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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? 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. Where does the Sheprador come from? The designer dog is a recent phenomenon, with creatively curious breeders shying away from purebred standards to experiment with new super breeds. The spike of crossbreeding in recent decades has produced a whole new wave of dog breeds with little background information. This is true for the German Shepherd and Lab mix. What is a German Shepherd Lab mix? Source: captain. There is no standard to how a Sheprador will look or act. This is a large dog, weighing up to 95 lbs 43 kg and reaching a height of 26 inches 65 cm. She can sport the tan and black saddle markings of the German Shepherd or be solid-colored black, yellow like the Lab. After all is said and done, it really depends on the aesthetics of the parents. German Shepherd: athletic and wolf-like This superstar purebred is like that all-around kid in high school that had the best grades, won all the sporting events, and was beloved by everyone. The German Shepherd GSD is a wolf-like beauty, with long, thick fur, a streamlined body and alert gaze. Her muzzle is narrow, leading up to a wide head and triangular ears. German Shepherd The Shepherd coat is traditionally tan with black markings, but can also be solid black or solid white. This definitely plays into how a Sheprador puppy coat can look. Personality-wise, the GSD is highly intelligent, easy to train and protective of family. She excels as a working or therapy dog and is affectionate towards children and other pets. Labrador Retriever: master of the hunt Nothing exudes more kindness than the big eyes of the Labrador Retriever. This is a hunting breed cherished by families for devotion and friendliness. The Lab is the perfect companion for children, the elderly, and those in need of a gentle service dog. Labrador Retriever Large in stature, the Lab has a short, dense coat that can come in solid yellow, black or chocolate. The velveteen ears hang on the sides of a wide face, with a broad body and tapered tail that make it an excellent swimmer. Like the GSD, the Lab is an athletic fella, with a passion for exercise and activity. She is also intelligent, easy to train and energetic. Is the Sheprador a heavy shedder? Other than that, brush your dog with a heavy-duty comb one to two times a week to keep loose hair under control. I think it goes without saying, the German Shepherd and Lab mix is not hypoallergenic, so if you suffer from allergies this is not a good pet choice. Is the German Shepherd Lab Mix a family dog? Source: koda. We know that the GSD and Lab are renowned family dogs. They both do well around children and other pets. They are extremely devoted breeds that aim to please. There are a few traits to be aware of that can come out in a Sheprador. For instance, the GSD is highly protective. She just wants to be happy and spread her happiness like an everlasting ray of sunshine. That being said, the Lab wants to be by your side day and night. This behavior may make you feel cherished, but it can lead to separation anxiety. Overall, though, the pros outweigh the cons of both breeds, making for a crossbreed with highly desirable characteristics, such as intelligence, friendliness, easy trainability, and loyalty. Check out how smart this Sheprador puppy is! Is this breed easy to train? Early socialization and training for your German Shepherd Labrador mix help in fostering good behavior. Whether or not your dog turns out to be aggressive largely depends on the time you spend training your pet. Highly intelligent, eager to please, and quick to learn, the Sheprador will take whatever commands you throw her way and make short work of it. This makes her an excellent candidate for dog shows and service work. An important training tip specific to this breed is to keep it light on dominance-based methodologies, as the Sheprador does not respond well to this type of training. No matter what, there will be common German Shepherd Lab mix health issues to regard, as with all dog breeds. Hip dysplasia : This affects the joints, causing abnormal development that results in permanent deformity. Since hip dysplasia occurs while the dog matures, it is difficult to diagnose as a puppy. It causes loss of mobility, lameness, and severe pain. Obesity: This health issue comes from the Labrador. They love to eat and can get greedy, leading to rapid weight gain. Progressive Retinal Atrophy: This is an eye disease causing the retina to fail as a dog ages, leaving her blind. Chronic Degenerative Radiculomyelopathy: This disease results from the loss of nerve fibers that control the back legs. When this happens, paralysis slowly sets in, becoming more severe over time. As both the GSD and Lab are known to be athletic and strong dogs used for hunting and working jobs, the Sheprador will also inherit these hardy dispositions. Feeding your German Shepherd Lab mix Source: the. Always choose high quality, dry dog food. Skip foods like beef, chicken or salmon because they can cause allergic reactions. Make sure the kibble has a high protein content to help with the hip problems the German Shepherd Lab mix may experience. If you are unsure about the best dog food for your German Shepherd and Lab mix, consult your veterinarian for proper guidance. Get ready to exercise! Both parents are energetic, smart dogs that crave physical and mental stimulation. The German Shepherd Lab mix is not for apartment life; it needs plenty of space to run and play. Running Playing fetch with a ball or Frisbee Swimming Tug of war with a tug toy Canine sports such as agility Puzzle games for brain stimulation Beware of the chew craze If you are the type of owner that prefers a pooch that will sprawl on the couch and watch hours of Netflix with you, you might want to reconsider the German Shepherd Lab mix. The reason I stress this is because without enough exercise, this dog will display destructive behaviors that will affect your life and her overall health. She loves to chew when bored, tearing apart your home and garden. Or, depression will begin to set in from lack of stimulation. Her physical health will be affected, too, since this crossbreed is prone to obesity. Besides exercise, I recommend keeping a diverse selection of chew toys on hand for a rainy day. How much does a German Shepherd and Lab mix puppy cost? Alas, this is only the tip of the iceberg. Source: tessa. Keep in mind that this is a large-sized dog that eats more, which will further heighten spending. As mentioned before, exercise is vital for this dog and it has a knack for chewing, so investing in quality toys is essential to keep her from getting bored. Veterinary costs cannot be determined, but with the types of health issues that the Sheprador can inherit, budgeting funds for medical care is highly recommended. How can I find German Shepherd Lab mix puppies for sale? Source: harley. The popularity of hybrids has unfortunately given rise to a dark force called the puppy mill. These depressing businesses operate with the sole intention of making fast cash with very little regard to the health of the dogs involved. It is common to breed female dogs to exhaustion. As well, health checks are not generally kept, nor are bloodline records. Take these precautions when shopping for breeders. A puppy is a living creature, not a piece of clothing that you can just buy online and have shipped to you. If a breeder promises that a Sheprador puppy will grow to a certain size, be a champion show dog or will look like a wolf — end the conversation and walk away. No one can predict how a hybrid dog will turn out. Sketchy breeders will try to make a fast sell with empty promises. Do read testimonials. Nothing speaks the truth louder than customer testimonials. An ethical breeder should be proud to display past purchase experiences and how customer satisfaction is a top priority. Do visit the breeder. An ethical breeder should be open to having you visit where the puppies were bred, born, and raised. Were they kept in cages? Did they have plenty of outside space to play? Are the parents on the premises? Do ask questions. Ask the breeder to produce health clearances for hereditary diseases like hip dysplasia. Do keep in touch. They should be available to offer guidance if complications arise. Finding a German Shepherd Lab mix for adoption There are plenty of Shepradors at rescues waiting for adoption. If this is more up your alley, check out these agencies. The German Shepherd and Labrador mix has some pros and cons for you to consider. The GSD and the Labrador are known to be excellent family dogs with high intelligence and easy trainability. Nonetheless, this crossbreed is gaining in popularity as a friendly and loving companion dog. She is energetic and needs exercise every day, a healthy diet to stay trim, and training to combat destructive behavior. The German Shepherd and Lab mix is recommended for families or pet owners that live in a house with a fenced-in yard. If you spend a lot of time away from home, this breed is known to exhibit signs of separation anxiety, so you need to be able to give the time and interaction necessary for optimal mental health. What do you think about the German Shepherd Lab mix? Tell us in the comments! With a background in animal science, dog training, and behavior consulting, her hands-on experience and extensive knowledge make her a trusted source for dog owners. When not writing or leading the K9 Web content team, Cess can be found volunteering at local shelters and participating in dog-related events. I love him to pieces but he is hard work. He needs a lot of attention and care. We are starting to get there with him. Any puppies that qualify as a German Shepherd Mix are a cross between a German Shepherd and another dog breed. In a mixed breed, you can get any mix of characteristics in the parent breeds. German Shepherds tend to be strong-willed, intelligent, playful, and loyal. To get a full idea of what to expect in your puppy, be sure to ask the breeder about the other dog breed in the cross and check out the mother dog in-person to get a general idea about size and temperament. On the German Shepherd side, you have an independent dog with high intelligence and a playful spirit. German Shepherds make great family pets and are born protectors. Because of their protective instinct, they can be suspicious of strangers. Socialization early and often can help curb this suspicion and make them more open to new people and situations. German Shepherds also tend to be loving and have a lively personality. The German Shepherd Mix can have any or all of these characteristics plus any characteristics from the other parent breed in the mix. Before buying a German Shepherd Mix puppy and bringing them home, be sure to talk to the breeder about the other parent breed. If the puppies are being family-raised around children, you should be able to get an idea of how they will do in a family setting that includes children. The German Shepherd is a moderately adaptable working dog that was bred to guard, work, and herd. They do not tend to do well in apartments and are best-suited for houses with yards. GSDs prefer to be with their families and do not like to be alone. They also tend to prefer cooler climates as they are sensitive to heat. With a German Shepherd Mix, you could get a moderately adaptable dog that is just like a purebred German Shepherd. You could also end up with a dog that is more like the other parent breed. Talking with the breeder about the other parent breed can give you a good idea of what to expect. German Shepherds can be prone to elbow and hip dysplasia. You will need to ask the breeder about the other parent breed in the cross to get an idea of any other health concerns to be aware of in your German Shepherd Mix. Health screenings, clearances, and the genetic history of the parents can help allay concerns about potential health conditions. On the German Shepherd side, training and obedience classes are highly recommended for novice dog owners. Although GSDs are highly intelligent, pick up on things quickly, and train fairly easily, they can be stubborn with an independent streak. Regardless of the other parent breed in the cross, you should be prepared to enroll in obedience and training classes with your German Shepherd Mix. The experience will be beneficial to both you and your puppy and will also offer some opportunities for socialization. You will still want to ask the breeder about the other parent breed in the cross to get an understanding of what to expect during the training process. Professional grooming a few times a year and the occasional bath is also recommended. Regardless of the coat type, your German Shepherd Mix will need to have their nails trimmed monthly and their teeth brushed regularly. Not every dog will allow you to do this, so try to get a tooth brushing session in at least a few times a week to reduce tartar buildup. This will help prevent dental problems like tooth decay and gum disease. Plus, it will help cut down on bad breath! German Shepherds tend to have a high activity level. They were bred to run, herd, guard, and protect, so they are used to working and having a job to do. They are definitely not a lazy dog breed! Be sure to talk to the breeder about the other parent breed in the mix. You will still want to go in prepared for a high energy dog with the understanding that your German Shepherd Mix puppy may have an activity level closer to the other breed in the cross. If both are high energy dogs breeds, expect to end up with a high energy dog. A German Shepherd is a large dog breed that generally weighs between 55 and 90 pounds. They also usually stand between 22 and 26 inches tall at the shoulders. The other dog breed in the cross could result in a smaller or larger German Shepherd Mix. A German Shepherd generally lives for years. You should be able to expect a similar range in your German Shepherd Mix, but the other dog breed in the cross could affect this range. Featured German Shepherd Mix Article. These two dog breeds are usually picked for their loyalty and intelligence, and a Labrador Retriever cross German Shepherd can offer you these personality traits and quality protection as a bonus! What is a Sheprador? Being a hybrid, half German Shepherd half Labrador mixes can contain physical traits found in both dogs at the same time. Typically, the German Shepherd Labrador mix size is classified as medium-large to large and is a dog that can stand between 1. German Shepherd Labrador mix weight lies between 35 — 85 lbs 16 — 38 kg. Their muzzle size is medium to long and is robust, hefty dogs. A Lab German Shepherd mix does not have a standard ear classification and can have either sharp and pointy or soft and floppy ears. Black or chocolate Lab German Shepherd mix dogs are also known to have short, double coats which can vary from either tan, brown, amber, or black colors. The coat may also be white if you have a white German Shepherd Labrador mix. What are some basic facts about Shepradors? The following sections provide some key German Shepherd Labrador mix info. However, it should be noted that chocolate Lab German Shepherd mixes typically have shorter life expectancies only about 10 years old than non-chocolate Lab German Shepherd mixes. Commonly-occurring known health issues: This list is not comprehensive but can give you some insights about known Sheprador common health ailments. Common symptoms include stiffness or weakness in the hind leg area, and problems walking. Symptoms include weakness in the front legs and a general reluctance to exercise, which may lead to German Shepherd Labrador mix weight loss. Bloat A common problem for large breeds is bloat. Symptoms include indigestion, dry heaving, irregular or shallow breathing, bloated stomachs, and excessive salivation. Obesity This is a problem that originates from the Labrador Retriever side and its propensity to eat a lot. If left unchecked, German Shepherd Labrador mix size can reach unhealthy levels; weight levels reaching almost lbs 45 kg and can lead to arthritis and joint problems, worsen metabolism, and generally make your Sheprador more vulnerable to diseases. Shepradors may suffer from cataracts, glaucoma, dry eyes, and conjunctivitis. How can I take care of my Sheprador? Take note of the next sections for some basic care and grooming German Shepherd Labrador mix info. Coat A Sheprador is notorious for its constant shedding. Invest in basic grooming tools such as a slicker brush. Undercoat rakes are also good to have as Shepradors typically are born with double coats. Brush and groom your Sheprador once or twice a week to avoid matting and shedding in unwanted areas. Exercise Being a product of two relatively active dog breeds, regular exercise is important for Shepradors to maintain a healthy weight level, avoid joint and arthritic complications, and for good overall mental health. Make time to exercise or play with your Sheprador for at least 2 hours every day 1 hour, if exercising with high intensity. Portion control Maintaining a healthy weight is a major consideration when taking care of a Sheprador. Do not give out treats unless training your Sheprador as much as possible. Males can safely consume between — calories a day, while a daily serving size for females is between — calories a day depending on current weight. This portion details German Shepherd Labrador mix temperament and what personality traits you can expect from your Sheprador. Shepradors are highly trainable dogs and are recommended to undergo regular daily training sessions. This dog breed can learn commands relatively quickly and will perform them to the best of their abilities. It is also their intelligence that requires them to learn new commands or directions regularly, as they can become bored easily if not properly engaged. High energy Shepradors are naturally energetic dogs that need regular exercise and activity. Shepradors that do not exercise regularly may be vulnerable to bouts of depression or escape tendencies. Constant mental and physical engagement through exercise, games, and training are essential to maintain a balanced and good-natured German Shepherd Labrador mix temperament. Friendliness This personality trait originates from the Labrador Retriever side. Shepradors are naturally congenial dogs that need very little formal socialization training. This means that your Sheprador can be introduced into most social situations and make friends with other dogs and humans easily. Peter My name is Peter and I am a dog lover. I have two German Shepherd dogs, one of which is called Biscuit because his coat is very light with brown patches. My wife and I moved from the UK to Ohio where we now live with our two daughters. We love squash on weekends and following the English Premier League closely! Previous Article. If a breeder tries to tell you that his puppies are healthy because their parents never had any issues — do not believe him! It is impossible to diagnose e. Where can you find cheap German Shepherd Dogs? The question is — do you want to purchase a dog with questionable health and temperament? These dogs often are not purebred German Shepherd puppies, but are mixed with e. Labradors, Pitbulls or Golden Retrievers. If you end up with a dog with genetically based health conditions however, be prepared to spend a multiple of the original purchase price on vet costs! Temperament and behavior While a lot of good manners can be taught through consistent training, temperament is genetic to a certain level. When you buy an extra cheap German Shepherd puppy, you not only get a dog with questionable health, but also with unpredictable temperament! Even aggression can be genetic and can be passed on from the mom and dad to the offspring. You can save yourself a lot of time, nerves and money spent on future behavioral training by getting a well-bred and more expensive dog. What is the most expensive type of German Shepherd? Like in many dog breeds, certain rare German Shepherd colors are much more expensive than the most common colors and patterns. It is much more important that your puppy has a sound temperament and fits in well with your family and lifestyle than that he has a certain rare look. These dogs are mutts German Shepherds mixed with Miniature Poodles, Shelties or other smaller breeds. Once more, be certain to not decide on your future dog based on looks alone. A stable temperament and good health is much more integral than a certain size or weight. Working lines vs show lines The German Shepherd was originally bred as a working dog. Since his original use as a shepherd dog however, he has filled many different roles — from guarding properties over being used in the show ring to participating in Schutzhund and IPO trails. Depending on which lines your German Shepherd Dog comes from, the prices can vary a lot! Show line German Shepherds are the dogs that are bred for conformation shows. These are the type of dogs you should decide on if you would like a shepherd puppy as a pet and companion animal. If you are interested in using your German Shepherd as a protection dog and to participate in IPO trials, you should pick one from working lines. There are a lot of highly successful working line breeders both in North America and Europe. For this price, you get an absolutely flawless dog with extensive skills and perfect obedience. Some US dog owners interested in Schutzhund choose to import a puppy from old European working lines. While this might sound insanely high for a pet dog owner, for Schutzhund enthusiasts it is a typical price for a pedigreed German Shepherd pup. How much does it cost a month to own a German Shepherd? This will cover the basics: high-quality food and regular vet checks. Some German Shepherd owners spend considerably more money. Professional grooming is necessary for many German Shepherd owners, as these dogs shed heavily. This breeds tends to exhibit several behavioral issues that can be difficult to fix for first-time dog owners, including: Separation anxiety.

