherd and Lab - German Sheprador samsarasworld Labradors and German shepherds both make active, family companions. Both breeds enjoy the outdoors, playing, and are up for all sorts of adventures. German Shepherd and Poodle — Shepherdoodle einsteinbeard A combo of two of the smartest breeds, the German shepherd mixed with a poodle is a dog genius. This mix is known to be outgoing and full of fun. Protective, fierce, brave, loyal, active, smart, and eager to work are just a few of the adjectives that describe them. This mix needs lots of exercise and activities to thrive but if a busy working dog is what you need, this mix might be perfect. German Shepherd and Doberman — Doberman Shepherd Another powerful and smart combo, the German Shepherd and Doberman Pinscher are noble in the dog world and very protective of their family. Fun and playful, this mix loves their humans but takes their job of guardian very seriously. German Shepherd and Springer Spaniel — Spanierd bandittheaus Springer spaniels are super loveable but they are also mighty hunters. Mixed with a German Shepherd, you have a dog that lives to please its owner and loves the great outdoors as well as being a snuggle buddy content to watch some television from the comfy couch. Super cute yet rugged, both breeds are herding dogs. Both breeds are known for their intelligence, ability to train, love of agility, athleticism, and playful natures. We hope you enjoyed some of these amazing mixed breed dogs. Please feel free to pass this along to your family and friends. German Shepherd Malamute Mix Here are five ways to tell what your German Shepherd is mixed with: Study several breeds and make observations. What does the dog look like? Look for coat characteristics, muzzle shape, ear types, tail shape, and body type, unlike those of the purebred German Shepherd ex: floppy ears, a white coat, etc. Compare your observations to the characteristics of other breeds. Monitor behavior. Although training will have a lot to do with how the dog behaves, natural instincts are often stronger than training. How does the dog behave when alone? How does it behave with strangers and other dogs? DNA testing. This option is the simplest and most accurate way to gain this important breed information. Talk with breeders. Although breeders are primarily concerned with their respective breeds, they often also have a wealth of knowledge. You might not know where that non-bushy tail comes from, but a career breeder just might. Ask a veterinarian. Few people will know various dog behaviors, traits, and abilities better than a veterinarian. At the same time, many can look at a dog and guess the breed mix with a large degree of accuracy. German Shepherds have long, slender noses, while Pugs have short blunt noses. Though a drastic difference, noting the size of the nose helps determine the natural instinct of the dog. For example, was he born to hunt and track or to fight? The muzzle shape provides a clue. Is it floppy? Canines with dropped ears were bred to hunt because the dropped shape helps block out distractions, leaving them to concentrate on smell. A German Shepherd will normally have pointed ears that stand up. Body shape. For example, many miniature dogs were bred with dwarfism traits. Likewise, if a German Shepherd was bred with a St. Tail length and shape. Most German Shepherd mixes will have long tails, whereas Pugs have short, curly tails. The tail does more than tell us if the doggo is happy. Identifying the breed by its tail can also help owners determine if they will face future back problems. Why Should I Know the Mix? And, regardless of heritage, love trumps all. The first meeting was love at first sight, and that made the decision final. In some cases, there will be one bloodline, and there may also be two. In the final category, the lineage may contain many mixes. Purebred vs. Crossbred vs. Mongrel Shepsky A purebred is a dog with parents and an ancestral line that contains only dogs of the same breed. This type of dog is often sought after because owners can depend on the lineage to predict its size, health, and overall disposition. A crossbreed is the result of intentional breeding. Different purebreds are selected to create a different breed, with the desire to get the best traits of both breeds. Again, these dogs are sought after because of the predictable outcomes in size, health, and disposition. The sire and the dam are often mixed breeds, so the lineage is almost impossible to trace with any accuracy without DNA testing. However, educated guesses can be relatively successful. In the case of a GSD with questionable genetics, a German Shepherd may be a few generations back in the bloodline. This knowledge helps owners make wise decisions for the dog in healthcare, food, and training. Breed Specific Healthcare The likely most important reason to seek what a German Shepherd — or any dog, for that matter — is mixed with is veterinary care. Many purebreds are susceptible to known ailments. German Shepherds, for example, are predisposed to hip dysplasia, a condition where the hip joint ball and socket separate. Therefore, if the dog is mixed with a Labrador, another breed prone to this condition, there may be a higher risk for joint issues later on. Being prone to develop a certain health condition is not a reason to avoid the breed. But rather, knowing that a specific condition is common to particular breeds is necessary to arm the owner with the knowledge to help the pet avoid the condition. This knowledge includes dietary needs, supplements and vitamins to use, and vet care to seek. According to research, mixed breeds are less vulnerable to inherited diseases but stronger carriers. In contrast, purebred dogs have fewer disease genes but are more susceptible to the same diseases. Some even choose to feed a homemade diet. Either way, foods for specific breeds are often unnecessary. When considering food brands, many owners feed their dogs based only on life stages: puppy, adult, and senior. For example, a German Shepherd is a highly active dog that will require a different nutritional plan than a Pug. However, if the breeds are crossed, the resulting Shug will have different nutritional needs than either parent. Regardless of the breed, though, the dog will let you know if its nutritional needs are being met. Food is also important when thinking about health and training, as German Shepherds are prone to many conditions due to their size. Keeping them on a balanced diet that helps them maintain a healthy weight is crucial to avoiding conditions like hip dysplasia. In the instance of hip dysplasia, starting the dog on a Glucosamine Chondroitin food supplement might keep either the condition or the symptoms at bay so you can avoid medicine. According to the AKC, depending on the breed mix and health concerns, you should also give your dog fish oil such as the Zesty Paws Omega Bites check price on Amazon because this supplement helps alleviate skin allergies. German Shepherds are often mixed with Collies. Since both breeds are prone to digestive issues, another supplement to consider is a probiotic. For example, a German Shepherd may require more training in socialization than a Labrador will due to breeding. For example, German Shepherds are bred for protection, at least in part, so they need training that addresses their sometimes aggressive instinct toward new dogs and visitors. On the other hand, Labradors are typically happy, playful, and friendly, so their socialization training will not combat possible aggression but rather keep them from being afraid of new things. Vet Care All dogs need vet care. In addition to yearly vaccines for rabies and other conditions, they need to be checked for parasites and undetected health conditions. But some breeds need more frequent veterinary care to keep them healthy, especially if they reach their senior years earlier. People often adopt dogs from the local shelter, which is an incredibly loving thing to do that they certainly appreciate. But this adoption makes it difficult to determine what the pet is mixed with. Their mixed breeding also offers unique coats, body shapes, and behaviors that only nature can provide. If the desired dog is part German Shepherd, the chances are high that the local shelter will have several options. While a DNA test may not be available, there are ways to make an educated guess. Before leaving for the shelter, study various breeds and start making observations at the kennel gate. Key Takeaways Knowing what a German Shepherd is mixed with is a good foundation for caring for one. Whether the dog is purebred, crossbred, or mixed, knowing his genetics will help you decide on the food, healthcare, and training that will keep you both happy and healthy for many years to come. Related Posts You May Like:. Mixed Breeds By Meg Marrs 11 min read March 13, 70 Comments K9 of Mine is reader-supported, which means we may earn a small commission through products purchased using links on this page. The German shepherd breed is generally considered one of the most intelligent, dedicated, loyal, and family orientated companions available in the doggy world. Throwing in a mix to this breed just strengthens and enhances these naturally appealing traits. Golden Shepherd German Shepherd x Golden Retriever Mix The golden shepherd is a golden-haired beauty that will definitely win your heart with those soulful eyes. This golden retriever and German shepherd mix is an affectionate sweetheart who thrives on one-on-one interaction with her owners and especially adores the tiny human variety. This makes the golden shepherd the perfect family-with-kids choice. Both retriever and shepherd parents love to eat, so make sure you keep this marvelous mix at a healthy weight. The best of both doggie worlds are all rolled up into this one adorable and energetic bundle of joy. This pug and shepherd breed is an extremely loyal companion, loves his human family, exhibits impressive intelligence, and serves as an alert guard dog. Labrashepherd German Shepherd x Labrador Mix The Labrashepherd also known as a Sheprador is a calm, loving and even-tempered animal with a touch of the shyness from the German shepherd parent shining through when he is presented with new situations. Labrador retrievers have a kind and happy demeanor which definitely shines through in this canine cross. This German shepherd Labrador retriever mix is gloriously beautiful and loves a good play session in the park. Siberian Shepherd or Gerberian Shepsky German Shepherd x Siberian Husky Mix A post shared by German Shepherd Husky Mixes germanshepherdhuskymixes This exquisitely handsome boy is a German shepherd husky mix that will have you falling over your feet when he looks at you with that one baby blue. Love at first sight for sure. And the bonus? He loves you just as fiercely. Make sure these energized pups have plenty of exercise, puzzle toys, and activities to provide mental stimulation. Shollie German Shepherd x Collie Mix A unique combination of the collie and German shepherd gives us this gorgeous designer breed. She is amazingly even-tempered temperament, very eager to learn, and easily trained through basic obedience training. Be prepared to groom the German shepherd collie mix every day though, as those locks are relatively high maintenance. Shepweiler or Rottweiler Shepherd German Shepherd x Rottweiler Mix Shepweilers are immensely protective of their owners, family, and surroundings and make excellent guard dogs. Well-muscled, protective dogs who can always be found at your side? Sounds good to me! The German shepherd poodle mix needs your constant companionship and will follow wherever you may lead. The poodle breed genes are relatively dominant in this