craigslist poodle mix puppies

Breeds The link has been copied! Have you ever been curious about the German Shepherd and Great Dane mix breed? They are a rare but stunning crossbreed that can make the perfect pet. In this blog post, we'll explore everything that makes this one-of-a-kind breed so special - from training tips to potential health issues, so if you've had your eye on a German Shepherd-Great Dane mix pup, get ready to learn all about them. A German Shepherd and Great Dane mix are, just as it sounds, a combination of two iconic breeds that results in a unique, lovable pup. The parent breeds are both known for their intelligence and loyalty, making this mix an excellent companion. Due to their mixed-breed nature, you'll never know what you will get. Some may take on more of the appearance or traits of one or the other breed. However, most will end up looking like a cross between the two. If you know enough about their parent breed traits, you will be able to identify your pup's inherited characteristics early on. These dogs also have the potential to be quite large due to the size of both parent breeds. This unique hybrid has characteristics from both parent breeds, including their intelligence and loyal nature, while also adding size, thanks to their larger-than-life ancestors. As with any breed, there are many things you need to consider before getting a German Shepherd Great Dane mix puppy. Knowing what to expect can help you make an informed decision when choosing your companion pet. The German Shepherd German Shepherds are a breed of herding dog, bred for their intelligence and strength. They were originally bred in the s in Germany. Known for their loyalty, German Shepherds make great companions for almost anyone. They are highly trainable and intelligent, meaning you can use them to do all sorts of tasks, from search and rescue to tracking, protection work, agility courses, and more. Physically, these dogs feature a large, rectangular-shaped body that is supported by robust legs and a proud neck for a naturally handsome stance. Their coats come in several colors, often black and tan with a pronounced saddle pattern. Intense, almond-shaped eyes of varying color bring alertness and intelligence to their expression. On top of it all, they are incredibly affectionate and loving towards their families, making them a great companion for children who may be scared around larger dogs. The Great Dane The Great Dane is an iconic breed often known as the 'Apollo of all dogs' due to its imposing size and great regal bearing. The breed originated in Germany in the 16th century, although it wasn't until later in the s that it was officially named the Great Dane. Some credit the origin of this majestic canine to the Bullenbeisser, a now-extinct German mastiff, while others attribute its development to a mix of English Mastiff, Irish Wolfhound, and other breeds. It's one of the most popular large breed dogs in the world. Standing up to inches tall at the shoulder, the average Great Dane has an imposing presence. They have large strong necks with broad heads, long snouts, and powerful jaws. The coloring of these dogs can be varied, including fawn brindle, harlequin black mantle, and blue merle. Along with their signature size and appearance, their temperaments are also notable — gentle giants that make loyal pets and thrive when given plenty of love from their owners. Why is it a Good Mix? The German Shepherd and Great Dane mix have many qualities that make it desirable as a pet or working dog. Both parent breeds are incredibly intelligent, which means that these pups will learn quickly with proper training techniques. They're also loyal companions who will love spending time with their families. In addition, they are known to protect their owners and make excellent guard dogs. On top of all this, they can be very friendly towards other animals and children, which makes them great family dogs. Highly adaptable and social, they require an ample amount of attention from their owners and a home with lots of room to roam. Because of their protective nature and tendency to be territorial, they should regularly be socialized as puppies so that they become comfortable around strangers, other animals, and new environments. These intelligent animals will require a high level of mental stimulation or else they can become destructive and bored. This co-mingling of the energetic German Shepherd and docile Great Dane makes for a lively pet that keeps its owners entertained while still providing protection if necessary. In terms of size, they can range from medium to large dogs, depending on the size of their parents. On average, they typically weigh anywhere between lbs and measure between inches when fully grown. Fur length generally ranges from short to medium, depending on the dominant breed's genetics in the mix. Potential Health Issues of This Dog Mix Although German Shepherd Great Dane mixes are generally quite healthy dogs with a life span of years, there are some potential health issues that could arise from this particular breed combination, such as: Bloat Bloat is a serious condition that can affect deep-chested dogs, such as the German Shepherd and Great Dane mix. Bloat occurs when the stomach twists on itself, trapping gas and fluid inside. This can cause the stomach to swell and put pressure on other organs. If not treated immediately, bloat can be fatal. Hip Dysplasia Hip dysplasia is a condition that affects the hip joint. In dogs with hip dysplasia, the ball and socket of the hip joint do not fit together properly, which can lead to pain and lameness. If you notice any of these symptoms in your dog, it is important to take them to the vet for an evaluation. As mentioned, they require regular exercise to maintain their physical health, so they get enough walks each day if possible - ideally off-leash. Additionally, brushing them regularly will help keep any shedding under control while keeping those beautiful coats shiny and clean. The fur on your pet can be brushed every days to remove dirt and early matting from its coat, as well as having regular nail trimming done once or twice a month. In most cases, they don't need a regular bath, usually only when they have rolled in something unpleasant. Diet-wise, they don't require anything special; feeding them good quality dog food filled with plenty of protein and healthy fats is best. Also, always ensure they have access to fresh water throughout the day - especially during summer when hydration is vital. And finally, don't forget about the mental needs of this vibrant mix. Regularly spending time training and bonding with them can help create new associations and encourage good behavior. For more helpful articles about pet-parenting tips, check out the Off Leash blog at TryFi. Want to know more about TryFi. This is the fastest way to find your dog after an escape. Try the Fi Dog Collar today! The link has been copied! You might also like. The average Great Dane you meet today would present a personality almost nothing like his predecessors plus years ago. However, when it comes to training any breed, no matter how intelligent, learning progress almost always depends heavily on the experience and education of the trainer. Early socialization is always integral for the psychological development of any breed, but especially important for a dog prone to grow so large. Be sure to focus on bite inhibition training soft mouth, teach to control bite pressure when your mix is young. The giant breed would guard expansive estates for their wealthy handlers when not out hunting the likes of wild boar. Historians believe the Dane probably descended from a coupling of English Mastiffs and Irish Wolfhounds, the tallest dog breeds alive today. If you have to leave for an extended time work , take him for a nice walk in the morning and again when you get home. Organize a dog walker, friend or neighbour to come over in between those two walks to spend time with your dog. Take your new pet to play classes so he can socialize with other dogs, introduce your pup to neighbors, make everything as fun as possible, etc. He would make a much better family pet than any kind of guardian now. German shepherds are highly intelligent, loyal, and obedient yet always watchful and alert. A well-socialized GSD would make an equally wonderful family or individual companion. Combine these two breeds, and you have an eager to please, docile companion always up for the next adventure. Leadership When training any dog, remembering to make every experience an enjoyable, fun, and entertaining one is vital to both the success of your training and establishing that pet-owner bond. K9 and German Shepherd police dog training, or Schutzhund Training protection training is a great way to exercise your pup and provide learning opportunities, but make sure you offer an equal combination of socialization and positive interactions. Health Great Danes are known for hip and joint issues, many growth-related like other large to giant breeds. Hip Dysplasia, a painful condition resulting from a poor fit between the head of the femur and socket of the pelvis poor fitting ball and socket joint is common and preventative steps should be taken. A more dangerous, life-threatening, and often fatal condition called Gastric Dilation Volvulus Bloat is better known in Danes. Rapid eating is thought to cause a buildup of gasses, causing the stomach to expand and potentially rotate, cutting off its own blood supply. Paying careful attention to diet, nutrition, and individual meals can go a long way toward avoiding both issues above, on top of any other arthritis or joint issues. Diabetes is also a concern, depending on the type often nutritionally related. These dogs have been known to suffer from bloat, though not quite as commonly as the Great Dane. Overall, be sure to monitor the nutrition, weight, and exercise of your German Shepherd Great Dane mix very closely, every day. Provide plenty of opportunities for enrichment activities and daily walks. After adopting a puppy, discuss growth rates and feeding with your veterinarian. Some of these developmental issues can arise from excess eating and rapid growth. Be prepared to groom and vacuum regularly with your mix. Daily to semi-daily brushing will go a long way toward limiting the furballs around your home. A post shared by Anna Sharp 1sharpanna Unless otherwise told to by your veterinarian for a health-related reason, avoid shaving your German Shepherd Great Dane Mix. Their height will hover around inches cm. How big is your specific mix going to become? The answer is usually somewhere in between the two origin breeds and based on genetics. German Shepherd Dogs average between lbs. Great Danes can fall between lbs. It would be safe to guess your pup is probably going to grow larger than most German Shepherds. However, it can be best to ask your veterinarian to evaluate body size to be sure if is appropriate. When selectively bred, Great Danes can present with a hefty price tag because the breed is highly valued. If you think about it, this initial cost is a small price to pay compared to the future veterinary bills, monthly dog food, toys, etc. So, in the end, would a German Shepherd Great Dane mix be the dog for you? Are you willing to take precautions, and can you afford veterinary care if needed? Possible health concerns: Bloat requires emergency veterinary care and possible surgical intervention Joint issues common in larger breeds, sometimes related to rapid growth Weight control and management Epilepsy sometimes problematic in GSDs Ask yourself these questions before adopting: Do you have a fenced-in yard or a large backyard for your pup to play in? Are you able to meet his or her exercise needs on a daily basis? Do you have experience training a giant breed, or are you willing to learn? Do you have time to offer the daily enrichment opportunities your new pet needs? Unless you are an experienced handler, this particular mix might not make the best apartment dog. City life, with busy roads and smaller yards, might not be the best type of environment for the novice pet owner. If you have any questions about this crossbreed, feel free to leave them in the comments below or share your experiences with having a German Shepherd Great Dane mix! Disclaimer: This blog post does not substitute veterinary attention and does not intend to do so. I am not a veterinarian or pet nutritionist. If your dog shows any sign of illness, call your vet. Post navigation. A highly trainable dog click here for more details A good family dog who is tolerant of children click here for more details Will suit an owner with an active lifestyle click here for more details Minimal Grooming Requirements click here for more details A balanced temperament click here for more details Able to get along with cats and other small pets click here for more details Excellent guard dog click here for details What are the reasons not to get a Great Dane German Shepherd Mix Dane Shepherd? This dog requires a lot of space Will not suit owners who cannot be at home most of the day Some dogs may be a little domineering Due to size needs to be closely monitored with very small children Medical problems associated with a large dog What is a Great Dane German Shepherd Mix? The combination of the Great Dane and the German Shepherd Dog offers a hybrid breed with a balanced temperament, a great sense of fun and high trainability. With any hybrid it is always important to research the founding breeds in order to be in position to have guidance on both the physical attributes and the temperament. This is because there is no exact science to predict which characteristics will predominate and how they will be configured in any particular dog. For more information regarding the founding breeds and a whole range of other wonderful types of dogs please feel free to visit our breed guide. The German Shepherd brings athleticism, focus and trainability to this mixed breed What are the history and origins of the Great Dane German Shepherd Mix? In order to truly understand the qualities and character of a classic or hybrid breed it is essential to have an idea of their original purpose and development. So here follows an account of the fascinating history surrounding both the Great Dane and the German Shepherd. The result was a beautiful and very popular dog. The German Shepherd is highly intelligent and capable and unbeaten in response to training and adaptation. It is no surprise then that some proud owners have dubbed the German Shepherd as the king of all dog breeds. The German Shepherd possesses an excellently balanced temperament. These dogs make wonderful pets and are brilliant around children. Some can have excitable temperaments but they are always gentle. German Shepherds are fun-loving members of the family and very playful in nature. In addition they are also able to cohabit with smaller pets. This breed are natural guard dogs and their protectiveness can make them a little distrustful of strangers. But their high level of trainability allows them to be very adaptable and biddable. Also a well-looked after German Shepherd will usually have a balanced temperament. German Shepherds remain by far the most popular dogs in the Herding Group and ranks at number three according to AKC registration data [2]. The Great Dane brings a mellow and gentle temperament to the wonderful Dane Shepherd The Great Dane Parent Breed — Origins and History It is perhaps a reflection of the magisterial nature of this dog that national claims to ownership have been something of a big bone of contention in the history of this huge hound. Most sources agree that this breed was, in fact, originally from Germany, although some accounts claim Scandinavian origins even before this. There is even some evidence that this type of large dog was extant in Ancient Greece, and there are some depictions of dogs in Ancient Egyptian tombs from BC which bear a resemblance to the magnificent breed that we have today. From the 13th and 14th centuries there are clearer pictorial and written records of the forebears of this giant breed. It is thought that extra size and speed of these dogs was contributed to by interbreeding with the Irish Wolfhound, and possibly other Sight-Hounds such as the Greyhound. This added more of a lean, athletic frame while retaining the strength and power that we still associate with the Great Dane. Once the prey had been discovered these dogs were sent in to bring down large powerful prey such as boars, deer and even bears. Finally due to some anathema towards Germany most English-speaking nations settled on Great Dane. Originally the companion of nobles and kings even to this day Great Danes retain a sense of being an aristocrat amongst canines. The Great Dane is popular not only for its formidable strength and speed but also for its regal appearance. The Great Dane tends to have a mellow temperament while the German Shepherd tends to be little more busy although perfectly balanced and biddable. Also the German Shepherd Dog is very focused in training and is able and willing to learn a range of commands. Although the Great Dane is trainable they can be a little stubborn and become distracted. The German Shepherd is usually relaxed with other dogs, but some of them can be aggressive towards other dogs particularly if their guarding instinct is triggered. The German Shepherd Great Dane Mix is very likely, therefore, to have a steady temperament and be protective of the family. But with more enhanced focus in training than a standard Great Dane. But at one point in the history they have both had these origins hidden by a change of name. But unlike the Great Dane , the German Shepherd managed to reclaim its name, but not until .The Great Dane parent breed not only casts a large shadow, but literally becomes a a large shadow as it follows its owners around. The German Shepherd is more independent but is still very keen to stay close to its owners. The Dane Shepherd is a very large, energetic dog who likes to be kept busy at all times. This means a prospective owner of the Great Shepherd will need to be very active and experienced owner in order to ensure that willing to spend time ensuring this dog is socialized and fully entertained with extensive walking and lots of interactive play. Although a wonderful dog, some German Shepherds can be a little domineering and occasionally aggressive towards other dogs. This is likely to be tempered by the more laid back Great Dane parent breed influence, but this still means that early socialization should be put in place to ensure that the Great Shepherd is fully manageable in all canine encounters. With this in place the Great Dane German Shepherd Mix will prove to be a playful and fun-loving family dog. Both parent breeds have a reputation for being patient and tolerant towards smaller children, and also as having the ability to get on with any felines in the household. This dog is likely to excel in any training class and the German Shepherd influence will help with good focus and an aptitude to learn a range of commands. With socialization and training the Great Shepherd will be a confident and obedient dog who is both a good companion in the home, and a well-behaved canine citizen outside of the home. It is possible that this dog may be a little sensitive, so positive reinforcement should be used in training. The Great Dane German Shepherd Mix is very likely to suffer from separation anxiety, so is ideally suited to households where somebody is able to be at home most of the time. This dog will generally be gregarious and able to live with fellow canines but if you are bringing a puppy home to an established dog this should be done in a carefully structured way as outlined in introducing a puppy to an older dog. Any Great Dane based hybrid dog requires special consideration in terms of the planning of exercise for puppies and young dogs that are still growing. This means that exercise should initially be compartmentalized into little and often rather than one walk in the very early years of the dog. This is because over-exercise can potentially damage bones, ligament and joints in the Great Dane and potentially also in this dog. If you are concerned regarding this then it is highly advised that you discuss this with a vet alongside feeding and other aspects of fundamental care for this huge hybrid. Once fully grown this is a dog that is going be very active, as both parent breeds are energetic dogs. So potential owners should plan to offer a good level of exercise. This should include opportunities to run and play off leash. The Great Shepherd will also benefit from opportunities for interactive play in a safe enclosed area at home to keep this dog fully physically and mentally stimulated. This Great Dane German Shepherd will ideally suit active households who enjoy hiking, cycling and other outdoor pursuits. This dog will happy trot alongside a jogger for many miles. For an experienced owner who is also very active the Great Dane German Shepherd Mix makes an absolutely wonderful family pet. Both parent breeds are valued and treasured as loyal, devoted and highly trustworthy additions to the family for those who have the space. The Dane Shepherd will need lots of stimulation and may be a little attention-seeking due to its high levels of intelligence. But they will be very trainable and will quickly learn all house rules as long as they experience strong canine leadership. The Great Dane German Shepherd Mix will also be fiercely protective of the family and very eager to please. German Shepherds and the Great Dane are both known for being tolerant with smaller humans in the family. This means the Dane Shepherd will be good and patient with children, although all play must be carefully supervised. Also with the correct socialization this dog will most likely get on with any smaller pets in the household, although socialization must be put in place to ensure that they are calm when unfamiliar guests appear at the house. The ideal owner will be active, patient and willing to put in time to socialize and train this dog. As you might expect from the influence of the German Shepherd parent breed, the Great Dane German Shepherd Mix has huge potential in being intelligent and focused enough to learn a range of commands. This German Shepherd mix dog will also thrive on the stimulation provided by obedience training. This means that any inexperienced owner must invest the time in attending training classes as early as possible. Also any experience with large dogs would be hugely beneficial. Also, due to its size, power and high energy levels this dog is best suited to a home environment where they have human company for most of the day. This means brushing only once or twice weekly. If the parent German Shepherd is long-haired this may mean a thicker coat that needs slightly more attention. In periods of hot weather brushing should be undertaken on a daily basis to remove dead hair in order to keep this dog comfortably cool. Please click here for other tips on keeping your dog safe in hot weather. Additionally this dog will be playful and highly active meaning a prospective household will need lots of space both inside and outside the house. The Great Shepherd is ideally suited to a rural area or a home which has a good-sized, secure area outside in which to burn off its almost inexhaustible supplies of energy and willingness to play. An urban setting will need a large yard or instant and easy access to a safe outdoor space. In terms of size and activity levels this dog is not recommended for apartment living. Ensure that as part of any grooming routine the ears of the Great Shepherd are carefully cleaned in order to avoid infection and nails are clipped. The lifespan of the Great Dane parent breed is sadly only between 6 to 8 years. While the German Shepherd Dog has a healthy lifespan of around years. Mixed breeds are potentially healthier than classic breeds of dogs, but it is still important to be aware of some of the health complications that can afflict the founding breeds of the German Shepherd Great Dane Mix in order to have a higher awareness of how best to care for your dog in consultation with a vet. Potential health problems for the Great Dane German Shepherd Mix include: cardiomyopathy and other related heart conditions. It is always a great idea to shop around and look into several breeders before finalizing your deal. Keeping their coats healthy and clean would only require brushing at least two to three times a week with a smooth bristle brush. Brushing their coats will help to evenly distribute the natural oil of their coats to make them look shiny. This will also help you lessen your trips to the groomers. This crossbreed sheds twice a year the most. You can better manage their shedding during these seasons by brushing their coats more frequently at least once a day. They would also need to be given a bath occasionally or when they get really dirty. Bathing can help get rid of excess hair and dead skin, too. Make it a point to have their nails trimmed regularly to prevent them from breaking or splitting. Cleaning their ears should also be an important part of your grooming routine. You need to frequently remove moisture, wax, or debris from their ears to avoid infection. Redness or bad odor is a sure sign that they got an infection. These dogs love to chew, and this can play to your advantage in terms of taking care of their dental health. You can provide them with dental chews to maintain and improve their oral care. This coupled with regular brushing of at least three times per week will help keep them healthy. They can be prone to a number of genetic health issues that are typical to their parent breeds. Having your puppies screened can help you predict which disease they are more susceptible to. This will, in turn, help you make all the necessary care and preventive measures. These dogs are generally healthy, but some of the major health concerns with this cross breed that they might experience later in life: Allergies — Like their German Shepherd parents, they may be prone to allergies such as dermatitis, food allergies, and inhalant allergies. Bloat — It is one of the most common health issues that stemmed from their Great Dane heritage. What happens is that their stomach is filled with air and it twists back. This occurs when they eat too quickly. It can only be cured through surgery, but owners could take a few extra steps to ensure they eat slowly. Elbow and Hip Dysplasia — It is very common for large dogs such as these to develop painful arthritis in their elbows or hips which results in abnormal bone growth in these joints. This health issue can develop as early as five months and could worsen as they grow old. Skin Infection — Although most dogs can be plagued with skin diseases like ringworm, dermatitis, or manage, this hybrid may also be vulnerable to demodicosis, zinc-responsive dermatosis, hypothyroidism, acral lick dermatitis, and histiocytoma. You should definitely make sure that your puppies are screened of these health issues before you adopt. It can help guarantee you get a healthy puppy and save yourself from expensive treatments and heartaches. They are not picky with their food and therefore eat almost anything that you provide them. You can divide their food into two meals of high-quality dry dog food to keep them satiated. Due to their slow metabolism, it is recommended to give them a healthy and regularized diet. Their formula is easily digestible. It has probiotics which help improve digestion and prevent bloating. It also works to strengthen the joints and their immune system. Due to their susceptibility to bloat, you might need to use a couple of tools that can help you ensure your dog stays healthy. Automatic Dog Feeder — If you are too busy to feed your dog twice a day, you can use an automatic dog feeder instead. It can come with a couple of features and programming functions. You can schedule their feeding or set it up on a continuous stream. It works with dry dog food or kibble. This tool can also help you regulate their portions according to their diet. Water Dispenser — An automatic water dispenser will help ensure that your dog could get access to fresh filtered water whenever they need it without having to refill their bowl numerous times during the day. You love your pooch, and you want them happy and healthy all the time. So, no matter if they are a large breed or small, make sure to avoid giving them the worst dry dog food , and only go for the best dry dog food , for example, Dog For Dog Food , Wellness Core Dog Food , or the Nutra Thrive dog food supplement. Every mixed pup carries the genes of their respective, sometimes vastly different parents. So, try your luck with both the best dry dog food for small dogs and the best large breed dry dog food and see which one they like better! Physical and mental activities will help in keeping them healthy, happy, and well behaved. These dogs are highly intelligent and very clever. They can easily get bored and cooped up indoors with nothing to entertain them. It becomes a problem because they have a tendency to develop destructive behaviors like excessive barking and chewing. Aside from two long leisure walks each day you might also want to let them join you for a jog, hike, run, or cycling. They need at least an hour of activity per day. As they tremendously enjoy being outdoors, a trip to the dog park once a week would be a nice treat. They would want to have some time off leash to let them run free and play with other dogs. These dogs have an inclination to gain weight when inactive; that is why it is important for them to have regular activities. Access to a large yard will be useful as they can run and play by themselves. They are very playful in nature. Having a few toys to keep them busy would be a great way to prevent boredom. They are highly perceptive, intelligent, and clever. Your dog will greatly appreciate the time you can spend with them training or playing. Just be careful not to over-exercise your dog. A German Shepherd Great Dane Mix grows fast, making them prone to injuries especially when they are still under two years of age. These are smart and clever dogs that are very eager to please. They love learning and enjoys every minute of training. Here are a few things you need to remember to help train your dog more effectively: Socializing — Socializing these dogs should start at an early age. They are wary of strangers, and it would benefit you both if they can get familiarized with other pets and humans in your group. It is a great way to teach them how to be comfortable in a crowded setting. Positive Training Method — This hybrid is easily trainable and quick to learn. Positive reinforcements using treats will help you keep them interested and obedient. Harsh or punishment-based training can only result in aggression, stress, and fear. Firm and Consistent Trainer — It is natural for this hybrid to attempt to exert their domination. If you remain consistent and firm with your commands, they would soon