The below picks are toys for Golden Retrievers that are fully grown. For most Goldens, the toys I have recommended below will be great choices. If your dog is known to destroy and chew up his toys, skip to the section below on toys for chewers. Reminder, as a veterinarian I have to point out that even non-chewers should not be left alone with a toy. The large size Bob-A-Lot from Starmark can fit up to 3 cups of food so you can serve a whole meal in the toy. The toy method of feeding is great for smart dogs like Golden Retrievers and keeps them from eating too fast. You can also add treats to the inside to encourage them to play with it. It is easy for your Golden to pick up and carry. All of this makes this one of the best toys for Golden Retrievers which is why I usually have a couple rolling around my house. This plush stuffed critter is one of our favorite toys for Golden Retrievers. It is fairly sturdy so it can handle a lot of shaking and a little bit of tugging. Plus it is just really cute and will pose well with your pup for all sorts of photos. They just love it so much that I keep buying it. However, the topic of toy destroying leads to my next section on toys for Golden Retrievers who are chewers. Many companies claim their toy is chew proof but there is no such thing. All dogs should be watched carefully as they play with their toys so that you can take them away if they start eating the pieces. However if your dog is a moderate chewer, here are two that my toy destroying dogs enjoy. The good news is that inside the toy is a Kong toy so even after they remove the fabric, your pup will still have a great toy to play with. The Wubba is great because they or you can throw it around, play tug, or just carry it around the house. They do come smaller for young puppies. These balls dispense treats or dog food and can hold up to some moderate chewing remember no toys will outlast a really aggressive chewer. My dogs love these types of toys. This will keep them entertained for a bit and the larger the pieces you put into it, the longer it takes them to get them out. Best Toys for Golden Retrievers — Puppies Puppies have special needs in each part of their development. Although they can of course play with all of the toys listed above, we have chosen a few that are just for the little ones. Just like human kids, Golden Retriever puppies lose their baby teeth and gain adult teeth. This happens from 12 weeks to about 6 months of age for a Golden Retriever puppy. The linked product is a 6 pack of fun shapes so they can have one in every room. These toys are durable, but you should always watch your puppy carefully as they chew and play with toys. If your pup starts getting some string loose, take it away immediately because string can cause GI problems. After they get used to the noises, they really enjoy tossing this around to get it to make the sounds. Lesson learned: Do not give the Giggler to your puppy and then get on a conference call with work, enough said. Best Stuffed Puppy Toy. Plush toys Puzzle toys Each of these types have a specific purpose and benefit, and can help with training in a different way. This is where chew toys come in. You need to have a rotation of chew toys that serve as safe outlets for your pup to take out their chewing needs. And in addition to helping satisfy this natural desire to chew, chew toys also help with teething. Chewing helps relieve the pain and pressure of their adult teeth coming in , and throwing a chew toy in the freezer before you give it to them can also help alleviate teething pain. Now most chew toys are made of rubber or plastic and the list below has a few different materials to select from. He would run around the house swinging them, and then when he was tired he would lay down and chew on the keys. The rubber is tough, yet bouncy and has some give, so your puppy will love it. For crate training , durable chew toys are great for keeping them occupied in the crate. Interactive Toys Interactive toys are toys that let you and your dog play together, such as frisbees, tennis balls, or tug ropes. You can get this rope from Amazon here. To teach drop it with a tug rope you simply stop tugging, hold the rope very still, and wait for your puppy to eventually get bored and let go. Praise them for dropping it and then after a minute or two of tugging, do it again. I also like to reinforce commands like sit and down while playing tug. Plush Toys Plush toys are soft, fuzzy toys that often have a squeaker inside. Zippy Paws Avocado. Classic Kong The Classic Kong is a versatile toy ideal for keeping your puppy entertained. Fill it with treats or peanut butter and freeze it for an added challenge. Teething toys are essential for puppies because they relieve teething discomfort. You can help your puppy through this challenging phase while protecting your home with suitable teething toys. Chewing on toys relieves sore gums and can help prevent destructive chewing behavior. To keep your puppy engaged and satisfied, provide a variety of textures and shapes. How To Choose The Best Toy Your Golden Retriever Puppy There are several factors to consider when choosing teething toys for puppies to ensure your furry friend gets the best toys for their needs. Here are some key points to remember: 1. To soothe their gums, for example, at weeks, you can select a Nylabone teething ring or a Kong Natural Teething Rubber Puppy Toy filled with frozen treats. You can introduce adult chew toys such as rope or fetch when they are past the teething stage around 24 weeks. The Type Of Toy Numerous teething toys for puppies are available, but some of the best options include sturdy rubber toys that provide both safety and durability. Bully sticks are also a good option for teething puppies. Many puppy teething toys are softer than adult toys because they are gentle enough for developing teeth but firm enough to withstand chewing. Look for durable rubber toys that can withstand chewing without breaking apart and posing a choking hazard. You can choose the best toys for your furry friend by keeping these factors in mind, allowing them to get through their teething phase easily and comfortably. Chewing is an innate need in dogs because it releases endorphins, which make them feel good and relaxed. Unfortunately, this can lead to destructive chewing of household items. In addition, chew toys are crucial for puppies during the teething stage. Their mouths become sore as their adult teeth emerge, and chew toys can provide relief. Furthermore, Golden Retrievers are known to be a mouthy breed. Because their breeding history includes carrying hunted birds in their mouths, they are accustomed to using their mouths frequently. As a result, chew toys are an essential tool for satisfying their needs while protecting your belongings. There is no wrong time for a puppy to pick up a chew toy and begin gnawing. Chew toys are beneficial during crate training because they can keep your pup entertained and focused on something that makes them happy rather than feeling lonely in their crate. If your dog is tearing around the house, a peanut butter chew toy or a bully stick can be a great way to distract them and get them to focus on something else. Additionally, chew toys can help a hyper puppy relax. Your pup will be ready to nap after a chewing session and a quick potty break. Supervising your puppy when using new chew toys is critical because some are less durable than others and can be easily chewed through. If your puppy chews through the toy quickly, the pieces may be swallowed or choked on. Here are some valuable tips to help your puppy learn to love their chew toys: Treat them with peanut butter: Most puppies adore peanut butter, and smearing some on a new chew toy can instantly make it more appealing. As they lick and chew the toy, they associate it with the tasty treat and develop a fondness for it. Toy rotation and storage: Because puppies enjoy new toys, try rotating and storing their chew toys in a toy bin. Toys that are too small can pose a choking hazard, whereas toys that are too large may be difficult for your dog to grip and chew on. Put toys in the freezer: When your puppy is teething, their mouth may be sore and hot. Put their chew toys in the freezer for a few minutes to cool them down and provide extra relief for their sore gums. Praise them for chewing: Positive reinforcement is essential for getting your puppy to enjoy their chew toys. Chewing is an entirely normal behavior in dogs, but it can become a problem when it becomes excessive and causes damage to household items such as shoes, carpets, and clothing. To prevent this, provide your Golden Retriever with a safe chew toy they can enjoy. Another cause of excessive chewing in dogs is a lack of attention from their owner. Training is also essential in reducing excessive chewing habits. Teach your dog not to chew on anything they come across by rewarding good behavior with positive reinforcement. Finally, exercise is essential. Golden retrievers are active dogs who require moderate to vigorous exercise regularly. They may become destructive and aggressive chewers if they do not get enough exercise. So give them plenty of opportunities to run, play, and let off steam healthily. The frequency at which you need to replace the toys will depend on how aggressively your puppy chews and how often they play with the toys. As a general rule of thumb, you should replace teething toys when they become damaged or start to show signs of wear, as this can pose a choking hazard or lead to ingestion of small pieces. Can I give my Golden Retriever puppy frozen teething toys? You can give your Golden Retriever puppy frozen teething toys. Frozen toys can provide additional relief for sore and swollen gums during the teething process. Be sure to monitor your puppy when they are playing with frozen toys and remove them if they become damaged or if your puppy seems to be having difficulty chewing. Golden Retriever puppies, like all puppies, will go through a teething phase during which they may be more prone to biting and chewing on objects around the house. Providing appropriate teething toys can redirect their chewing behavior to appropriate objects and help prevent destructive chewing of household items. Additionally, consistent positive reinforcement training can help teach your puppy appropriate chewing behavior. Toys that are designed to promote dental health often have ridges, bumps, or other textures that can help scrape away plaque and tartar as your puppy chews. Some toys may also contain enzymes that break down plaque and tartar, reducing the risk of dental problems. Harder toys made from materials like nylon or hard rubber can also help clean teeth and exercise the jaw. Galen has been connecting quality Golden Retriever breeders with loving families since and is the founder of My Golden Retriever Puppies. He and his wife have four children and love spending time together, traveling lived oversees for 4 years , enjoying the outdoors and connecting Golden families. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved. A soft fetch toy designed to fly like a Frisbee, the Flippy Flopper floats in water, allowing it to be used on land or lake. Sturdy enough for outdoor use, this toy is not meant to be chewed and dogs should not play with it unsupervised. This toy is also ideal to get future sporting dogs used to retrieving objects from the water. While all the toys we listed could be used by any age dog, some will likely suit certain age groups better. Puppies, for example, may be more likely to destroy their toys than an older dog, even those not meant to be chewed. Older Goldens may get less use out of the more active toys like the ChuckIt! Many of the toys we listed, even those designated as chew toys, are still vulnerable to destruction by aggressive chewers. Do you need a toy you can hand off to your dog and allow them to entertain themselves without help from you? A Kong or an activity board might be your best bet. Or are you searching for a toy you and your dog can play with together? Consider a ChuckIt! Something like a Kong Jumbler might do the trick. Do you want a toy that your kids can use to play with your dog? Classic allows you to help your dog expend energy without needing to use much yourself. Our best toy for the money, the Mammoth Rope Tug , serves multiple play functions all in one reasonably priced object. No matter what style of play your dog prefers, you can find a toy that fits. Hopefully, our reviews of these 10 toys gave you some helpful guidance on your quest to find the perfect toy for your Golden Retriever. See also:. Puppy Toys Golden Retrievers are considered great family friends because of their playfulness, intelligence, and loving hearts. One of the ways to keep your Golden puppy active and energetic is to buy them quality toys that match their activity level. Puppy toys offer several benefits to your dog because they can help them with teething, training, destructive behaviors, and bonding. There are different types of toys you can buy for a Golden Retriever puppy. Each of these puppy toys provides a specific benefit and purpose as it trains your dog differently. In this article, we will be discussing the type of toys that you should buy for your Golden Retriever. Types of toys to buy for a Golden puppy Chew toys Golden Retriever puppies have a natural desire to chew on something, probably because they are about to teeth or they are looking for outlets to release their endless energy. It is important to have several chew toys that can be used rotationally to fulfill chewing needs. Chewing helps your puppy relieve pain and pressure the moment their adult teeth start showing up. Most chew toys are made of plastic or rubber, so you can always choose either of the two depending on the specific purpose it fulfills. Puppy toys are necessary if you want to protect your shoes Interactive toys This type of toy helps you interact with your dog or play together. Some types of interactive toys include tennis balls, frisbees, or tug ropes. Interactive toys not only help you bond well with your Golden Retriever puppy but also frees up their playful energy. It also offers a perfect opportunity to train your dog in simple commands like asking them to sit, stand, or do any basic stuff. It is always a good idea to reward your Golden puppy every time he obeys a command as it makes them more inclined to do so the next time. Plush toys Plush toys often have a squeaker inside and are characterized by their soft and fuzzy appearance. Golden Retrievers like plating with this type of toy and will love it when they realize it squeaks. Plush toys are designed to drive the curiosity in Golden puppies so they can unleash their playful energy. It is important to do extensive research before buying a plush toy to ensure it is durable and can last longer than other options in the market. Puzzle toys Puzzle toys can fall anywhere between chew toys and plush toys. They serve the primary purpose of curing a bored Golden Retriever and stimulating their mental health. It is important to ensure your Golden puppy is stimulated both physically and mentally as it keeps them in good health condition. Puzzle toys foster fundamental canine skills like sniffing, foraging, and problem-solving. Since it works to banish puppy boredom, you get to solve any other destructive tendencies associated with it. How to choose the right toy for your Golden Retriever puppy There are a few factors you need to consider if you want to choose the right toy for your Golden puppy. These include age, size, and safety. Since Golden Retrievers start teething at a young age, the first type of toys you need to buy them should be made of rubber. You can later introduce him to interactive toys after the teething period and finally, the softer style toys once they reach a senior age. It is important to pay attention to the toy size your buy for your Golden puppy as it should match his breed and age. Make sure it matches their size as it makes everything fun and comfortable for your little family friend. Lastly, you need to avoid purchasing toxic toys. For instance, it is advisable to choose a puppy toy made of rubber rather than latex. There are many toy brands in the market that you can buy for your Golden Retriever. Based on the tips we have shared above it is important to choose a toy brand that is safe and most appropriate for your Golden puppy. Not only are puppy toys a great tool to keep your little Golden occupied but also help in training by reducing the destructive behavior that comes with boredom. Post navigation. Safe for both adult and puppy Tempting beef scent Carry on reading to discover why we made these choices, and lots of tips and buying advice to ensure