dog, resulting in the somewhat curly fur coat. What a striking and intimidating doggo. This breed is a cross between a domesticated German shepherd and a genuine wolf. Please keep in mind that these animals are illegal to own in certain areas, so please research carefully to avoid any heartbreak should you not be able to keep him legally. Designer breeders for a cross as unique as this one can be challenging to come by. With a sensitive temperament and above average hearing, you have a guard dog of indisputable qualities. These dogs are natural hunters, so it will be wise to keep him separate from other small pets like cats, rabbits, and hamsters. He is super-friendly but an excellent protector. He does, however, require intensive training, as he loves a challenge and can often be considered a little stubborn. This dog is an interesting mix of German shepherd and the Alaskan malamute. This is one amazingly beautiful animal. They possess the best of both breeds in strength, loyalty, friendliness, and trainability. And such a cutie to boot! Almost like having a teenager in the house, these shepherd-type dogs will test your patience and push the boundaries, so training is vital. These shepherd pit sweeties are sure to appreciate a game of fetch with their favorite human! Innocence aside, the German shepherd pit bull mix is a powerful animal with a high energy level and training is thus non-negotiable. German shepherd pit bulls need a firm, strong, but loving owner and handler. New Shep German Shepherd x Newfoundland Mix A post shared by Sadie Sanderson resolutedogtraining This breed is an interesting mix of the Newfoundland and German shepherd, forming a giant powder-puff who loves water! Well, space of course! This is a giant dog and needs plenty of room to run off all that excess energy. This behemoth is a loyal, loving, and protective, yet intimidating watchdog, probably due to its sheer size. But be honest — what a cutie pie! But beware, do not leave this puppy to his own devices — you might not particularly like the end results! He craves constant attention and will happily be your permanent side-kick. These canine cuties would benefit from an active family. There you go German shepherd lovers and fans. Please leave a comment on what you think the best German shepherd mixed breed out there is, or share your own cross-breed companion that we might have missed! And, if you have your own GSD or GSD-mix at home, make sure to check out our guide to the best dog toys for german shepherds as well as our piece on the best dog food for german shepherds too! What are the specific guidelines for adopting a German Shepherd mix? Good breeders will only sell to a family with a yard and German shepherd experience, as German shepherd mixes need plenty of space for these dogs to run around freely to get exercise. German shepherd mixes as well as purebred German shepherds should also be owner primarily by those who have experience with the breed, as German shepherds are naturally prone to anxiety and need an experienced, confident handler. The breeder should meet our breeder checklist, have been in business for several years, and their puppies should be well socialized. How much does it cost to adopt a German shepherd mix? Are there any health issues associated with German shepherd mixes? If a German shepherd mix is not from a good breeder, then there may be health problems. German shepherds are prone to a number of different genetic health conditions. The most common health concerns include hip, elbow, and joint dysplasia, cancer, epilepsy, hip dysplasia, narcolepsy, and eye problems. Are German shepherd mixes active? While canine crosses can take on any combination of traits from either of their pooch parents, German shepherds require plenty of daily exercise. GSDs have a high activity level and need to be kept busy mentally and physically. Not all German shepherd mixes will need vigorous exercise per day, but you should have the capacity to take on an active furry friend just in case. What is a German Shepherd mix? A German shepherd mix is a breed resulting from the combination of the German shepherd with other popular dog breeds. These dogs are medium to large in size, and can vary in appearance based on what breeds they inherit traits from. German shepherd mixes do not always look entirely like the German shepherd, as they could also take after their other dog breed parents. How should you train a German shepherd mix? The best way to approach training a German shepherd mix is to provide lots of training sessions focused on positive reinforcement. These pups can be fairly sensitive and eager to please. Thankfully, most GSD mixes are super smart and can master just about any trick with a little time and practice. Some of the best German shepherd mixes around. Which one was your favorite? Have you ever met any of these cuties in real life? Let us know in the comments below! Like it? Share it!

This remarkable beauty is a very popular dog in the United States and there are reasons why. It has a tremendous coat that is quite luxurious and aesthetically pleasing to look at. It is very loyal and is blessed with a loving and kind disposition. It is also very energetic so there never is a boring moment with the Golden Retriever around. It is a great family dog that you definitely should get. When getting a Golden Retriever, ensure you are getting one from a reputable breeder that truly cares about the wellbeing of the breed. And that is what this article is all about. Here, we provide 10 of the best Golden Retriever breeders residing in the state of Montana. These are top breeders with decent breeding programs and who care about puppy socialization. These Goldens are bred to be awesome family companions and they are trained to make excellent show and therapy dogs, as well as service dogs. Their Golden Retriever puppies are raised in the family house where they are exposed to rigorous house-breaking training to help them become better-socialized puppies. They are loved and treated with the utmost care that they require. They are allowed to interact with various people of various age groups. They are also exposed to a wide variety of socialization protocols including Early Neurological Stimulation, Puppy Culture, and Early Scent Introduction. They are also potty trained and exposed to crate training at an early age. They have had over 7 years to improve their breeding line, and they sure did. Although small, their breeding line is filled with numerous AKC-registered sires and dams that are well examined and researched. They all come from impressive lines with equally impressive pedigrees. They all undergo genetic health testing through Paw Prints Genetic. They also have their eyes, hips, elbows, and hearts certified and examined by the OFA. All their puppies come with a written health guarantee that lasts for a period of one year. They also have their vaccination and deworming records updated. She is obsessed with people, kids, and loves to lay on them. She has a bulky bone structure with the most beautiful head! She is perfect cream in color, great pedigree full of champions, and the ideal family dog. When we were looking for a perfect dog to add to our family, and breeding program we were blessed to find Phoebe not even a mile from our house! She is spunky, sweet, naughty, hilarious, and much more. She has a great pedigree, and is the type to always keep you on your toes. Never a dull moment with this stunning girl. Absolutely wonderful temperament with a motherly insinct at a young age as she is around small pups often. He is very good with kids, other people, and is a show off of his wonderful temperament. When we took him in for some health testing, the vet raved about how relaxed and good he was. So good, that they didn't need to sedate him for the X-rays. We are so thrilled to have this big fluff in our program, and can't wait to see what his pups look like. She has come so far, loves people, kids, and playing with her other golden buddies. She has blossomed and is such a good girl! She has passed her preliminary health testing and will be bred soon. We are so happy that she is happy! Skogens Golden Ruby River Ruby Ruby is a dog I have always had my eye on, and when we got the opportunity to bring her home to our program I was thrilled. Her family had a situation change, and she fell into our lap. She has produced some of the most beautiful puppies, and she herself is a gorgeous girl. She is on the smaller side, excellent temperament with children, and great with other dogs. She is a really fun, energetic dog. She was bred a couple of times before she came here to Duke's full brother from the same litter how fun is that? She will only have a couple of more litters, and then on to retirement life! I'm Heidi I have been breeding Golden Retrievers for over 30 years. She had terrible skin problems, hated the water and would not retrieve. Because of my poor experience, I decided to devote my life to providing the world with Golden Retrievers that exemplified the best traits of the breed while maintaining a high standard of health. When I married my husband Tom, he became part of my wonderful life with Golden Retrievers. We now operate the business as a family, and our children assist with the socializing and care of our adorable Golden Retriever puppies and lovable adult dogs. Contact Us We'd love to hear from you! You can email us using this form or you can call .There are eight tests that we do on all of our sires and dams. Should they fail, we take great efforts to place them in pet homes with people who love them as much as we do. Our Facilities To ensure their comfort, all of our dogs are provided with horse troughs and air conditioning in the summer and heated housing in the winter. They are raised in our home and socialized daily. No dogs are ever kenneled. Customer Relations We go to great extents to keep in touch with the new puppy owners. Before pickup we will send pictures and videos on request. Some of our customers have continued correspondence long enough for us to become good friends. We continue our customer relations even after the puppies are in their new homes and ask everyone to keep in touch. We want to hear the good and bad news. If there is a problem we want to hear from you even if it is a simple question. For example: cutting toenails or how often to bathe your golden. Morgan was born on September 30, and i brought him home on November 10, .He is a big boy, full of energy, and the love of my life. He is very easy going, loves everyone, people as well as dogs. He loves to play, and if a dog is small, he will get down on his belly to get to their level. I am thrilled that he joined my family. Marijeanne Connolly ,Missoula We have had our dog for one year now. He was a puppy of Higgins and Dream. We love the breed and when we had to put our first Golden down due to cancer, we did not hesitate to get another one. In fact, we drove to your house the day after he died. I never thought we could love a dog as much as our first Golden, but this dog has so much personality. He loves the kids and and shows us everyday just how much he loves us. He loves to ride in the car with us and runs to the car every time we get the keys. He is a joy and so smart. He is such a beautiful dog. We get so many compliments on him. Thank you so much for raising such wonderful pets. He has brought a lot of joy into our lives. I am sorry I have not been in touch sooner! I just wanted to let you know how things are going with "mack" ashley and higgins puppy. He is amazing! He is so sweet and laid back, and he is so good looking too! He is full of puppy energy when he gets around other dogs, but for the most part he is so chill when I need for him to be. So far he has caused no problems! Thank you so much for such a wonderful dog! He is everything I was looking for and more. I am so glad that I found you. I could not have asked for a more perfect puppy. I have attached some pictures to this e-mail. I hope that you enjoy them. Thanks again! Some of ours have become famous Follow Watson on Instagram! He's a Lulu-Benny puppy! Watson is the "Trust Fall" pooch living with his brother Kiko and both sharing their love to the world. Fergus is a famous LL Bean fashion model! Reserve your puppy now! Call us at