understand and follow immediately. Their trainers need to be confident because these dogs can sense it and it brings out the alpha in them. They are playful, patient, and loving. They enjoy the company of family, friends, as well as other pets. With proper training and socialization, they can be the most gentle, affectionate, and perfect companions. They need owners who love to stay active and spend time with them. Your only concern would be with regards to smaller children. These dogs are enormous, and they can easily bump to them while playing. So, you need to keep in mind not to leave them unsupervised. You might also want to explain to your kids not to engage them while they are eating, and never try to pull or ride your dog. They are prime watchdogs because of their protective instinct, physical characteristics, and mental abilities. Intelligent, always alert, and perceptive. These dogs are devoted to keeping their families safe from danger; that is why they can be cautious or suspicious of anyone whom they are not familiar with. After a while, they can form close bonds and become very loyal to their owners. This big dog is suitable for homes with large spaces or a yard. But, if you can take them out to exercise each day, they can be docile and happy to sit around inside your home. If you are looking for a smart, loving, and a gentle giant, Great Dane German Shepherds will be an excellent addition to your family. References: Wang, Ping, et al. Wilcox, Charlotte. The Great Dane. Capstone Press, .Coile, D. German Shepherds for Dummies. Hungry Minds, .Meeting the parents can also help you determine the likely size and physical attributes of your puppy as he ages. This is partly because they are easy to train, but it is also because they are wary of strangers. They will trust family members and handlers completely, but it can take a few meetings before they trust somebody new. The Dane Shepherd tends to adopt the same attitude. Early socialization can improve their confidence around strangers, but most examples of this breed will remain cautious with new people. Considering the sheer size of the breed, though, this is considered preferable to having a giant dog that jumps up to greet everybody he passes. They Really Are Giant Dogs German Shepherds are big dogs, but nothing in comparison to the Great Dane, and depending on which parent breed is dominant, you could end up with a very large dog, or a mammoth canine. If your dog takes after the Great Dane, he will need a lot of space and room. Even tasks as seemingly simple as turning around can become a problem if this hybrid breed lives in a confined space. As such, although the breed does not require as much time outdoors as some other large breeds, the Dane Shepherd is better off living in a large house with a decent yard. If you have small children, take careful note of the size of the dog. Accidents happen, and when that accident involves a lb dog with clumsy feet and big claws, it can be potentially dangerous. The breed is used by police forces around the world to protect and serve. They are trained to sniff out and rescue people trapped in buildings. They are also used to pick up the scent of criminals and even explosives and drugs. In fact, the first seeing-eye dog was a German Shepherd, even though the Labrador Retriever is better known for this role nowadays. They will happily sit in front of the fire or, if allowed, on your lap, for hours. But when called upon, they will spring into action. They are highly intelligent animals, and usually want to please their owners, which makes them relatively easy to train. However, some dogs of this breed require an experienced trainer because they can get carried away. They will usually enjoy spending a lot of time with their family and might struggle with being left alone for long periods, and they will especially love going for walks or playing with the whole family. Are These Dogs Good for Families? With that said, they are giant dogs and they need a lot of room. They may cause accidental injuries when playing, so you should always take care when they are around kids. It can be tempting for children to treat a dog of this size as a horse, but this should be actively discouraged. You should also prevent children from pulling his ears or tail to ensure that they get along well. This is true in their own home and is also true outside of the house. Again, you need to consider the size of the dog. Cats are usually instinctive enough to get out of the way when a dog of this size starts to charge around, and you should always supervise time between a giant dog and small animals. Enroll in puppy classes and take your Dane Shepherd to the dog park for extended walks. This will help with socialization and will ensure that your dog is well adjusted and responds to your commands. They are easily one of the biggest designer breeds, especially if they get their physical attributes from the Great Dane parent breed, but the German Shepherd is no lap dog either. They have energy and dietary requirements to match their size, so expect to go on lots of walks and to feed a lot of food. As such, you need to ensure that you stick to a good diet. Expect to feed between three and four cups of good quality food every day. Their size means that the Dane Shepherd will not struggle to get food from the worktop or countertop. Expect to provide around 60 minutes of exercise a day, which can include some playtime in the yard, as well as walks. It is worth remembering that this breed needs mental stimulation as much as physical exertion. They are very intelligent, and this means that they can become bored if they are not stimulated. A bored dog tends to mean a destructive dog, as they will create their own means of entertainment and may bark and whine to get attention. The Dane Shepherd might enjoy agility classes, but they may also struggle with some of the agility courses and classes due to their size. Flyball, fetch, and vigorous games like tug of war will be popular, though. The Great Dane, although loving and eager to please his family, can be a little more challenging. The Dane Shepherd will usually fall somewhere between these extremes. They are clever and they will pick things up quickly. Many of them are suitable for first-time dog owners because they are easy to train, but others will require an experienced hand that is dominant without being cruel. Use praise and positive reinforcement but remember that if you fail to take the lead, then the German Shepherd in your hybrid dog will take over and your dog will dominate training proceedings. This means that your dog will have short hair that is easy to manage. You can brush him every day to keep his coat under control, and he will probably enjoy the attention. Your dog will shed twice a year, but this is usually only a moderate shedding, unless he takes after the German Shepherd, in which case you might need to brush more often especially during shedding season. Only bathe your dog when he is especially dirty. Brush teeth three times a week , and check inside their ears every week. You may also need to clip his nails occasionally, especially if his daily walks are in the park or another soft surface. Most dogs naturally grind their nails down when walking on concrete and abrasive surfaces. Unfortunately, the breed can be prone to some of the genetic conditions of the parent breeds. Puppy screening will identify any of these conditions that they are likely to suffer. This hybrid breed can suffer from allergies including dermatitis, bloat, and joint dysplasia. Minor Conditions. They typically thrive on any high-quality commercial dog food. We recommend a diet that is high in protein, as these dogs are quite active. Furthermore, you may want to look at a formula that supports their joints. These dogs are prone to some joint problems, and there are a few ingredients that can potentially help with this. Of course, if your dog has any specific health problems, you may want to consider a diet to help with that as well. For instance, skin and coat problems can often be helped with a diet high in omega fatty acids. These dogs are large, so they need a substantial amount of food. We recommend carefully budgeting for their food needs due to their size. German Shepherds tend to be very active. Great Danes are a bit more laidback. Their puppies can fall anywhere in this category. Typically, dogs that are not exercised appropriately will exhibit destructive behaviors. If your dog is behaving badly, it may be because they have not had enough exercise. Because of their people-oriented nature, these dogs prefer to exercise alongside their people. They make great exercise partners. Many will thrive on agility training and similar exercises. Look for ways to combine mental and physical exercises. They often pick up commands very fast and listen to their owners quickly and easily. However, their protective instincts often mean that they need training. While they will listen to their owners easily, they have to know what your words mean first. We do recommend classes for the vast majority of owners, as these dogs need proper and correct training. You should also focus heavily on socialization. These dogs can be quite protective and territorial. They will assume that people and other dogs are the enemies unless they are socialized otherwise. You should introduce them to a variety of different dogs and people at a young age. Puppy classes are a great place for this. They provide your canine with an opportunity to meet many different puppies and people in a group setting. You know that the other dogs there are vaccinated and that the environment is safe, which provides the perfect opportunity for your dog to socialize. We recommend taking your puppy to many different locations when they are young. Explore stores in your area that allow puppies, take them to parks, and visit friends. This will ensure that your puppy is used to a wide variety of situations and people, which prevents them from becoming scared once they are adults. You can plan on brushing them once or twice a week. This will help remove any loose fur, dirt, and debris. Your dog may have short- to medium-length fur depending on the exact traits they inherit. Either way, your main concern is going to be shedding. Occasionally, these dogs may start shedding more than usual. This is likely to occur during the changing seasons, such as during the spring and fall. You may need to increase their brushing routine to every other day or even every day when this occurs. Adjust your grooming sessions as necessary. The brushing sessions will help remove the majority of the dirt and dust. You will likely only need to bathe them if they roll in something particularly dirty, like mud or trash. In this case, be sure to use a sensitive shampoo, as some of these canines are prone to skin irritation. We do not recommend putting these dogs on a regular bathing routine. Like all dogs, you will need to trim their nails regularly. This not only prevents their long nails from hurting you and your furniture, but it prevents the nails from splitting. Very long nails can also cause walking problems and pain. Many offer nail-only appointments that are very inexpensive. The ears can trap dirt and debris, which can cause ear infections. They may need to be cleaned with a damp cotton ball. This will help prevent periodontal disease, which is extremely common in dogs. Their dental health affects their whole well-being. Damaged gums provide germs with quick access to the bloodstream, damaging organs and causing a wide range of problems. This occurs when the hip joint does not grow congruently. The ball and socket stop fitting together properly while the dog is a puppy, which causes them to rub together. After the damage begins, the hip will never correctly fit. Over time, this causes arthritis-like signs. Some dogs are affected but never show any signs. Other dogs may actually have minor wear, but they may be in severe pain or even lame. Treatment varies widely depending on the dog. Sometimes, surgery is required. This disease is partially genetic and partially environmental. Some dogs are more genetically prone to it than others. However, factors that affect growth, like food intake, are what usually cause this disease to occur. If puppies are overfed while they are growing, it can make some parts of their body grow faster than others. This uneven growth causes hip dysplasia. Like their Great Dane parent, this mixed breed may be more prone to bloat than other breeds. This is a life-threatening condition where the stomach fills up with gas and expands. Without treatment, the stomach will push on the surrounding tissues and cut off blood flow. This lack of circulation kills the tissue and causes shock. Dogs can die after only a few hours. The only treatment is emergency surgery, which can be quite expensive. Without the surgery, the dog will die within 24 hours. Because of the high likelihood of bloat, some vets may recommend a procedure to prevent it. This involves securing the stomach to the inside of the abdominal wall, which prevents the stomach from flipping and filling up with gas. If their ears are floppy, this breed can be prone to ear infections. You can reduce the odds of this by carefully cleaning the ears if there is a build-up of debris. Be sure to dry the inside of your ears completely. Minor Conditions. Among largest crossbreeds on earth - this mix is considered a large to giant-sized breed. Typical colors: black, brown, hazel, white, merle. Great Dane genetics will typically give these dogs a shorter coat that's easier to manage than a GSD's, but this varies depending on parent dogs. Lifespan: 8 - 13 years. They need to be supervised around young kids due to their large size. Smart, energetic, loving, warm, affectionate, friendly, loyal, protective. Can be wary around strangers. Their intelligence and energy makes these dogs trainable, but they'll need a lot of daily exercise - big open spaces are great for these large dogs to run around in. This will help limit any destructive behaviors. This will depend on the breeder. Hektor eventually became the founding sire and was first named German Shepherd Dog in thanks to the keen eye and ambitious goals of Max von Stephanitz. German Shepherds split from a group of dogs similar in appearance and purpose that included the Dutch Shepherd and the Belgian Shepherd. The Belgian Shepherds would eventually divide even further. They would include the well-known Belgian Malinois and three other types. A scientific article that addresses evolution in certain dog breeds states that the five Italian herding dogs, like the Bergamasco Shepherd, had ancestors in common with the German Shepherd. The German Shepherd line split from the Italian dogs and a French herding dog around .First, fanciers developed the breed in Germany in the late s. Finally, Great Danes evolved in appearance over the passing generations. Great Danes have much more ancient roots than German Shepherds. They appear in the art of Egypt from 4, B. As you have probably surmised by now, Great Danes are not Danish, although they had a distinctive slender type in Denmark. Danes became proficient at hunting wild boars, which at the time, hunters considered among the most challenging game to overpower. Boars were incredibly strong, smart, quick, and fearless. The dogs who hunted them had to be tough in mind and body and very swift of foot. Breeders during the 14th century blended their huge Mastiffs with the fast-coursing Greyhound and perhaps the scrappy Irish Wolfhound to produce the ideal boar dog that would come in at the end of the pursuit and grab and hold the hog. Their slow transformation began in the s when German noblemen discovered the fearless and magnificent Great Dane. These people of elevated status did not often hunt boars, but they appreciated how large and imposing the Danes were. They began seeking out the dogs for their families and to guard their properties. Nobility selected dogs for good looks and height because beauty and intimidation were of paramount importance for aristocratic households. After progressive selection for taller dogs, the breed standard for the Great Dane was born about .You will have a large hybrid dog German Shepherds are usually 22 to 26 inches tall at the top of the withers and weigh from 60 to 90 pounds. Males are slightly taller and substantially more muscular than females. Female Great Danes are 28 to 30 inches at the shoulder while males are 30 to 34 inches tall. The weight difference is also significant between the genders, with females about to pounds and males as much as pounds. Even current standards prefer dogs to be as tall as possible. The tallest dog ever was a Great Dane, Zeus, who stood 44 inches at the shoulders. GSD Great Dane mixes are quite tall at 28 to 30 inches at the shoulders. However, this mix can be very lean at 65 pounds or massive like a Great Dane at up to pounds. Expect a male to be a little taller and substantially heavier than a female. What traits will your Shepherd Dane mix have? German Shepherds immediately strike you with their confidence and self-assurance. Most of them are black and mahogany or black and tan. Even Shepherds who are solid colors like red, blue , or black , are easily recognizable with their noble, slightly domed heads, large erect ears, majestic and powerful necks, rather long torsos, and strong hindquarters built for driving. German Shepherds are smaller than Great Danes, but they have as much presence and poise. The Great Dane is very tall, but your first impression should be one of elegance, strength, and balance. Like the Shepherd, they have a noble head carriage on a slender but powerful neck. They are galloping dogs in contrast to Shepherds, who are trotting workers. A Great Dane has a long and deep muzzle with a slightly furrowed brow and medium drop ears. Cropped ears are quite long as they stand upright, especially for show dogs. Great Danes notably have long and powerful limbs, relatively square proportions, and a long slender tail that tends to curve up at the tip. A Great Dane can also be brindle, harlequin, mantle, solid white, blue, or merle. Unique colors that may not find favor in the show ring are any shades of chocolate including chocolate and white, blue brindle, blue and white, and merlequin. What are merle, harlequin, and merlequin? Merle is a marbling effect of the colors grey and black in Great Danes. Color variations of merle, as seen in breeds like the Australian Shepherd, are not standard for Great Danes. Harlequin, a color pattern unique to Great Danes, is a white base coat with random splotches of black and sometimes gray. Harlequin and merle are closely-related genetically, according to Doggenetics. Merlequin is where the black patches in an otherwise Harlequin dog express as merle splotches. What about mantle? Picture a Boston Terrier with a classic black and white coat. In a Great Dane, the Boston black and white color is a mantle, referring to the black blanket effect over an otherwise white dog. Although some dogs can also be fawn or blue in the areas of black, the traditional tuxedo colors are preferable. Many Great Dane German Shepherd mixes have a typical look about them. Shepherds mixed with Great Danes commonly sport colors like fawn, merle, black, and black and white. German Shepherd Great Danes tend to be leggy. German Shepherds have earned a sometimes justifiable reputation for aggression. They are naturally protective , a characteristic that people enhanced over the generations to produce good guarding instincts for home security and exceptional bite force for police and military work. The result of irresponsible breeding has produced a highly popular dog that shows up way higher on biting dogs lists than he should. German Shepherds are meant to be excellent guard dogs who discriminate appropriately between harmless strangers and malicious intruders. They should only bite as a last resort or in response to a direct command. Fear aggression with defensive biting persists in some German Shepherd lines. Great Danes were hunting dogs before they were guard dogs. Today, they are companion animals before they are formidable guards. Although inheriting some guarding instincts from their Mastiff bloodlines, Great Danes often have a bark worse than their bite. However, Danes always historically could be protective when warranted. In a fascinating statistical analysis by the American Animal Hospital Association , German Shepherds were in the top five dogs most likely to bite while Great Danes were in the bottom five with Dalmatians and Pointers. The Great Dane makes an excellent watchdog, able to loudly warn of suspicious activities, intimidate with her size and presence alone, and back up her stance if necessary. Some family bloodlines are fearful like the Shepherd, producing dogs that cower and bite with little provocation. Your Dane Shepherd should be a calm and steadfast companion, confident and friendly to strangers, and territorial and boldly sounding the alarm when sensing trouble. You should carefully train your Shepherd Dane mix so he can readily discern between guests and people who intend harm. He will likely be naturally protective of you, your family, and house, and many experts advise you not formally train such a dog to guard or become aggressive. The German Shepherd has an average lifespan of about 10 to 12 years and the Great Dane 7 to 9 years. Often a hybrid will live a couple of years longer than his German Shepherd parent breeds, but unfortunately not in the case of the Great Shepherd. Shepherd Dane mixes only live about 7 to 10 years. The notable condition the Great Dane and German Shepherd share is bloat. A peculiar and life-threatening condition whereby the stomach distends with gas or fluid and rotates about to degrees is fairly common in large, deep-chested dogs without proper management. Your Great Shepherd can also inherit certain diseases from his German Shepherd parent breeds, some more so than others. Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency — A disease where the pancreas does not produce enough enzymes to digest food properly, EPI is more common in the German Shepherd dog. Signs include a healthy appetite with failure to maintain a healthy weight. Affected dogs appear malnourished. Diabetes — a problem common to German Shepherds. Diabetes is a far different disease in dogs than humans or cats, rarely tied to insulin resistance. Cardiomyopathy — Although not as afflicted as Dobermans, Great Danes see their fair share of dilated cardiomyopathy, or heart disease, and can pass it to their puppies. Cancer — Great Danes are vulnerable to bone cancer and malignancies of the lymph nodes and system. German Shepherds commonly develop spleen cancer as they age. Hip dysplasia — Great Danes and German Shepherds both commonly struggle with hip dysplasia which they may pass on to their offspring. While German Shepherds may lack patience for children, especially strange ones, Great Danes typically are loving and playful around young people. While you would need to socialize your Shepherd to accept a child as part of her flock, you must teach a Great Dane to be gentle and mindful of his size. Great Shepherds may be unpredictable around children, but many of them display the easy affection of the Dane parent. Again, you must exercise caution when you have such a large dog around toddlers or infants. Commonly, Shepherd Dane mixes enjoy small kids but can act dangerously rambunctious. Great Shepherds typically have more energy than purebred Danes. What can you expect around other dogs? German Shepherds can get along with other dogs , typically with plenty of socialization at an early age. It is not uncommon for Shepherds to prefer to be the only animal in a household, but some also learn to get along with cats. The typical GSD has a high prey drive , one which early breeders refined for herding purposes. German Shepherds also have a very combative history with military training, Schutzhund guard requirements, and even some dog fighting. If you go to a dog park, you will often see Great Danes dancing around the field, perfectly comfortable with canine playmates. Despite their proficiency as ancient hunters, Great Danes seem to enjoy social interactions with both animals and people. If your Shepherd Dane puppy inherits more of the Great Dane personality, she will be friendly and playful around other dogs. Those more like Shepherds will need heavy exposure to other dogs at an early age. You should always supervise your Shepherd mix around small dogs because of her size. It is not difficult for an oversized dog to seriously injure a toy breed even if the larger canid intends no harm. Moreover, minor arguments can quickly turn ugly between dogs with vast size differences. German Shepherds rank second or third in intelligence, combining working proficiency, obedience, and instincts. However, German Shepherds are also a breed with a strong mind and a high incidence of overbearing dominance. Stanley Coren ranked the Great Dane 88th, and thus average, among dog breeds. While the Dane does not excel in obedience or as a working breed, she shows a remarkable ability to figure things out on her own. Great Danes also still possess good hunting skills. Great Danes with Shepherd bloodlines are often cooperative and highly trainable with an outgoing temperament. Some may inherit willfulness from the Great Dane. Qualities from both parents suggest the Great Shepherd needs persistence and consistency with her training as well as firmness and clear leadership. German Shepherds historically bred to sustain long periods of work through the day, need large amounts of activity. If you own a Shepherd or ever did in the past, you know how intense and driven the breed, is and how high its energy levels are. German Shepherds regularly need up to two hours of exercise a day. Great Danes require an hour of exercise every day, not having quite the stamina that a German Shepherd does. Plan on providing 60 to 90 minutes of exercise for your Shepherd Dane mix every day, depending on her body structure, age, and energy levels. Growing puppies need moderate exercise because their joints are susceptible to the damaging effects of overexertion. Your puppy may potentially keep growing to 18 months old, so restrain your dog from jumping and excessive running until he has finished. Consult with your veterinarian if you are unsure. You may also need to restrict exercise if your puppy or adult dog exhibits any signs of hip dysplasia. Appears to hop like a bunny as he runs Pain or obvious discomfort towards the rear end Difficulty getting up or laying down Can not or will not sit straight — always orients haunches to one side or the other Difficulty negotiating stairs Loss of muscle development in the hindquarters or exaggerated musculature of the forequarters Are German Shepherd Great Dane Mixes Suitable For Apartment Living? German Shepherds do not do well in small spaces. They are medium to large dogs with a limited ability to relax and stay still for extended periods. Moreover, Shepherds can quickly become destructive when left alone. Finally, the GSD presents a new and expanding liability with leased properties and insurance agencies. Most guard dogs feature on dangerous, banned, or uninsurable dog lists, and German Shepherds are not exempt. Therefore, even if your German Shepherd liked living in a condominium, it is not likely that many property owners would allow it. Great Danes may fit in with apartment living better than German Shepherds because they can lounge, but their size usually prohibits it. They find it difficult to get comfortable if the space is too small, and their tails are deadly to anything not nailed down. Moreover, insurance companies are not extremely fond of giant breed dogs any more than they are of guard dogs. According to Showbiz Cheat-sheets, Great Danes head the list in front of Rottweilers for undesirable canines for insurance companies. Your Shepherd Dane mix will most probably look like a Great Dane hybrid to most concerned parties. Insurance companies and rental properties will likely give your dog a second glance because of her size. Some policies have strict guidelines that treat mixes the same as dangerous and banned purebred parent breeds. While neither the Great Dane nor the German Shepherd is dangerous with appropriate socialization and training, always check all relevant bans before you decide to move into a residence with your Great Shepherd. Such a coat ensures the GSD is well-insulated when it gets freezing and snowy outside and also in moderate heat. Shepherds have two major sheds each year corresponding to seasonal changes that cause them to change out their undercoats. Great Danes have a smooth and short coat generally without an undercoat, but they are still moderate shedders. You should brush a Great Dane once or twice a week to remove dirt, stimulate circulation, and distribute oils to the fur. Great Danes can struggle in cold weather because they have a thin coat and like other sighthounds, minimal body fat. They do better in warm climates but do not have the insulating coats of German Shepherds. Their massive size can make it difficult for their bodies to lose heat. You should brush your dog two or three times weekly to minimize shedding and keep her free of excess soil. Bathing is only necessary twice a year, though most owners feel more comfortable with a monthly schedule. Use mild shampoos. Clip nails once every six to eight weeks. Depending on their coats, Great Shepherds will probably tolerate the heat moderately well and perhaps also the cold. Their size helps a little with frigid conditions, so most Shepherd Dane mixes do fairly well as long as temperatures do not dip too much below freezing and as long as they are not of a particularly lean body type. These crucial milestones are bloat and rapid growth. The risk of gastric dilatation and volvulus stomach distends and then flips dictates that you should feed your Great Dane Shepherd mix a few small meals throughout the day rather than one or two large meals. Feeding recommendations are about 5 to 10 cups daily for adult dogs, so spread that out over three feedings spaced apart by several hours. Your Great Shepherd will be a large dog. You also want to avoid an overweight puppy to decrease joint strain. You can formulate a homemade raw or cooked diet for your dog with your veterinarian or nutritionist. There are also commercial diets that manufacturers specifically modify for large and giant breeds. Summary German Shepherd Great Dane mixes are large but lean dogs that are commonly black, black and white, or fawn. She may even have mixed heritage herself. There are two fawns and a black pup. Occasionally, your Great Shepherd could be merle. This dog looks much like a Great Dane except for a heavier frame, more energy, and the semi-prick ears. He has a single-minded focus common in German Shepherds. Genetics are unpredictable, and your dog may sometimes have upright ears and look like a shepherd. Rarely you could see a black and tan Shepherd Dane mix. Recommended Reading:.