you get the right product. As well as potentially choking on them, broken toys can cause a host of internal problems for you golden, too. Safe Materials The best chew toys are fairly hard and durable, but there are a few other things you should look out for when making a decision. If possible, always opt for toys made of non-toxic materials. That way, if they do chew off and swallow any of it, the internal damage can be somewhat mitigated. Be Prepared To Pay For Quality Not all expensive dog toys are high quality, but most high-quality dog toys are more expensive than the run-of-the-mill toys you can pick up at your neighborhood dollar store. Spending a little more money now to get a durable, safe and fun toy that will last is ultimately less expensive in the long run than having to continually replace cheap toys that your dog can destroy within hours. As with any product, the best materials will necessarily cost a little more. Certain materials lend themselves to durability — one of the most important features of a high-quality chew toy for golden retrievers. Favorite brands like KONG and Goughnuts make some of the toughest and most durable chew toys on the planet, and they use special formulations of hard rubber to achieve this. Rope Toys A close second to hard rubber is the huge balls of rope that many dogs love playing tug-of-war with. The plush fabric can be torn apart easily and swallowed. Any stuffing and squeakers can be swallowed, too — a definite choking hazard and something that could cause internal damage. Like a plush toy, they can easily be chewed apart in a few hours by a power chewer, and the likely included squeaker can, again, cause health problems if swallowed. Plastic While plastic is often just about hard enough to withstand the jaws of a heavy chewer, it scratches up easily and — if it does break — could see your dog swallowing sharp bits of plastic. These toys will keep your pooch entertained for hours, and hopefully your belongings intact and safe for far longer. Incredibly tough and durable, these toys are able to withstand a lot of pressure from gnashing teeth and can last for years. The idea is to stuff it with treats or kibble and let your retriever toil to get it out; keeping them busy for a few hours. First, they need to control the wobbling toy and stop it from rolling away from them! Top Features Great for dogs that eat too fast — the unpredictable dispenser helps them slow down, work for, and savor their food and treats It wobbles unpredictably, keeping your dog interested and challenged Can be used at mealtimes as an alternative dog bowl or for treating your dog Made in the USA Made of FDA-approved, high-strength plastic polymer Dishwasher safe with a twist-off dispenser Click Here For Price West Paw is another brand that specializes in high-quality dog chew toys. This Hurley bone chew is the perfect toy for golden retrievers that love to play fetch and gnaw on rawhide. Brightly colored so you can spot them outside Very durable and able to withstand heavy chewing Made in the US.

Dog domestic dog The Bulldog is a British breed of dog of mastiff type. It may also be known as the English Bulldog or British Bulldog. It is a medium-sized, muscular dog of around 40—55 lb 18—25 kg. They have large heads with thick folds of skin around the face and shoulders, and a relatively flat face with a protruding lower jaw. The breed has significant health issues as a consequence of breeding for its distinctive appearance, including brachycephalia , hip dysplasia , heat sensitivity, and skin infections. Due to concerns about their quality of life, breeding Bulldogs is illegal in Norway and the Netherlands. The modern Bulldog was bred as a companion dog from the Old English Bulldog , a now-extinct breed used for bull-baiting , when the sport was outlawed in England under the Cruelty to Animals Act. While often used as a symbol of ferocity and courage, modern Bulldogs are generally friendly, amiable dogs. Bulldogs are now commonly kept as pets; in it was in twelfth place on a list of the breeds most frequently registered worldwide. The first reference to the word "Bulldog" is dated or in a letter by a man named Preswick Eaton where he writes: "procuer mee two good Bulldogs, and let them be sent by ye first shipp". This entailed the setting of dogs after placing wagers on each dog onto a tethered bull. The dog that grabbed the bull by the nose and pinned it to the ground would be the victor. It was common for a bull to maim or kill several dogs at such an event, either by goring, tossing, or trampling over them. Over the centuries, dogs used for bull-baiting developed the stocky bodies and massive heads and jaws that typify the breed, as well as a ferocious and savage temperament. Bull-baiting was made illegal in England by the Cruelty to Animals Act .However, emigrants did have a use for such dogs in the New World. In midth century New York, Bulldogs were used as a part of a citywide roundup effort led by Governor Richard Nicolls. Because cornering and leading wild bulls was dangerous, Bulldogs were trained to seize a bull by its nose long enough for a rope to be secured around its neck. Rockstro founded the first Bulldog Club. Three years after its opening the Club ceased to exist, not having organized a single show. Samuel Wickens, treasurer of the club, published this description in under the pseudonym Philo-Kuan. The first English Bulldog entered into the register was a male dog named Adam Adamo , born in .The founders of the club collected all available information about the breed and its best representatives and developed a new standard for the English Bulldog, which was published on 27 May , the same year they held the first breed show. Since , exhibitions of the club were held annually, except during the Second World War. On 17 May , the Bulldog Club was granted the status of a corporation and since then has carried the official name "The Bulldog Club, Inc. It is the oldest mono-breed dog kennel club in the world. King Orry was reminiscent of the original Bulldogs, lighter boned and very athletic. Dock Leaf was smaller and heavier set, more like modern Bulldogs. King Orry was declared the winner that year, finishing the mile 32 km walk while Dock Leaf collapsed and expired. Although not as physically capable as their ancestors, modern Bulldogs are much calmer and less aggressive. Note the "rope" over the nose, and pronounced underbite Bulldogs have characteristically wide heads and shoulders along with a pronounced mandibular prognathism. There are generally thick folds of skin on the brow; round, black, wide-set eyes; a short muzzle with characteristic folds called a rope or nose roll above the nose; hanging skin under the neck; drooping lips and pointed teeth, and an underbite with an upturned jaw. The coat is short, flat, and sleek with colours of red, fawn, white, brindle , and piebald. In the United Kingdom, the breed standards are 55 lb 25 kg for a male and 50 lb 23 kg for a female. These attributes should be countenanced by the expression and behavior". Bulldogs are recognized as excellent family pets because of their tendency to form strong bonds with children. At five to six years old, they start to show signs of aging. Those that died of old age had an average lifespan of 10 to 11 years. Left to right, the skulls are from approximately the s, s, and s. A study by the Royal Veterinary College found that Bulldogs are a much less healthy breed than average, with over twice the odds of being diagnosed with at least one of the common dog disorders investigated in the study. A degree of BOAS has been normalized in the breed, as an inevitable consequence of their distinctive face. Since dogs regulate heat primarily by panting, Bulldogs are very sensitive to heat; they may actually gain rather than lose heat due to their inefficient breathing, leading to a vicious cycle. Bulldogs must be given plenty of shade and water, and must be kept out of standing heat. If not properly exercised it is possible for a Bulldog to become overweight, which could lead to heart and lung problems, as well as stress on the joints. These cause the dog some discomfort, but are treatable either by vet or an experienced owner. Other problems can include cherry eye , a protrusion of the inner eyelid which can be corrected by a veterinarian , allergies , and hip issues in older Bulldogs. Due to the high volume of skin folds on the Bulldog's body, they have high prevalence of skin-fold dermatitis. Opposed by the British Bulldog Breed Council, it was speculated by the press that the changes would lead to a smaller head, fewer skin folds, a longer muzzle, and a taller thinner posture, in order to combat problems with respiration and breeding due to head size and width of shoulders. Among these is a fitness test where the dog has to walk 1 km 0. Its temperature and heart rate has to recover after 15 minutes. They are often used as mascots by universities, sports team, and other organizations. Below is baby english bulldog puppies week by week. Variables such as temperature, air movement, and nutrient intake must be tightly controlled. Puppies are kept separate from their mother to ensure they are not laid on nor neglected. Your English Bulldog Baby at this age, most often do not have their eyes open yet. Instead they rely on their sense of hearing to know where their mom is and the other littermates. Week 3 The third week of life is a big week as major, physical development and progress are made during this week. The baby bulldogs should begin cracking their eyes open and begin developing their new found eyesight. Increased visibility adds a small level of independence that is certainly appreciate. The young puppies are now able to locate their mother and nurse more consistently on their own. During this week, we most often make the decision to leave the litter with their mother permanently. Mom will take on the responsibility of not only nursing the puppies but also cleaning up after them. This also means we are able to get a full night of sleep! What do we look for in a good Bulldog mother? Bulldog mom has to have a genetically clean pedigree history. We make sure each bulldog line that we produce has the best chance to stay healthy and happy. Bulldog mom has to have a great personality. We demand that all the bulldogs we own are extremely confident and great with both children and other pets. Breeding bulldogs with great personalities is very important as many social traits are passed from the parents to the baby. Bulldog mom has to have a great maternal instinct. Because the babies are so vulnerable we try to select and keep female English Bulldogs that show endearing and caring traits towards their babies. Week 4 Week four is our walking week! While bulldog puppies do begin to walk earlier at times, typically during week four we begin to see some major walking. The new found mobility is a joy to watch but does present some different types of responsibility as our bulldog puppies certainly can get themselves into trouble! During this week, we will start to perform some basic socialization steps to ensure that they are prepared for their new homes. Week 5 The puppies are now able to run, chew, and yes, sometimes bite! With the physical progress there are certainly ample teaching opportunities to develop these little guys into well behaving bulldogs. During this time we continue to analyze each puppy socially and develop unique, social profiles of each bully. The puppies start to focus less on physical survival and devote much of their time to playing with their littermates. This is a great learning environment for the puppies! This mushy treat quickly becomes a favorite for the pups. A robust bulldog puppy can now weigh around 5 pounds. The puppies will also undergo their first round of vet checks to ensure they are developing physically sound bodies. Socially, we continue work with the puppies to ensure they are exposed to the many different environments of the new homes they will be going to all while balancing a high level of biosecurity to ensure they are not exposed to harmful diseases to ensure for a healthy English Bulldog! The puppies are now old enough and confident enough in themselves to begin developing expectations. Being held and being fed are no longer special occasions rather they are rights to life that are demanded. We continue to provide the high level of care that we hold ourselves to while developing flexibility within each bulldog pup. Week 8 The theme for week 8 is adoption preparation. We will make a decision with our vet the age in which the bulldogs are able to be taken home. The primary variable within this decision is physical development. Most of our bulldogs will go home right around the end of week 9 all the way to week .It simply depends on the bulldog. At this point we encourage our adopters to finish prepping for their puppy. Northern Indiana based, Bruiser Bulldogs offers purebred English Bulldog Puppies for sale to loving adopters seeking to find a higher quality English Bulldog. As English Bulldog breeders , Mitch and Erica Wysong have dedicated themselves to a lifelong journey of changing the culture and societal pressures of poor breeding practices within the English Bulldog Community. Mitch and Erica believe in producing a healthy English Bulldog puppy first and foremost. Through years of research and development, Bruiser Bulldogs is leading a new movement away from the overdone, wrinkled bulldog that has been long plagued by health problems. By embracing a healthier, more athletic look they are able to ensure that each and every English Bulldog Puppy for sale by Bruiser Bulldogs is supported by a platform of health tested, clean genetics. Upon adoption, each family that takes on the responsibility of a Bruiser Bulldog enters into an active and vibrant communal family of bulldog owners. Mitch and Erica believe it is their responsibility to provide emotional and mental support for the lifetime of each and every English Bulldog puppy they produce. To ensure the success of every adoption, Bruiser Bulldogs will always be committed to helping Bruiser Bulldog adopters care for their English Bulldogs to the best of their ability. I am familiar with common and uncommon health problems they may face so when my boyfriend and I decided we were ready to adopt our own english puppy finding a reputable breeder that prioritizes health was most important to us. Erica and Mitch of Bruiser Bulldogs are just that. They are experienced, ethical and quality breeders. I was referred to them by my friend that I trust after I saw their gorgeous healthy puppy. Our Puppy Primrose is the light of our lives! Bruisers was there to assist us every step of the way. We would highly recommend Bruisers Bulldogs to anyone looking for their own happy, healthy pup! Leah H. We were lucky to have come across Bruiser Bulldogs and even more so the fact that they were near our family and hometown made it even better. We have had Clementine Callie for four months now, and she is a wonderful dog. Her personality is amazing, and I think part of it is breeding and the other part is Erika and her family lovingly raising the puppies in their home with plenty of attention and snuggles. I also was impressed that, rather than send the puppies out right at 8 weeks, Erika kept ours for a few extra weeks because she was tiny and not read to leave her mom yet. It's that care that differentiates Bruisers from other breeders. Emily R. Erica was easy to work with thru the entire process from application to adopting and now beyond as we host our new family member, Chief. Her on-call support and willingness to provide open, honest advice to all of our questions and concerns continues to be appreciated. We would highly recommend Bruiser Bulldogs to anyone looking for an English Bulldog to join their family. Elizabeth W. Lady L. They are experienced, responsive and knowledgeable about all things bulldog related. They went above and beyond for us and are truly dedicated to all of their pups! We love our little girl so much and would recommend Bruiser to anyone looking for a healthy beautiful bully. Jonathan E. Erica and Mitch are trustworthy, excellent communicators, fair, passionate, and produce the best bulldogs. We were at the top of the waiting list for months and Erica reached out every litter to see if we were finally ready for a bulldog. When we were, she was very easy to work with. Her knowledge on bulldogs is outstanding. We had many questions on the process and she always knew what was best for the puppy. We've had Penny formerly Blair for two months and she is very healthy, energetic, playful, and sweet. She is great with other people and dogs. We are so happy with our pup. When we are ready for bulldog 