Home Cooking Homemade Food for Pugs You may be thinking about home cooking for your Pug to prepare a special dinner now and then or as an everyday alternative to offering kibble. Either way, homemade dog food can be a healthy choice. A flavorful and nourishing dish: Fresh beef with spinach, lima beans, green beans, carrots, and baby peas, along with tr-colored quinoa and eggs, mixed with blueberries and cottage cheese. You can keep the meals as consistent or varied as you wish. You can try a new recipe each time you prepare homemade food for your Pug or you can stick with one that your puppy or dog seems to really like. Home cooked food typically includes fresh or frozen meat chicken, veal, beef, turkey , fish, vegetables, fruit, cooking oil flaxseed, olive, etc. One of the easiest methods is to use a powder that is sprinkled over meals and mixed in. Many recipes more details ahead only require basic cooking skills such as frying meat, steaming vegetables, and cutting up fruit. Chemical preservatives. Chemical preservatives are found in many but not all dog foods. Propyl gallate, butylated hydroxyanisole BHA , butylated hydroxytoluene BHT , tert-butyl hydroquinone TBHQ , and ethoxyquin are linked to a lot of issues including itching, hives, rash, upset stomach and even serious health conditions such as organ damage and some forms of cancer. Artificial coloring. Coloring dye Yellow 5 which comes with a warning label in Europe but not in the US is linked to aggression and hyperactivity. Yellow 6 is linked to hyperactivity as well as allergies, hives, asthma. And Blue 2 has a suspected link to brain tumors. Artificial flavor enhancers. MSG can cause a range of issues including rapid heartbeat, anxiety, and numbness in the extremities. Generic animal meat, oils, meals, or digest. And, it can be from just about any animal: minks from mink farms, zoo animals, expired meat from butcher shops, roadkill, and more. Fillers are cheap ingredients added for bulk that offer little to no nutritional value. Corn is common one that is used. Dogs that ingest fillers are often hungry soon afterward and may also be more prone to developing issues like coprophagia eating feces. High grain count. Not all grains are bad. But, if the grain count is very high and particularly if it contains gluten, this can indeed cause problems including flatulence, upset stomach, and more. Bland, boring food. Even high-quality brands can only do so much; when dog food is mass-produced and has to be bagged or canned, it is limited in both flavor and texture. A blend of lean turkey, diced baby carrots, zucchini, and spinach over quinoa, along with diced strawberries and blackberries. Once prepared, it will either be refrigerated for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Only natural coloring. Homemade food for Pugs will have plenty of color via its rainbow assortment of vegetables and fruits. Only natural flavoring. When you have fresh crisp veggies, juicy meats, sweet berries, and other tasty foods there is no need for flavor enhancers. Complete control over grains. For meals, there are lots of options to add in a bit of healthy gluten-free grains like rice, oatmeal, and quinoa. For baked snacks, alternatives to wheat flour include coconut, rice, flaxseed, and tapioca flour. But you can also prepare completely grain-free dishes if you wish. Though it does depend on what you buy fresh vs frozen meats and veggies and the type of meat or fish for example, salmon vs cod , in many cases you can save money by preparing home cooked food for a Pug. If your Pug tends to get bored of food quickly, home cooking can be the answer since you can switch to new recipes as needed. You can carefully select exactly what your Pug eats and tweak recipes as you wish. You can swap out proteins, fruits, oils, toppings, anything at all. Low calorie options. There are fantastic low-calorie options with homemade dog food which includes lean meats like turkey, certain white fish, and lots of low calorie veggies and fruit. Exceptional taste. Meals will include fresh cuts of juicy meat, omega-packed fish, crisp greens, ripe fruits, and subtle herbs. Some recipes call out for warm sauces that add an extra burst of yumminess for example, honey and broth or pumpkin and yogurt. He was only a year old, and already had health issues. Many people told us that it was due to his breed, and that pugs have health problems we would just have to learn to deal with. Boogie was used to a diet of generic dog kibble. The first thing we did was to try out better food. We went to the vet and realized that Boogie was allergic to grain, so we bought grain free options that were high in protein and fatty acids, like Wellness Core. And his folds, despite regular cleanings, still got funky. Plus, his dog food had a huge list of ingredients that I could barely pronounce, it was expensive, and it seemed like every week new articles came out recalling different brands we thought were good. Something had to change. Making their food at home means we know exactly what we are feeding our dogs. We can guarantee that the ingredients we use are fresh and of good quality. Your Wallet Will Thank You: A healthier diet equals healthier dogs, making our trips to the vet less frequent. Our vet visits became normal check ups, instead of rushed drop-ins for medicine and care. This was great for our now healthy pups, and great for our wallets too! Lighter Load: Finding specific brands and formulas might be simple in some locations, but harder in others. Prices also change. Our grain free U. We eliminated this issue by using ingredients that can be found in most markets. No More Picky Eaters: Our two have no problem eating, but our neighbors dog played around with kibble and oftentimes left it untouched. When they made the switch, their dog suddenly welcomed breakfast and dinner, and no longer played with her food. Watching a picky eater suddenly gobble up their meal is rewarding! Your dog will thank you for it. The Switch to Homemade Dog Food Making the decision to make our dogs food was easy, but making the actual switch required work. We began to research what a balanced dog diet consisted of, and which foods were best. We took things like breed, weight, and lifestyle into consideration when Googling for information. For example, a super active large dog requires different things than an older, slower pup. There are also things like allergies, sensitive stomachs, and health conditions to take into account. We used Google and YouTube for research, and took each recipe we developed to our vet to look over. This is super important — our first recipe had cow liver in it and was too protein rich, which can increase the workload on your dogs kidney and liver. An excess of nutrients that are unnecessary can sometimes be harmful. Our vet checked over our dogs and did blood work with each recipe draft, and we went from there. Ingredients 5 — 6 large sweet potatoes, cubed 4 — 6 carrots, sliced 1 — 2 small heads of broccoli, cut from the stalk and into pieces 1 cup of frozen peas 1 can of chickpeas large boneless chicken breasts or 4. Be sure to compost all discarded pieces. In one very large pot, place the following items: sweet potato, carrots, broccoli, peas, chickpeas, chicken breasts, eggs, and 6 cups of water. The water should be at about the same level as the food items, or a bit over. Cook on medium heat. The chicken should be cooked through, with the vegetables soft to the touch when done. Once cooked, let everything cool. Remove the eggs and shell them, then cut or crumble them into bits and put them back in the pot. If you used chicken breasts, shred or chop the meat into small pieces and put it back in the pot. If you use ground chicken, you can skip this step. Mix everything together. Since Marcelo is a very small dog 4lbs with few teeth, we sometimes use an emersion blender or large spoon to mix everything together very well and get rid of chunks. Defrost as needed and store in the refrigerator. This recipe lasts our two dogs about two weeks. When serving, we add in Nutri-Pet Nupro All Natural Supplement , a mixture with balanced doses of vitamins, minerals, enzymes, amino acids and essential fatty acids. We cook any animal organ usually liver or chicken hearts separately in a pot, and store in the refrigerator. We sprinkle each serving of food with the organ bits. You can grab ingredients while doing your personal shopping, and throw things into a pot while cooking your own food. Healthy Treats and Chews Healthy dogs have a balanced diet, meaning they eat a range of good stuff. This recipe is the base for what we feed our dogs, but we add in new foods too, as a treat or supplement. Great, all natural items we add to food or give as treats include: Salmon skin. Email Without a doubt, you can easily dispense with the tedious process and simply buy store-bought pug food. It is, however, common knowledge that no matter the label and assurance of quality placed on those cans and re-sealable pouches, it is not a guarantee that there are no fillers added to make it more flavorful. With your beloved pugs regarded as part of the family, it is only fitting to prepare homemade pug food recipes to ensure that your sweet pets get the nutritional value they need and the TLC they deserve. When thinking of cooking up your own homemade pug food menu, here are some vital points to remember. The key to excellent homemade pug food recipes is to keep things balanced. Be reminded that pugs easily gain but hardly dispense weight. Amid their hyperactive personality, this small breed easily jumps to the usual obesity wagon. Do not limit your recipe to the usual protein, fat, and carbohydrates diet. Make sure to look for ones that deliver copper, iron, zinc and calcium, too. This means keeping a balance among animal meat, eggs and dairy, seafood, grains, vegetables, plant oils, oatmeal and so on. They are also prone to more allergies than other dog breeds thus, the need for more vigilance in choosing key ingredients. Older pugs may also be exposed to various health problems thus, requiring them a special diet. To be on the safe side, a vet with expertise on pet nutrition can be tasked to whip specially done menu for your pug. Never go around experimenting like how you used to do in your kitchen. Do not alter cooking instructions. As much as possible, have a food scale handy to measure ingredients accurately. Always cook beans, grains, and other starchy vegetables. They key is to cook them thoroughly for pugs to digest easily. While baking cookies and other baked treats are nibbled with sheer enjoyment, these are high in sugar and fat. Choose instead to steam fruits or veggies and cut these into bite size for your pet to easily munch on. Just take note of certain ones known to be toxic to dogs such as grapes and raisins, avocado, macadamia nuts, onion and garlic, and chocolates. Add calcium, healthy oils, fish oil, cod liver oil, plant oils, vitamin E, iodine, and other vitamins and minerals. Green blends containing alfalfa and choice herbs are also great add-ons to an all-meat pug diet. Some vets recommend pug owners to add multi-vitamin soft chews like this count