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. Boxer Description The Boxer has a compact and powerful body. Their head is proportionate with the body and has a short muzzle with an underbite. The tail is set high and typically docked. Their coat is short, smooth, and comes in multiple colors including fawn, tan, brindle, mahogany, and black and often with white markings. Boxers also come in a white coat, but some clubs will not register them. Discover more about our Boxer puppies for sale below and see why they are one of the most popular breeds in the U. Disposition and Temperament Boxers are happy, playful, curious, and energetic. So much so that many remain extremely fit and athletic into their old age. They are very intelligent, eager, quick to learn and known to be a good breed for competitive obedience. Boxers bond closely with their family and are loyal and affectionate. In fact, they are known to get along well with children. A properly socialized Boxer will get along with dogs and other household pets, such as cats, but small animals such as rodents or birds may be too tempting. Being energetic and playful, the Boxer can become boisterous and jump on people without proper training and leadership. Boxers need to go on a daily walk and get daily mental and physical exercise. Without it, they can become stressed out. You should start training your Boxer while it is a puppy: Boxers do best with dominant owners who can be firm, consistent and committed. You need to establish yourself as the leader of the pack with this dog breed. Owners who do not establish dominance often find their dogs to be stubborn or demanding which can hamper the owner-pet relationship. Living Conditions As for living arrangements, they can be fine in an apartment if sufficiently exercised even though they are active indoors, but Boxers really do best with an average-sized yard. They are also temperature sensitive, overheating easily and chilling quickly. Boxers have a natural tendency to protect their owners and home, and although visitors who the dog recognizes are not seen as a threat, will protect their owners if they sense danger. Boxers are courageous which makes them great watchdogs and will even restrain intruders. It is important to know Boxer puppies require human leadership and need to be taught not to be boisterous or jump up on people. It requires very little grooming. Brush it with a rubber curry brush once or twice a week to keep it looking good. The Boxer tends to be a clean breed only occasionally needing a bath. Origin The name Boxer is thought to come from the way they use their front paws for just about everything; pawing at its food bowls, toys, and even its owner in a playful way. The Boxer was developed in Germany in the 19th century and its ancestors were two German mastiff-type breeds. They were later bred with the ancestors of the Mastiff and Bulldog. Boxers were first used for dog-fighting, bull-baiting, cart pulling, cattle dogs, rounding up livestock, and to catch and pin wild boar and bison until hunters could arrive. Later they became popular theater and circus dogs. There are two types of Boxers: the German and the American Boxer. German Boxers have bigger heads and are generally more muscular than American Boxers. See store for details on a puppy. The American Canine Association, Inc. The American Canine Registry.

Articles A friend of mine recently reached out asking for advice about the Labrador Bulldog Mix, so I decided to write a guide about this social and loving doggie breed. So, what is a Labrador Bulldog Mix? If you are considering adopting or buying a Labrador Bulldog Mix, it is important to know what to expect with this doggie breed, particularly when it comes to caring for the pooch. In this article, we will look at all the crucial information that will help your figure out whether the Labrador Bulldog Mix is perfect for you. A Bullador will usually have a large head and folded ears, with a somewhat short muzzle. Like its parents, a Labrador Bulldog Mix will have a strong body that could either be lean or muscular, depending on the parent your pup takes after. Size Another concern for people interested in this dog breed is size. How big does a Bullador get? A Labrador Bulldog Mix is a medium-sized pooch, bigger than the Bulldog, but smaller than the Labrador. You can expect a Bullador to weigh about 50 to 90 lbs. A fully grown Bullador will stand about 17 to 22 inches tall. Therefore, it is not surprising to find some Bulladors that are larger or smaller than this. The color of your Bullador pup will depend on the coat colors of its parents. Common coat colors for Bulldog Lab Mixes include tan, white, black, and brown. In most cases, Bulladors will have a bi-colored coat, rather than a solid color. So, do Bulldog Lab Mixes have many health problems? Despite being a hybrid, a Bullador can still be affected by many of the health conditions that affect its parents. These include: Brachycephalic Airway Obstruction Syndrome Brachycephalic airway obstruction syndrome is a condition that commonly affects the Bulldog breed. This condition causes obstruction in the airways, making it difficult for your pooch to breathe. If your Bullador inherits the short muzzle of its Bulldog parent, the pup can be at risk of developing brachycephalic airway obstruction syndrome. Joint Problems Bulldog Lab Mixes could also be susceptible to various joint problems, including elbow and hip dysplasia. These conditions, which come from the Lab side of the family, make movement painful and uncomfortable for your pooch. Other Common Health Problems Other common health issues affecting Labrador Bulldog Mixes include skin problems, obesity, bloating, ear infections, and eye infections. Most of these health conditions are inherited from the Bulldog side of the family. Lifespan So, how long do Bulldog Lab Mixes live for? Provided your furry buddy does not get affected by any serious health conditions, you can expect a Labrador Bulldog Mix to live for about 10 to 12 years. Diet The Bullador comes from parents who are known to have a huge appetite, and therefore, you can expect that your Bullador will also have a similar appetite. This means that you will have to be careful so as to avoid overfeeding since we have seen that this doggie breed is prone to obesity. It is recommended that you feed your Bullador with food that is rich in protein, rather than grains and carbs. What I love about Pet Plate is that they will even help you develop a suitable meal plan for your canine buddy depending on age and size. Exercise To keep your Bullador from getting obese, you should ensure that your four-legged friend gets enough exercise every day. If possible, take your pooch out for a 60 to 90 minute hike or walk every day. Alternatively, if you have a big enough yard, you can purchase toys like the iFetch Interactive Ball Launcher for Dogs and play with your doggie in the yard. Since Bulladors are susceptible to bloat, avoid scheduling exercise sessions immediately after meals. Vet Visits Even if your pooch seems perfectly healthy, it is advisable to schedule regular vet visits for checkups. This way, the vet will discover any health issues early enough and treat them before they get serious. Are Bulladors Aggressive? Temperaments Of Labrador Bulldog Mixes Image from Instagram: amberchristine3 The temperament of the Labrador Bulldog Mix usually falls between the lively spirits of the Labrador and the calm, reserved nature of the Bulldog. Friendly And Safe For Families Bulladors are very friendly and eager to please, and will get along well with all family members, including small children. Your Labrador Bulldog Mix will also be comfortable around other pets, including cats and other dogs. Bulladors are also very loyal and protective towards loved ones, and they also have territorial instincts. Therefore, they can make good guard dogs. As a result, the mix is also a very intelligent dog. Due to their high intelligence, Bulladors would learn commands quickly. However, due to the Bulldog side of the family, they can sometimes be stubborn. This means that you will need to be patient when training your Bullador. Like with most other dogs, positive reinforcement works better during training. Moderate Energy Levels While the Labrador is an outdoorsy dog with lots of energy, the Bulldog is not very active, and therefore, the Bullador will have moderate energy levels. This means that these dogs are not very difficult to handle. If your Bullador gets bored, or if you leave them alone for too long, they will express their displeasure by chewing at the nearest thing, such as your furniture or your shoes. Do Bulldog Lab Mixes Shed? This means that this breed is not suitable if you are looking for a hypoallergenic dog. Since the Bullador is a shedder, you will need to brush the pooch regularly, say 2 to 3 times a week, and even more frequently during shedding season. We recommend brushing your dear fido using the Furminator Undercoat Tool. Removes loose hair: reaches through the topcoat to remove loose undercoat hair without cutting skin or damaging the.FURejector button: just push the button to release hair with ease. All you need to do is to give this vacuum a voice command and it will vacuum the floors by itself, and even empty itself. When giving your canine buddy a bath, use a special dog shampoo to avoid irritating their skin. A good example of such shampoo is Pro Pet Works all-natural organic 5-in-1 oatmeal pet shampoo and conditioner. Check Price on Amazon Other Grooming Requirements To keep your pooch clean and healthy, you should also regularly clean their ears, brush their teeth, and clip their nails once the nails start getting too long. If your Bullador has skin folds like their Bulldog parent, regularly clean these areas to avoid skin infections. Labradors are generally healthy dogs with a lifespan of about 12 years, and therefore, you can expect Lab Mixes to have a similar lifespan. However, the lifespan of the Lab Mix will also depend on the other parent. If a Lab is crossbred with a dog with a short lifespan, the mix will have a shorter lifespan. Bulldogs are reserved, laid-back dogs and will therefore get along well with many other dog breeds, including Labradors. In addition, both Labs and Bulldogs have similar traits — intelligence and friendliness. To increase their chances of getting along perfectly, make sure that both dogs are properly socialized from an early age. Due to their health problems, Bulldogs have a relatively short lifespan of about 8 to 10 years, but a Bulldog Mix can live for much longer, depending on the lifespan of the other parent. For instance, a Bulldog Labrador Mix will live for 10 to 12 years, and sometimes even longer. Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. Click here for more information on this characteristic Bullador Highlights The Bullador is a mixed breed dog. They are not purebreds like their Labrador Retriever and English Bulldog parents. The main colors of Bulladors are black, brown, white, tan and brindle. Rarely solid, their coats typically have a blend of two or more colors. They usually have short coats, and these pups are not a good choice for allergy sufferers. Luckily, their coats are very easy to groom. A good brushing per week should suffice. Bulladors are prone to weight gain and are active dogs. They should get at least 60 to 90 minutes of brisk-paced walking or hiking. Depending on which parents genes dominate, they could need more or less. Their amiable temperament and size make the Bullador an excellent companion for children of all ages. With their easy going nature, Bulladors also get along well with other pets, especially dogs and cats. Bullador History The Bullador breed may have existed naturally over the years, but designer breeders started intentionally mixing Labrador Retrievers and English Bulldogs in the s, likely in North America. Breeders wanted to mix the two parent breeds to minimize health problems associated with purebreds and create an active, friendly companion dog. They continued to create Bulladors as demand for the pups climbed. Consider adoption if you decide this is the pup for you. Check your local shelters, look up Bullador rescues, or check with breed specific Labrador Retriever and English Bulldog rescues, as they will often help to re-home mixes. That said, as a mix between Labrador Retriever and English Bulldog parents, you can expect Bulladors to be in the medium to large range. Most weigh in at 50 to 90 pounds and range in height from 17 to 20 inches at the shoulder. However, being such a new crossbreed, they can be smaller or larger than average. Bullador Personality Bulladors can be extremely friendly like their Labrador parent with a hint of reservation from their Bulldog parent. While the Labradors tends to be more active than the English Bulldog, these pups are somewhere in the middle—usually more active than the English Bulldog but slightly less active that the Labrador. These rules are not set in stone, as they are a newer mixed breed. Both Bulldogs and Labradors are fond of kids, and Bulladors fall right in line. If a child is bothering them, they will probably walk away. Although, no matter how much a dog has a pre-disposition, they can be unpredictable. Never leave dogs alone with small children—ever. Bulladors have a prey drive and, if given a big yard to run around in, they may enjoy chasing birds and small critters. Socialization helps ensure that your Bullador puppy grows up to be a well-rounded, outgoing, friendly dog. Bullador Health The Bullador breed is predisposed to some of the same conditions that the Labrador Retriever and English Bulldog also face. While most are generally healthy, some may be prone to a few health issues, which is why it is important to maintain proper care and regular veterinary checkups. Chopped carrots or celery make great little healthy treats. Your vet can help you develop a care routine that will keep your pup healthy. They should get at least 60 to 90 minutes of brisk paced walking or hiking. Check their ears for debris and pests daily and clean them as recommended by your vet. They should not be clicking against the floor. Your groomer can help with this. If your dog has a pushed-in face, like their English Bulldog parent, they will be at a big disadvantage for extreme weather. These dogs have trouble breathing in the extreme cold, and trouble cooling down in extreme heat. One of the toughest jobs caring for any dog is maintaining their oral health. You should brush their teeth a minimum of three times a week. If your dog has any folds on their face, make sure to check between the folds for signs of irritation and bacteria. Make sure the skin is clean and dry. You can wipe it down with a damp cloth or consult your vet for proper care. Bullador Feeding An ideal Bullador diet should be formulated for an active, medium-to-large sized breed. Look for a high quality dog food from a pet food retailer to make sure that your dog is getting proper nutrition. Bulladors love food and have a tendency to gain weight if they are overfed, so you should stick to a regular feeding schedule and not leave food out during the day. Limit their amount of treats, as well. If their face is pushed-in, like the English Bulldog parent they will have a double disadvantage. If you live in a place where the weather changes all four seasons, they should only be outside long enough to do their business during cold winters and the heat of the summer. As you groom, check for sores, rashes, or signs of infection such as redness, tenderness, or inflammation on the skin, in the ears, nose, mouth, and eyes, and on the feet. Ears should smell good, without too much wax or gunk inside, and eyes should be clear, with no redness or discharge. Your careful weekly exam will help you spot potential health problems early. Bullador Children And Other Pets Their amiable temperament and size make the Bullador an excellent companion for children of all ages. Always teach children how to approach and touch dogs, and always supervise any interactions between dogs and young children to prevent any biting or ear or tail pulling on the part of either party. No dog should ever be left unsupervised with a child. They may be less sociable toward new dogs. However, once they warm up, they will likely be good friends. Bullador Rescue Groups It may be hard to find a breed specific rescue for Bulladors because they are a mixed breed. However, you may want to try English Bulldog or Labrador Retriever breed specific rescues, as they often care for mixes, as well. Here are some rescues you can try:. Labrador retriever and pit bull mixes. All these are different breeds with very different characteristics, especially where physicality is concerned. For example, the English Bullador is considerably smaller on average than the American Bullador. So, an English Bullador will typically be between 17 and 20 inches tall 43 to 50 cm and will weigh somewhere between 50 and 90 pounds 23 to 40 kg. Those are the average numbers between Labrador retrievers and English bulldogs. However, some variation is still very much possible depending on the parents. Either way, the English Bullador is always a medium-to-large-sized breed. As for their coats, the English bulldog and lab mixes usually have a short and dense coat. Only rarely will they have a medium-length coat. Single-color Bulladors are rare, gorgeous, and highly valued. These dogs are not suitable for people with allergies. On the bright side, taking care of their coats is very easy as a weekly brushing is usually enough. Due to their Labrador lineage they also usually love water and getting baths. As both English bulldogs and Labrador retrievers are phenomenal family pets that do great with children, so are English Bulladors. These dogs are smart, gentle, loving, loyal, and natural people-pleasers. They even tend to do well with strangers and with large crowds. These are always a must for a well-behaved and well-adjusted dog. However, it does mean that the process is easier and more effective with this breed than with most others. Does that mean that English Bulladors are easy to train? Not necessarily. While Labradors are very easy to train, English bulldogs can sometimes be a bit stubborn and strong-willed. So, if your Bullador takes more from that side of its family tree, it may be a bit more self-minded too. On one hand, it makes these dogs very interactive and fun to play with. This is another reason why Bulladors are recommended as family pets. With the right care and a bit of luck, these dogs can easily go beyond their average lifespan of 10 to 12 years. However, the main issues you should watch out for include:. Structural health problems English Bulldogs and Labrador Retrievers are two beloved dog breeds. Even the most robust Labrador, when crossed with a purebred Bulldog, cannot guarantee a healthy Bulldog Lab mix. Bulldogs vs Labradors These two breeds were created for very different purposes but both have evolved from their original jobs to become beloved canine companions. The Bulldog is a low to medium energy pet, not much of a barker, and good with children and other animals. This sweet natured dog is unfortunately burdened by some significant health problems linked to its distinctive head and body structure. The Labrador Retriever was first developed in Newfoundland, Canada as a working dog for fishermen. The breed then became a valued sporting dog, retrieving waterfowl and other game brought down by hunters. Besides being a popular family pet, the Lab is also used extensively as a service dog for the disabled, and as a working search and rescue dog. When you combine these two dogs, any of these features in any combination can be prominent. But they can take more after one parent than the other when it comes to physical characteristics. The English Bulldog is a thickset, medium sized dog. Adult males are about 50 pounds and females should be around 40 pounds. They are stout dogs, generally inches tall at the withers. Labrador Retriever males range from pounds; females are pounds. Like all cross-breed dogs, an individual Bulldog Lab mix puppy could end up falling anywhere between the small and large ends of the height and weight scale. Generally, their weight can range from around pounds and they can be between inches tall. The average Bullador will have a muscular, sturdy body, large head, and somewhat jowly face. Like overall body size, the head size and shape and droopiness of the face can vary from one dog to another. Labrador Bulldog mix coat The Labrador Retriever has a double coat, with a short top coat and a warm undercoat that sheds seasonally. The Bulldog also sheds, but generally less than the Lab. Expect your Bulldog Lab mix to have a short, dense coat. There are three recognized coat colors for the Lab, all solid: black, yellow, and chocolate. The English Bulldog has a much wider range of coat colors and patterns. Recognized colors are red, white, fawn, and fallow—in any combination. Markings include brindle, piebald, ticked, masks, and tipping. Bullador coat color can be any shade of brown from dark to light, and also black or white. Markings can be brindle, brindle with white, and piebald black or brown with white is common. Keep in mind that your mixed