2, we will only consider Bruiser Bulldogs. Mitch C. Bowser was born April and is an integral part of our family. When we were first exploring English Bulldog breeders our biggest concern was the overall health of the dogs. We decided to work with Erica at Bruiser Bulldogs because we liked their focus on improving the breeds breathing abilities and the fact that the puppies are raised within her family environment before coming home with their new owners. Bowser also breaths clearly and our vet was impressed with his overall health from the moment we brought him home. All that said we know English Bulldogs have a predisposition to many health issues and that his current health can not predict the future. With that In mind its important to start with a breeder that open to answer any of your questions as Erica has ours, and that strongly believes in improving the breeds overall health profile. Adam B. My sister ended up finding Bruiser Bulldogs and we knew right away that they were the breeder for us. In September we ended up driving 9 hours to pick up two Bruiser bulldog puppies- one for my husband and I and one for my mom. Jackson and Penelope have been nothing but a joy. They are both very athletic and healthy. They are also HUGE snugglers and always want to be with you. It is an absolute pleasure having these two bullies in our lives! Erica is very knowledgeable about the breed. She is very hands on throughout the process and is just overall a kind and honest person to work with. With all that being said I cannot recommend Bruiser Bulldogs enough! Collyn C. One of the reasons we chose Bruiser Bulldogs was due to the claims about breeding for health. During our first visit at our vet's office, he told us that our pup was one of the healthiest English bulldogs he had ever seen. He is healthy, happy and social. Would recommend to anyone. Christina S. We seen our dog on their website and sent them an Email. Mitch called us and personally walked us through the process and made sure we had the right dog for our family. We couldn't be happier when we picked up our dog Ramsey, Erica made sure we had everything we needed and then some. They are truly amazing people who breed truly amazing dogs! Jim T. Greetings from Bruiser Bulldogs and The Wysongs We are a family absolutely in love with the Bulldog breed and are dedicated to breeding genetically healthy English Bulldog puppies. As responsible AKC English Bulldog breeders, our extensive experience and unique take on the need for a healthier English Bulldog has positioned our breeding program as a visionary leader for adopters in search of a higher quality Bulldog. At our core, we love placing healthy, properly socialized puppies into loving families. There is no greater joy than to be able to share our lifelong passion for English Bulldogs with our adopter families. Feel free to read our blog , watch our videos and learn why Bruiser Bulldogs is producing a better bulldog. Instead of focusing on maximizing wrinkles or winning in the show ring, we have built our foundational bloodlines over the past decade with a focus on health first on foremost. Sires and Dams are health tested with a unique criteria. Bruiser Bulldogs must breathe freely, move athletically while still maintaining that classic English Bulldog look that people around the world have come to love. Our goal has always been consistently produce puppies that are both a head turner and fundamentally healthy Bloodline development is the key to producing healthy bulldogs. We believe that foundational genetics are created through layer after layer of breeding healthy generations of bulldogs. Over the course of a decade, we have focused on a stringent set of health criteria to gradually improve the health and quality of the dogs we produce. The rare combination of experience, repetition, and ethical awareness of correct breeding practices has set our breeding program at the forefront of responsible breeding practices. The process truly is an adoption that affects the time, focus, and schedules of each household that gets a puppy from us. After a healthy puppy , the single most critical factor for a successful bulldog adoption is adopter support. The English Bulldog is unique breed with a unique set of caretaking criteria. Previous dog ownership, while helpful, is not enough to fully prepare an adopter for English Bulldog ownership. We always say the adoption is just the beginning of our journey. Through blog articles and email prep, we focus on such topics as socialization, crate training, disease prevention, potty training, nutrition, and basic puppy supplies to ensure that each adopter will be fully prepared for their new puppy. Activities Conformation, Obedience, Rally Obedience Bulldogs are a popular breed known for their lovable disposition and charming wrinkles. Resolute and courageous, this breed is an excellent family companion, requiring minimal grooming and exercise. Temperament Bulldogs are friendly and courageous, with a happy disposition. Characteristics Bulldogs may look gruff, but these kind and courageous dogs make loyal companions. Though their mellowness can be mistaken for laziness, Bulldogs enjoy brisk walks and other activities. Bulldogs are sweet, devoted and aim to please, making them fun to train. Many Bulldogs love to chew, so having plenty of tough toys is a must. They also enjoy games of tug-of-war. Their patterns and markings may include brindle, piebald, ticking, black masks, black tipping and a minimal amount of black in piebalds. Shedding Bulldogs require minimal grooming but do go through periods of heavy shedding. Perform an all-over brushing 2 to 3 times a week to keep them looking their best and keep his wrinkles clean and dry to avoid infection or irritation. Health Bulldogs are prone to overheating and should not be left out in the hot sun without access to shade and water. Food for Bulldogs can include:. Vocality level 1 in 5 Disclaimer: While the characteristics mentioned here may frequently represent this breed, dogs are individuals whose personalities and appearances will vary. Please consult the adoption organization for details on a specific pet. He is willing to please, although he retains a stubborn streak. He is very good with children. Most are moderately friendly toward strangers. Although some can be aggressive with strange dogs, the breed is quite good with other pets. Upkeep The Bulldog appreciates a daily outing but cannot tolerate hot humid weather, which can be deadly. He should not be expected to jog or walk great distances, or to jump from any heights. Most Bulldogs cannot swim. Most Bulldogs wheeze and snore, and some drool. Coat care is minimal, but facial wrinkles and any folds around the tail should be cleaned daily. Special precautions must be taken when anesthetizing a Bulldog. Caesarean deliveries are commonly needed. Hip radiographs show most Bulldogs to be dysplastic but few show overt symptoms. History With the most distinctive mug in dogdom, the Bulldog has an equally distinctive history. Some Bulldogs were also set against bears for bear baiting, purely for entertainment. In , bull baiting was outlawed, and a new phase began for the Bulldog. By all rights, the breed should have become extinct, except that it had gained so many ardent admirers that they set out to rescue the Bulldog by selecting against ferocity while still maintaining—and often accentuating—its distinctive physical characteristics. Its tough steadfast persona led it to be identified as a national symbol of England. Its amiable clownish personality belies its appearance, and the Bulldog is a popular pet. Related Content.

Life Span Did You Know? Although the Poodle is the national dog of France, they actually originated in Germany over years ago where they were commonly used as a duck hunter. Their curly coat protected them from the elements and they were bred for their excellent swimming skills, high intelligence, and incredible retrieval skills. The Poodle comes in three sizes — Standard, Miniature, and Toy. Throughout history, this dog breed has served many purposes. From living in the lap of luxury as companions to nobility to working out in the field as a valuable hunting companion to entertaining people in circuses around the world, the Poodle is right at home. Although they are more popular as a companion dog, the Poodle still maintains their athleticism and working dog instincts. Poodles are known for their intelligence, cheerful disposition, and sensitive nature. They are versatile dogs that make great family companions. They tend to get along well with children, other dogs, and other pets. Due to their sensitive nature, they tend to be a better fit for older children who understand how to approach and interact with a dog appropriately. These dogs prefer peace and harmony in the household, so very young children that are too loud or rough can stress them out. The Standard Poodle also tends to be quite energetic until they are about two years old and may be prone to knock over small children in their excitement. Standard Poodles also tend to make great watchdogs and have some protective instincts. Without proper socialization, they can become skittish, nervous, and wary of strangers. Making sure any puppy is socialized early and often helps them grow into a confident, well-rounded dog. Standard Poodles are highly adaptable dogs. Their energy level tends to make them better-suited for larger homes with room for them to run. But, they can adapt well to apartment living as long as they receive the exercise, mental stimulation, and affection that they need. They tend to do well in most climates. As with most dog breeds, they are sensitive to very hot and very cold weather. These dogs are in-tune with their owners and thrive on human companionship and affection, so they do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. Poodles are a relatively healthy dog breed, but there are some potential health concerns to be aware of. Because of their larger, barrel-chested body type, the Standard Poodle is also at risk for bloat. Responsible breeders will screen and test their stock to ensure the genetic propensity for breed-related conditions is not passed along to the puppies. Poodles are highly intelligent, sensitive, and eager to please their owners. They are highly trainable, pick up things quickly, and are a good fit for owners of any experience level. Because they are sensitive and in-tune with their owners, they respond best to consistent, positive training techniques focused on rewards and praise. Poodle coats are curly or corded and come in a wide variety of colors. Although Poodles are known for their low-shedding, hypoallergenic coats, their coats still require a lot of maintenance. Keeping your Poodle in a short clip can help reduce daily maintenance, but still requires regular professional grooming every four to six weeks to maintain it. A longer coat requires daily brushing in order to prevent matting in addition to professional grooming every four to six weeks. Regular professional grooming often helps with this as nail trimming should be done monthly, at least, to keep nails from growing too long. Dental care for dogs , like brushing their teeth or using an enzyme toothpaste every day, is essential to protecting them from painful dental diseases like gum disease and tooth decay. You, your dog, and your groomer will thank you for it! Who knows? If you ensure these experiences stay positive, they could even become a bonding time that your dog enjoys. These are high energy dogs that require a good amount of exercise and mental stimulation every day in order to be happy and healthy. They love to stay busy and may enjoy running with you, going for a swim, taking trips to the dog park , hiking with you, and more. They also tend to be a good fit for several dog sports, such as agility, dock diving, obedience, flyball, tracking, and more. A fully-grown Standard Poodle usually stands inches tall at the shoulder and weighs between pounds. They can be slightly smaller than the usual as the Standard size is denoted by being more than 15 inches tall at the shoulder. A Standard Poodle generally lives years. Featured Standard Poodle Article. Life Span Did You Know? Although the Poodle is the national dog of France, they actually originated in Germany over years ago where they were commonly used as a duck hunter. Their curly coat protected them from the elements and they were bred for their excellent swimming skills, high intelligence, and incredible retrieval skills. The Poodle comes in three sizes — Standard, Miniature, and Toy. Throughout history, this dog breed has served many purposes. From living in the lap of luxury as companions to nobility to working out in the field as a valuable hunting companion to entertaining people in circuses around the world, the Poodle is right at home. Although they are more popular as a companion dog, the Poodle still maintains their athleticism and working dog instincts. Poodles are known for their intelligence, cheerful disposition, and sensitive nature. They are versatile dogs that make great family companions. They tend to get along well with children, other dogs, and other pets. Due to their sensitive nature, they tend to be a better fit for older children who understand how to approach and interact with a dog appropriately. These dogs prefer peace and harmony in the household, so very young children that are too loud or rough can stress them out. The Standard Poodle also tends to be quite energetic until they are about two years old and may be prone to knock over small children in their excitement. Standard Poodles also tend to make great watchdogs and have some protective instincts. Without proper socialization, they can become skittish, nervous, and wary of strangers. Making sure any puppy is socialized early and often helps them grow into a confident, well-rounded dog. Standard Poodles are highly adaptable dogs. Their energy level tends to make them better-suited for larger homes with room for them to run. But, they can adapt well to apartment living as long as they receive the exercise, mental stimulation, and affection that they need. They tend to do well in most climates. As with most dog breeds, they are sensitive to very hot and very cold weather. These dogs are in-tune with their owners and thrive on human companionship and affection, so they do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. Poodles are a relatively healthy dog breed, but there are some potential health concerns to be aware of. Because of their larger, barrel-chested body type, the Standard Poodle is also at risk for bloat. Responsible breeders will screen and test their stock to ensure the genetic propensity for breed-related conditions is not passed along to the puppies. Poodles are highly intelligent, sensitive, and eager to please their owners. They are highly trainable, pick up things quickly, and are a good fit for owners of any experience level. Because they are sensitive and in-tune with their owners, they respond best to consistent, positive training techniques focused on rewards and praise. Poodle coats are curly or corded and come in a wide variety of colors. Although Poodles are known for their low-shedding, hypoallergenic coats, their coats still require a lot of maintenance. Keeping your Poodle in a short clip can help reduce daily maintenance, but still requires regular professional grooming every four to six weeks to maintain it. A longer coat requires daily brushing in order to prevent matting in addition to professional grooming every four to six weeks. Regular professional grooming often helps with this as nail trimming should be done monthly, at least, to keep nails from growing too long. Dental care for dogs , like brushing their teeth or using an enzyme toothpaste every day, is essential to protecting them from painful dental diseases like gum disease and tooth decay. You, your dog, and your groomer will thank you for it! Who knows? If you ensure these experiences stay positive, they could even become a bonding time that your dog enjoys. These are high energy dogs that require a good amount of exercise and mental stimulation every day in order to be happy and healthy. They love to stay busy and may enjoy running with you, going for a swim, taking trips to the dog park , hiking with you, and more. They also tend to be a good fit for several dog sports, such as agility, dock diving, obedience, flyball, tracking, and more. A fully-grown Standard Poodle usually stands inches tall at the shoulder and weighs between pounds. They can be slightly smaller than the usual as the Standard size is denoted by being more than 15 inches tall at the shoulder. A Standard Poodle generally lives years. Featured Standard Poodle Article.