health formula from Healthy Breeds. To make, you can use any chicken, lamb or beef strained baby food. Brush a dog biscuit baking tray with coconut oil. Mash the ripe banana in a bowl until smooth. Ensure there are no large chunks left. In a medium-sized bowl, blend the gluten-free flour and oats. Add coconut oil, water, mashed banana, unsweetened applesauce, and fresh blueberries. Mix until well combined. Gently pour the wet mixture into the bowl containing the dry ingredients. Stir until you get an even consistency. Drizzle in the CBD oil and give it another stir to ensure even distribution. Use a tablespoon measure to scoop out portions of the mixture. Press each scoop firmly into the dog treat baking mold. Place the tray in the oven and bake the treats for 30 to 40 minutes. They should be firm to the touch and slightly golden when ready. Once the treats have cooled, transfer them to an airtight container for storage. This easy-to-make recipe ensures your Pug gets a nourishing and delightful meal. This batch yields approximately four servings, which can be stored in your refrigerator. Ingredients 1 lb. Cut the chicken into half-inch pieces. In a frying pan with 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil, cook the chicken on medium heat for about 15 minutes or until fully cooked. Remove the chicken pieces and set aside the pan drippings. Rice preparation. Once done, set aside. Gravy creation. Over medium to low heat, warm the chicken drippings in the pan. Gently stir until it becomes a smooth mixture. Continue cooking until it evolves into a thick gravy consistency. Combining ingredients. Add the cooked chicken, rice, peas, and carrots to the gravy. Simmer the mixture for approximately 10 minutes or until the veggies are tender. This enhanced dog food recipe combines the richness of turkey with the nourishment of vegetables and quinoa — a superfood known for its protein and fiber content. Ingredients 1 pound of ground turkey 1 cup of quinoa 1 cup of carrots, finely chopped 1 cup of green beans, finely chopped 1 cup of spinach, finely chopped 1 tablespoon of fish oil A sprinkle of turmeric for anti-inflammatory benefits, optional Directions Cooking the turkey. Over medium heat, cook the ground turkey in a non-stick skillet until fully done. Preparing the feast. Combine the quinoa, cooked turkey, and water in a large pot. Bring this mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer for approximately 15 minutes or until the quinoa becomes soft and translucent. Adding vegetables. Introduce the carrots, green beans, and spinach to the pot. Allow the mixture to cook for another 10 minutes, ensuring the vegetables are tender but not overly soft. Finishing touches. Let the meal cool to room temperature before serving. Extra portions can be refrigerated and consumed within five days. Adding eggs and beneficial herbs ensures your Pug gets essential vitamins and nutrients. Begin by boiling the eggs until they are hard-boiled. Once done, peel and finely chop them. Beef cooking. Once done, drain off any excess fat. In a large mixing bowl or container, combine the cooked brown rice, browned sirloin, chopped eggs, diced or shredded carrots, peas or green beans, minced parsley, and the optional sprinkle of turmeric. Drizzle with olive or safflower oil. Stir together. Using a large spoon or spatula, gently mix all the ingredients until they are evenly distributed and well combined. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. If you want more homemade dog food recipes and cooking options for your Pug, cookbooks can be useful for various recipes. Maintaining a healthy weight is easier when your Pug is fed the right dog food. However, identifying a healthy gut is not an easy task. Skin or coat issues, excessive tiredness, allergies, weight loss, malnutrition, and obesity can be caused by unbalanced and insufficient meal plans. If you detect any of these symptoms while feeding your dog meals, stop doing it immediately and seek expert advice. Below is a list of the most common toxic ingredients dogs need to avoid. Both of my pugs had a range of health issues growing up, which I unfortunately found out were common for the breed. Bug was overweight for a while when she was younger, even though she ate the recommended amount of food for her target weight. Eventually, I settled on Wellness kibbles and they did well with that brand. But, I wanted to explore other options. I wanted to give them real food — fresh, nutritious ingredients that I recognized and could even eat myself. Everything our animals eat, we can eat. When it comes to homemade feed for our laying hens, we stick to a tried-and-true formula that works for every layer: 16 to 17 percent protein determined by my chicken feed calculator , vitamins, minerals, and amino acids from a wide variety of grains and seeds, and free range of a pasture for weeds , greens, and insects. What works for one dog may not work for another. Depending on how many dogs you have and how much they eat, you may only need to prepare their food once or twice a week. A general guideline for preparing homemade dog food My DIY dog food recipe is more of a general guideline, rather than an exact meal plan that I follow each week. We feed any and all parts of the animals, but most commonly, we saute chicken breasts or chicken thighs in coconut oil and ground turmeric. Coconut oil has a host of health benefits for dogs, such as improving the skin and coat, increasing energy, aiding digestion, reducing allergic reactions, promoting wound healing, preventing yeast and fungal infections, and supporting arthritis or ligament problems. Turmeric has long been studied for its powerful medicinal properties, including its use as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. Turmeric-spiced dark meat chicken happens to be quite delectable to a dog! Speaking of dark meat, we feed thighs and breasts interchangeably. A little fat is necessary for a well-rounded diet. If your dog is prone to being overweight, you might want to stick with only lean meats. Raw vegetables come from whatever is currently growing in our garden. Bug has a history of urinary tract infections, so we typically give her a cranberry supplement as a preventive measure. In one meal they might get broccoli, celery, fava bean leaves , radishes , and nasturtiums. Sometimes apples, bananas , or feijoas that we pick off our trees… and even herbs, like salad burnet , basil , or parsley. This component provides fiber to support digestive health, as well as antioxidants and phytonutrients. In general, the darker the vegetable, the better it is nutritionally. We feed our dogs all the same vegetables we feed ourselves, and this includes black kale, purple carrots , and green romanesco broccoli. They are garden foodies just like we are! While this might sound like a lot, keep in mind that we only need small amounts of each vegetable — a few broccoli florets or stems, a rib of celery, a small handful of carrot tops. We usually focus on broccoli and broccoli leaves as the primary vegetables because they are exceptionally nutrient dense particularly the leaves of the plant, which we grow in abundance at home. A recent peer-reviewed medical study has found that a compound in broccoli, sulforaphane, helps slow the progress of osteoarthritis. In our household, with two aging dogs, joint health is a priority. The only vegetable we definitely do not feed our dogs is onion and related alliums, like leeks and garlic , which contains a toxic compound called thiosulphate. Complex carbohydrates typically come from brown rice, wild rice or any number of Asian rices the hubby and I make at home, like red or black rice , oats, lentils, split peas, or starchy vegetables like potatoes, sweet potatoes, and winter squash. Wild rice, split peas, and lentils, in particular, have the advantage of also being high in protein. We switch up this component every week to give some variety, and sometimes combine a grain with a starchy vegetable say, brown rice with sweet potatoes. Eggshells from their chicken sisters! Unless you regularly give your dog raw meaty bones to chew on, you should always supplement with calcium. We dole out the rest of their requirements between two meals a day. Preparation of our homemade diet All of the information above might seem intimidating, but I assure you that making the actual meals for our dogs takes no more than 20 minutes of actual hands-on time. While that pot is simmering on the stove, we cook the meat in a separate pan in coconut oil and ground turmeric. Then, we gather whatever vegetables or fruits we have in the kitchen usually an assortment of five or more things , chop them up as needed, and toss them into the food processor. We also add a few clean, crushed eggshells to the mix. A few pulses turns all this food into smaller pieces, making them more digestible for our dogs. Finally, we add the cooled, cooked carbs to the food processor and do a couple more pulses to combine. Everything should have a finely crumbled texture by this point. I prepare enough food to last my two pugs an entire week. Friends will watch us feed our pugs and remark that it looks good enough for them to eat! Recommended serving amounts for homemade dog food As a general rule, dogs will eat around 2 to 3 percent of their ideal body weight in fresh food daily. I feel that the best approach is to feed and watch; if your dog is losing weight, give more, and if your dog is gaining weight, give less. For our pugs, we feed a scoop each in the morning and a scoop each in the evening, plus all their supplements. We have an easy system for this: homemade food is refrigerated in a sealed container with a measuring cup always the same one, as it portions out the exact amount of food needed , and all the supplements are lined up together in a cupboard in the kitchen. Keeping your ingredients organized and accessible will make feeding time fast and smooth. Compared to feeding commercial food, where you might scoop out kibbles or open up a can, feeding homemade food with all the supplements takes maybe 10 seconds more. And even if it took 10 minutes more, fresh wholesome food for our furbabies is worth it. If yours is prone to digestive issues, start slowly by mixing a little bit of the homemade food with the commercial food. Over the course of a week or two, gradually increase the amount of homemade food while decreasing the commercial food. If your dog vomits or has diarrhea, try introducing only a couple of new ingredients at a time until their systems are well adjusted to the fresh diet. Use your best judgment, the way you would when feeding yourself or your family. The results from feeding our DIY dog food Back to the story of Bug… After only a couple of weeks of feeding her a homemade diet, the hubby and I were blown away by how much her mental and physical health improved. And we wholeheartedly believe she was able to bounce back because of her new food. She went from an ailing, exhausted, incontinent, tail-down dog to a happy, energetic, curious, communicative pup. We feed both of our pugs the same food, with the hope that we can stave off any potential health problems for our older one. As you might imagine… they love camping trips! Homemade dog food gives us the flexibility to fine-tune their diet as needed. Since the switch to a homemade diet several years ago, neither of our pugs has suffered from their previous issues; no dermatitis, no weight gain, and no urinary tract infections. Update: This article originally appeared on July 14, .Bug was euthanized at home in June , at 14 years old, after fighting the good fight with her joint disease. Both pugs thrived on homemade dog food well into their senior years. Homemade Dog Food Sources.