breed dog could have more of an outgoing Lab temperament, more of a placid Bulldog temperament, or a combination of both. For the Bulldog Lab mix, this is especially true if your dog has the famous Labrador energy and enthusiasm. Bulldog and Labrador mix exercise The typical Bulldog will have a much lower energy level than a Lab. Because of their short noses, Bulldogs often have difficulty breathing during exercise in extreme hot or cold weather. Labs are high-spirited and very active dogs. They enjoy lots of interactive play sessions and outdoor activities, including being in and around the water. If your dog favors its Lab ancestors in physical appearance and energy level, expect an active dog that needs regular exercise. Remember that the activity of short nosed dogs should be monitored in very cold or hot weather. The big problem here with a Bulldog Lab mix is you could have a dog with the enthusiasm of the Labrador, but the breathing problems of a Bulldog. Bulldog Lab mix health The most important consideration in the decision to acquire a Bullador is the possible health problems your dog could inherit, especially from the Bulldog side. Common health problems of Labs include centronuclear myopathy a type of muscular dystrophy , exercise induced collapse, hip and elbow dysplasia, and certain heart and eye diseases. Reputable breeders will test for dysplasia and have the results certified and available for your review. In , an important genetic study of the Bulldog was published. Researchers found that the breed has an extreme lack of genetic diversity, due in part to breeders selecting for the desired Bulldog physical traits. Sadly, many of these characteristic traits cause Bulldogs to suffer from significant health problems. The researchers concluded that even with drastic changes to Bulldog breeding practices, such as outcrossing with other breeds, the existing Bulldog genetic stock is so unhealthy that there is little chance of improving the health of future generations. Brachycephaly Short muzzled dogs like Bulldogs and Pugs are brachycephalic, and often suffer from brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome BOAS. Dogs with BOAS have difficulty breathing, especially during exercise and hot weather. The breed also has a very large tongue and palate, as well as a lower jaw that is pushed forward. All these features combine to produce life-threatening health problems such as sleep apnea, exercise intolerance, gagging, pneumonia, and heatstroke. Brachycephalic syndrome is the leading cause of death in the breed. Chondrodysplasia and hemivertebrae Chondrodysplasia is an inherited skeletal disorder like dwarfism in humans that has been incorporated into short legged breeds like the Bulldog and Dachshund. Dogs with this condition can suffer from a variety of painful problems like hip and elbow dysplasia, intervertebral disc disease, luxating patella, and hemivertebrae. It is a congenital deformity that creates the desired curled tail of these breeds, but it also causes serious spinal abnormalities. Skin and dental problems in Bulldogs Bulldogs are prone to chronic skin conditions because of the excessive folds in the skin. Conditions like dermatitis, acne, and folliculitis are common and require regular treatment. Excessive skin folds on the face can also cause eye problems. The undershot jaw of the Bulldog can lead to tooth overcrowding and other dental problems. Bulldogs are more prone to dental health issues than other breeds. Their brachycephaly can make anesthesia risky, an important consideration when a dog needs frequent dental procedures. The average life expectancy of the Bulldog is a depressing six years. And they are not six comfortable years. Labrador Retrievers have a lifespan of 12 years, quite a bit longer than a Bulldog. The Bullador usually loves children and can get along fine with other pets. Read on to learn more about these fun dogs and see if they might be right for your family! Dogs that are harder to train will require a bit more patience and practice. Proper exercise, nutrition, and hygiene also play an important role in the lifespan of your pet. More social dogs have a tendency to run up to strangers for pets and scratches, while less social dogs shy away and are more cautious, even potentially aggressive. Bullador Puppies Image Credit: Charles Brutlag, Shutterstock Bulladors are a popular choice among pet owners for their playful, affectionate, and loyal nature. These puppies are known for being friendly and sociable, making them great family pets. They are also intelligent and easy to train, making them suitable for first-time pet owners. Their short, dense coat is easy to groom and comes in a variety of colors such as black, brown, or brindle. They have a moderate energy level and enjoy playing and going on walks, but they also have a tendency to be more relaxed and laid-back than purebred Labradors. Because they are fairly common, you may also be able to find a Bullador in an animal shelter near you. Adopting an adult dog can give you a better idea of their health and temperament. It can also save a life! They tend to be friendly, sociable, and playful. Both breeds are intelligent, although a Bulldog can be a bit more stubborn. This means training your Bullador may be more challenging than training a Labrador. However, with consistency, it can be done. Bulladors are very loyal to their families. They are also companion dogs that like to be near you all the time. They do not do well when left alone for a long time. Are These Dogs Good for Families? Bulladors are excellent family dogs. They are friendly and playful. Like both of their parents, Bulladors grow very fond of their families and like to be around them all the time. They like to fetch, go on long hikes, run with their owners, or do just about any other activity as long as it is with you. While Bulladors are not usually aggressive, they are medium to large-sized dogs so they should always be watched around small children. They are also protective of their families and will not hesitate to protect you if needed. Yes, Bulladors generally get along quite well with other pets. Even if they are a little wary of a new doggy friend at first, they will usually warm up to them after a while and live together without any problems. A post shared by Jennifer Quast gualcomole Things to Know When Owning a Bullador: Bulladors can be wonderful pets if you are willing to give them what they need to be happy and healthy. It is important to do your research before getting any dog and the Bullador is no exception. The following will give you a breakdown of what you need to know before deciding to bring a Bullador into your home. In general, Bulladors need high-quality large or medium-sized formulated dog food. Like both of their parents, Bulladors really like food. If they are not monitored, they will overeat and gain weight which can contribute to a host of health issues. The activity level of your dog will also impact how much and what kind of food they should eat. They like most outdoor activities including running, hiking, fetch, swimming, tug-of-war, and anything else you can engage them in that will stimulate their bodies and minds. Bulladors also like spending time running around and playing in a fenced yard. This is ideal if you have children. Without enough activity, they may become destructive and bored. They will also gain weight quickly if not getting enough exercise. The earlier you start training them, the more successful you will be. They respond very well to consistent training with positive reinforcement. If you are not familiar with dog training, you should consider working with a professional trainer. Their coat is short and they shed a moderate amount. Regular brushing can help with shedding. You should also check their ears at least once each week for signs of infection and brush their teeth regularly. The combination of the two leads to a dog that is healthier than a purebred Bulldog, but still prone to some health concerns that any potential Bullador owner should be aware of. Often these can be treated by careful monitoring of the diet and working with your veterinarian. Eye Conditions — Both Bulldogs and Labradors can develop eye conditions so Bulladors are also prone to them. These can lead to worsening eyesight as your dog ages, or even blindness. It is a painful condition and can prevent your dog from moving around comfortably. This can, in turn, lead to obesity and all the related health problems that come with it. Obesity — Bulladors love eating and if they have other conditions that prevent them from being active, they will put on weight quickly. Obesity can lead to heart disease, cancer, and other debilitating health conditions. This can be fatal if not recognized and treated right away. Both English Bulldogs and Labradors can be prone to bloat. This can lead to serious breathing problems. Male vs Female There are no noticeable differences in size, temperament, or health between male and female Bulladors. Usually, they will be two or more colors. Some common color combinations are black and white, tan and white, or tan, brown, and white. They Make Good Watchdogs Even though Labradors tend to be very friendly with everyone they meet, Bulldogs are a little more territorial and wary of strangers. Most Bulladors seem to inherit this characteristic from their Bulldog ancestry. When you combine the two, it can be difficult to know which type will win out or if your puppy will end up somewhere in the middle. Bulldogs tend to be short and muscular while Labs are longer-limbed and usually thinner. A post shared by Otis otis. These dogs are great companions for the family who can keep them active and healthy. A healthy lifestyle is the best way to ward off some of the degenerative health conditions Bulladors are prone to. In return, your Bullador will shower you and your family with affection. This breed will be a loyal, loving, and playful friend for everyone in your household. Looking for more crossbreeds? We have full lists of both Labrador Retriever and Bulldog Mixes! A Canadian expat, Nicole now lives on a lush forest property with her Kiwi husband and new baby daughter in New Zealand. She has a strong love for all animals of all shapes and sizes and particularly loves a good interspecies friendship and wants to share her animal knowledge and other experts' knowledge with pet lovers across the globe.Read more Advertisement. Labrador Appearance The Labrador is around inches tall and weighs about pounds. His weather-resistant coat comes in three standard color options: Black Yellow Chocolate Remember, a Bulldog Lab mix could inherit any number of the above mentioned physical traits. It will all be left up to chance and genetics! Bulldog Lab Mix Temperament Considering both the Bulldog and the Labrador are friendly, intelligent breeds, it comes as no surprise that their English Bulldog and Labrador crossbreed would be the same. Still, as with all crossbreeds, there are other personality traits that will be left up to chance when it comes to the English Bulldog and Labrador mix. Bulldog Temperament Being brave is a staple for this mighty breed who, despite his stout size, is celebrated for his unique perseverance and apparent imperviousness to pain. However, this breed is also adored for his approachable nature and calm, loving disposition. This is a people-oriented breed who does best when he is with his family. Natural Instincts and Destructive Behaviors A properly socialized Bulldog makes for a wonderful family companion, although he can have territorial instincts if not properly trained at an early age. Due to his courage, the English Bulldog makes a great watchdog, and he also gets along well with family pets he was raised with. However, the Bulldog has been known to show aggression towards strange dogs. Also, keep in mind that the Bulldog loves to chew and if he becomes bored, his chew toy of choice could become your furniture or personal belongings! Experts recommend plenty of chew toys and mental stimulation to keep this breed from becoming destructive. Early socialization will also be key to ensuring the Bulldog is well-rounded into adulthood. A prospective owner should consider obedience training as well beginning in puppyhood. Labrador Temperament The Labrador is a gregarious companion who gets along with just about everyone! With a loyal and intelligent nature, the Lab is eager to please and learns quickly. He is gentle and kind-hearted but he can be slow to mature and behave in a puppy-like way into adulthood. The Lab can also be a chewer, and his intelligence means he will need mental stimulation as well as exercise to keep him from becoming bored and destructive, just like the Bulldog. Early socialization and obedience training should be utilized with the Lab as well. What You Should Expect From a Mix Of course, as previously mentioned, your Bulldog Lab mix could inherit any number of the temperamental traits listed above. So, you must be prepared for any possible outcome. The most important way to ensure your puppy grows up confident, friendly, and happy is to socialize and train them well from a young age. Make sure they have plenty of mental stimulation to prevent destructive boredom. Spend some time with the parents of your puppy to see what their personalities are like. Training and Exercising your Bulldog Lab Mix Since both the Labrador and the Bulldog are intelligent breeds, you can expect a Labrador Bulldog mix to be clever and pick up new commands and tricks with ease. Both the Lab and the Bulldog are eager to please and they are likely to pass this sentiment on to their offspring. However, keep in mind that the Bulldog and the Labrador are both chewers and can be prone to destructive behaviors when bored. As previously mentioned, early socialization, obedience training, plenty of chew toys, exercise, and mental stimulation will help to alleviate undesirable behaviors. But what about exercise? Exercise Needs The Bulldog and the Labrador are quite different when it comes to their exercise needs. So, owners should look at their individual puppies and use their judgement, or speak to their vet if unsure. Lab Exercise Needs The Labrador is a very athletic and energetic breed who needs about an hour of exercise a day, plus lots of playtime in the backyard. Long walks and games of fetch or Frisbee are an excellent choice for an active Lab, and of course, he does enjoy swimming. This purebred dog needs a family that can offer enough exercise. Without enough exercise, Labs can easily become overweight and unhappy. Bulldog Exercise Needs This is at odds with the Bulldog. The unhealthy conformation of the Bulldog breed has led to some real problems with exercising. Short walks and a game of tug-of-war are enough to keep this breed in shape. His flat face means breathing can be quite difficult, particularly on hot days. We will look more at these problems in a moment. Bulldogs should be kept indoors during especially warm days, as they can be prone to severe breathing issues which can be made worse by heat. Also, unlike the Labrador, who loves to swim, the Bulldog cannot be left alone in water that is deeper than his elbows. If it does, the puppy will likely have the health issues that accompany this face shape. This means overheating and over-exercising can be a real problem. Moderate exercise is usually enough for one of these puppies, but sadly, some may even struggle with this amount. Bulldog Lab Mix Health and Care As many of us know, purebred dogs have been excessively bred throughout the years by breeders struggling to maintain breed standard. What has resulted is a very small gene pool in which genetic disease is continuously passed down to new generations. Supporters of crossbreeding point out the practice enlarges the gene pool and in turn may reduce the chances of health problems being passed down. But, there is still no guarantee that cross breeds are healthier. In fact, many specialists argue that purebred dogs and crossbreed dogs are still equally susceptible to inheriting genetic diseases. For more information on the conflict of crossbreeding, click here. Bulldog Health Issues While it is true that many experts insist cross breeds are healthier than purebreds, the reality is that there is no guarantee of what you are going to get with a hybrid dog. In this case especially, prospective owners of a Bulldog or Bulldog cross need to be aware of the health issues of the breed. The Bulldog suffers from a very serious breathing issue called Brachycephaly Airway Obstruction Syndrome as a result of his squashed face. This is unpleasant and dangerous for the dog and can be devastating for an owner both emotionally and financially down the road. The Bulldog also suffers from an issue known as Screw Tail , which is a health complication resulting in dogs with very curly tails, like the Bulldog. There are a number of other health problems your Bulldog crossbreed could face that you should be aware of. With a lifespan of years, you might not get to enjoy your dog as long as you would like. Other Bulldog Problems The purebred Bulldog is also prone to: Overheating Skin issues like allergies, eczema, dry skin, and acne Arthritis. Bulladors tend to be friendly, loving, and playful dogs that make great family pets. Although they are not recognized by the American Kennel Club, they are recognized by other notable dog organizations. Bulladors tend to be affectionate and loving dogs with a gentle, sweet nature and an energetic, playful personality. They tend to get along fantastically with children as well as other dogs and other pets. They can have a prey drive. So, you will want to socialize them with smaller pets in the household. Although they are open and friendly, they will usually bark to alert you of people or animals nearby. They can be protective, but are generally more interested in making friends. The Bullador is a moderately adaptable dog breed. They do best in homes with fenced yards where they can run. However, if you dedicate the time to giving them the exercise and mental stimulation they need, they can adapt to apartment living. They tend to do well in most climates. As with any dog breed, they are sensitive to heat. If they have more of a flat face like their English Bulldog parent, they will be very sensitive to heat and may have difficulty breathing in cold weather. They are devoted to their families, so they do not like to be left alone for long. Because of their prey drive, they can have an urge to chase. As such, you should only let them off-leash in securely fenced areas. Even if they are trained off-leash, they may decide to ignore your recall commands if they get excited and caught up in chasing something. Potential health conditions to be aware of in the Bullador include skin issues, hip dysplasia, and elbow dysplasia. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing issues on to puppies. So, make sure you ask the breeder about the genetic and health history of both of the parents. You can also ask about any health tests that have been done. If a Bullador inherits the snub-nosed face of the English Bulldog, they can have difficulty breathing and will be extra sensitive to heat. Bulladors are also one of the breeds at risk for bloat. Bloat in dogs can become serious very quickly and can be fatal if the stomach flips gastric torsion. Although a Bullador can pick up on things quickly and can be easy to train, they also tend to be stubborn at times. This can be a challenge for first-time dog owners to handle alone. But, puppy training classes can help. Not only do they reinforce training and strengthen the bond you have with your puppy, but they also often offer opportunities to socialize a puppy. The Bullador has a short coat that will shed moderately year-round. Brushing this coat weekly or a few times a week is usually enough to keep your Bullador comfortable and their coat healthy. Bathing is occasional and on an as-needed basis. When you are checking them, ears should be clean, dry, and free of debris. Because dental care for dogs is often overlooked, gum disease is one of the most common health issues in dogs. Brushing teeth or using an enzyme toothpaste every day is ideal for helping to prevent painful dental diseases later in life. Regular checkups and cleanings at your vet are an essential supplement to your efforts. The Bullador can range from a moderate to high energy level. They generally require a lot of activity to be happy. Daily walks plus some playtime and extra activity are usually enough for this dog. However, they will likely be up for more activity as long as you are. They tend to be athletic dogs, so once Bullador puppies finish growing and developing, you can try a bunch of different activities with them. Hiking, swimming, playing frisbee, and more can all be great activities for a Bullador. They will likely also love taking trips to the dog park. A fully-grown Bullador usually stands inches tall and weighs pounds. Bulladors generally live for years. Bullador Puppies for Sale Thanks for visiting our Bullador page! Currently, we do not have any Bullador puppies available, but we can alert you when new Bullador puppies are available! Just enter your email address and click submit! Please enter a valid email address! Related Breeds.