Exercise Grooming The Golden Retriever is believed to have originated from the Russian tracker dog which has now gone into extinction. It has its origin from Scotland, United Kingdom and originally bred in Scotland in the midth century. As of then, wildfowl hunting was a quite popular sport amongst the Scottish elite. The retriever breeds as of then were inadequate in retrieving the games from both land and water and as a result, the best water spaniels as at then were crossed with existing retrievers which is how the Golden Retriever came to being. The Golden Retriever is best described as a kind, friendly and confident which is why it makes a really good family pet. It also has an eagerness to always please its family. In addition, it is a very active and fun-loving animal with a well-mannered temperament. This breed is well suited to rural environments and homes that have yards, it can also easily adapt to a cold environment because it possesses a lot of hair. Although it loves the outdoor life, it still remains a family dog that requires regular family interaction. The Golden Retriever can do well both indoor and outdoor if it is properly trained and stimulated. A Golden Retriever requires exercise at least twice a day in order to avoid boredom and hence destructiveness. Golden Retrievers in a working field will require more exercise than non-working Retrievers but on average, the Golden Retriever should be exercised for at least one hour twice a day. This breed requires regular baths and grooming, in order to prevent ear infection, it needs its ears cleaned regularly. With frequent grooming, the amount of hair shed by the Golden Retriever is minimized. However, excess shedding in the Golden Retriever is an indication of an underlying health issue. Our Golden Retriever puppies for sale come from either USDA licensed commercial breeders or hobby breeders with no more than 5 breeding mothers. We only purchase puppies from the very best sources, and we stand behind every puppy we sell. A healthy male Golden Retriever weighs between 65 to 75 pounds while growing up to 23 to 24 inches tall. A female weighs between 55 to 65pounds and can grow up to .How long does it take a Golden Retriever to reach its full size? For Golden Retrievers, full physical maturity takes one to two years. Once this is attained, its bones become fully grown and can perform the same amount of physical exercise as an adult dog. Do Golden Retrievers smell? Golden Retrievers often smell bad because of its thick water-resistant coat. You can, however, maintain its cleanliness to control its bad odor. How can you keep a Golden Retriever healthy? There are several ways to keep this dog healthy few of which are high-quality food, providing it with plenty of clean and freshwater, developing a good feeding schedule, etc. How many times a day should a Golden Retriever be fed? The required food for a Golden Retriever is dependent on its age, activity level, size and built. Vets recommend about 2 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food per day for two meals. How much exercise does a Golden Retriever need? This dog is a sporting breed and therefore requires a whole lot of exercise when fully grown, high-intensity exercise is very beneficial to it. Is it alright to get a Golden Retriever in a hot climate? The Golden Retriever can thrive well in hot climates; all it requires is a shaded and aerated area with lots of water. However, it should not be allowed to exercise too much in the heat. What age can a Golden Retriever Puppy be brought home? A puppy Retriever should not be taken from its mother earlier than when it is 8 weeks old. This is because up until that age, it gets important socialization and learns important skills from its mother and siblings. Should a Golden Retriever be left indoors or outdoors? A Golden Retriever naturally wants to be with its family, if its family is indoor, you will find it right there with them. Does a Golden Retriever bark a lot? The Golden Retriever is not one to bark a lot except in cases of boredom or mental stimulation. Are you interested in purchasing a Golden Retriever? Fill out the below form and we'll get back to you as soon as possible. Puppy pads Create a Schedule Golden Retriever pups would do well with a schedule. Dogs live with a routine, and they are easy to train by having one. For this reason, make a schedule of the things you need to do regularly. Eventually, your pup will learn the routine events and will make itself adept at them. It will help you prepare for your pet, especially in the first few days of living together. As you allow your pet to adjust, do your best to create a stress-free environment for it. Always supervise it as it familiarizes itself with its new home. It can even grow louder as they age. Moderate Training Golden Retrievers responds well, especially to positive reinforcement. Squeaky Toys Out of all toys, your pet will love the squeaky ones. For this reason, prepare for a lot of loud squeaks every time your pet is active. Thus, in picking your pet, you may want to consider getting it from the best. Tells you any health problems A good breeder will tell you any significant health problems in any of the dogs he or she bred. Asks more questions than you A good breeder would ask for more items from you than you would for him or her. Not in a hurry to send off A good breeder is not in a hurry to send the puppies off and get your money. He or she will even show you other breeders and veterinarians caring for their dogs. Requires expectations on both sides A good breeder will create a contract that offers not only what he or she expects from you. More than that, he or she will also show what you can expect from him or her. Sends puppies properly A good breeder will never send a puppy in a compartment and without any responsible person to go with it. Works only with one or two breeds A good breeder works only with a single or a couple of species. Shows breeding experience A good breeder shows her dogs in recognized confirmation shows. He or she will also join his or her breed in other breed-related performance events. Other states. The Labrador Retriever is also the most popular purebred dog in America for the 21st straight year. More than twice as many Labs were registered than any other breed making it a likely leader for many years to come. In a recent article, a licensed professional counselor for more than twenty-five years, explained how owning a Lab can help produce healthier, happier, more well adjusted children. Here is an excerpt from her article: The ten reasons that I am giving for children to have a dog are not listed in order of importance. All of us have different characteristics which we find more important than others. Every reason I list, however, is important to the childhood of your son or daughter. Having a dog helps teach responsibility to children. Caring for the dog will teach children that their pet is dependent on them for food and exercise and love. Dogs require a lot of care; they need to be fed, walked, played with and trained. Children come to understand that dogs have to learn discipline in order to be pleasant around the family and others. Children come to appreciate discipline by observing how important it is in their dog. Having a dog teaches children patience, commitment and selflessness. Caring for a dog takes a great deal of responsibility. Children learn to be less focused on themselves and more patient with others. Responsibility is a key factor in leadership development in children, and one of the best ways of learning responsibility is in the home with the family dog. Being responsible for a dog teaches children valuable life lessons. The lessons that children learn from having a dog are priceless and may just help in being successful in life and in a career. Be sure to read the rest of her seven part article, Ten Reasons to Own a Dog. At Twin Lakes Kennel, we have been breeding and training world class Labrador retrievers for more than thirty-five years. Our second-to-none Puppy Guarantee makes buying a pure-bred Labrador retriever one of the wisest decisions you will ever make. Read the personal testimonials from prominent Lab owners from around the country. And visit our Puppy Page or call Woody or Judi for up-to-date puppy information at .Did you know… In the s, wagon trains made their way west from Independence, Missouri, on a journey of 2, miles, following what would come to be known as the Oregon Trail. About 60 miles 97 km west of Kansas City, Missouri, three half Kansas Indian sisters married to the French-Canadian Pappan brothers established a ferry service allowing travelers to cross the Kansas River at what is now Topeka. In , after completion of the first cabin, nine men established the Topeka Town Association. Soon, steamboats were regularly docking at the Topeka landing. By the late s, Topeka had become a commercial hub providing many Victorian era comforts. The distance from Topeka to Washington DC is miles. The distance to the Kansas state capital is miles. Our Latest Happy Clients! Become A Happy Client! We have answers. Give me some fun facts about Golden Retriever puppies for sale near Topeka! Golden Retrievers are an intelligent and eager-to-please breed with a friendly disposition. They are one of the most popular breeds in the United States! Fun facts about Golden Retrievers include the fact that they get along well with other animals, are very loyal and loving towards their owners, have a long lifespan of years, and they are also great swimmers. They often excel in performance activities, like being a Service Dog or participating in agility competitions, due to their intelligence, obedience, and trainability. Are Golden Retriever puppies for sale in Topeka non-shedding? No, Golden Retrievers are known for being active shedders. They have a double coat composed of a thick, water-repellent outer coat and a soft, dense undercoat, which means they shed year-round. During periods of heavier shedding, they may need extra brushing and combing to keep their fur looking its best. However, regular grooming and great nutrition can help minimize the amount of hair shed. Do Topeka Golden Retriever puppies for sale have special dietary needs? Yes, Golden Retrievers do have special dietary needs. They typically require a higher protein and fat content in their diets than other dogs to remain healthy and fit. To ensure that they have the correct amount of nutrients, feeding Golden Retrievers a high-quality commercial diet designed for their breed size and activity level is recommended. Additionally, Golden Retrievers are prone to overeating, so limiting treats, table scraps, and other high-calorie foods to ensure that they stay within their prescribed calorie intake can help maintain their health. What are some essentials I should buy before getting Golden Retriever puppies in Topeka? Before getting a Golden Retriever, there are some essentials you should buy. Invest in a high-quality, comfortable dog bed so your pup can rest and relax in his own spot. Make sure to buy the right size crate — don't buy one that is too small, which can lead to anxiety and related issues. Ensure you have the necessary supplies to keep your new pup's fur fresh and groomed, including a brush and shampoo. Obtain plenty of durable toys to keep him occupied and foster good behavior. How fast do Golden Retrievers for sale in Topeka grow? The size of your Golden Retriever puppy will vary depending on its parent's size and other factors like diet and exercise. On average, they typically reach a full-grown size of pounds and inches. However, this can vary, with some reachingup to 80 pounds in rare cases. With proper love, care and nutrition, your pup will become a healthy and friendly adult dog, regardless of size. Can I take my Golden Retriever puppies near Topeka running? Yes, you can take your Golden Retriever running with you. Just keep in mind that although Golden Retrievers have a lot of endurance, the key to successful runs with them is to take things slow. Start with short runs to get them used to the exercise, then gradually increase the length and intensity if you need to. While running, make sure to stay aware of your dog's behavior and energy levels if they seem tense, out of breath, or overly tired, take a break to let them catch their breath. Do Golden Retrievers in Topeka get along with kids? Golden Retrievers are known for their calm demeanor and gentleness, making them an excellent choice for families with young kids. They form strong bonds with their owners and are usually eager to please, making them friendly companions for children. Golden Retrievers love to play, making them the perfect playmate and exercise buddy for kids. When cared for properly, they'll quickly learn the rules of the house and respect the boundaries you set, showing a great deal of affection for the children in your home. Are Topeka Golden Retrievers for sale smart? Golden Retrievers are incredibly intelligent. Not only do they excel in obedience, agility, and other sports, but they are also incredibly adaptable and learn quickly. Golden Retrievers have been consistently ranked among the smartest dog breeds and regularly rank in the top 10 of the American Kennel Club's list of the smartest breeds. That said, intelligence varies from dog to dog, and one same-breed Golden Retriever may differ in intelligence from another. Now accepting deposits. Contact us today to reserve your puppy. We are pleased to be able to offer Golden Doodle Puppies for sale in Kansas this summer .We are not too far from Wichita or Topeka, KS. So, if you are looking for a Golden Doodle companion or assistance animal in Kansas, you have come to the right place. While we do not ship our dogs by plane, we have worked with people all over the USA. If you do choose a young or small sized Golden Doodle flying your puppy in cabin with you might also be an option. Golden Doodle How did the Golden Doodle dog begin? The initial intent was to produce a helper animal that was lower shedding and therefore an allergy friendly alternative to those needing an assistance animal. While Golden Doodles were bred as far back as the 's they gained a lot of popularity in the s. This is both a blessing and curse to the breed as I believe many people saw the Golden Doodle breed as a way to make a lot of money. Some people even inbred their dogs or bred a large Golden to a tiny poodle causing a variety or skeletal issues that still exist in the breed. However, a well-bred Golden Doodle is not only confidently friendly and outgoing, but also has a sense of humor. Both the Golden Retriever and Poodle are known to be easily trainable and a well-bred Golden Doodle will be a delight to train and will want to spend time with its people. There is a reason they have become popular! The combination of a Golden Retriever and Poodle is indeed a winning combination. Golden Doodle puppies are for sale in a variety of sizes. The reason we focus on the standard sized Golden Doodle is because a standard Golden Doodle can perform all the service dog tasks from a trained therapy dog to a service dog for mobility, but a small or mini Golden Doodle would not be able to perform all those tasks. I am aware there are people who prefer a smaller sized Golden doodle to perform tasks such as a diabetic alert dog or seizure alert dog and thankfully there are people who do focus primarily on producing smaller sized doodles. My focus for Kansas Doodles Golden Doodles is health and temperament above looks. It has been a challenge to find a place to get the eye and heart testing done, but that is something we will be getting done in the near future. The Golden Doodle is not likely to be happy as an outside dog away from their family. They are by nature an outgoing breed and like attention. When socialized properly and from a young age they are a delight! They can also be useful in many ways their original parent dogs can be such as field work, obedience, conformation, agility, companionship, service, detection, comfort and search and rescue. A Golden Doodle thrives as a trained therapy dog as well. Outcrosses are tricky and sometimes it simply isn't a good match, but when focus is on health and temperament and not simply looks it increases the likelihood of a well-rounded assistance or helper animal. My goal is like that of those beginning the breed. We go above and beyond at Kansas Doodles. We make it a goal to produce the best temperament and to match what each family is looking for with their future lifetime companion. Golden Doodle.