We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. It is, therefore, no surprise that some breeders are starting to mix the two. Considering whether a German Shepherd Lab Mix is right for you? Read on for everything you need to know about this amazing mixed-breed dog. Lab German Shepherd Mix Overview Size — 22 to 25 inches tall and 50 to 80 pounds Coat — Medium length, double coat, color varies Shedding — Yes Temperament — Intelligent, active, and loyal, but can be wary of strangers Trainable — Highly, but prone to destructive behavior when bored Activity — Highly active needs two hours of activity per day Best For — Families and people with active lifestyles and lots of time to spend with them What is a German Shepherd Lab Mix? As these dogs are roughly the same size, the mother can be of either breed as long as she is larger than the father, to ensure against any difficulty in the birthing process. Sheprador Appearance As is the case for most mix-breed dogs, it is a bit of a gamble what you will get when these two come together. They might have the pointed ears of a German Shepherd or the floppy ears of a Labrador. There is nothing to do but wait and see. But luckily, both German Shepherds and Labradors are attractive dogs, so however they turn out they should be handsome. That said, we can make a few generalizations about the appearance of Shepradors. Size As both German Shepherds and Labradors are medium- to large-sized dogs, you can expect their mixed offspring to be the same. German Shepherds are the larger of the two and are usually between 50 and 90 pounds and 22 to 26 inches tall. Labradors are only a little bit smaller, at 50 to 80 pounds and 22 to 25 inches tall. So expect your German Shepherd Lab Mix to stand between 22 and 25 inches tall and weigh 50 to 80 pounds. You can narrow this range down a bit by looking at the size of the parents. Color The color of these gorgeous mixed-breed dogs is also highly variable, and you might end up with a pooch of a solid coat color, like Labs, or striking mixed coloring, like German Shepherds. A lot of this depends on the color of the Labrador parent, whether they are yellow, black, or chocolate. As a general rule, the darker the lab parent, the darker the coat of the pup. But you also get white German Shepherd Dogs, which can result in striking white Shepradors. Coat When it comes to coat length, you should expect in most cases that your Lab German Shepherd Mix will have a shorter coat, like that of a Labrador. This seems to be a dominant gene, and the vast majority of German Shepherd Lab Mixes end up with this type of coat. The dog will certainly have a double coat, as this is a feature of both breeds. The undercoat will be soft and fluffy, and the guard coat rough. This does mean that they shed—a lot. This is not the type of dog to have at home if anyone in the household suffers from allergies. Shepherd Lab Mix Puppy Lab German Shepherd Mix Character While temperament is again unpredictable with mix-breeds, both German Shepherds and Labradors are intelligent, active, and loyal dogs, so you can expect their offspring to share these traits. German Shepherds are very intelligent and have a natural protective instinct. They have a tendency to guard whatever they consider to be theirs. Labradors were originally bred as gun dogs, to retrieve the wild game of hunters. As such, they are very obedient and tend to be pleasers, and they like nothing more than spending time with their humans. As both breeds are intelligent and highly trainable, you can expect these characteristics to appear in a Sheprador. However, whether they will be a guard dog that can be aggressive with strangers, or a pleaser that is great with children, you will have to wait and see. While dogs are a mix of nature and nurture, if you want to take a Lab German Shepherd mix into a family home, or if you are a first-time dog owner, you will want to be careful about which individual dog you choose. Activity Levels However their personality turns out, you are going to have a dog with a lot of energy. These larger dogs that are used to working need around two hours of exercise each day. Their intelligence also means they get bored easily, and when they do get bored, they can have a tendency toward destructive behavior, which means digging and chewing. They do best with active owners with whom they can go walking, hiking, and running. Whether these dogs will like swimming is a coin toss. While Labradors love the water, German Shepherds are a bit more wary. But their size and adventurous nature mean they can be trained to love the water. So you have a good chance that your Lab German Shepherd Mix will be a swimmer. These dogs are loyal and love being around their humans. You will find them at their happiest and healthiest when you make them part of the family and shower them with love. Exercise Ideally, your Sheprador will need around two hours of exercise per day. This might be more than just a long walk, as their high energy levels mean they will like to run as well. They will enjoy tackling tough trails with you at their side, and the retriever nature of Labradors also means this breed is likely to enjoy a good game of fetch. Bear in mind that these dogs will need this level of exercise rain or shine, or they will become frustrated and start engaging in destructive behavior. This is not only bad for them in general, but can put excess pressure on their hips, which are also prone to issues. Intellectual Stimulation German Shepherd Lab Mix dogs are invariably highly intelligent, which makes them easy to train but also means they get bored very easily. When they do get bored, they are smart enough to find trouble, and you may come home to quite the scene. These dogs need to spend time with people to occupy their minds, and they also benefit from intellectually stimulating games. But expect them to make short work of these challenges, as they are chewers. You will be getting them new games quite often. Companionship Labradors need a lot of companionship, and this is a trait their offspring with German Shepherds are likely to share. Not only will they get bored and start acting up, but they can become depressed. Grooming Both German Shepherds and Labradors are shedders, so you can be sure their Sheprador offspring will be as well. This is just a fact of life with Shepradors. They will need to be brushed at least twice a week, and as often as once a day during the shedding seasons fall and spring. As well as brushing, invest in a good quality vacuum cleaner that has special functionality to help you pick up dog hair. These dogs are also likely to enjoy jumping up on the couch for a snuggle and a snooze. Invest in coverings and be sure your swanky vacuum cleaner has an attachment for upholstery. Their coat is not the only part of their grooming to attend to. You need to clean their teeth three times a week, with a brush or with dental treats. Finally, trim their nails every three months. This is both for their health and the health of your home, as their nails can damage your floors. For a big dog like this, it can be a good idea to take them to the vet to get their nails clipped. But if you feel confident to do this at home, check out our list of the best nail clippers. Diet German Shepherd Lab Mixes are big dogs that have lots of energy, but they also have a tendency toward obesity, which means they have to get their energy from good sources. This means high-quality protein and fats over carbohydrates. Preferably this means meals made from quality meats rather than meals or byproducts. When looking at the ingredient list, look for named meats at the first ingredient. Lab German Shepherd Mixes also benefit from novel proteins in their diet, as they can be prone to allergies. Dogs tend to develop allergies to the meats they eat the most, which often means beef and chicken. When they are puppies, Shepradors should be fed three times a day, and this should be cut down to two times a day from about four months of age. As a rule, dogs need 25 to 30 calories per pound of their weight per day, though you should watch their individual weight and energy level to see if you need to adjust their meals up or down. You can also check the label on your dog food to get a rough estimate of how much you should be feeding your Sheprador. Of course the amount will also vary depending on how often you exercise your dog. Known Health Problems While there is no limit to the number of health problems that a dog of any breed can develop, or they might not develop any at all, some dog breeds are more prone to some conditions than others. German Shepherd Lab Mix dogs have the potential to develop the health problems that are common in goth German Shepherds and Labradors. These include: Hip and Elbow Dysplasia — This is a condition where the hip and elbow joints do not develop normally and that can cause extreme pain and arthritis in later life. For more information check out our list of Glucosamine for Dogs. Progressive Retinal Atrophy — This is a group of degenerative diseases that affect the eyes and can lead to blindness. Shepradors are also prone to eat whatever is put in front of them, so you need to be conscious of what you are feeding them. Gastric Dilatation Volvulus — Poor diet can lead the stomach to dilate and expand, in turn leading to a twisting of the stomach that is life-threatening. It can block the flow of blood to the abdomen, leading to rupture of the stomach walls, and put pressure on the diaphragm thereby inhibiting the lungs. Degenerative Radiculomyelopathy — This is a condition that affects the spinal cord and leads to progressive weakness of the hind limbs, and eventually paralysis. Panosteitis — This is an inflammation of the outer surface of the long bones in the legs, resulting in a shifting lameness and making bones more susceptible to breaks. Allergies — Dogs can be born with allergies or develop them over time. Dogs often develop allergies if they eat the same foods consistently. Underactive Thyroid — The thyroid manages hormones, and an underactive thyroid is unable to secrete the required hormones. This can result in weight gain, lethargy, and cold intolerance. At this time, their energy levels will drop and they will need some changes in their diet and exercise. GSD Lab Mix Puppy But no matter how well trained they are, if they are left to get bored for too long, they can engage in some pretty destructive behavior, such as digging and chewing everything in sight. You have been forewarned. The highly assertive nature of German Shepherds means they do not respond well to domination training. They are likely to revolt when subjected to punishment. The best way to train a Labrador German Shepherd Mix is through positive reinforcement. Labradors are pleasers that love to make their humans happy. This means their offspring are also likely to feel the same way. So they will respond rapidly to training based on rewards for positive behavior. Deal with this behavior early, with specific training for dealing with children and strangers. They are very active and need lots of attention, so they need to be in households that support this. But they do great with adults and kids, so they can be a great family pet. Remember that German Shepherd Labrador Mixes need around two hours of exercise every day, so they need someone who can commit to that level of activity. But at the same time, it means they are the type of dog you can take on all of your adventures if you like hiking and trailing. They