For a dog to qualify as a German shepherd labrador mix, its parents must be a purebred Labrador and a purebred German shepherd. Parent Breeds This breed is a crossbreed between German shepherd and Labrador retriever parents. As these parent breeds are both large dogs with similar appearances, the resulting mix displays similar looks and personality traits. German Shepherd The German shepherd, or Alsatian, is a large, black-and-tan-colored dog hailing from Germany in the late s. This large breed is good with children and is best suited to active families. Labrador Retriever The Labrador retriever is a large British dog with cream, tan, or black coloring. This friendly, affectionate dog breed was developed from fishing dogs imported to the UK from Newfoundland in the s. Lifespan The German shepherd Labrador mix lives for 10—12 years. Healthy, active dogs that eat nutritious foods and live stress-free lifestyles are likely to live longer. German Shepherd Lab Mix Appearance German shepherd lab mixes are large dogs with medium-dense, short-to-medium-length fur. The dogs are usually black, brown, tan, or a combination of several colors. Height and Weight German shepherd lab mixes are considered large dogs, with a height at the withers of 20—27 inches, and a weight of 75—95 pounds. The size and weight of the dog depend on which parent the mix takes after most — German shepherds are taller and heavier than Labrador retrievers. Colors German shepherd lab mixes are typically black, brown, or tan. Patches of white are common on the neck and muzzle. Blue and red are uncommon colors for a labrashepherd. Occasionally, labrashepherds are all-black, all-brown, or all-cream, resembling the Labrador retriever. Coat The German shepherd lab mix has a medium-dense, double coat that sheds frequently. The outer layer of the coat is long and wiry, and the inner coat is short, thick, and soft. The coat comes in a variety of colors, and the undercoat is a lighter shade than the outer coat. Personality and Temperament German shepherd lab mixes have the combined temperament of the watchful German shepherd and the easygoing Labrador retriever. According to the American Kennel Club temperament guide , Labradors are eager to please, adaptable, outgoing, and intelligent. Meanwhile, German shepherds are fearless, confident, eager, and alert. German shepherds are known to be aloof with strangers, and Labradors suffer from separation anxiety. These two traits are often passed on to the German shepherd lab mix. The confident, loyal, eager nature of the labrashepherd makes it a loyal family pet. Barking The German shepherd lab mix has a low barking tendency. A properly-trained dog will only bark to alert its owners of a potential threat. Keeping a labrashepherd entertained with daily walks and playtime should prevent the dog from barking out of boredom. German Shepherd Lab Mix Care Caring for a German shepherd lab mix is easy as long as you have the budget and the energy to look after a big dog. Labrashepherds need daily long walks, a nutritious diet, and plenty of mental stimulation to live happy, healthy lives. Food Needs Provide your German shepherd lab mix with a high-protein diet suitable for large, high-energy dogs. On average, German shepherd lab mixes need about 3 cups of kibble per day. Use a slicker brush and brush in the direction of hair growth, applying fine strokes that remove dead hairs and mats. Exercise Needs The German shepherd lab mix is an energetic breed that needs at least one hour of daily exercise, divided into two or more walks. Ideally, give your labrashepherd access to your backyard throughout the day between walks to allow your dog to run around and let out energy. Mental Needs Provide at least 30 minutes of daily mental stimulation to keep your German shepherd lab mix happy and satisfied. The breed is intelligent and enjoys playing hide-and-seek, fetch games, and puzzle games with food release toys. Common Health Concerns German shepherd lab mixes inherit some of the common health issues affecting their parent breeds. Obesity Like Labrador retrievers, labrashepherds are prone to overeating and obesity. Lab results have found that Labradors are missing all or part of the POMC gene, which senses body fat storage and regulates appetite. Give this mix plenty of exercise to prevent weight gain. Skin Allergies German shepherd lab mixes are sensitive to mites, dust, pollen, and chemicals, which cause itchy skin and skin allergies. Redness, rashes, persistent itching, infections especially around the ears , and hair loss are all common signs of skin allergies in dogs. Treatment for skin allergies includes diet changes, avoiding triggers, and medication to reduce itching. Hip Dysplasia Hip dysplasia is a common hereditary condition in large dog breeds, including the Labrador retriever and the German shepherd. The condition causes the hip ball and socket to deteriorate and lose function. This issue commonly affects overweight or under-exercised dogs. Symptoms of hip dysplasia in dogs include decreased range of motion in the back legs, decreased activity, lameness, and limping. The condition is treated with physical therapy, weight reduction, and surgery. Consistent training is important for this breed, so train your dog for at least 15 minutes every day. Start training your puppy from the age of eight weeks old. To prevent this, train your dog during or after a long walk. While the breed mix is affordable to buy, the expense of feeding a large dog is high. The upfront cost of a German shepherd lab mix depends on whether you buy from a reader or adopt the dog from a shelter. Factors that affect the cost of the dog are age, coloring, and whether the dog is adopted or bought from a breeder. Dogs with rare coat colors are more expensive than dogs with common colors. Additional, optional costs are dog sitting and boarding, professional dog grooming, and dog training classes. The German shepherd lab mix is an affectionate, loyal, energetic dog that makes a great family pet. However, this dog has traits that make it unsuitable for some people and lifestyles. Labrashepherds are high-energy dogs that are ideal for active, outdoorsy households. German shepherd lab mixes are responsive to training if proper boundaries are established, so this mix is best suited to people who have the time to train the dogs from an early age. Check out these other hybrid dog breeds: German Shepherd Mixes. 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? Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. Click here for more information on this characteristic German Sheprador Highlights The German Sheprador is a mixed breed dog. The main colors of German Shepradors are black, white, red, cream, blue, and grey. Sometimes their coats are solid, and sometimes they have a mix of colors. While they are not a good choice of dog for allergy sufferers, their coats are pretty easy to care for. A good brushing per week will probably do the job. Many German Shepradors absolutely love to run and play in the snow. Their double coats also help to keep them cool during hot summer months. German Shepradors make excellent family companions and watchdogs. Protective in nature, they will alert when strangers approach. They can easily become board, depressed, and frustrated, which will result in unwanted behaviors. German Sheprador History The German Sheprador dog breed may have existed naturally over the years, but designer breeders started intentionally mixing German Shepherds and Labradors in North America, possibly in the s. Breeders wanted to mix the two parent breeds to minimize health problems that affect many purebreds as well as create an ultimate family companion and watchdog. They continued to create German Shepradors as demand for the mixed breed pups climbed. Even though the German Sheprador got their start as a designer breed, some have ended up in shelters or in the care of rescue groups. Consider adoption if you decide this is the dog for you. Check your local shelters, look up German Sheprador rescues, or check with breed-specific German Shepherd and Labrador rescues, as they sometimes help to re-home mixed breeds. German Sheprador Size As the German Sheprador is a relatively new mixed breed, there are few standards when it comes to size. That said, as a mix between German Shepherd and Labrador parents, you can expect the German Sheprador to be on the large side. Most weigh in at 60 to 95 pounds and range in height from 20 to 27 inches at the shoulder. That said, many can be smaller or larger. German Sheprador Personality German Shepradors make excellent family companions and watchdogs. However, once they befriend you, you have a friend for life. These pups hail from a line of two working parents. Their German Shepherd parents regularly work as military, police, and guard dogs, while their Labrador Retriever parents have jobs as hunting and guide dogs. German Shepradors like to work and need to have a job to do, whether big or small. Give them a sense of purpose, and this dog will earn their keep ten fold. They are highly trainable, and thrive on positive reenforcement. Do not leave them alone for long periods. While most are generally healthy, some may be prone to a few health issues, which is why it is important to maintain good care and regular veterinary checkups. Your vet can help you develop a care routine that will keep your dog healthy. German Shepradors are prone to weight gain, and they have high energy levels. Make sure your dog gets at least one hour long walk per day with several shorter walks mixed in. Hiking and other adventurous activities are also recommended. Check their ears for debris and pests daily and clean them as recommended by your vet. They should not be clicking against the floor. Your groomer can help with this. You should brush their teeth daily, as this mixed breed is prone to tartar build-up. Normal play on grass is fine, as is puppy agility with its one-inch jumps. Crate and kennel training should start in puppyhood. German Sheprador Feeding An ideal German Sheprador diet should be formulated for a large breed with high energy. They have a tendency to gain weight if they are overfed, so you should stick to a regular feeding schedule and not leave food out during the day. Limit their amount of treats, as well. They usually have medium length, dense coats, and while they are not a good choice of dog for allergy sufferers, their coats are pretty easy to care for. A good brushing per week will probably do the job and bathing is recommended every few months with a mild shampoo. Too much bathing can strip the coat of its natural oils. Their double coats do shed quite a bit. You will definitely want a vacuum on hand. You will need it. Have you tried robot vacuums? See if the Eufy RoboVac is right for you! Their double coat gives them an edge when it comes to extreme weather. Many of these dogs absolutely love to run and play in the snow. Their double coats also helps to keep them cool during hot summer months. Keep in mind they are an indoor dog and need to live indoors. Like all dogs, however, German Shepradors need to be trained how to behave around children and vice versa. As with every breed, you should always teach children how to approach and touch dogs, and always supervise any interactions between dogs and young children to prevent any biting or ear or tail pulling on the part of either party. No dog, no matter how friendly, should ever be left unsupervised with a child. Learn more about this awesome breed by reading about their parent breeds the German Shepherd and Labrador Retriever. German Sheprador Rescue Groups It may be hard to find a breed-specific rescue for German Shepradors because they are a mixed breed. However, you may want to try German Shepherd Dog or Labrador Retriever breed-specific rescues, as they often care for mixes, as well. Here are some rescues you can try:. Well, you get the German Shepherd Lab mix, a lovable crossbreed with all the great personality traits you could ever want in a family dog. Also known as Lab Shepherd mixes or Shepradors, these mixed breed canines are highly sought after. The parent breeds are some of the most popular dog breeds in the world. Like all crossbreeds, Shepradors combine the physical and personality traits of their parents, resulting in a one-of-a-kind companion. Because they are a designer dog , there are no established breeding guidelines or standards. Oftentimes, pedigree information is scarce as well, creating a lot of unknowns. Canines are fully capable of crossbreeding on their own. In fact, many of the purebred dogs we know today are a result of centuries of careful breeding. As we mentioned earlier, this crossbreed is a direct result of breeding purebred German Shepherds with Labrador Retrievers. Labrador Retrievers have a very long history that dates back all the way to the s. Back then, they were working dogs that often helped out fishermen. Eventually, these dogs made their way to England where they became companions for European royalty. German Shepherds were working dogs, too. However, their main job was to herd sheep and other livestock for farmers. Today, Labradors and German Shepherds are very popular the world over. .Though, they are popular for very different reasons. Typically, Labs are known for their companionship. They make great family pets and are often used as guide dogs for those with disabilities. Meanwhile, German Shepherds are revered for their athleticism and intelligence. German Shepherd Lab Mix Temperament The beauty of mixed breed dogs is that they take on traits from both of their parents. German Shepradors are a perfect example of this. These dogs are a joy to be around. Whether that required physical work or simply good behavior, these pups are up for the task! Like all dogs, German Shepherds and their subsequent crossbreed are products of their environment. Shepradors make great family dogs. The combination of intelligent thinking and loyalty can prove to be useful in a home setting. Your watchdog will do all they can to protect your home while still being down for cuddles. However, helping your pup grow up to be obedient and well-behaved is manageable. You see, these dogs are very intelligent. In fact, some might say that they are too intelligent for their own good. This mainly comes from the German Shepherd side of the dog. German Shepherds are notorious for being stubborn. Shepradors can take on that personality trait, making the training process a bit more challenging. They may require more time and patience to truly understand things. Another issue you might encounter with German Shepherd mixes is the need for regular mental stimulation. Because they are so intelligent, you must constantly challenge their minds to keep them happy. Like all dogs, Shepradors do best when positive reinforcement is the training method of choice. While dominance-based training used to be the go-to, several studies have shown that punishments do more harm than good. German Shepherd mixes thrive when you use a reward system. Showering your dog with praise and providing plenty of treats is the best way to instill the training techniques. Despite all of this, you may see pups with vastly different characteristics. Genetics is not an exact science. Dominant genes from one parent dog may take over, causing the puppy to look more like one breed than the other. As a result, the crossbreed is going to fall into that same category. You can use information about their parents for reference, but several factors will contribute to their true adult size. Generally, males can weigh upwards of 88 pounds when fully grown. They will stand between 22 and 26 inches at the withers. This is the point between the shoulder blades of the dog. Females are typically smaller than males. You may come across females as small as 35 pounds. Though, most will be around 70 to 80 pounds. As for height, females tend to be between 20 and 24 inches at the withers. Both of the parent breeds are pretty athletic, so most mixed pups will be as well. They fall somewhere in the middle. Depending on their activity levels, you might notice strong muscle development on their hind legs. These dogs usually have wide snouts and dark noses. Their eyes are large and brown. Some pups may have light eyes, but this is quite rare. Genetic variations in the parent breeds can lead to lighter eyes, but a vast majority are going to have big brown eyes. One characteristic where you will see a lot of variation among these dogs is the ears. Most Labs have large ears that flop down over the sides of the head Meanwhile, perky triangular ears are one of the most defining traits of the German Shepherds. The interesting thing about the ears is that you will have to wait and see whether they stand tall or flop down. Puppies are born with soft and fluffy ears. As they grow older, the cartilage in their ears may or may not strengthen to help them stand up. Some pups even have a combination of the two ear styles! Colors Coat colors can vary across the board with these pups. German Shepherds have an iconic tri-color coat. Distinct patterns of gold, black, and white cover the body. The most common is gold. However, black and pure-white Labs exist as well. They may have multi-colored coats or solid ones. Lifespan The average lifespan for a German Shepherd Lab mix is between 10 and 12 years. This falls in line with the life expectancy of the parent breeds. Generally, larger dogs tend to have a shorter lifespan than smaller ones. Many factors will affect how much time these dogs have. Health issues and a poor lifestyle can cut that lifespan short. On the same token, extremely healthy pups are fully capable of living past 12 years of age. Possible Health Issues Like all dogs, Shepradors are not immune to disease and health problems. In fact, they may be susceptible to more issues. The problem with mixing breeds is that it opens up the possibilities of health complications in the future. Hereditary problems from both parents can be passed to the puppy. Unfortunately, German Shepherds and Labrador Retrievers are known to suffer from a few different ailments. Here are the most common health concerns to be wary of. Dysplasia is a musculoskeletal condition that often affects dogs later in life. However, it takes years to develop and can be triggered by issues as a young pup. Take hip dysplasia for example. Hip dysplasia can cause debilitating pain. Many dogs who suffer from it have a hard time standing up. They may exhibit signs of extreme weakness in the hind legs, resulting in a noticeably different posture. The hip sockets become malformed, causing mobility issues with the hip joint. While some dogs are born with it, poor development as a puppy can exacerbate the problem. There are treatment options for hip and elbow dysplasia. Veterinarians can perform surgery early on to correct the problem and provide relief. If your dog is already suffering from it, physical therapy and joint supplements can provide relief from pain. Bloat Contrary to popular belief, bloat is not an innocent gas problem with dogs. It occurs when dogs eat too fast or exert physical exercise too soon after eating. Excess air is swallowed, filling the stomach. Eventually, the stomach can twist on itself. This restricts blood flow throughout the body. Provide small meals and prevent your dog from playing for at least 30 minutes. To control fast eating, you can utilize slow-feeding bowls or puzzle toys. They create an obstacle that forces the dog to eat slower than normal, which can do a lot to prevent GDV. Ocular Issues Eye diseases, such as progressive retinal atrophy, are pretty common with both parent breeds. The tissue within the eye can degenerate over time. This causes vision loss. From there, you can provide supplements or foods rich in beta carotene to slow its progression. Diet and Exercise Requirements Shepherd Labrador mixes are incredibly active dogs. They love nothing more than playing and getting tons of exercise. To make matters worse, a lack of exercise can turn into a lasting problem. You need to start your pup on the right foot and establish a healthy lifestyle right off the bat. Go for runs and toss chew toys around the yard. You can break up exercise time in manageable chunks throughout the day to make things easier. As long as you get those 90 minutes in, your dog should have no problem staying healthy. When it comes to diet, you must be just as vigilant! These dogs have insatiable appetites. However, you need to ensure that their food is meeting all of their nutritional needs. It should use wholesome proteins like chicken, beef, or fish. The dog food should also have complex carbs and healthy fats like fish oil. Steer clear of anything that has artificial ingredients or unnecessary fillers. Those foods will do more harm than good. The goal is to provide your dog with muscle-building protein that will keep their body in good shape. As a good rule of thumb, dogs will need about 30 calories of food for each pound of body weight. This usually amounts to about 4 cups of dry kibble a day. That said, foods can vary dramatically when it comes to nutritional density. We recommend splitting their caloric requirements into two small meals a day. One meal in the morning and one in the evening will keep their energy levels stable as they go about their active lifestyles. Plus, splitting the meals will help to avoid issues like bloat. However, thick coats need a bit of extra work. GSDs have double costs. The outer layer of hair is thinner and easier to manage. Meanwhile, the inner coat is thick and dense. It provides insulation in those cold winter months. German Shepherd Lab mixes can inherit that thick coat. They will go through shedding cycles a couple of times a year, resulting in a mess of fur throughout your home! With regular brushings, you can keep the fallout to manageable levels while keeping your pup clean. These pups make great family dogs. They get along just fine with kids as long as you socialize them early on. As always, you should never leave your dog alone with young kids. These crossbred dogs are fully capable of attacking people, so you should exercise caution and always keep a watchful eye. They should know not to pull their tail or agitate the dog in any way. Are German Shepherd Lab mixes good guard dogs? Shepradors make great guard dogs. Plus, they tend to be a bit suspicious of strangers. Are these dogs aggressive? This all depends on their upbringing. If you take the time to properly train and socialize these dogs, they will be gentle and loving. However, if the dogs are abused or trained with punishment, they could exhibit aggressive behavior. How big to German Shepherd Lab mixes get? Males can weigh as much as 88 pounds and grow to 26 inches tall at the withers. Do Shepradors get along with other dogs? German Shepherd Labrador mixes do just fine with other dogs. However, they must be properly socialized first. Exposure to other animals is key during their development. They should be introduced to new family dogs slowly to prevent any aggressive behavior. Do Shepradors make good working dogs? Thanks to their intelligence and high trainability, Labrashepherds make fine working dogs. They do particularly well herding livestock. Conclusion German Shepherd Lab mixes are a joy to raise. If you have an active lifestyle to keep them fit, they will be a great addition to your family. Treat them well and these pups will spend their lives being a loving canine companion. Search Dog Breeds. 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.

We started breeding Golden Retrievers because, simply put, we love this breed! Originally, our program included only American Golden Retrievers. In , we decided to focus our breeding efforts solely on the English Goldens. In that vein, our Golden Retrievers are bred for temperament, health, intelligence and conformation. Not only that, our breeding program focuses on producing quality Golden Retrievers that can be used for everything that Goldens were originally bred to do — whether that be hunting, showing, breeding, therapy work or simply and most importantly acting as a cherished family companion. These European imports take the Golden Retriever goodness to the next level: even more remarkable and easygoing temperament, lower energy level, superior health, exceedingly biddable, and heightened intelligence. Our main objective is to breed quality Goldens to the breed standard - focusing on temperament and health first and foremost - at an affordable cost. Also, we are not a typical "kennel". All of our dogs are our pets, and they live in the house with us. And, that's exactly where the puppies are born, raised and trained. I'm quite thrilled that God chose to bless us by bringing these wonderful dogs into our lives! We breed sparingly, however, and only have about litters per year. Also, we do not ship. Occasionally, we can arrange to meet you or deliver a puppy to you - depending on where you are located - at an additional cost. We are your breeder, and want you to contact us with any questions or concerns whenever you need us. Just consider us your personal "Dog Squad", so to speak! If you are interested in purchasing a Spun Gold puppy, please contact us. The passion to raise dogs is our families pleasure and we have been raising dogs our whole life. We care for each dog as a family member of our own and love sharing our puppies with other families. In our experience, we have found these to be the most desirable breed to raise in a family setting, especially around children. Their meek manner and mild temperament make them easy to love! We are located near the Georgia Tennessee state line 35 minutes from the scenic city of Chattanooga Tennessee on a beautiful farm in the countryside. Bailey and Snow Who's the real mountain goat? Their favorite activity is going on long walks through the hayfields and down to the creek in the woods. Along with being exuberant and friendly, they are strong dogs and hard workers. Goldens are good at whatever they do, be it hunting, serving as guide dogs, working search-and-rescue, or being devoted companions. Though they are serious about their work, they also enjoy being downright silly! Personality: Intelligent, friendly, and devoted. Energy Level: Very Active; This dog is active and energetic, and needs daily exercise. Good with Children: Yes. Hugh Mongous, a super friendly two-year-old Goldendoodle looking for his forever family. Though he tips the scale at sixty-seven pounds, Hugh thinks he is a lapdog and loves to be petted. He also is quite playful and enjoys getting out of the house for outdoor fun. So, if you have a lake or pond this is your dog. Road trips are no problem with this well behaved traveler. Well socialized, he does well around other dogs too. We are not sure about kitties but can easily test that for you. Hugh is already housebroken and would enjoy having his own fenced-in backyard. This pup is looking for an adult only family that will give him the attention and love that he craves. His luxurious locks will need daily brushing and frequent grooming. Hugh is a fantastic dog for anyone that can devote time, training and persistence to his care. Are you ready to meet him? To adopt this pet, please go to hsnwga. Due to the high volume of applications received, our Adoption Coordinator will only contact the applicant that best meets the needs of the pet.