Currency Dogger Blog Learn tricks of the grooming trade and how to get the most out of grooming and deshedding your doggo pal. Have you tried getting them into the tub or even keeping them still in the garden with the hose pointed at them or a bucket of water by their side? They will most likely want to run away. Before you try to wrangle them for a bath, read these tips first, or you may end up getting wetter than them! German Shepherds have a double coat - the topcoat and the undercoat. The topcoat protects them from sun exposure, dust and other particles. The undercoat protects them from the harsh, cold weather during winter, and the heat from the summer. Their double coat has natural oils, and bathing too frequently will only strip away these oils. And which may cause their skin to get dry and irritated. Nevertheless, during flea season, you can bathe your German Shepherd more often to control any pests. In addition, if your dog has a bit of a pungent scent during the summer, you can bathe him every 2 months. And if your German Shepherd plays out in the open and gets dirty, you may consider bathing more often. Brushing is another factor that would determine how often you bathe your German Shepherd. Brushing also makes their coat shinier and healthier. Start from the neck working your way towards the tail and use enough water to reach the undercoat. Scrub in circular motions with your finger so that the shampoo reaches the undercoat. You can also do long strokes like a massage that your German Shepherd will surely enjoy. Thoroughly wash off your German Shepherd, and you may want to repeat this step to ensure that all the suds are removed from the undercoat and any crevices. If a residue is left and it dries up, this can cause skin irritation. This is the part where you get wet, as they shake off all the excess water. Rub him with a towel to dry off faster. Brush their coat well to make it shiny. And blow dry in the direction of hair growth, otherwise, blowing back and forth can lead to matting. German shepherds don't really need haircuts but if your dogs coat is getting out of hand then a light trim of their coat could help them in the warmer months. As puppies, they can start bathing as young as three weeks. An organic shampoo, or at the very least, a gentle shampoo will do. Harsher shampoos can strip their natural oils, or make their skin dry. Final Note Diet plays a big role too, in their physical appearance and health. Feeding your German Shepherd the proper foods and keeping them away from harmful ones will prevent them from getting any skin problems. Now you are better equipped to bathe your German Shepherd Treat bathing as a bonding moment between you and your dog, and he will love you for it. German Shepherd coat care procedures German Shepherds have a beautiful thick coat, requiring regular and thorough care. In the first place, it involves the correct selection of a full-fledged diet and various hygienic procedures. The owner of such a dog should know exactly what and when to do to ensure that the coat of the pet is properly cared for. Often German Shepherds tolerate water procedures and love to bathe if they were accustomed to it from an early age. Later on, an adult kept in an apartment should be bathed with special products two to four times a year: in autumn, spring and summer. In winter, the coat is sometimes cleaned with snow outside. Water procedures performed in winter can cause the dog to fall ill. If there is an urgent need to bathe the pet during this period, the room allocated for bathing should be well prepared and warmed up. If your dog gets dirty on a walk, wash him under the shower or use a wet towel to wipe his coat. If your pet is clearly attracted to water procedures in summer, you can shower him after walks. When keeping a Shepherd Dog in an apartment, you should wash it during the following periods: after shedding; 7 days before the treatment against parasites ticks, fleas, and others ; before the dog shows. If the pet is kept in an aviary, bathing is performed no more than three times a year. Small puppies should not be bathed several days before vaccination and during the day quarantine after vaccination. The first vaccinations are given quite early, at 6 weeks or 2 months of age. Bathing a puppy at 1 or 2 months is still too early. Try to communicate with the puppy calmly and gently, not frighten him with harsh motions. Allow him to settle in by sniffing and looking around in the bathtub. After that, you can start bathing your German Shepherd puppy. What you need for bathing at home Prepare in advance everything you may need for the procedure: First, provide the bottom of the tub with a non-slip surface — a cloth or rubber mat — to prevent your dog from slipping. Wear clothing suitable for this kind of procedure a waterproof apron. Do not use soap on your Shepherd. Prepare a bathing towel. Remember to take your pet for a proper walk outside before bathing. Otherwise, he will want to go for a walk again afterward and may get dirty or catch a cold. Prepare carefully and anticipate everything beforehand. Make sure the water temperature does not exceed degrees Celsius. Using a special shampoo and sponge, thoroughly soap his entire body, including his paws, belly, and neck. Rinse off the foam with your shower. Repeat if necessary. Wrap your puppy in a towel and get him out of the tub. If the coat is still partially wet, let the puppy shake it off and dry himself by running around the house. If the puppy is not afraid of loud noises, try drying the coat with a hairdryer. After bathing, Shepherd fur dries for about 3 hours. Try to bathe your pet in 10 minutes. Exclude the possibility of draughts in the room to avoid the risk of catching a cold. After washing, walks are allowed only after 3 hours. How to bathe a German Shepherd outdoors In the summer heat, you can bathe your German Shepherd puppy in an open pond every day, starting at the age of 4 months. If you take your pet to a river or lake, pay attention to the state of the body of water and the shore before bathing. Are there any sharp objects, shards of glass, or other trash visible? Such precautions will help avoid unwanted injuries and poisoning of your pet. After examining the area, let your dog off the leash and allow him to get acclimated to his new surroundings. German Shepherds are not timid, but each animal has its own personality traits. Swimming in a body of water is good for strengthening muscles and joints. Start by stepping into the water and calling out to your dog. Due to their high degree of trust in their owner, Shepherds are then eager to follow. Allow him to dry naturally, play and run with him. After sickness, it is better to wait about ten days after the pet has recovered before bathing. If the coat falls out or it is dull and broken, it indicates a disease or lack of vitamins in the animal. German Shepherds are divided into long-haired and short-haired according to the fur coat. Their coats need daily brushing. While brushing, dirt, dust, and dander are removed from the coat and skin. At the same time, skin diseases are effectively prevented, and blood circulation and metabolism in the pet are stimulated. The following tools are necessary for taking care of the coat: A frequent brush for the massage effect for long-haired — with long teeth, for short-haired — with short teeth. Metal comb: used to detangle fleece hair. Scrubbing brush: used during the seasonal shedding of the pet and for detangling the tangles. In brushing, it is necessary to release the brush from the clogged hair and dirt periodically. If your pet is calm, you can use a vacuum cleaner with a small brush attachment. After dry brushing, wet-clean the coat with a special mop, then dry the coat with a dry towel, and do not forget to wipe the eyes and ears with a wet cloth. There are special complex procedures designed to care for the fur and skin of animals, the so-called grooming. A bath should be a good thing, right? After all, baths keep humans away from dirt and bad odor, so you may think the same logic applies to dogs. However, you should not bathe your German Shepherd more often than necessary. German Shepherds have a double coat with natural oils that keep their skin healthy. This could lead to skin issues such as allergic reactions or dryness. Dogs with thick double coats and heavy shedders like the German Shepherd can be bathed every 3 months. This is because when they shed , the coat naturally removes dead skin cells and harmful bacteria. While bathing your German Shepherd is an essential part of their grooming and care, you should only do it to remove dirt and unpleasant odors. You should only bathe your German Shepherd every two to three months or as necessary. They should be bathed when they have accumulated mud or dirt on their skin or coat or the dog smells unpleasant. Regular bathing is unnecessary if your German Shepherd has a clean, shiny, and healthy coat. There are a few other factors that can affect how often you should bathe your GSD: 1. A monthly bath may be necessary if your GSD is extra active and often gets full of dirt. Some dogs are known for rolling around in fox poop; if this is your dog, then more frequent bathing will be on your list of doggy chores. Others like to jump in muddy puddles whenever they see one on a walk, like Willow, my German Shepherd. She likes to cool off in swampy areas or sludgy puddles, as shown in the photo below. My German Shepherd taking a mud bath! Your German Shepherd Has a Skin Condition You may need to bathe your dog regularly if they have a skin condition that requires treatment with a special shampoo. One antibiotic-controlled study found that bath therapy twice weekly with a chlorhexidine shampoo and spray was as effective as amoxicillin-clavulanic acid in treating dog pyoderma. Although these pests are a threat to doggos all year round, they are most active during the warmer months. In such cases, he may need even fewer baths than the recommended once every months. Nonetheless, many enjoy a paddle in a river or shallow lake or other water activities. Willow is not keen on swimming — I think her heavy double coat weighs her down. But she loves being in the river and finds it fun sticking her head in the water to find pebbles. My German Shepherd hunting for river pebbles! Your GSD Has a Skin Allergy German Shepherds with skin allergies typically have issues with their skin barrier epidermis , meaning their skin dries up more easily. Regularly bathing a dog with skin allergies using harsh shampoos can worsen the already compromised layer of skin, further aggravating the allergy. If you do need to keep your German Shepherd clean and spiffy, here are a few tips to keep in mind. Brush your GSD twice or thrice every week. Removing loose fur also takes away old skin oils and prevents dog odor. Do you want to know the grooming tools I swear by? Get your German Shepherd tired. If you use the treatment that you rub between the shoulders, you should wait 48 hours before bathing. For example, you can consult your vet on how often you should bathe your dog. After all, your vet is likely knowledgeable about dog skin types and any skin issues your dog may have. The oatmeal and aloe mixture works well with sensitive skin. Additionally, the shampoo is manufactured in U. German Shepherd puppies should not be bathed with shampoo until they are at least 3 months old. Before then, just use warm water and a cloth or wash rag. At 3 months, you should use a good quality shampoo and conditioner made for dogs and pH balanced to avoid skin irritation. Do German Shepherds Like Baths? Most German Shepherds do not enjoy baths. They find being confined and scrubbed in the bathtub an entirely different experience from splashing around in a river which they enjoy. Some dogs are nervous around water, so reassure your pet, use a calm voice and offer high-quality treats. Long-haired German Shepherds should be bathed 3 or 4 times per year. Their bathing frequency is no different from the short coat variety. Too many baths will remove the natural oils that are present in their coat which can result in their skin becoming dry and inflamed. Final Thoughts How often you should bathe your German Shepherd depends on a few factors. In general, you should bathe your GSD whenever they get dirty or smelly. If you must have a regular bathing routine for your dog and they have healthy skin, you can bathe them once every two to three months. If you doubt how often you should bathe your GSD, ask your veterinarian. Your vet may recommend that you bathe your dog more or less than the recommended once every two to three months. Related Posts You May Like:. Health As a German Shepherd owner, you probably know all of the joys of having one of these amazing dogs. In order to keep your dog happy and healthy, there are some things involved that may not be as fun as playing fetch with Fido. Grooming your German Shepherd could be one of those things depending on how cooperative your GSD is during the process. In this short guide, we will give you advice on how often you should bathe a German Shepherd as well as other grooming tips. Bathing your dog is not like bathing your child. This is the ideal amount of bathing for your dog, but there are other factors that can come into play. Personally, I bathe Allie once every weeks. Of course, if your dog goes outside often and gets really dirty, you may want to bathe him before he can track that dirt all over your home. If your German Shepherd stinks, you definitely want to give your dog a bath. You should brush your German Shepherd a couple of times a week. The difficulty of bathing your German Shepherd will largely depend on whether your dog is cooperative or not. Some dogs may not like baths at first so you will be busy trying to keep them still or trying to keep them from running away from the bath. The good news is that if you are patient and reassuring, your dog will eventually get used to it. I found that getting Allie used to baths as a puppy helped tremendously so now I am not fighting with 70 pounds of Shepherd for every bath. You will want to do the head last. Apply shampoo and begin to lather your GSD all over starting from their neck and working your way down. You can either use your fingers or use a sponge if you want to really rub the shampoo in. I just use my fingers. Once you are finished, dry your dog thoroughly with the towels. Is Dog Teeth Cleaning Necessary? You may have to work with your dog to get them comfortable with getting their teeth cleaned. Make sure you use toothpaste for dogs, not toothpaste for humans. Try putting a tiny amount of toothpaste on each tooth before you start brushing just to relax your dog. Once your dog is relaxed, brush the teeth in a circular motion, making sure you brush near the gum lines. Try and be thorough but be gentle. This is one of the things I wish I did more when Allie was a puppy. Normally, her mouth is wide open, but when the toothbrush comes out her mouth closes up like a clam. Handle any broken or split nails immediately. You will want to use a dog nail clipper not human nail clippers. You can buy special ear wax drops from your vet. Your dog will shake out the remaining liquid by shaking its head. Final Thoughts Keeping your German Shepherd properly groomed goes a long way in keeping your dog healthy. A healthy dog is a happy dog! If you are ever in doubt about grooming your dog, you can seek out professional help. There are many great dog groomers available and your vet can also give you good tips. The rest of the time, proper grooming can keep them clean and healthy. Shedding For The Season Dogs have two different types of coats. Some have hair that continually grows. Others have fur that sheds. German Shepherd Dogs have a double coat of fur. According to Dog. The top layer also known as the primary layer serves to protect the dog from light injury and add additional insulation from temperature. Throughout the year, some of this fur detaches from the body sheds , in order for new growth to come in. German Shepherd Dogs go through two big shedding cycles every year to adapt to the coming season. You will also notice that there is more fur around the house than normal. The best way to keep up with their shedding is daily brushing with a de-shedding brush or comb. You will want to make sure you are getting both the top layer and undercoat when doing this. Use positive techniques and stay consistent with this daily routine. After some time, this can become a great bonding experience. Global K9 Protection Services , a company that specializes in training Shepherds, recommends not bathing GSDs too often to avoid drying out their skin. Dry skin can lead to itchiness, redness, and hot spots that they can start chewing. If they walk on pavement or gravel often, their nails may get ground down from those surfaces. The goal is to cut the nails down without hitting the nerve in the nail. This can lead to foot and joint issues later on. When clipping their nails, high praise in a calm environment will give you the best results for them to get through it in the most positive way. They need it but do not want you to put anything in there. The best way to do this is to clean the outer ear and use ear drops designed for dogs. As they shake their heads, it will remove the excess ear wax and dirt. Speak to your veterinarian about which product to choose. Some dog treats have plaque removing properties to them. Another way is to brush their teeth around three times a week. Make sure you use toothpaste made for dogs. The toothpaste made for humans can be toxic to dogs. Remember, if it goes in their mouth, they will swallow it. Let them get used to the warm water. The water level should not be more than elbow high for them. Work from their bottom and move forward, saving their head for last. They are very sensitive to having their faces handled. When scrubbing them, use circular motions with your fingers to get through the undercoat. You can also use long strokes in a massage-like way. These two methods can calm them down. Who does not like a massage? Make sure you rinse often and repeatedly to make sure that all of the soap has been cleaned off. Dried residue can create irritation on their skin. Have at least towels ready to dry them off. If you are going to use a hairdryer, do not focus on one spot for too long, to avoid making one spot too hot for them. Use products that are designed specifically for dogs. Avoid products that use artificial chemicals. Products that use natural ingredients and have simple formulas are just as effective. Going With The Pros Using a professional dog groomer has advantages. They have the proper equipment, products, and skills to groom your German Shepherd Dog. Before you go online and choose the first one you see, both PetMD and the AKC have a few recommendations on how to choose the right groomer. Grooming program , that can assure you the groomer is of the highest quality. You will also want to make sure they are caring for your dog well with their kennels and that their staff is trained for any emergencies. Finally, make sure you understand all the costs that come with their services. Your dog may never look forward to it, but when it is time to take a bath, using positive training techniques can be the best approach to make it a choreless event. Make sure you use the proper shampoos and keep up with their grooming requirements. If you do need further advice, see the help of a certified trainer in your area. In such cases, you will have to bathe the dog more frequently than usual, using an antibacterial and antifungal dog shampoo. They target the effects of different skin conditions and help clear them up so your German Shepherd can be free from symptoms like itching or hotspots and get their shiny coat back.