also need attention and stimulation throughout the day. If anyone in the house suffers with pet hair allergies, this is another reason Labrador German Shepherd Mixes are not the right dog for you, as they shed a lot. Consider something like a Labradoodle or Goldendoodle instead. Also, ask for medical records of the parents, to see what health conditions the pup might be prone to in the future. If you decide to adopt a mature dog, spend a bit of time with them to see what their temperament is like. History of the Breeds German Shepherd German Shepherds originated in Germany in the late 19th century as a sheep herding dog. But, because they are very intelligent, trainable, obedient, and strong, they have since moved into many different working roles including police, military, search and rescue, and disability assistance. German Shepherds can have a reputation for being aggressive, but they are more alert and wary than aggressive. They can have a tendency to become overprotective of family and territory. But if socialized and trained properly, this tendency should be highly manageable. German Shepherds are the second-most popular dog in the United States and the seventh-most popular dog in the United Kingdom. Labrador Labradors, also known as Labrador Retrievers, were initially used in Newfoundland as fishing dogs to retrieve fish that had gotten away. Because they are incredibly friendly but also intelligent and therefore easy to train, today Labradors are favored as disability assistance dogs, often helping individuals with blindness, ptsd, mobility issues and autism. Labradors are the most popular dog breed in the United States. They are intelligent and therefore easy to train, and loving and loyal, so they will quickly feel like part of the family. However, they do need a lot of exercise and attention, so adopting a Sheprador into your family is a commitment. German Shepherds have a reputation for being aggressive, but it is not really deserved. They are natural watchdogs and reserved around strangers, but they are not aggressive dogs that are likely to attack. They are also intelligent and easy to train, which means easy to control. Beagles, Poodles, Boxers, Golden Retrievers and Spaniels are all extremely friendly dogs as well, many specifically bred to be companions. They do best with active people or families who are full of people to love them. Like all dogs, they will do their best when they are cared for properly. This means training them appropriately, exercising them, keeping them mentally stimulated, and feeding them well. But these loyal pooches will repay your care and commitment with a lot of love and affection. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining. Characteristics Life Span As pointed out in the intro paragraph Shepradors generally live between 10 and 12 years, and sometimes they can reach the age of .However, they tend to be cautious with strangers, thanks to their German Shepherd ancestors. Caring Grooming: their shorthaired coat needs regular brushing: every day in the shedding season spring and autumn and three-to-five times a week in the rest of the year. Activity level With two highly energetic parent breeds, these dogs need an active life, so be ready to spend several hours a day keeping your pet busy. A Labrador Shepherd is generally 20 to 26 inches tall cm. Besides being active, you should have a large house, with a yard to provide her with enough space to move around. The Labrador Shepherd likes cold climates rather than hot weather, so be sure to have the ability to keep her comfortable all year. Further Reading Top 10 Dog Sports 2. They have it in their blood, and can successfully do police work, including searching, tracking, rescue, or guard work. If you care about your flowers and plants, you should also consider building an enclosure to keep your dog away from them. When you bring her inside, provide her with toys and games to keep her busy. She will enjoy any activity that stimulates her mind, such as dog puzzles or training sessions. The vacuum cleaner will be your new best friend German Shepherd Lab Mix is a double-coated breed, which means they have an undercoat next to the skin with longer hair over the top. Dogs from this crossbreed shed a lot, especially when the seasons change. If you want to keep her hair shiny and healthy, you should take time to brush her for at least minutes, three-to-five times a week. A consistent brushing schedule will help you reduce the amount of hair around the house. Besides brushing, you should include in your schedule: cleaning her ears once a week , brushing her teeth at least three times a week , and cleaning her eyes when needed. While this sounds like a lot, on the other hand, she only needs to take a bath about once a month. Exercising her on a concrete surface could help you keep her nails in good shape and reduce the number of visits to the vet. Always buy non-toxic toys, and substitute them with new ones as soon as they start deteriorating to avoid accidents. Your dog will need some strong toys, adapted to her age. Most hybrids tend to have a balanced personality, but as your puppy could be the result of more crosses , she may not inherit the exact characteristics you want in a dog; your future dog is prone to a series of health issues, caused by her bloodline. Obesity, hip and elbow dysplasia, eye diseases and diabetes are a lot more common with these dogs, but she could also develop epilepsy, skin allergies, bloat or cardiovascular diseases, these being common among Labradors and German Shepherds. From my point of view, most estimations work well for average dogs. You should buy your dog from a responsible breeder In most cases, a Labrador Shepherd has high potential and is a great candidate for the title of the perfect family dog. However, as mentioned before, hybrid dogs could have unpredictable coat colors, personalities, and health issues, so buying your puppy from a reliable source is as close as you can get to a clear image about your future dog. Generally, this hybrid can be 26 inches 66 cm tall and can weigh up to 88 pounds 40 kg. Taking into account the height and weight of its German Shepherd and Labrador mix parents, this crossbreed is a medium to a large-sized dog. So measurements can still vary more or less from that range. Good news for you! It will shower you with love and loyalty, and make you proud with its intelligence and playfulness. Do you think you can deal with this? Shepradors has a life expectancy of 10 to 12 years, but some of them can reach this age. We all want our pets to live longer and spend more years with us, so read this section to avoid and better prepare against genetic illnesses. Conclusion As you could see above, when buying a Sheprador you get the best of two great breeds. I think that this mix of German Shepherd and Labrador Retriever makes for the perfect family dog — kind, loyal, patient with children, and protective. However, they have endless energy and require a lot of time and attention, which makes them suitable for active families only. So are you ready to handle such a dog? Leave us a comment below and tell us about your personal experience with this unique crossbreed. My first Shepherd grew up as I did and wanted to be where I was at all times. I got my second dog as a 16th birthday present, and her loyalty for me was just as strong as my first. I hope that my contribution to Animalso will help others find dogs who give them that same unconditional love. But I adopted my little Hank recently and he seems both very playful and very cuddly. He likes to snuggle a lot but is very active too. Just wondering if I should expect him to go crazy one of these days? There is no way to find out if your puppy will develop any of these conditions. All you can do is to take care of your dog properly to prevent some of these severe medical conditions. Your growing dog should maintain a healthy weight because extra weight can be an additional weight on its spine. The ideal dog nutrition will also depend on any nutritional needs of your dog. If you are training your dog, never give treats as a reward. This encourages obesity and will only cause more problems for your dog. Here are top dog food brands that your German Shepherd Lab will surely love. Its core ingredients include ground brown rice, lamb meal, white rice, and chicken. It is all natural and contains no preservatives. Even a picky puppy will surely love this dog food. Precise Holistic Complete Large Breed Adult Formula Precise Holistic contains chicken, brown rice, chicken fat, and oatmeal and is considered the best organic dog food for large dogs. This comes with extra calcium and phosphorus needed by dogs to achieve its full, large size. This is a portion of irresistible dog food for large breed dogs such as your Lab German Shepherd mix. Just like any other dog, never give your German Shepherd Lab the following human food. Not all human food is safe for dogs. Alcohol Chicken bones or cooked chicken bones Grapes or raisins Salty foods and junk food Chocolate, coffee, or tea Onions, chives, and garlic If you want your dog to grow strong and healthy, you need to give them the best care in the world. So, start with their nutrition! That means you need to stay away from the worst dry dog food, and try out the best dry dog food instead. Your hairy friend comes from different parents and therefore you can experiment with the best dry dog food for small dogs or best large breed dry dog food. Our puppy friends need nutrition that is full of proteins and easy to digest. You can look for some ideas in the best puppy food brands. Senior dogs, in their grandpa style, need food which contains moderate protein levels as in the best senior dry dog food. Because of this, you need to spend ample time in a day to exercise and to walk this dog otherwise; it can develop destructive behavior. Play with your dog regularly to develop a strong bond with your pet. Remember that this dog will love to swim because of its Labrador Retriever lineage. A local dog pool or a pond would work great with your dog. If you have a large yard, an old, large vat will work great just for him to play and cool off. All dogs love to fetch and play Frisbee. Use other kinds of toys like large ropes so you can play pulling games. Use a giant ball for fetches like an old football or a tennis ball. Here are a few ideas 1. This is available in six sizes so you will surely find the best size for your medium to large-sized Lab German Shepherd mix. It is indestructible so your dog will undoubtedly spend hours playing with it. It is made from durable materials that will never break or chip. This is indestructible, and your dog will surely love to play with this over and over again. It is soft but is made to be indestructible. Your pet will surely love to chew on this soft bone. This will be his favorite toy in no time. Lab German Shepherd Mix Training The Lab crossed with a German Shepherd is a brilliant dog, but it may need more than simple traditional training techniques to train this dog. The following tricks will help you make your dog obey you in no time. The Clicker Technique Learn how to train your dog using a clicker. Press this, and you will hear an audible click, a sound that dog loves very much. The clicker may be used in all kinds of tricks, but the most common is for positive reinforcement. Just click the clicker when your dog can follow the trick and then click again if you want to repeat the behavior. Invest in a good clicker which