Golf, collectively, has adjusted. Now, before you cat people get to dismissing, look around. This is a natural move! Golf as a sport has learned, out of necessity, that it needs to be more welcoming, less private, more environmentally friendly, etc. Now, back to dogs. Below are a handful of keys to help you do it yourself. Is your dog a morning caddie, or an evening caddie? Unfortunately, not everyone is a dog person. Morning golf is going to be best for singles, but likely the sloppiest with dew on the turf. Evening golf could find you stuck behind a foursome, but by then your pup might not have such frolicking energy. You might have to try both. Permission might be easier than you think This may seem obvious, but permission is the main reason this article exists. But are they anti-dog? Pick up the phone and find out. Raise the stakes! Promise to stay out of the way. Remind them that St. Andrews has dogs walking on it from time to time. Whatever it takes. Leash up! The most important item in your golf bag is no longer the putter or the driver or whatever club you hit best. The leash is your saving grace and can save you a lot of headaches. It is as simple as tying the opposite end of the leash up to your golf bag. Where the bag goes, the dog goes. Keeping your pup attached to your bag is the simplest way to demonstrate control, both to your dog and the superintendent. If your dog weighs lbs. But generally, you can control for any issues simply by keeping your dog tied up to your bag. By the time you reach hole no. Probably not. Is your dog interested in golf? If your dog has no interest in your swing, your shots, etc. That makes things easy. Suddenly, hitting greens is not such a good thing. Jersey tore after a chip shot of mine, straight through the green, leaving some marks in her path. Lesson learned! Jersey shares a birthday with Tiger Woods, but I doubt she knows that. The tennis ball is your lifeline Or the frisbee, or the sling toy, whatever. Walk before you run, literally. Ten minutes of golf course fetch is going to last just one hole. So the more water you can bring, the better, especially during summer months. Reuse them easily. I can only assume that Country Time engineers have perfected their concoction containers with pet-lovers in mind. These things stack nicely on top of each other and tuck away easily into any pocket. Just be sure to pack multiple. Jersey slurped her way through three cartons in the first five holes. So do what all dog owners do and entice them with treats. For Jersey, it was Cheerios. I loved them, too, as she was much better at staying off the green when she knew that cereal was at stake. Doggy waste is different There is nothing good about the smell of a golf course waste bin filled with mostly-empty beer cans, tobacco tins, and whatever is left of that club sandwich. Bring another one of those old lemonade mix cartons and keep it empty. Get to it! When I arrived on a Wednesday afternoon, a pug had just teed off on the 1st, strolling up the fairway, and was out of sight, out of mind in a matter of minutes. Over on the driving range, a much older golden retriever was sprawled out next to her owner as he worked on his game. I felt like I had died and gone to Golf Heaven, where dogs roam free. Really, it was just Goat Hill, a course where dogs are very welcome, any day of the week. They had long been groomed to handle this gorgeous, open and green play area. So, start your dog young! Help them get comfortable with that little white ball. Teach them that sand at the beach is different than sand in a bunker. Make them realize that, until you pull out the tennis ball, near the bag is the place to be. Soon enough, Golf With Your Dog might be the only golf you want to play. Celebrate your favorite breed of dog on these Golden Retriever Golf Balls. Based on customer Feedback and our own staff experience with over 30 years of experience in the golf ball industry, we sell golf balls online in 4 grades for the top lines of golf balls. New quality are new golf balls in the manufacturer packaging. The balls look like they have never been hit and are free of any marks, logos or player markings. They look like they have just been taken out of a new sleeve. We pride ourselves on this quality of product and are thrilled to be able to offer these to our customers at a significant discount from new balls. These balls are perfect for Personalizing. You will be thrilled with the performance and feel of these balls as if they came new out of a box. Please note that most balls may have a small logo or minor ink spot that does not affect the performance of the ball. Every golf ball in this grade could be played in a round of golf. There are no balls in this grade that would have their performance compromised. Please note: These balls will ALL have a corporate logos on them. If you do not want logos please order Pristine quality golf balls. This grade is also known as "Near Mint" or "4A". We pride ourselves with one of the highest grading of this quality of golf ball on the market today! Please note there will probably be some corporate logos in this mix. Please Note: If you are a low handicapper, competitive playing multiple rounds a week we highly recommend the 5a or 5a no logo golf balls for your game. These are great for beginners, first timers or they can be used as practice balls for the avid golfer. These balls could include player sharpie or felt pen markings, team corporate logo, practice and x outs. Factory Refinished Golf Balls Our Refinished golf balls appear with no player markings or corporate logos. They are new in appearance and will feel and play similar to a new golf ball. These balls are pristine. These balls are pristine but have definite flaws which could include misprints, minor scuffs and creases. They are a result of the quality control on the 5A grade. Most you will not notice any difference in play unless you are a scratch golfer. There may be a few in every dozen that are good only for practice or hit around but they are definitely an excellent value for the top balls in golf. View more. Your name listed on the website. Exposure on our social media pages and Rescue Ranger electronic newsletter. A tee sign on one of the tee boxes on the golf course. A sign posted in the pavilion area to let the golfers know about your generosity. Your or your company's name listed on the sponsor banner at the tournament. One 1 team registration 4 players. Four 4 Golden on the Green golf hats. A representative will contact you for your team member names. Four 4 Golden on the Green golf shirts. A representative will contact you for your team member names and shirt sizes. Two 2 team registrations 8 players. Eight 8 Golden on the Green golf shirts. Three 3 team registrations 12 players. Twelve 12 Golden on the Green golf shirts. Consider becoming a sponsor today to help us make this our most successful tournament ever! Volunteer Our dedicated volunteers are responsible for the continued success of our fundraisers. Even though we work hard before, during, and after the tournament, we have a lot of fun! Volunteer opportunities include: Collecting prizes and raffle items. Helping on tournament day with registration, raffle, beverage carts and contests. If you are interested in volunteering, please email goldenonthegreen nrgrr. Box , Raleigh, NC Phone: .Taking your dog on the golf course can be a rewarding experience. There is one exception.I thought I had experienced it all in golf until my buddy Ben asked if he could bring his new dog, Astrid, to my foursome's weekly twilight nine adventures. Having never played golf with a pooch, I was both excited and anxious about the novelty of it all. I texted Ben that it might not be the best idea to bring an undisciplined, excitable young dog onto the course without any advanced training but added that we'd make it work. I'm glad we did. Bringing a dog along for a round invites a more casual vibe. Whenever Ben needed to hit a shot, we took turns holding the leash. Astrid was great, despite the temptations of the deer, ground squirrels and rabbits that come out at dusk. She didn't bark much and was good enough that we let her off the leash a couple times for a healthy sprint or two. I highly recommend giving doggy golf a try, as long as your course is open to the idea. Make sure you check first. That same etiquette applies to pace of play, playing music, conversations, etc. Ben took Astrid out a couple days later for another round. He happily texted he joined up with "a nice dog loving 2-some". Golfers are generally friendly people, so it makes perfect sense to integrate man's best friend into the game, too. Have you ever taken a dog on the course or played with someone who has? Tell us about the experience in the comments below. Keep up with pace of play Dog or no dog, this should be always be your no. If bringing a dog doesn't slow up your round, then I say go for it. I don't want to turn your golf course into a defacto dog park, but walking in wonderful natural surroundings is certainly healthy for both humans and canines. Courtesy photo The hardest part of the round was allowing Ben to focus on playing golf without too much interference from Astrid. Somebody always had to be nearby to hold the leash. I almost made a major blunder by attaching the leash to a ball washer as I went to putt, not realizing the post wasn't cemented into the ground. Luckily I caught it before Astrid tipped it over, which could have set her off. When we did get a little too bold with Astrid off the leash, we did invite a little chaos. She pounced on a couple of putts, grabbing the ball in her mouth. Oh well. Lesson learned. Either Ben trains her not to attack golf balls or he keeps her on the leash at all times. No barking in the backswing Astrid is proof that training isn't necessary to be a "golf dog". However, it would be wise to make sure your dog has the right temperament for the course - Do you have a barker, a puller or a dog that isn't good with strangers? Barkers are probably best left at home. We noticed Astrid would flinch when too close to the loud strike of a good shot. Former GolfPass Managing Editor Brandon Tucker tells a funny story how his dog - leashed to a pushcart - took off scared after a loud noise, leaving a trail of scattered clubs. Also be sure to bring enough water and treats to keep your pet happy, hydrated and not hangry. Play at an off-peak time Our doggy round succeeded for two reasons: A, we played at an off-peak time when the course wasn't crowded and B, nobody in our foursome was worried about score or how many holes we played. To us, twilight rounds are just a way to decompress in the middle of the week for some fresh air, fellowship and fun, all glued together by a few swings. Adding a dog into the mix spiced things up nicely. I'm sure it will happen again. Jason Scott Deegan Jason Scott Deegan has reviewed and photographed more than 1, courses and written about golf destinations in 20 countries for some of the industry's biggest publications. Follow him on Instagram at jasondeegangolfpass and Twitter at WorldGolfer. A day full of golfing fun and great food. Plan to join us so we can continue rescuing more Goldens, Doodles, Labs, and Golden-hearted dogs. Player spots are now sold out! We look forward to seeing everyone at the tournament! If you are playing in a foursome and are only registering for yourself, please contact karen dvgrr. Registration begins at noon, followed by a box luncheon, served from noon to p. Available for purchase at the tournament. Sponsorships are available. Dinner will be served after the golf event and prizes will be announced. The tournament will include hole-in-one, longest drive, and closest-to-the-pin prizes! Proper golf attire is required The event will be held rain or shine. Church St. If you usually travel this way, the best way to get to Foxchase during this time is to take Pfautz Hill Road across from the Cocalico Tavern and then turning right onto Stevens Road. If you follow the detour signs, they will take you too far out of the way. And how about a pre- or post-round massage? Click here for details. Please email inza dvgrr. Please email sponsorship information to inza dvgrr. Sponsorship deadline is July 14,

The rescue is non-profit and is run entirely by volunteer staff. Rainbow Animal Rescue began when individuals in the area saw a need for animal rescue. Rainbow Animal Rescue implements home-fostering and sheltering animals at the rescue shelter until a forever home can be found. Individuals interested in adopting from Rainbow Animal Rescue must be pre-approved to adopt. Adoption applications are available on the rescue website. Veterinarian references must be available in addition to the application. The rescue will not allow a same-day adoption without the required information. Adopting a Puppy From a Labradoodle Rescue in North Carolina There are paramount factors to keep in mind when choosing the newest member of the family. The following list will point you in the right direction to find Labradoodle puppies for adoption in North Carolina, rather than going to an expensive breeder. Support the rescue mission by adopting a puppy looking for a home, or maybe your life is a little too hectic for a puppy. Mature dogs are usually calmer, need less supervision, and are often well-trained. Whatever your family situation best calls for, you will likely find the perfect pup at one of the shelters listed above. If you want to look further afield but still rescue a dog desperately needing a home, check out other shelters in New York Ny , Virginia Va , Maryland Md , and Georgia Ga. Challenges of Adopting a Rescue Dog Once you have decided to adopt a new dog, your first inclination may be to run to the nearest breeder and shell out an astronomical amount for a new puppy. Unfortunately, too many people do just that. For this reason, we have so many dogs in shelters around the country. Consider adopting from a reputable shelter, but be aware that there may be challenges. When you adopt a pet that has lived with another owner or experienced traumatic situations, you will acquire the emotional baggage their previous life left behind. You may experience unpredictable behavior problems from their early life, and you will have to deal with them with patience and understanding. A quality rescue like the ones above will do their best to rehabilitate pets entering the shelter with behavior problems, providing training and lots of affection to overcome any issues. That will be your challenge as the owner of a shelter pet. It requires dedication and loyalty on your part. If you begin experiencing behavioral issues with your dog, speak to your veterinarian about possible causes and solutions. Conclusion When you adopt a new dog, there are many things to consider. Will you be at work all day or at home? Can your dog go to work with you? Do you have a big yard, or will you have to walk your dog? Do you live in a home or an apartment? These factors will influence the type of dog most suitable for your lifestyle. Labradoodles are large, high-energy, playful dogs. So they need plenty of room and exercise. They are intelligent, and as they mature, they calm down, making great dogs for the office. Another thing to consider is the financial aspect of owning a Labradoodle. They must receive regular grooming as their fur continuously grows. Unless you hone your grooming abilities, plan on spending a fair amount at the groomers at least once a month. And rescuing a pet in need through a rescue organization will be a decision you will never regret. Meet our writer Jen Clifford is an animal behaviorist and veterinary technician with more than a decade of hands-on experience working in small animal and specialty veterinary clinics. Leave a Comment. All Reservation Fees are good for 1 year from the time they are submitted. What is an Australian Labradoodle? He mixed Labrador Retrievers with Poodles. The current bloodlines were perfected by the owners of Tegan Park and Rutland Manor based in Australia. A natural by-product of this being a conspicuous lack of dog odor! Their even temperament makes them excellent candidates to become service dogs and is also a big part of what makes them exceptional family dogs. They are highly intelligent and are a preferred breed for their excellent health. Our puppies range from 18 lbs. Our dogs are incredibly loved and extensively health tested. Our dogs will never live in kennels — they live in our home or a guardian home as a member of the family. Happy, healthy, well loved and cared for parents produce healthier puppies. Our goal is to operate with the highest integrity, while producing genetically exceptional, structurally sound, well-adjusted puppies who are ready to become a loving part of your family. These methods include early neurological stimulation and creates an enriched environment early on for your puppy to grow in. Our in-home puppy play area includes early training for problem prevention such as emotional resilience, exercises using therapy toys and sound desensitization. Your puppy is introduced early to many scary sounds including loud thunderstorms, lightning, and doorbells ringing. We start potty training our puppies using a bell on the door at 4 weeks and we initiate crate training at 6 weeks. By 8 weeks, the puppies are ready for their new homes with their loving families. We strive for excellence in our dogs, our customer service and in the relationships we build with the families who entrust our family with raising their new baby. You can rest assured and trust our program for transparency, prompt communication and excellent customer service. We understand the level of trust our prospective puppy families place in us and we take our responsibility seriously. Your name is placed on our wait list in the order your Reservation Fee was received. You will remain on the waitlist until you have been offered and accepted a puppy to adopt that meets the temperament needs and preferences of your family. If we do not have a puppy of your sex or color preference, you may choose to defer to a future litter. Final payment is due by the time the puppy is 6 weeks old and the puppy can go home at 8 weeks. Ready To Get Started? Microchipping Full socialization in home environment keeping Puppy Culture principles in mind Litter registered with the Worldwide Australian Labradoodle Association Comfort blanket with mom and littermates' scents on it to help comfort them in the first few days away from our home. A 3lb bag of puppy food. Crate that your puppy was crate trained in starting at 6 weeks old. You will remain on the list until you have chosen a puppy to adopt. If we do not have a puppy of your sex or color preference, you may choose to defer to a future unreserved litter. Springdale Labradoodles does not guarantee placement on our waitlist until the puppy Reservation Fee has been received. We will reply to your inquiry promptly. Springdale Labradoodles does not guarantee placement on the wait list for any litter until the puppy Reservation Fee has been received. Breeder always has the first pick. We want our puppies and their new families to have the best chances for success! We do NOT ship our puppies in Cargo under a plane, as we do not believe it is in their best interest. You are welcome to pick your puppy up at our home, or we may be able to meet you if you are coming from one of the states mentioned above. Out of state and unsure how to get your puppy home? To make for a smooth trip for you and your puppy, we will ensure that your puppy is acclimated and ready to travel in a soft-sided airline carrier prior to going home. Don't want to fly? No worries! We have our very own puppy Flight Nanny! Our experienced flight nanny will personally fly your puppy to you on his lap with love and deliver your puppy into your arms at your closest airport. Additional fees apply and will be paid directly to the puppy nanny once travel arrangements are confirmed. We will be as flexible as we can in helping you receive your Springdale puppy. Travel fees are determined on an individual basis. We do everything possible to make the transition from our home to yours as easy as possible! With respect to the well-being of the puppy, our veterinarian does not perform early spay and neuter ESN , as she does not believe that it is in the best interest of young puppies. We follow her advice. We do our best to ensure that our puppies go to wonderful forever homes. If a dog must be relinquished, you must return the dog to Springdale Labradoodles. We have a professional flight nanny service available. Please contact us for details. Making a reservation earlier will help to keep the delivery fee lower. Can I track my puppy's progress? Our staff is happy to hear your concerns and answer any questions you have along the way. What happens after my puppy comes home? Many people love the idea of having a dog but lack the time or knowledge to train one properly. You can discuss what specific areas you need to focus on, and your trainer will help you with any concerns you have at the time. What is the best breed for me? You need to take your lifestyle, environment, household needs and where you live into account when choosing a dog. If you or someone in your family has allergies, selecting a hypoallergenic breed allows you to have a pet without affecting that person. Here are the people who allow us to serve our customers so well. Eric As head of customer service, Eric is in charge of your customer experience, from the selection of your puppy to a successful arrival at your home. They can give you all the information and guidance you need to prepare for your life with a new dog and are happy to answer your questions. Contact Us Giving Back to the Community We contribute regularly to three charities that provide support and assistance to impoverished mothers and children around the globe. Help us make a difference for those around the world who need our help. You just need to provide a deposit to reserve your puppy. You can choose from two training programs. Three-Month Training Program At eight weeks old, our trainer will take your puppy into their home and begin its training. Our professional trainer will focus on rewarding positive behaviors, house training, basic obedience and correcting problem behavior. Five-Month Training Program The Five-Month Training program gives our trainer another two months to focus on socialization, distraction work and daily routines. Your puppy will be exposed to many new people and dogs and learn how to remain obedient while distracted. Fully Trained Hypoallergenic Puppies in North Carolina Contact us today to learn more and review our selection of hypoallergenic puppies available in North Carolina. Please fill out the form below for more info on adopting a new puppy. Contact Us. Located 1. It owns the Dreamweaver Farm, a pleasant place where rescues are housed until they find their forever homes. Thanks to the hard work of hundreds of volunteers, CPR managed to rescue and rehome over dogs. Saving Grace takes in homeless dogs that usually come from underserved, rural, and impoverished areas. They live in a Funny Farm type of setting that naturally helps rehabilitate and get them out of their shells. The International Doodle Owners Group, founded in , has 15 years of experience in rescuing and rehoming Labradoodles and Goldendoodles. Pros: Has 15 years of experience Reasonable adoption fees Specialized in Labradoodles and Goldendoodles Cons: Needs more information on the medical care it provides Final Verdict The IDOG Rescue is one of the best options for specialized Labradoodle rescues that are available nationwide. Doodles Rescue Collective — Budget-Friendly Rescue The Doodles Rescue Collective is another nationwide option that stands out with its affordable adoption fees that make adoption more accessible. Founded in , the Doodles Rescue Collective has 13 years of experience. It managed to save and rehome Labradoodles and Goldendoodles since its beginning, thanks to more than volunteers across the states. The rescue cares about its dogs, which is why fostering can take from two weeks to two months. Also, the adoption fees are affordable. Understand the Breed There are plenty of abandoned and surrendered fur babies looking for another chance. Doing your research gives you a better understanding of what a Labradoodle needs so that you can be the excellent dog parent that your future canine friend deserves. For instance, Labradoodles hate being left alone. Your Labradoodle derives its joy from your continuous presence in its day. In addition, Labradoodles are highly energetic dogs. To stay fit and happy, they must exercise on a daily basis because they have a lot of energy that they need to release. So, knowing everything there is to know about the Labradoodle breed increases your chances of adopting one. Rescue Reputation Generally speaking, dog rescue organizations are expected to help countless dogs find new homes and preserve their lives. Younger and healthier Labradoodles tend to be more expensive than older ones. Keep in mind that certain rescue organizations charge an extra application fee too. Final Thoughts As you can see, there are many excellent Labradoodle rescue options throughout North Carolina. The top spot on our list goes to the Carolina Poodle Rescue. With 21 years of experience with Poodles and Poodle mixes, the rescue that owns the Dreamweaver Farm has a lot to offer. Sharing is caring! House-trained, Story Meet Douglas fna Dutton who is one of three pups from the same litter. He has two brothers, Hauser and Cole. Born on March 9, , this boy is already over 20 lbs. Really sweet boy who is very smart and doing great with his crate training and has figured out the doggie door at his foster mom's home. If you are looking for a loveable boy, this could be your match. Please continue to read and fill out the on line app at the end of this description. Puppies are very fragile and not toys. We recommend children be at least six years old to be considered to adopt a puppy. Small breed dogs such as chihuahuas, yorkies, shih tzus , etc we recommend children be at least eight years old. Herding, working breeds we recommend children to be at least 12 years old. Again these are recommendations. Adoption Procedures: We will travel up to two hours one way to do physical home visits and we do not do virtual home visits. Most of our dogs come from bad situations and we want to know where their forever home is going to be. While we do not require fencing on all dogs, certain dogs that need a fenced in yard, will not be adopted unless potential adopter has one. We also adopt some dogs to people who live in apartments as long as the landlord approves but not all dogs. We do not adopt to anyone under 21 years of age. We also do not feel college students are the best fit for most of our dogs. Most of our dogs again, come from bad situations and need lots of attention. Most college students have financial responsibilities and we feel need to be focused on school. We are solely focused on what is best for each dog in our rescue. These dogs have had enough moving around, dumped out like trash, and we want to ensure they find their forever home. We do require you sign a contract and if at any time you cannot continue to provide for the dog, the dog comes back to the rescue. Your first step to adoption is filling our our on line application. You will then get an automated email stating we got your application Next our adoption coordinator will be in touch either by phone or email If your references check out, a home visit will be scheduled.