Contact Can French Bulldogs be left alone? Plus 6 Essential Tips No pet owner likes walking in the house to find overturned and chewed furniture, clawed doors, tattered clothes, and your neighbors complaining about your dog barking and whining for hours in your absence. Does your Frenchie get distressed when you are about to leave the house? Does he go crazy when you come back home? If so then probably your Frenchie is suffering from separation anxiety which results in devastating and destructive behaviors in dogs. It is common for dogs to suffer from separation anxiety. However, some breeds are at high risk and French Bulldogs are one of them. So, can French bulldogs be left alone? French bulldogs detest being left alone at home and are prone to separation anxiety. But simple steps such as establishing a routine, crate training, a good diet, and daily physical activity will help to relax the nerves when alone. If your Frenchie has separation anxiety, he most common symptoms of this disorder include: Excessive vocalization House soiling And destructive behavior. It is more than whining and a serious condition. A doting pet owner would never want to stay away from their fluffy companion for long. However, in our busy lives, it becomes impractical to keep our canine friends with us all the time. Fortunately, there are plenty of things you can do to calm an anxious Frenchie and help them stay at home happily. Are French Bulldogs Clingy? French Bulldogs are the happiest in the company of their owners and can suffer from intense separation anxiety when left alone. Some French Bulldogs can be clingy and follow their owners around wherever they go. They are also called velcro dogs and want to be by your side all the time. This behavior can be attributed to the fact that French bulldogs were originally bred to be toy versions of English bulldogs and were made more dependent on their owners. French bulldogs would mainly work side by side with their owners. Boredom and lack of physical and mental exercise can also make your Frenchie leap up to you as they see you as their primary source of entertainment. Sometimes dogs become clingy when their pet parents give them constant attention which can consequently make them fearful of being alone. However, clinginess can become a problem if it progresses to separation anxiety. If you are someone who spends a lot of time away from home then your Frenchie will not be the right pet for you. They will not be happy sitting around at home alone all day! Signs of Separation Anxiety in French Bulldogs Some of the classic signs of separation anxiety are: Restless behavior Accidents in the house — urinating and defecating Excessive howling and barking when you are gone Pawing to get attention Chewing shoes, clothes or carpets Excessive drooling and panting Becoming anxious when you are about to leave If you see one or more signs in your French Bulldog then that means your dog is suffering from separation anxiety. Difference between Isolation Distress and Separation Anxiety Isolation distress means that your dog hates being left alone and any human or a canine companion would do to keep them company. However, separation anxiety means that the dog is hyper attached to one person and shows stress behaviors when that person is absent even when other humans or pets are present. The problem behavior must be correctly identified before starting to implement any behavior modification techniques. Some French Bulldogs lean towards displaying one of these anxiety disorders or a combination of the two. French Bulldogs are emotionally intelligent and get super anxious when left alone. Untreated anxiety can lead to depression which could result in other illnesses in them. You will have to consult a pet behaviorist to allay the symptoms and to nip the problem in the bud. French Bulldogs are people-dogs and need constant human care and attention. It is okay to leave your Frenchie alone for a few hours but long extended hours can be very stressful to them and can lead to a lot of behavioral issues. A French Bulldog should not be left alone at home for more than 4 to 8 hours even when you have left enough food, water and they have access to a place to relieve themselves. It can be utterly frustrating to come home to destruction and upsetting to see your Frenchie in such distress. Luckily, you can make the process easy for your canine friend in just a few steps. Interactive Puzzles and Toys Puzzle toys are a great way of keeping your French Bulldog entertained for long and give them the much needed mental stimulation. Puzzle toys can mitigate separation anxiety and boredom in dogs. Puzzle toys do not require a lot of movement and can still provide mental stimulation for pets especially the seniors with mobility issues. Interactive toys can help to give your Frenchie a problem and a task to figure out and helps them keep themselves engaged and happy during the time you are away. Establish a Safety Cue A safety cue can be an action or word that you can use every time you leave the house that tells your Frenchie that you will be back. Your Frenchie will start associating these cues with your short absences. If you have to be away for a few hours and your dog knows that you are coming back then they will not become anxious. Therefore, it is important to associate these safety cues with your practiced departures and shorter absences. A safety cue could be a radio, TV , a dog toy one that does not have a dangerous filling and cannot be ripped. You can use these cues during practice sessions. However, remember not to use these cues for a period of time that is longer than they can endure or the value of safety cue will be lost. If your French bulldog engages in destructive chewing while you are gone then giving them a chewing object as a safety cue will be a good idea. Just like other pets, French bulldogs do need stimulation through different kinds of activities to give them added joy and to enrich their lives. Before you leave the house, you can take your French bulldog for a short walk or play a game of fetch indoors. French bulldogs can easily overheat so you need to watch out for excessive panting. By tiring them out you may find that your Frenchie may end up sleeping for long periods when you leave them. Lack of physical and mental stimulation can leave your French bulldog wanting to do something. Idle paws will always lead to unwanted behavior. Investing time in your dog through physical and mental exercise is the only way to help them expend their energy, build confidence, ward off boredom, and stay at home alone. Training Preparation is the key to leaving your French Bulldog alone at home. You can start the training by giving them some time alone. If your Frenchie follows you around everywhere then first ask them to stay in one place while you leave for a short time. If your dog can tolerate this then try leaving the house for some time and then come back. If you are about to leave the house and you notice your Frenchie panicking, try to ignore it so that they get used to it. Repeat this every day. When you arrive home also refrain from giving a warm welcome immediately at the door. This behavior will communicate to your dog that coming home is normal and not a special event. Do not give your French bulldog treats every time you walk in the house. Your dog should learn that there are moments during the day when they could be left alone. Interactive Pet Cameras If your canine companion becomes stressed when left alone you can get a two-way communicator and treat dispenser with cameras which can let you see your pooch wherever you are and also allow you to interact with them. You can even dispense treats to your Frenchie, which can help take away some of the emotional pain they feel when they are home alone. These smart two-way communication devices help you keep a tab on your furry friends with just a push of a button on your smartphones. A dog sitter can keep your French bulldog company while you are away at work. They can take your French bulldog out for a small walk and even give day training. Your Frenchie may not be anxious and frustrated out of malice for you. They are worried about their survival without you being there to protect them. Remember when you are bringing a Frenchie home you are committing to a long-term relationship. Make sure you have enough time to dedicate to your four-legged new family member. Whether you have a busy life, work fulltime, or part-time, there are many creative ways to ensure the needs of your Frenchie are met. Providing an enriching environment and some positive reinforcement can make your Frenchie learn to be by himself and enhance their quality of life. Our Frenchies give us unbelievable attention and we owe them ours in return! Post Views: 1, French Bulldog Puppies Two hours is the limit a day. Having to stay home alone is unfamiliar to them. Peeing more and getting separation anxiety are common symptoms. Adult French Bulldogs Is capable of being left alone approximately 4 to 6 hours each day. They are accustomed to being left at home alone. Depending on the situation. Is your elderly French Bulldog suffering from health problems? Is it necessary for them to urinate more often, for example? How long can I leave my french Bulldog alone? It is difficult to know how your dog is doing when you leave. They will experience stress, anxiety, and barking problems. Decide The Location For our dog. Factors To Take Into Consideration The size of their bladder and their control Duration of your absence There is a yard available Situations weather-wise Destructive practices, whether or not there are any A crate can provide both security and comfort for a French Bulldog. Your Frenchie must have access to water and a comfortable bed in their crate when left alone at home. French Bulldogs tend to sleep most of the time when you are not around, making it more suitable for less active pets. If you have to leave your French Bulldog alone for an extended period, make sure you make it up to them when you return. Your home is also protected from doggie damage if you use crates. Keeping them comfortable may require bladder training. You are protecting your French Bulldog from the elements and potential predators and reducing their chances of escaping by keeping them indoors and confined to a single room. Meanwhile, it will be necessary for your French Bulldog to have a good bladder control litter box to prevent accidents all over the room or house. Dogs are happiest when left home alone in the backyard, where they can roam freely, go to the toilet without fear, and get plenty of fresh air. The downside is bad weather, fleas, ticks, and predators, in addition to the possibility of escaping. Make sure they have shelter and water and that the yard is secure. The best situation for your French Bulldog will depend on what you think is best for them. Little French Dog is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon. Teaching Alone Time You can start by confining your French Bulldog in the confinement area with a chew toy or another constructive activity, then quietly walk out of the room. Praise and treat them immediately upon your return. Each time, increase the length of your absence slowly. At first, even one to two minutes might seem too long for your Frenchie, but over a build, too much longer periods. Che periodically over the next three or four days on your French Bulldog as time increases. You can reward them with a treat and some low-key praise if they are quiet and calm before leaving. Keep an eye on them without making too much noise. Crying during confinement indicates you have either begun training before your French Bulldog has learned to associate their environment with good things or that you have left them alone too long. Otherwise, you will teach them that whining opens doors and earns your attention. Reduce the time they spend in confinement to what they can handle and gradually increase it. It can be disastrous to leave your French Bulldog alone in their area with nothing to do. Instead, you should provide constructive activities whenever they are in their containment area. They will learn to be happy on their own by doing this. A food-stuffed chew toy is a perfect activity to keep a young Frenchie interested in chewing and being distracted. It is perfectly fine to use toys like Kongs since the food inside the toy reinforces the chewing behavior. Radios and TVs are also great ways to provide companionship for French Bulldogs left alone. This can obfuscate distressing noises such as honking cars or garbage trucks. Allow your dog to spend more time alone each day. You should assess how long you can leave them alone before they need to go toilet by taking note of toilet habits. Dogs often feel more comfortable in a small space. When you leave, crates and single rooms can keep your French Bulldog safe while you are gone. Make sure to place the crate in a familiar, comfortable place where the dog will not be exposed to the sun and be warm. Only create your French Bulldog if they are used to it. Make sure you remove all items you do not want to be broken or chewed on if they get a little out of control. Protect Your Most Your Frenchie Family Member You need a system in place so that French Bulldog is safe when you are not at ho Keep any dangerous items out of reach of your Frenchie and carefully dog-proof your home. In case of an emergency or if you cannot reach home immediately, you should have a backup plan. Doggie Daycare If you do not like creating your French Bulldog for long hours or leaving them alone at home while you work all day, then maybe doggie daycare is an idea. It offers several benefits to make life easier and a safe and stimulating environment for you, Frenchie. Relieve separation anxiety It is possible for a pet to become bored or suffer from separation anxiety when you leave them for hours at a time. Consequently, you may find chewed-up shoes or pillows when you come home from work. Separation anxiety can be relieved, and dog daycare cancels out boredom. They become more comfortable when they meet new people and pets, which reduces stress, aggression, and skittish behavior. Your French Bulldog is safe. We must admit; that sometimes, our naughty angels are prone to jumping over the fence or escaping from their crates. While you are at work, what can you do to keep your dog safe? October 21, Can French Bulldogs be left alone? This is a question all pet owners have. However French Bulldogs are a little different. These friendly little pups really do not like being away from their owners and that is why we love them so much! French Bulldogs are a small dog breed that are loveable, playful, and loyal. The being loyal part is why they do not enjoy being left alone. This has become a problem for me since I started going back to work. Augie was very happy when the stay at home order was in place and I was working from home. Now that I have gone back to the office I am trying to get Augie used to some at home time. I once heard someone say that Frenchies are velcro dogs. It is funny I never really thought about it until I heard it used and then I thought, Yeah ok I think that fits! Augie tends to follow me around the house, everywhere I go, so does he. Frenchies are ok to be left home for short periods of time but typically if they are spending more than a few hours at home alone they can develop separation anxiety. If your dog is experiencing any of the following symptoms then your French Bulldog may be developing separation anxiety. Of course there is no exact answer to this and each dog is different but as long as you spend some time allowing the stay at home routine