is available in most pet stores online. This can contribute to obesity and other health problems related to being overweight. Reward good behavior by patting your dog, playing with him or giving him a good scratch. Tell your dog what a good dog he is and combines this with a lot of pats as reinforcement. Every dog takes his time so you must be patient. His bed should at the same place where he found it the first time while his food bowls should also be in the same area. Consistency is the key to training dogs important stuff. Also, consider talking to everyone at home regarding your rules and commands to reinforce consistency in training your dog. Train Your Dog In A Familiar Environment Dogs like the Lab are easily distracted; therefore you must train your pup in a quiet and familiar environment first before you take him out for further training. Start inside a quiet room with only you and him. You can train him outdoors once he is less distracted to noise and the presence of other pets and people. You may also opt for professional training for your Lab German Shepherd mix dog if you want your pup to grow up and become a service dog or police dog. German Shepherd Lab Mix and Families Lab German Shepherds can be great family dogs because these dogs love to be with their masters and to please them every way they can. These are patient with children and will never roughhouse or bite. They can even tolerate toddlers and very intense games like dress up and role play games. Lab German Shepherd mix dogs will love to be with other pets and even other dogs. They are not domineering and will never cause a fight. The Lab German Shepherd mix may become anti-social and may become aggressive with people or other dogs when they are not introduced to people and other pets early on. Your dog should be trained first and exposed to other dogs and people to prevent this untoward behavior. German Shepherd Lab mix puppies German Shepherd Lab mix dogs are a combination of energetic friendliness and natural protection. As well trained adults they have the potential to make great herding, hunting, retrieving, therapy, service or pet dogs. German Shepherd Lab mixes are affectionate with their family, but need plenty of exercise, shed heavily, and can be destructive if left alone for long periods. That is, they have one parent of each pedigree. So there is huge variation in how they look, and no standard appearance. Some have the telltale muzzle and tall ears of the German Shepherd, others more resemble a Labrador. The color of their coat will depend on the coloring of their parents. For example, a black Lab German Shepherd mix is likely to have a dark coat, and a German Shepherd yellow Lab mix is likely to have a mid-toned coat. There are even arresting-looking white German Shepherd Lab crosses. An ultra-warm undercoat and a coarse outer coat to protect them from the elements as they work outdoors. This is because the gene for long coats is recessive and very unusual among Labs. Gathering up their lost hair will be a never-ending task! A good vacuum cleaner is essential. This might be reason enough to choose a different crossbreed if you have a busy family or someone with allergies in the home. German Shepherds are large dogs. They stand 22 — 26 inches tall at their shoulder blades, and weigh 49 — 88 pounds. Meanwhile, Labs are a medium sized breed, 22 — 25 inches tall at their shoulders, and 55 — 80 pounds on the scales. A Labrador German shepherd mix could be as petite as their smallest parent or as big as their largest parent. Your German Shepherd Lab mix could weigh anything from 55 pounds to 80 pounds. As usual, the lower end of the range is typically made up of female dogs, and the top end is dominated by the boys. They love to interact with people, show their affection, and get on well with children. Also, the German Shepherd is confident, courageous and smart. They are loyal and full of life. Furthermore, Labradors and German Shepherds are both fast learners and eager to please. German Shepherds in particular need productive ways to channel their intelligence, or they will get into mischief to stave off boredom. Your German Shepherd Lab mix could inherit any combination of the traits of their parents, which is why meeting both parents before committing to bringing home a puppy is so important. Socialization Socialization is the process of making a dog comfortable with other animals, people, places and activities. Even for breeds that are known to be friendly and easy-going, like Labradors, socialization is very important. German Shepherd Lab mixes are likely to inherit a love of people and company from both sides of their family tree. But socializing them properly as puppies will be vital to give them the confidence they need in meeting new people. German Shepherds, despite their great loyalty to their family, can be wary of strangers. So thorough socialization from puppyhood is essential, even for a mix. For instance, Socialization can involve having new people call over to the house regularly so your pup gets used to new faces and voices. It can also involve introducing your puppy to new dogs, cats, children and other animals so that they do not become fearful or territorial. A young dog in good health could require even more. They will also need human company for much of the day, and training to keep those big brains from getting bored. They are working dogs at heart. Highly motivated to learn and impress you with their ability to follow instructions. Like with any dog, training them is an ongoing commitment that lasts a lifetime. But with your ultra smart dog it should be a satisfying and rewarding one. German Shepherd and Labrador Health Magnification of health problems in pedigree dog breeds has become a well-documented problem. Labrador Health One of the biggest health problems facing Labradors today is hip and elbow dysplasia — looseness in the joints that eventually leads to painful arthritis. Another is progressive retinal atrophy, a gradual failure of the retina at the back of their eyes that can ultimately leave them blind. Also, Labs are also notoriously greedy, and prone to obesity if their penchant for snacking is indulged too often. Another less serious but common issue in Labs is ear infections. These are easily treated but may require veterinary care and frequent inspections. In addition, they are more than usually prone to: Gastrointestinal diseases.

Design: Liked the theme and the toys were definitely durable. Health: Treats were made in the U. I mean, I love celebrating Halloween early as much as the next person, but in March? Mostly I was just weirded out by feeling like I'd been sent a Halloween box in March? Happy early Halloween, y'all! But in addition to that, everything in the box felt extremely high quality. Design: Both dog toys here felt very high-end and durable. Neither one was hideous, and I liked that there was a subtle St. I also loved that the rope toy is created through Fundacion Mitz which gives jobs to women in vulnerable communities. Health: I appreciated that the Loving Pets treats were made in the U. Customer Experience: I canceled my subscription via email, and it was easy. The customer service representative was pleasant and I liked that I got an email warning me that my subscription was renewing before I was out of the cancellation window. Summary: I was skeptical of this box going in because subscribing on the Greater Good site felt a little jenky, but I was actually really wow-ed by the quality of the items in the box and the value. I loved the products, and loved even more knowing that my purchase was feeding shelter animals. And our pick for the best Dog subscription box is… Okay, I lied. I love that it gives back, and everything in it felt really high-quality and thoughtfully-curated. I loved seeing a Fair Trade toy in the box, too. It felt good to buy an indulgent treat for our pups that also helped pups in need. Thanks for reading! Pin It The Dapple sometimes receives a small affiliate income when you shop using links featured on our site. Never Miss a Pupdate Sign up with your email address to receive news and updates. Email Address. Directly supports hungry shelter animals Gives you a premium assortment of products Still affordable considering the included donation Cons Subscription doesn't accommodate food allergies Why It Made the List Anyone who has a rescue or simply loves dogs is sure to appreciate The Animal Rescue Site's subscription box. RescueBox lets you spoil your dog every month while supporting a good cause in the process. With every RescueBox, you'll be sent five premium products, and The Animal Rescue Site will provide dozens of meals to homeless pets and shelter animals through its charitable partners located in the U. If you've been on the fence about splurging on a monthly dog subscription, RescueBox gives you the perfect excuse to do so. Subscriptions for small, medium, and large dogs are all the same price and include the same number of products. No other customizations can be made beyond dog size, but the treats, chews, and toys you receive are always carefully selected by a team of pet experts. The products also follow a monthly theme, so your dog will get to enjoy an exciting variety of high-quality goodies, and you'll feel good knowing that your subscription is helping pets in need. Yes Products Include: Treats, toys, and chews Final Thoughts If you want convenient monthly deliveries of different toys and treats for a price that doesn't make you think twice about spoiling your dog, a subscription to BarkBox gets you the most bark for your buck. Some subscriptions let you customize your plan based on your dog's needs and preferences, while others have experts that curate an assortment of goodies based on a new theme; BarkBox does both. You can expect a fun-themed variety of premium toys every month but can also customize your plan to your dog. Upgrading your plan to accommodate another dog or one who just goes through toys fast will increase your bill but will also qualify you for free shipping. It can be hard guessing whether or not your dog will like something you order online, but all BarkBox plans have a percent satisfaction guarantee. Free shipping isn't always included, but when it's not, you can often qualify for it by adding extra products to your order. None of the subscriptions on this list require committing to a certain number of boxes, though most plans are automatically set up for either 12 months or four quarters of recurring deliveries. You're always free to cancel whenever you want, and you never have to pay the cost of the entire subscription period upfront if you prefer month-to-month payments. Chewy's Goody Box is the only exception because unless you set up recurring shipping at checkout, every box must be ordered individually. Most dog subscription boxes contain bundles of both food and non-food items, but Pooch Perks , Bullymake , and Pet Treater let you adjust your plan to receive only toys. However, if accessories are the non-food item you prefer, BoxDog is the best option. While the subscription does include treats and toys, it also sends skin care products and lets you pick out accessories every month. The same applies to Bark Bright , which will supply you with a monthly supply of toothpaste and chews. Methodology To find the best dog subscription boxes, our team reviewed nearly two dozen services, evaluating each one on the following criteria: Average price Number of items per box Variety of products.