These are dogs that are strong, intelligent, alert, courageous, energetic, and loyal. The breed excels as a guardian and these dogs can be trained to perform a range of important tasks. But most of all, this is a dog that protects the ones he or she loves and holds dear. Naming Advice When it comes to naming your German Shepherd, there are a variety of factors to keep in mind. Check out these super cute Pet ID Tags! Personality Finding the right name may not be immediately apparent, and sometimes it takes a while to decide which moniker fits your pup best. Wait for his or her personality to fully emerge before choosing the ideal name. Spend a little time with your new friend and the perfect name will come. Name Length A good rule of thumb is to keep the number of syllables in the dog's name to one or two at most. Three is acceptable but the shorter the name, the easier it is for your dog to hear and respond to commands. Clear communication is imperative for German Shepherds, particularly during training. Avoid Confusion Some names may sound like commands and this will only serve to confuse your pup. If you name your German Shepherd something that sounds identical to those and other commands, obedience is going to be an uphill battle for both you and your pet. Perhaps one of these names will fit your pet best, or maybe these names will help you think of the best possible name for your particular pup. German Shepherds have distinct personality traits and all of these names can reflect those attributes every time you call his or her name. The act of naming your new companion is a crucial aspect of integrating her into your household. The options are manifold. You could decide on one of the most popular female German Shepherd names or choose to go with a completely unique girl German Shepherd name. The process may seem daunting at first, but the perfect name is often closer than you think. To start, you may consider trying out various German Shepherd names for your female canine. Pronounce them out loud, observe how easily they roll off your tongue. Envision yourself calling out that name several times a day. Would you feel comfortable shouting it out in the dog park? The truth is, selecting the ideal girl German Shepherd name can be a daunting task. These charming names could all make for fantastic choices. Browse through them and see which one resonates with you the most. Best Female German Shepherd Names Ideas When it comes to choosing the best female German Shepherd names, the options are as varied and dynamic as these dogs themselves. These top female GSD names perfectly encapsulate various facets of their personality, appearance, and heritage.

Nothing will make your poodle happier than to play you in a friendly and stimulating game of tug-of-war. The SnakeBiter is an excellent variation on rope toys for dogs that are aggressive chewers , which most poodles are. This rope is thick and solid, allowing your dog to go to town without destroying a favorite toy. Instead, our Invincible Snakes come with multiple squeakers for multiple rounds of toss and tug fun even when.Do not leave toys with unsupervised pets. Remove and replace toy if damaged. We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. The Outward Hound brand is especially good for poodles because of the durability of their squeaky toys. Although this plush squeaky toy is small and light, the construction is extremely tough and will withstand extensive chewing and tearing. Apparently, in some cases, the squeaking device will remain functional even when the fabric has been punctured. Ultra Ball ChuckIt! Ultra Ball, Medium 2. Check out a variety of our pet toy products such as frisbees, perches and mirrors for birds, prey wand toys for cats, plush toys, Checkout Chuckit for ball launchers, bouncy balls, frisbees, indoor dog.Ultra Ball is one of our favorite designs on the market for ball toys for poodles. In addition, these balls come in bright and contrasting colors that will be easy for your poodle to see. Does your dog get bored quickly? Included with our dog puzzle toys are helpful tips and tricks to assist in optimal training; also, never leave toys with unsupervised pets - no toy is indestructible We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. In this interactive game, treats are hidden in various compartments as a challenge for your dog. Different shapes like cones and circles cover the chambers, and dogs must lift the covers off instead of pushing them aside to access the treats. The rubber grip keeps the activity tray in place, and the toy is dishwasher safe for easy cleaning. Flying Squirrel ChuckIt! PET TOYS: Get ready for bonding fun with your dogs cats Check out a variety of our pet toy products such as frisbees, perches mirrors for birds, prey wand toys for cats, plush toys, light-up.For additional usability, this toy can float—be sure to bring this with you if you ever bring your poodle out to a pool or lake. For extensive games of fetch, this tough and aerodynamic toy will keep your energetic dog happy. Goughnuts tough dog toys are long lasting and will keep your dog busy.Our super durable dog toys are nearly indestructible, but if your dog manages to damage them, Poodles can be downright obsessive with their chewing, and this ring-shaped chew toy can be a great solution for protecting your shoes and furniture. The thick rubber will last for a long time, and a convenient red safety indicator inside the toy will alert you when it has become too worn down to be safe for your dog. Both Cockapoos and Poodle are active dogs that enjoy outdoor play What to Look for in Poodle Toys While these are our top picks for great toys for poodles, there are plenty of dog toys out there that work well for poodles. Key elements to look for include durability, interactivity, and opportunities for social play. No matter what toys you buy, poodles are fun-loving and curious animals who, above all, just want to spend time with you. Happy playing! My wife and I love playing with our active miniature Labradoodle Max. We want all Oodle puppies to be healthy and happy, have lots of fun and be part of the family. Load More. This personalized art print is a unique and thoughtful gift for any Toy Poodle lover. The print highlights the breed history, traits, and characteristics that make the Toy Poodle stand out. The print is perfect for dog lovers of all ages and genders. It makes a sentimental and heartwarming gift for a fur birthday or to welcome a new puppy. Plus, the stylish print is made to work well with all existing home decor, making it a great housewarming gift to match any home. Buying Guide When it comes to finding the best toys for poodles, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure that you are choosing the right product for your furry friend. Here are some key features to consider when your are buying best toys for poodles Size One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a toy for your poodle is the size. You want to make sure that the toy is appropriately sized for your dog. If the toy is too small, it could pose a choking hazard, while a toy that is too large may be difficult for your poodle to play with. Look for toys that are specifically designed for small or medium-sized dogs. Material The material of the toy is also an important consideration. Look for toys made from high-quality materials, such as rubber or nylon. Avoid toys that are made from cheap, flimsy materials that can easily break or tear. Functionality Consider what your poodle likes to do when choosing a toy. Some poodles love to play fetch, while others prefer toys that they can chew on. Look for toys that are designed for the specific activities that your poodle enjoys. Interactive Features Toys with interactive features can provide great mental stimulation for your poodle. Look for toys that have hidden treats, puzzles, or other interactive elements that will keep your poodle entertained and engaged. Safety Finally, safety should always be a top priority when choosing a toy for your poodle. Avoid toys with small parts that could be swallowed or toys with sharp edges that could cause injury. Always supervise your poodle when playing with toys to ensure that they are playing safely. By considering these factors, you can choose the best toys for your poodle that will provide hours of fun and entertainment while keeping them safe and healthy. I have a miniature Poodle named Olive. Pets are my passion and I love to share knowledge through writing blogs. About Us I'm Emma Olson, and love dogs so much, especially poodles. Pets are my passion and I work in the world of corporate pets. I worked at three different pet stores for about six years total and now volunteer at my local animal rescue. I love animals very much! While waiting for their forever homes, I like to volunteer to provide them with care in my spare time. The 6 Best Types of Toys for a Poodle Overview If you think of dog toys as needing to serve as tools to meet a Poodle's needs, you may be surprised at how amazingly helpful they can be. The right toys can help a great deal with everything from teething woes, to negative behavior associated with boredom.In addition, toys can serve as a method of creating a closer bond with your Poodle, encourage activity in an otherwise sedentary dog, and even boost a Poodle's brain power. Here we will take a look at the 6 types of toys every Poodle should have to meet a wide variety of canine needs. Teething begins by 3 to 4 months old and lasts until the 7 to 8 month mark. During this time, there are incredible amounts of itching and most puppies feel some level of discomfort. This causes an overwhelming need to chew to soothe those teething woes. For these reasons, one of the best things that you can do is find the right toys for your teething Poodle puppy. Qualities of effective teething toys: The oral sensations that a puppy feels can move from moment to moment. Discomfort waxes and wanes. And itching can come in waves. So, toys need to be very versatile. The best toys will have: A variety of surface textures. Cloth, rope, and hard rubber should be available to meet chewing urges at any one particular time. Rope toys are especially helpful, as the twisted strands are good 'scratchers'. Small nubs. This is of particular importance; tiny nubs work to massage gums which helps the pup feel better. A puppy needs to be able to manipulate the toy into different parts of his mouth. Proper sizing. This is most relevant to toy Poodles, since many dog teething toys are sized too big for a tiny toy's mouth. If a Poodle puppy cannot instantly find relief, he may move onto something else.Recommended teething toys: Below are our 1 most recommended toys for Poodle pups that are in the throes of teething. The first 3 are for toy Poodles, though larger options can be found for miniatures and standards. The Nylabone is just one example of great teething chews that are flavored to entice a puppy to mouth them and come in a wide range of sizes, to accommodate all Poodle varieties. If you do not see the images, try a refresh. On mobile, you may need to turn the screen horizontal to see all 4. And if this describes your Poodle, no doubt you have had a hard time finding the right toys that will stand up to aggressive chewing. A dog's urge to chew is not limited to toys; with this type of drive, nothing is off limits. If a Poodle is not happy with his toys, one of two things will happen: 1 the dog will move on to other objects in the house, which is not only destructive but also unsafe or 2 the dog will become irritable and stressed as he's unable to satisfy his urges. Qualities of the best toys for strong chewers: To meet your Poodle's needs, the goal will be to provide fun chew toys that are specifically designed to handle aggressive chewers. While no toy is literally indestructible, some come very close. The toy will need to: Be able to stand up to high bite force. Be safe - A great feature to look for is a color indicator that the toy has been chewed down too far. Some toys are guaranteed, meaning that if a color starts to show, you'll get a free replacement. Fun - If it does not have the right texture and pliability to feel good in a Poodle's mouth, it'll be of no use. Recommended toys for Poodles that are super aggressive chewers: For this, both Kongs and Doughnuts are the two best options, with Kongs being the best for toy Poodles images are below. Kongs are great because they come in a wide range of sizes that will be appropriate for toys, minis, and standards. These are color coded, with pink and blue for puppies, red for 'normal' adult chewers, and black is reserved for the strongest chewers. In other words, a puppy would never be able to bite down on a black Kong dog toy and an aggressive chewer could tear up a pink one. The 'classic' Kong is designed to be filled with treats or kibble, which draws a dog to it and encourages him to stay focused. If your Poodle likes to chew, but has not shown a history of shredding toys to bits, you may find that the Kong 'minimally stuffed' chew toys are well received. These are also great because they come in all sizes from small to large. Goughnuts are colored coded as well, with yellow, orange, and green for strong chewers PSI and black reserved for professional grinders at a whopping PSI. What is great about these is that they are guaranteed. Each has red in the middle. If you see even a tiny spot of red, you may return the toy for just the cost of shipping out a new one. There are 3 sizes as well; but these will be a bit too large for most toy Poodles. Toys are shown below. And in this sense, thinking of toys as 'stay busy' tools can make a huge difference in your Poodle's happiness level. When a puppy or dog is just sitting around without anything to do, he will reach a limit where boredom turns into frustration. And where monotony turns into depression. If your Poodle has been too bored, you may not even realize it until you hand over a super-fun, interactive toy and see him perk up. Alternatively, some Poodles are very expressive about how they feel. It must be noted that regular exercise plays a role in this as well. If your Poodle is not taken out twice per day for at least minute sessions, even the best of toys may not fix his woes. So, a good balance of getting outside for walks and offering the right toys during down-time is the best fix. Qualities of the best toys to fix boredom and keep a Poodle occupied: You'll want toys that will be perfect for both when a Poodle is home alone and also when you are home but cannot interact with your Poodle at the moment. These toys should: Allow a Poodle to play fully independently; you will not need to do anything else other than point out the toy if you are there. Call out to the puppy or dog. A huge aspect is that the toy interacts with the dog. In this way, playing is a two-way street. The dog noses the toy, the toy responds. The dog chews the toy, the toy reacts. This type of element can keep a dog busy for a long time, basically until he's completely tuckered out. Recommended 'stay busy' toys for Poodles: There ares some incredibly fun options. The Babble Balls toys are out of this world; these are super interactive toys that can keep a puppy or dog amused and busy for hours. There are 3 sizes small for toys, medium for minis, and large for standard Poodles. Also, there are two fun types. One lets out animal noises. So, as a Poodle touches the toy, engaging sounds like pigs, frogs, bears, birds, even other dogs speak to him. There are 20 different animal sounds in all. The other is just as wonderful. It lets out funny phrases such as 'Come here, puppy! There are 20 amusing, encouraging phrases in all. For both of these, the toys automatically shut off when not in use, so the batteries do not run out. The Look Who's Taking line of toys is super fun as well. There are over 15 different types of stuffed animals, and each one makes a corresponding animal noise. These are good sized quality toys that stand up to daily playing. The size of these toys range from 5" the baby chick to 7" the cow and a bunch in between. There is a parrot, frog, rooster, monkey, goat, lobster, and more. These toys are shown below. These serve two purposes in one swoop. As an added benefit, if you place your Poodle's food in this sort of toy on days that you are not home, it helps prevent bloat, a dangerous health condition fast eating is a common trigger , which is a top concern for standard Poodles and is always something to be aware of no matter what type or size dog you have. Qualities of great treat-release toys: There are a few aspects to keep in mind. For this type of toy to do its job, it should: Hold in treats enough that they are not released too easily, but at the same time allow a Poodle to smell them in order to trigger a response. Be designed to work with a variety of different dog treats so that you are not forced to purchase additional treats. Be made with safe materials. Be durable to stand up to daily use. Be easy to clean since you'll want to be able to rinse away food particles. Be sized correctly. It's not uncommon for owners of toy Poodles to have trouble finding treat dispensing toys for their tiny dogs, so for these Poodles, it must fit the needs of dogs 10 lbs. Recommended treat dispensing toys for toy, mini and standard Poodles: There are some great options for all Poodles images below. Busy Buddy makes two treat release toys. The barnacle toy is perfect for toy Poodles, even puppies. It is composed of 3 tiny separate spheres, so toy Poodle can easily mouth onto one of them at a time. If you like the looks of this one, but don't have a toy Poodle, no worries.The other type is the twist sphere, which is adjustable, so you can control how easy or hard it is for your Poodle to get to the treats. This comes in small for dogs 8 to 20 lbs. The IQ Treat Ball is a great toy for toy Poodles on the larger end, minis and standards; this is available in both 3 and 4 inch diameters. It's a neat little sphere that is adjustable and releases food as it's nudged which encourages a dog to move. The Bob-A-Lot is a good-sized toy that is best suited for mini and standard Poodles. This has a large chamber that holds a full meal, and its bright color and wobbly movements make eating fun. Distress and even panicking when owners are away is referred to as separation anxiety, and this is not uncommon with dogs. In fact, it may be even more so with breeds like the Poodle due to their instinctive sensitivity and close human bonding. So, while all toys are important in their own way, perhaps the one type that can make the most dramatic impact on a Poodle is a companion toy. These will mimic a living creature to become an instant friend. With this, a dog is no longer alone. In addition, it would be remiss to not mention webcam devices that allow you to interact with your Poodle when you're not there. These are quite amazing, though are not fitting for those on a tight budget. Qualities of best companion toys: There's no competition here and there's no comparing. The very best ones are Smart Pets; these are good-sized quality stuffed animals that emit a rhythmic, soothing heartbeat. This alone instantly swoops away heavy feelings of isolation. In addition, is an option to send out a comforting warmth. This is as close as you can get to giving your Poodle a companion without obtaining another dog, and these are just marvelous. Qualities of the best pet webcams: Not very long ago, there were some sparse choices for this; however, the features where quite limited. Now, there's some truly amazing devices. While these can be a bit pricey, if you really want to go all out and come the absolute closest you can to being with your Poodle when you're not with him, the webcam will: Have two-way audio so that you can both speak to your Poodle and hear any barking in response. Have a wide-angle view and night vision, so that you can clearly see your puppy or dog at all times and under any sort of lighting though it is always recommended to keep lights on for a dog that's home alone. Easily sync to your smartphone Hold a good number of treats, so that the interaction can be frequent and extended. Toss treats out with a tap on your phone, and at a good distance to make it clear that you're playing with your Poodle. Our 1 recommend companion toys and a super-neat interactive webcam are below. If you don't see the images, try a refresh. On mobile, you may need to turn your screen horizontal to see all 4. It's what they live for. So, no matter how busy the day may get, the best thing you can do for your Poodle is to make time each day to play. It can be as little as 15 minutes, and it will mean the world. And do not discount older adults and even seniors. The need to hold onto bonds is stronger than ever. However, it's not uncommon for a Poodle to need something colorful and interesting to get really involved with a game of fetch. You'll want it to be durable and importantly the right size so that your Poodle can easily mouth it. Another option that is great to play on rainy days are puzzle games. With this, you work together as a teacher and student. You'll teach your Poodle how to nose levers and paw buttons to find hidden treats. There is something to be said about the Poodle ranking 2 in intelligence ; this is indeed a super smart breed. However, dogs are as smart as opportunity allows.For these, you'll want to pay attention to the level typically 1,2 and 3 or beginner, intermediate, and advanced so that the puzzle is doable. Recommended super-fun fetch toys and a fun puzzle game are below this one is level 2, but there are lots of options. All rights reserved. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon. Share Us. Pros Puppyspot Poodle Adoption 5. They have placed over , puppies into homes in the US! The ridges and nubs on the toy help clean teeth and prevent plaque and tartar buildup, promoting dental health from an early age. The toy is gentle enough to ease pain during the teething stage, and the savory chicken flavor encourages puppies to chew on the toy instead of destructive items around the house. However, the toy is not suitable for dogs over 15 pounds, and some reviewers reported small pieces coming off the toy. Overall, this is a great option for small puppies who need a gentle chew toy to help with teething. Size for puppies and small dogs,a dog that weighs less than 22 lbs,such as.Some toys have the bells,please pay more attention when they are playing toys and do not let your dog swallow these toys,just be sure to throw away.We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. Overall, this set of toys is a great investment for any poodle puppy owner. The toys are made of high-quality TPR and soft cotton, making them sturdy and bite-resistant. They are also easy to clean, making them a convenient option for busy pet owners. The toys come in a variety of shapes and sizes, providing your puppy with a range of textures to chew on. One thing to keep in mind is that the colors of the toys may vary and are randomly delivered. Some of the toys also have bells, so be sure to supervise your puppy to prevent them from swallowing the toys. Additionally, the set is not recommended for dogs with sharp teeth or for dogs that like to fight over toys. It's great for Chihuahua.Unique Design Shape Toy for Boredom - Unique fruit shape with hollow seductive pineapple flavor and real texture surface, can attract the dog to chew and play. You can fill the teething toy with food.Improve Intelligence Training - This pineapple interactive dog toy can training dogs jumping, reaction ability. You can also use this pet toy to interact with dogs and play throw and fetch game, enjoy.To Esteemed Customers - Recently our pineapple dog toy by the malicious reviwe of others, these people deliberately bought our dog toy and destoryed it,then leave us one-star with images, please do.This toy is made from extremely durable bite-resistant natural rubber and is designed to withstand even the most aggressive chewers, making it great for Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, Corgis, and Poodles. Pros The unique fruit shape with a hollow seductive pineapple flavor and real texture surface can attract the dog to chew and play, making it a great small dog toy for boredom. The toothbrush-like design is helpful in freshening breath, stimulating gums, and reducing tartar and plaque buildup as your dog plays and chews away. The toy may be difficult to clean because of its unique shape and texture. The manufacturer provides a lifetime replacement guarantee or refund for their dear customers. Recently, the pineapple dog toy received some malicious reviews from others who deliberately bought the dog toy and destroyed it, then left one-star with images. However, the manufacturer has provided their own video, showing their own dog playing very happily. If you have any issues with the pineapple tough dog toy, please contact the manufacturer in time. Written by: Casey Estorque November 29, Poodles and poodle mixes are some of the most popular dog breeds across the globe, yet, they are often stereotyped as prim and proper pups. Need help entertaining these incredibly intelligent and active dogs? In , Dr. Stanley Coren ranked Poodles as 2 of breeds according to intelligence. But depending on who you ask, they are sometimes considered the brightest breed of them all! This intelligent pup craves mental stimulation and easily grows bored. Durable Chew Toys Poodle parents may be well aware that these pups love. Prevent destructive chewing behavior with durable Super Chewer Toys! This way, your Poodle will have hours of endless entertainment. Plus, they come in super fun designs that will delight both you and your dog! Fetch And Tug Poodles were originally bred as hunting dogs. Though it may be hard to imagine your furry princess leading a hunting trip, Poodles still have a strong instinct for retrieving. Ignite and delight their instincts with a game of fetch! Tug Toys are a great option for fetch since the rope handles are optimal for throwing. Gone are the days of clutching slobbery tennis balls — yuck. Poodles are very eager to please and connect with their humans, so their favorite playtime activity is one that involves you! Then why not give BarkBox a try? Have some lingering questions on how to find the best toys for medium dogs? This is far from the truth. Poodles are athletic, friendly, and smart dogs. Poodles can be easily trained and are an eager breed. Poodles love to stay active and challenged. The right toy can be an effective and fun way to interact with your poodle. Without a doubt, my dog Angus enjoys Barkbox more than anything else I purchase for him. BarkBox delivers a customized box of themed toys, treats, and other products to your door each month for any size dog. In addition, I like that a percentage of proceeds are donated to local animal shelters. Check out the Barkbox website here to discover why Barkbox will make your dog as happy as mine. Toys are a great way to stimulate and encourage your poodle. It is essential to find the best toy for their stage of life. Ideally, one that they will enjoy and will help keep them active. Even though Poodles are associated with France, poodles were originally a duck hunter dog in Germany. Hunters wanted a dog that could swim and move well in the water. That is why poodles have their famous haircuts. They wanted them to keep their fur around their midsection for warmth but shave parts of the neck, legs, and tail to allow them to move better in the water. Poodles are known to be late bloomers, though, when it comes to teething. Teething could last longer than the eight-month mark. It is important to be patient with your teething poodle, and chew toys are a great help in this stage. Some qualities to look for in a teething toy for a poodle puppy include: Several types of surfaces for the teeth to experience. Knobs, grooves, ropes, and different materials can help get just the right stop when it comes to teething. A temperature element can be soothing. Freeze toys can be wet or cold can help your teething puppy find relief. Make sure the Teething Toy is the correct size. You want the toy to be big enough that it will be safe to chew on but not too big where your puppy will struggle to use it. The following two puppy teething toys are great options for your poodle puppy to have fun and find some comfort for their sore gums. Nylabone Puppy Starter Packs Puppy Chew Toys This pack of chew toys is great for a poodle puppy because it has a toy for different teething stages and comes with a healthy treat. The toys are durable and have a great flavor your dog will love. The different ribbons and elements can also entertain your poodle as they play. However, it can be impossible to be engaging with your pet at all times. Sometimes you have to leave for work or errands, and your poodle is left to entertain themselves. If poodles are left too often on their own without any motivation to be active, they can become bored. Boredom can lead to depression in dogs. Toys can be a great help to keep your poodle entertained when you are not home or able to play with them. Make sure these toys are simple enough that they can be figured out by the dog on its own. The Babble Ball can provide hours of play for your dog to keep them entertained. It will also turn itself off when your dog has left it alone. It comes with over 20 sounds so that your poodle will not get bored. The more they interact with the toy, the more it will talk back to them. If you see that your poodle is destroying things while you are away, they might be suffering from separation anxiety. A more interactive approach with the dog owners while they are left alone might be helpful to stop some more destructive behaviors. This pet camera has 2-way audio so you can talk with and comfort your poodle while you are not there. It will alert you when your dog is barking. Separation Anxiety in Poodles Poodles can experience anxiety if they are left alone for just one hour or all day. There are some signs to look for in your poodle to determine if they have separation anxiety. This can happen in any age of your poodle, sometimes puppies will outgrow this phase, but it can also be a problem among older poodles. Signs of separation anxiety include: Barking continually Destroying things around the house Depression Acting out or out of control when you are leaving the house Extreme excitement when you return Increased number of bathroom accidents Along with making sure your poodles have plenty of toys to keep them active while you are gone, here are other ways to help them with their separation anxiety. Leaving the television or radio on to something calming is a good idea. Poodles also like to watch the things that are going on around them, setting up an area for them by a large window or screen door can be helpful. Always make sure to leave a light on or allow or lots of natural light. A dark house can make your poodle feel lonelier. As mentioned earlier, many times, when dogs are bored, they often tend to chew more. Some tips to encourage approved chewing include. Redirect their chewing to a new toy. Poodles love new and exciting things, have two groups of toys, and only keep one group out at a time. Once you notice your dog getting bored with those toys, swap them for the other group. Keep things exciting. If your poodle is not interested in playing, try making a game. Poodles love social interaction. Making it a contest to find their chew toy might get them more excited about their chew toys. Let them not what things are not acceptable to be chewed. If your poodle continues to chew on non-chew toys like furniture, you can spray those things with a chew-deterrent spray. Here are some great durable chew toys to help your poodle redirect their chewing: 1. With three different toys, you can give your poodle a variety and switch things up to combat boredom. The different textures, shapes, and flavors will help keep your poodle entertained and chewing on these for hours. It has different textures, the rope, knobs, and tube center to keep your poodle engaged. It is durable and safe to chew. It can also be used as a training or fetch toy. Having plenty of durable chew toys can also help to combat other negative behavior your poodle might be displaying. Poodles are known to be friendly, well-tempered dogs, but like any breed, they can begin to develop some more negative behaviors. It is important to recognize these behaviors and redirect them into positive behaviors. Most Common Behavioral Problems Among Poodles Hyperactivity— It is normal for poodle puppies to be hyper, and they usually grow out of this in the first year or two. If this behavior in your poodle continues, make sure you are providing them plenty of exercise. If they feel like you are angry or frustrated, they might act out in a more hyper mood. Try to remain calm around your poodle to help them emulate your calm spirit. Too clingy- Make sure your poodle is allowed to explore all approved areas of your house, this way, they know where they can most comfortable. Introducing your poodle to new environments and situations will help them feel more comfortable in different circumstances. Always make sure you are giving your poodle the attention they need. Quality time throughout the day with their owner will allow your poodle to feel safe and secure when they are left alone. Nipping- Poodles are not naturally aggressive, and all dogs nip a little in the puppy phase as they learn to play. If this action continues into adulthood, it is vital to train and teach your poodle that this behavior is not okay. Poodles respond best to positive encouragement. Marking territory If your poodle is marking their territory, they might be trying to assert their dominance in the household, leave a mating signal, be having a response to visitors, or it might even be a response to a new family member. It is crucial in this situation to establish yourself as the head of the family with your poodle. Let them know that you are the leader. You can do this by having them sit first before you give them their food or treats. Having them sit before you enter or leave a room is also helpful in letting them know you are in charge. Another way to help them stop marking is to get them spayed or neutered. It would help if you also cleaned your home with an enzyme cleaner. Soap and water will not get rid of the smell entirely and your poodle will continue to mark when they smell it. Growling- growling is different from barking and is something an owner needs to be aware of right away. Finding the reason for the growling is important—is your poodle in pain, scared, marking their territory, or being aggressive? It is important to identify the trigger so you can help change the situation. If your poodle has begun to grow aggressively, proper training right away is vital to stop the behavior before your poodle thinks that it is acceptable to behave like that. Jumping- It is common for poodles to jump up when they are saying hello or excited to see someone. If you have a bigger poodle, this could potentially cause a problem or even frighten your guests. It is also important to make sure you are helping your poodle release their extra energy in other ways, like walks throughout the day. Disobedience- Poodles are a highly intelligent breed. They are great problem solvers and good at learning commands. Poodle owners must train their poodles with commands and rules. If you find that your poodle is continually disobeying you, it is important to understand what might be triggering them. Poodles are emotional dogs, they might be frightened or lonely, and that could be causing some of their disobedience. Understanding why they might be disobeying will help you find the right steps to take to get them back on track. Poodle Play Together Toys Dogs, especially poodles, love human interaction and contact. Poodles are athletic and smart dogs and can be easily trained. Finding a good toy that will help you interact with your poodle is a great way to show them your love and affection. It is best to find a durable toy that is easy for them to fit in their mouth when looking for a toy to play with your poodle. Hartz Dura Play Ball Size: Small Pack of 2 If you have a toy, small, or puppy poodle, these balls are the perfect size to play fetch with. They are durable and waterproof, so you can throw them in the water and let your poodle show off their swimming skills to retrieve it. They are also bacon-scented, which all dogs love! Tug a war is always a favorite game among poodles. These toys are strong and durable, and your poodle will love playing a game of fetch or tug of war with one of these many shapes. Poodles and Exercise I mentioned many times how much energy poodles have and the importance they stay active. There are many other reasons for proper exercise other than just behavioral benefits. Exercise can help lengthen your poodles life-span and combat many other health problems they might experience. Making sure your poodle exercises for the correct amount of time, on a daily bases, and at the right level can have the following benefits. Digestion help- prevents constipation and helps with regular bowel movements Increase of muscle tone which can prevent injuries Increase of blood circulation which helps combat cardiovascular disease Decrease the occurrence of UTI because it promotes healthy urination Slows down the development of arthritis Playing fetch is an excellent exercise to release quick amounts of energy, but regular walks with your poodle are the most beneficial type of activity for this bread of dog. Here is why: Walking is low impact and easy on their joints and muscles. All you need is a leash and harness. Puppy Poodles-The The duration of your walks or the amount of time you exercise your poodle depends on its size and type. For toy and miniature poodles, it is important not to over-exercise them as puppies. This can affect bone growth. Keeping walks shorter and at a slower pace for these small puppies is important Adults Poodles-As your poodle reaches adulthood, you can increase your walk time and pace. Most adult poodles need about 60 minutes of walk time a day, and it is best if this is done in two 30 minute sessions or three 20 minute ones. Senior Poodles-Even as your poodle reaches his or her senior years, it is vital to keep up their walking routine. Fresh air is known to help their moods. Just make sure to decrease the duration and pace of your walks. Walking Poodles in Different Weather Conditions Whether it is hot or cold outside, weather can affect your desire or ability to walk your poodle. Try morning and cooler evening walks. Always bring water and take a water break in the shade. Protect their nose with sunscreen. In the summer, swimming is another excellent exercise for your poodle. They are great swimmers, and it is an excellent low-impact activity. Make sure you wash their coat off with shampoo afterward, and if you are in an area with deeper water, a doggie life vest is always a safe option. Cold Weather Again, protect those paws. Paw wax or no-slip paw show to keep those paws warm Dress you and your poodle appropriately. A vest or sweater can help keep your poodle warm during those colder winter walks. Protect their noses from getting chapped with a nose butter. If it is just too cold to go outside, make sure to play and give your poodle plenty of playtime in the house. Playing fetch and letting them run a little more in the house will help them get out their energy. Best Treat Toys for Poodles Poodles love treats, and treats can be a useful training tool. They can also be a motivator to play and help keep your poodle active. Some qualities of a good treat toy include: Capacity-It can hold a good amount of treats. You do not want to have to refill it after only a few minutes of play. Variety-It can hold many different sizes of treats. Difficulty— It is not too easy for your poodle to get the treat out of it. Strong-You definitely want it to be durable. Size-make sure the size fits the size of your poodle. Poodles come in many sizes, so making sure the toy is appropriate for their size is important. These are some great options for treat toys for poodles: 1. Depending on the size of your poodle, you can pick the size that will fit them best. It is durable and machine washable. The unique shape of this toy will provide your poodle with extra entertainment because they will not know which way the toy will bounce. This toy is great for stuffing all different kinds of treats inside, and it can even be frozen before play to add an extra level of excitement. Outward Hound Ottosson Puzzle Brick Dog Toy Not only will this toy dispense a treat to your poodle, but it will also exercise their mind. Poodles are highly intelligent, and it is important to also stimulate their minds and keep them thinking. Puzzle games that dispense treats are a great way to accomplish this. This puzzle game can help reduce boredom and destructive behaviors. It will make treat giving stimulating and interactive. This game is a level 2 puzzle game, so it will not be too easy for your smart poodle. It is hand washable and easy to clean. Keeping Your Poodle Happy and Healthy. The bond between you and your poodle can be very special. Poodles love affection and the attention of their owners. Through proper training, play, and exercise, you can establish a routine and lifestyle that will bring happiness and longevity to your poodle. Toys are a great way to interact with your poodle and provide them with fun. They can be used to help train and discipline your poodle. They can also help give your poodle comfort when you are not physically there. The most important thing is to find something that your poodle loves and will help increase their quality of living. I hope you found it helpful. Here are some products that I personally believe every owner should employ to help ensure the best quality of life for their dogs. But in all honesty, these are the exact products that I use and recommend to everyone, even my own family. Lemonade Pet Insurance : Lemonade Pet Insurance has enabled me to afford a very high level of veterinary care for my dog, Angus. Even after he was diagnosed with cancer a few years back. This program actually works, and at a small fraction of the cost of hiring a dog trainer! Pet Plate is the dog food subscription service I use to provide extremely healthy, pre-portioned meals for my dog. Pet Plate gives my dog Angus the highest quality nutrition at a very affordable price. BarkBox : Without a doubt, my dog enjoys Barkbox more than anything else I buy him. BarkBox delivers a customized box of themed toys, treats, and other products to your door each month. In addition, I like that a percentage of proceeds is donated to local animal shelters. I Purchase this service for my dog Angus and have saved hundreds of dollars over visiting his local vet with questions or more minor health concerns. Brent Hartman I'm Brent Hartman. I've been a dog lover my entire life and have owned many animals over the years. When my black lab Angus passed away, I was looking for another friend to share my life with. As a result of my research, I've come to love poodles and wanted to share some of what I've learned with you. Whether you're looking to adopt a poodle, or already own one, I created Poodle report to be the ultimate guide to help you find the answers you need. Recent Posts. Side note: I do not recommend getting rope toys to play tug-o-war with your dog. In my opinion, they are quite dangerous for two reasons. First, they tend to fray easily, leaving behind strands of string that might cause digestive obstruction in your dog if swallowed. Bottom line? Ready now? Endorsed by veterinarians globally, serving as a secure plaything for active dogs. Its ability to keep their dog busy and anxiety-free, without any choking hazards, makes it a must-have. Another reviewer, owning a mini Aussie doodle, praised its endless chewing appeal. Although there are a few concerns about its long-term durability, most owners agree on its value for money. Includes various obstacles and steps to keep dogs mentally stimulated. Promotes positive play habits, reduces anxiety, and redirects destructive behavior. This interactive dog toy made by Outward Hound has garnered over , positive reviews among dog owners, myself included. It makes for a super enjoyable and stimulating play time for intelligent and playful dogs! Small breed owners appreciate its suitability for their pups, and its versatile design with rounded plastic corners ensures safety during play. Many users also appreciate the option to freeze treats inside the toy and its easy-to-open lids. However, it may not be the best choice for heavy chewers. Overall, this toy presents a fun and mentally engaging option for dogs, especially those of smaller breeds. Classic Dog Ball Launcher Upgrade the game of fetch with an interactive dog toy that enhances throwing speed and distance effortlessly. Designed to extend reach and keep hands slobber-free while reducing bending over to pick up muddy balls. Compatible with 2. This toy by ChuckIt has received lots of positive reviews from users on the internet. One user, initially skeptical, discovered the value of the product for their ball-obsessed lab. They invested in multiple ChuckIts and found it helped maintain their arm strength during playtime. While some experienced minor issues with slobbery balls sticking inside the cup, it was easily avoidable by removing and replacing the ball. The Chuckit itself remained durable, and users found cost-effective alternatives by using standard tennis balls. Play fetch and interact with your canine companion during pet exercise with this lightweight dog play toy that features a unique S-shape design. This recyclable puppy chew toy also includes a manufacturer Love It Guarantee against damage. Easily clean this dog tug toy for chase and fetch games by adding it to the top rack of your dishwasher. The Zogoflex from West Paws has garnered positive reviews from more than 5, satisfied dog owners on the internet and I personally own one too. For high-energy pups keen on chewing, fetching, and tug-o-war, this toy comes highly recommended. Even for tough chewers like Labradors, the toy impressively withstands their play, making it a worthwhile investment. Though not the cheapest option but still very reasonable! Each unstuffed toy has 3 independent squeaker zones for enhanced entertainment for small and medium dogs. Soft and durable puppy toys, machine washable for easy cleaning, ensuring longevity and fluffiness. In this pack, you will find a set of three squeaky animals. For less squeak-focused dogs, it provides enjoyment, and the lack of internal fluff prevents mess. However, some users found the squeakers not durable enough, losing their sound after moderate usage. Aggressive chewers, quickly destroyed the toy, ripping open the head and potentially posing a risk if the squeaker is swallowed. While some dogs may enjoy these toys, they are not suitable for aggressive chewers or those who prioritize squeaking ability. Lightweight, durable, weather, and water-resistant for long-lasting performance. Ideal for medium and large breeds, measuring 12 inches long. Ensured safety with rigorous testing for endless family fun. In my experience, this toy has a number of uses, for example as a tug-o-war toy or for a game of fetch. However, I find that it is most useful when used in the pool. Boxer owners found it to be one of the best toys, standing the test of time even during tugging and chewing sessions. However, for other dogs like a large retriever, it remains durable, perfect for fetch and retrieve games with excellent flotation. Overall, this toy showcases durability and versatility, catering to different playstyles and breeds. Made from durable nylon and heavy-duty rubber to withstand strong chewers. Interactive toy to cure boredom, promoting long-lasting play and calming anxiety for dogs over 6 months old. This particular toy features rotating soft brushes and treat rings, and has garnered mixed but generally positive reviews from internet users. While some dogs tend to destroy it quickly, its effectiveness when new keeps users repurchasing it. Take note though, it requires supervision, as dogs may dismantle it, and there are concerns about choking hazards and cracked plastic pieces. For some dogs, the toy provides extended playtime, with treats keeping them occupied for at least half an hour. I think this will be super beneficial for poodle owners whose dogs finish treats too quickly. Perfect for beginners, helping dogs learn tricks, commands, and strengthening the bond. Includes 1 square collapsible tunnel, 4 weave poles, and an adjustable jump, offering multiple ways to play. Convenient and portable with a lightweight set and a storage bag for easy home use. I love this kit! Be aware though, that the kit is made up of a few different parts which you have to purchase separately. The puppy gets particularly obsessed and even whines if she seesit being kept away. The toy has proven to be durable and has a good length, allowing an owner to use it even while standing on the couch. Soft material designed for teething puppies. Textured chew toy with bristles for teeth cleaning and plaque prevention. Features delicious bacon flavor loved by dogs. A few of the stories that really struck me was a week-old puppy that took a liking to these chew toys, keeping him engaged and relieved teething discomfort. The toys prevented destructive behavior and proved effective for the teething phase. One owner liked it so much that he repurchased it multiple times for their now 2-year-old pup, who still loves the toy. While it eventually breaks down with heavy use, the toy has been durable for a few months with occasional chewing. Putting it in the freezer also worked well for some dogs, soothing their gums during teething. One of the top additions if you are a puppy owner, in my opinion. Eases anxiety during transitions and stressful events like fireworks and thunderstorms. Easy to use, made from certified safe and durable fabric, and machine washable heartbeat and heat pad removable. This has got to be one of the most highly-rated cuddling toys for dogs, whether they are adults or puppies. Just go read the reviews online! And I love it for many reasons. For new puppy owners, it proved beneficial in comforting their pups during crate training, helping them sleep through the night. It is also super durable. Why are Play and Toys Important to Poodles? Provide physical exercise Play and toys are important to poodles since they serve as the gateway for these dogs to engage in physical exercise. The time your dog spends playing with its toys keeps them moving which exercises and stretches their muscles. The exercise also helps them maintain a healthy weight, and it could even boost their cardiovascular health! Help stimulate the mind We all know that Poodles are smart dogs, constantly out and about thinking of what better to do during their free time. Letting your poodle play with toys will surely keep their intelligent minds busy. If you can see your poodle behaving bothered and looking bored, try giving him an interactive puzzle toy for dogs. Boost social skills Play and toys let poodles interact with their dog owners. Often, poodles will bring toys to their owners as a way of engaging in play. This simple act also makes poodles friendlier and more playful, which makes them even more adorable! There are teething toys out there that are even recommended by vets, especially if the poodle is still a teething puppy. Playing with chew toys and teething toys will also let your poodle remove plaque and tartar in his mouth on his own. No more constant messy toothbrushing! Hence when they get bored or anxious, they typically resort to destructive behavior. But with toys available for poodles to play with their boredom, anxiety, or stress can easily be handled. Yes, Poodles do need a wide variety of toys. You see, there are some poodles, especially the young ones, who need teething toys to alleviate their teething throes. Factors in Choosing Poodle Toys Size appropriate Poodles come in three sizes; standard, miniature, and toy poodle. Chew resistant Poodles are quite the chewers, I should say. Chew-resistant toys are widely available in pet stores and even in vet clinics. They are safer since no parts will be chewed off and swallowed by your dog. Many reputable manufacturers will indicate the material they use, especially pet-safe ones. Interactive and mental stimulation It pays to consider if a toy can provide mental challenges and games that are interactive yet fun to play. When you do so, you give them the opportunity to stimulate their minds and keep them busy for hours. Products that are proven to be durable can save you more than just a few dollars, but also the potential for loose parts to come off and pose a swallowing threat. No small parts This is really important to me — making sure that the toys for poodles have no small parts. Small parts can be torn off by your poodle, which it might accidentally swallow and choke on. Budget Having a dog can surely add a huge expense to your budget, and buying toys that are way too expensive is unwise especially if your dog will only play with them a few times. That said, I would prioritize safety and quality over anything else, and if money is indeed an issue, I rather wait to get a better one. However, some toys are durable enough to last a long time before getting destroyed. How many toys should I provide for my poodle? As a general guideline, I recommend having a variety of toys to keep your poodle mentally and physically stimulated. Start with toys and observe which types of toys your poodle enjoys the most. Rotate them regularly to keep them interesting and prevent boredom. Are some materials dangerous for my poodle? Yes, there are materials that are dangerous for your poodle, such as PVC and lead, both of which are toxic to dogs when exposed too often. Choose a reputable retailer and exercise extreme caution if you DIY your own dog toy. Why do poodles destroy their toys? Standard poodles typically destroy their toys because of their natural prey drive. But miniature and toy poodles usually destroy their dogs just out of boredom or anxiety. Regular brushing and visits to the vet are still needed. In Conclusion: Best Toys for Poodles I hope that this article has helped you in finding the right poodle dog toy and add a touch of spice to your life! Know someone who might benefit from this information? Please share this article with them. And do consider joining our community of responsible pet parents too! Share this post! Right now, I am still heavily involved in dog parenting duties, and it is my desire to share all our knowledge with fellow dog owners out there! Popular Posts.