All hobby breeders must be in compliance by January 1, .We are only allowed to have five breeding females now. I am going to have to place some of my females. The ones that I had to make the very hard decision on placing will be noted underneath their pictures "available" and I will list them on the available adults page with all of their information as well. Tammy McKean-Bordeaux, or you can email me at tammystoypoodles yahoo. Just click the tab above to your left that says "poodle puppies" then the tab at the top of that page that says "screening questionnaire" and anwser the questions. You can copy and paste the entire document or simply email me your answers. I am located between Houston Texas and Galveston Texas. They are the light of my life! I am dedicated to producing healthy, happy, well socialized puppies! I have high quality bloodlines but, my soul purpose is to place my puppies in loving homes where they become part of the family. Therefore all of my Toy Poodle puppies are sold with limited registrations no breeding rights. My puppies are raised underfoot with lots of TLC and attention, as puppies should be. All of my puppies will have had their shots according to age, been wormed starting at 3 weeks of age and in weekly intervals, and their tails will have been docked before they ever leave home. They come with their shot record, AKC registration application and a written genetic health guarantee which can be viewed at the top of the poodle puppies page. All of my dogs are treated as household pets. They are all kept clean as well as groomed on a regular basis. I feed a well balanced diet of Science Diet hard kibble and canned Science Diet dog food. They get plenty of exercise, fresh air and sunshine which I believe contributes to good health and happiness. Plus all the love they deserve if you can give them enough love. This price includes the airline approved crate, health certificate from my vet and the flight itself. Puppies can be shipped at no less than 8 weeks of age and are under no circumstances allowed to leave home before 8 weeks of age. But I only ship Toy and Tiny Toy size puppies, not Teacups or Pockets for their own safety to protect them from hypogylcemia. Summer shipments in the south are prohibited due to extreme temperatures. Heat Embargoes go into affect by the airlines and will delay or cancel flights at the last minute causing rescheduling and making it impossible to guarantee you a delivery date. Temperatures must not be over 80 degrees or under 50 at either end of the flight by law and for the puppies health and wellbeing. So if you purchase a puppy in the summer whoes final destination is in the south, you will have to fly into Houston and pick your puppy up. I will meet you at Houston Hobby airport with your puppy. My puppies go directly to new homes with loving owners only. I am responsible for them being brought into this world and assuring that they are maintained in the manner in which they are accustomed to. Our Kennel that was custom built from the ground up in .This is the third kennel I've built over the years and this one has it all. Their own little house : The front door has a doggie door as well so that when they are outside playing if they get hot or cold they can go inside to the central heat and air. These are their outside runs where they do their "business" if they happen to have to "go" at night. These are the inside runs in our kennel where my poodles sleep at night. They each have a doggie door to go to their individual outside runs to "go" during the night if need be. Kennel area where I do their laundry and give baths. Puppy playpens in my sunroom off the back of my home where my puppies are born and raised. In addition, all puppies come with up-to-date vaccinations, a health guarantee, AKC papers if applicable, and deworming. They offer parti, phantom, and tuxedo colors in their toy Poodle breeding lines. These puppies are bred for extraordinary looks, temperament, and health to provide the best companion pet possible. The final price will vary depending on the color and markings of the pups once born. Unfortunately, they do not ship any puppies, but they will help you find a reputable pet nanny if you cannot come to pick up your new four-legged friend yourself. For any questions or to reserve a toy Poodle puppy from Quailridge Poodles and Doodles, call or text , email [email protected] or fill out a contact form on the website. For example, you can choose a red parti and abstract, phantoms with red points, merles, and black. All their puppies have AKC limited registrations, but there can be exceptions for showing or breeding with proper communication and under the right circumstances. You can reach Texas Red Poodles just north of Dallas by calling , emailing [email protected] , or submitting a contact form on the website. The parents receive genetic testing to ensure puppies are clear of any genetic predispositions for the healthiest Poodle for your home. All toy Poodle puppies come to their new owners with a 1-year health guarantee, a complete vet check and up-to-date vaccinations , deworming, started with puppy training, and a puppy kit. Tiny Toy Poodles of Danville, VA, also offer additional choices, including microchipping, a travel health certificate, and a leash and collar for an extra fee. Windair Poodles Windair Poodles is in Hinckley, Illinois, but they do service potential dog owners nationwide. They offer a wide range of toy Poodle colors, giving dog lovers a choice from whites, creams, silvers, apricots, reds, browns, and blacks. Their AKC registered pups make terrific companions or show dogs and have the ideal Poodle temperament and conformation. Contact Windair Poodles by phone at or email at [email protected]. The Takeaway Selecting from the best toy Poodle breeders for your new pet is not easy. First, you must research the breeder and the parents to ensure healthy pups are free from genetic disorders. Toy Poodles are a long-term commitment, and potential dog owners should prepare to support their new best friend for many years. Once you find one to secure your new Poodle, the most challenging part will be waiting to bring them home. However, in no time at all, your new best friend will be home and you can begin to bond with them. Similar Posts. F1b have one purebred parent and one cavapoo parent. All our F1b have a poodle parent and a cavapoo parent. If it were a cavalier parent and a cavapoo parent the puppies would shed and may look like mix breed spaniels. Same for cavapoo to cavapoo. I like silly hair cuts! I try to get a photo of each new way I trim their coats. The unique! My affinity for unique color prompted me to look for my favorite color of all time which is blue merle. Chocolate is even more popular and dilute so Cappuccino will produce blue merle cava-poo puppies, and maybe chocolate if the genes are there for the dilute in the Cavalier. Cavapoos are proving to be one of the favorite crosses families are looking for. Cavaliers are super sweet and snuggly so adding a bit more brains, and eliminating shedding makes for a terrific companion! The Maltese are full of themselves and so tiny. Perfect for those who want a really small dog that has some spunk, so crossed with poodle they are very easy to train! We wont have any Maltipoo until when Angelica, Angels daughter, is old enough to have puppies. Bubba is our red AKC miniature poodle from terrific health tested bloodlines. He is very smart and just a cuddle bug. Everyone who visits loves Bubba. They are shocked to learn he is a poodle. He has changed many peoples impressions of poodles, raised with lots of socializing and children like most poodles in that situation a friendly outgoing dog, super smart, and looks like a teddy bear, or lion, or whatever strange thing I have turned him into with silly hair cuts! Also pictures of him as a tiny 13 ounce puppy. He is another dog that proves you cant go by the poodle chart to know how big a puppy will actually get, he should have stayed about 6 pounds if the chart was accurate. I like to trim him like a teddy bear, and experiment with different ways to trim his coat. Some hair cuts are so goofy looking I didn't take any photos of them, but lately I decided to add the whole range to the slide show, even Bubba still wet form a bath! I like the lion cut the most, although the big eyebrow cut is much easier to keep groomed! Bubba has been health tested. He has OFA hips, eyes, and had a DNA test which checks things, which showed he was clear for everything tested, but a carrier for one thing. Carriers can't have the problem. My ex-mother-in-law turned 90 in March .Her dog had passed away a few months earlier. She was set on a dog who did not need to have hair cuts. Kim, my daughter, now goes every week to take her shopping, and on outings. I had done my bossy thing and told her to convince her to get a non-shedding, hypoallergenic dog. She isn't able to clean house well anymore, she has allergies, even though she denies it. Plus there was talk about going into a senior residential community, which I know she would love. Shes a social person. She tried getting 2 cats who needed a home. It didnt work, rubbing on her legs the one was going to knock her down, and they were getting into her many houseplants. I dont even want to think about the litter box situation, older home and plumbing and she was convinced you can just scoop it into the commode.In the outings with Kim she kept pointing at cute little dogs. Kim kept pointing out, Granda those dogs have cute hair cuts, it doesn't grow that way. Kim wisely suggested bringing over a different dog of the varieties she could borrow from us. Then she could meet them see what they are like and maybe keep one. Kim took Bubba first. He hopped in her lap. Before you know it shes asking if he would sleep with her. She never had a dog sleep in the bed due to the fur issue. Bubba slept with us. Kim said she wasn't planning to leave him, she will bring him back and bring the next dog. Edna asked to keep him. So Bubba was her 90th birthday present from us. He is not formally retired but will be as soon as our new red male is old enough and passes his health testing. Bubba adores her. Nothing better then to have a furry best friend. We of course also care for Edna and why I suggested Bubba. I knew she needed a best friend and Bubba is such a great dog. Bubba Bubba and his black poodle son. Bubba, as a puppy. Teddy red Cavapoo, and Bubba when a little baby. Bubba 3 months old, at a dirt bike race. He didn't mind the noise at all. Hunter, super smart 2 year old boy who just loved baby Bubba! Bubba with his fro.