to be made will give you more stretches of time that your pup can be left alone. Age needs to be considered as a factor too. Clearly a French Bulldog puppy will not be able to hold it longer than 4 hours. There is that old saying that a dog will not soil where he eats and sleeps will only last as long as your puppy can hold it. I would say the most you will ever want to leave your Frenchie is 7 hours. You should also take into account if your dog does have separation anxiety. If your French Bulldog is suffering from separation anxiety you will not want to leave your pup home for more than a few hours without returning. If this is not possible for you then you may want to look into a dog sitter coming in to check on your four legged child, or doggie daycare, or if it is severe enough it may be worth having a conversation with your vet, as some medication may help calm your pup. Generally speaking you can train your Frenchie to be happy to spend some alone time at home without you. There are things that you can do to make this easier. First things first make sure that your dog knows that this is their home. This is usually done by making sure they are comfortable. This usually starts with their beds and crates. For our pooch we need to make sure the bed we choose chew proof. When Augie gets nervous he needs he chews or more like gnaws on things and his bed seems to be a good place to start. It can be soothing for dogs to gnaw on things but that can become expensive. You also may want to take a look at the style of the bed and try to get one that makes them feel secure. One that kinda cocons them inside the bed. Since French Bulldogs are so small they like the secure feeling they get from having the bed fit right around them. Lots of dogs enjoy their crates and their crates make them feel safe. This is not something we need to use a lot as Augi has come to be comfortable at home most of the time. Like with any type of crate training it is best to leave the crate out and open when you are home. You will also want to have the crate be in the room that is most used by the family. Once your frenchie has become comfortable with their crate you can feel free to move it to where you want to keep it in the house. Not all dogs or dog owners enjoy crates or crating their pup so this may not be for you but if you have an anxious Frechie you may want to look into this option as it can be a good safe option for you and your Bulldog. Toys can also give a calming effect for dogs when left home alone. Some dogs will find that they really enjoy stuffed toys either as their special companies or as something to chew and rip apart. For us we have a variety of toys for Augie to choose from. Augies toy box is always near his bed and allows for him to take any toy that he feels like playing with. Sometimes when I get back home from being out he has taken everything out and they are all over the house. Along with toys we always fill up a treat toy. Ones that takes some effort to get the treat out of. Having a treat toy can also give them something to chew on keeping their anxiety low as you leave and can sometimes tire them out. There are lots of great treat toys that can be purchased. I found these puzzle toys that hold treats for dogs and they are great. Once they master those ticks we move onto some more difficult ones but we never think to train our French Bulldogs to be left home alone. Here are some ways that you can help your puppy to be ready to stay home alone. Teach them to be alone even if you are home. Put you pup or yourself into a different room for a period of time. You can also use the crate at this time and get your pup to use their crate. Make sure to put a toy or treat with them so that they consider this time pleasant. Try not to make a big deal out of hellos and goodbyes. If you keep them as low key as you can then your Frenchie will not think that it is a big deal when you come and go. Make sure to give your dog plenty of exercise before you leave. A tired dog is more likely to sleep while you are gone. This means they will be less destructive if they are sleeping. Give your dog a treat reward before you go and also when you return. This will help your French Bulldog associate you leaving with a good thing. Make sure you do not reward bad behavior. No matter how guilty you feel about leaving make sure that if your pup is naughty while you are gone do not reward or feel bad. Make sure that your dog knows that his behavior was not ok. Yes if properly trained your French Bulldog can be left alone for periods of time. Frenchies do tend to have more separation anxiety then most dogs but with some patience and training your dogs time away from you will become more bearable. This is going to cause lots of dogs to have separation anxiety and some extra training with short times being left home alone or some alone time within the house to keep those training fresh in your Frenchies mind. As amazing lovable, intelligent, and affectionate companion French Bulldogs could be you should think about whether or not a French Bulldog is a good fit for you and your family. Want more info about French Bulldogs — check this out Share on facebook. Conclusion How long can a French Bulldog be left alone? While you can safely leave your French Bulldog home alone sometimes, it is not recommended to do so for more than four to six hours. This is because Frenchies are very loyal, very clingy dogs. If they have not gotten used to being alone, then sudden time by themselves can lead to them developing separation anxiety. Especially if you have adopted your Frenchie during the COVID pandemic, they may not be used to you being out of the house for long periods of time. In order to avoid issues with your dog developing anxiety, you should do your best not to leave them alone for too long. What if I need to leave my Frenchie alone for longer than hours? If you absolutely must leave your French Bulldog home alone for more than four to six hours, it is possible to do so safely. However, you should make every effort to train your pup to find alone time to be a relaxing experience rather than a stressful one. There are a couple of ways you can do this, but one of the easiest ways is to crate train your Frenchie. If you crate train, your Frenchie will be able to happily snooze the day away inside their crate while you are off doing whatever it is you need to do. Is crate training cruel? No, crate training is absolutely not cruel! Many people are hesitant to crate train their dogs because they believe that keeping your dog locked up is a bad thing. This is somewhat true—if you were keeping your dog locked in their crate all day every single day, then that might be a problem! However, crate training done right means that your dog will find their crate a comfort, and may even want to spend time in the crate of their own accord. Dogs like small spaces that they can consider their den, so your Frenchie will be sure to like a cozy, comfy crate space that they can retreat to when you are not home. How can I crate train my French Bulldog? Crate training your Frenchie will be a process, and it is important to do so properly. The first step to properly crate training a dog is selecting the right crate. You should make sure that the crate is large enough for your dog to stand up and turn around in. Any smaller, and your dog will be too cramped; any larger, and the crate will feel too roomy. Once you have a properly sized crate, you can make it comfy for your dog by placing objects such as a cushy dog bed or blanket inside. Put a toy that your Frenchie loves inside. Then, you can start on getting your pup slowly acclimated to the crate. Make sure that your dog will associate their crate with good things: treats and relaxation. You can leave the crate open even when you are home, so that if your dog wants to go there to relax anytime they want, they will be able to. How do I know if my Frenchie has separation anxiety? If you leave your French Bulldog at home by themselves for too long or too suddenly, it is possible that your pup can develop separation anxiety. This is when they become very anxious and scared when you are not at home, and they do not know how to cope with being alone. Some signs that might indicate separation anxiety are: Excessive barking , howling or whining Pacing Potty accidents Scratching at the walls and doors It is important, however, to pay attention to when your dog is engaging in these behaviors. If they are only doing so when you are gone or getting ready to leave, then chances are that the behaviors have to do with separation anxiety. If they are regularly occurring when you are home, however, then something else may be wrong, or your Frenchie may suffer from generalized anxiety. What do I do if my Frenchie has separation anxiety? If your Frenchie happens to develop separation anxiety, there are a few things you can do to attempt to reduce the anxiety. These include crate training your pup, which we have already mentioned, or you can work to desensitize your Frenchie to being home alone. Desensitization will involve lots of patience, time, and training, but the end results will be worth it. How can I desensitize my French Bulldog to being home alone? Desensitization involves getting your dog used to the things that trigger their separation anxiety, until they are able to be left alone without being triggered into an anxious episode. This will take a lot of time and patience. To begin, you will want to get your dog used to being left alone for short periods of time, and then slowly increase the length. For example, you can give your Frenchie a puzzle toy or another treat, such as a KONG filled with peanut butter or treat paste, that will require concentration. Then, leave them alone for just enough time to finish the treat before coming back. This will begin to develop a positive association with being left alone. Continue to do this while slowly increasing the time that you are gone. Use this command, then leave the room. After a few minutes of them being alone in the room without any bad behavior, you can return to the room and reward them. Make sure that you only use positive reinforcement—never punish your Frenchie for anxious behavior. This is likely to increase the bad behavior and develop poor associations with you leaving. Lastly, you can also desensitize your Frenchie to the things that trigger their anxious episodes. For example, if your Frenchie begins to freak out every time you put your shoes on and get ready to leave the house, you can begin to teach them that putting your shoes on does not always mean that you are going to leave. Then, reward your Frenchie when they are calm. Repeat this process until your pup is comfortable with you leaving. Conclusion So, how long can a French Bulldog be left alone? In general, the answer is no longer than about four to six hours. However, a well-trained adult dog can generally hold their bladder for six to eight hours, so it is possible for you to leave your Frenchie for longer. You can crate train your Frenchie so that they have a safe space to retreat to when they are home alone. This way, they will be less likely to engage in destructive behavior and develop separation anxiety. Believe me when I tell you that Frenchies appear to be a breed that suffer with the symptoms far more than other dog breeds. Put simply; French Bulldogs do not do well alone. In this guide to French Bulldog separation anxiety I am going to give you a blueprint to follow to make things better for you and your puppy. Take a look at this video of the Furbo we made , and reasons why you should get this to help with Frenchie separation anxiety. Although it can be very distressing behavior to deal with, there are a few steps you can take to ease your Frenchie out of this destructive pattern and to help them deal with their separation anxiety and symptoms. French Bulldogs are known to be an especially clingy breed and are more susceptible to separation anxiety as a result. They have been bred to be human companions so this is not the type of dog that can be left alone at home for long periods of time. Frenchies thrive from having plenty of quality time with you and will be absolutely miserable if you work long hours and leave them alone for the majority of the day. Do French Bulldogs do well alone? If you find that your Frenchie has a meltdown every time you leave the house, there are a number of methods you can utilize to coax them away from this frame of mind. Patience and perseverance during this time is critical. You might even find that your puppy or adult dog starts to eat their own poop. Symptom 2: Barking and howling Frenchies are not loud dogs to begin with, so if they start barking and howling every time you leave the house, this is another strong indicator that they are struggling with separation anxiety. You might have seen photos of a younger Frenchie puppy on our blog. We sometimes look after her to help her owners out, and unlike Claude who can deal with being left home alone for a couple of hours, she starts to bark like crazy as soon as we leave the house for a few moments. Symptom 3: Pacing, heavy panting and drooling You may notice this type of frantic body language whenever you start getting ready to leave. This may also be accompanied by shivering and shaking. French Bulldog puppy separation anxiety starts as soon as they learn the signals for you leaving the house. I will come on to how to reduce these triggers further down the page. Symptom 4: Chewing, digging, and generally destructive behavior This is usually their attempt to try and get out of the house. Typically, you will find that their destruction will be aimed at sofas, blinds, drapes, doorways, and walls — anything that they may perceive as a way out. If you have this problem with your Frenchie, read this guide on how to stop them from chewing your house up. Find out how we dog-proofed our own garden area to stop Claude from digging up our lawn. Symptom 5: Escape attempts When distressed, your Frenchie may go to extreme attempts to escape the house in order to find you. This can even result in them hurting themselves. They would get back to see their young puppy bashing his head and teeth against the crate bars, injuring himself in the process. How to stop French Bulldog separation anxiety If you have a possessive and clingy French Bulldog on your hands, there are a number of techniques you can try to calm your Frenchie down. The key in all of this is endurance. Regardless of your approach, you will not see results straight away, but the longer you persist, the more you should see a difference. All of these methods will help you to deal with a dog who cannot be left alone for either long or short periods of time. Although it may not always be realistic, practicing a calm routine in the morning before you leave, and a calm routine when you get back should help your Frenchie with their anxiety. How to train your French Bulldog to be left alone: try to be calm when you leave your Frenchie alone at home for better results. It might make your puppy a lot happier! Avoid giving your Frenchie too much attention or making too much of a fuss. This is especially important when you get home. If you find your Frenchie excitedly greeting you back, you can certainly return their greeting with a quick pet, but it would be best to avoid too much eye contact or attention until they have calmed down. With a few simple changes to your own behavior, you should be able to leave your French Bulldog alone — but it will take time to get this discipline down to a tee. This includes things such as: Putting on a jacket and shoes. Picking up your house keys, purse, or wallet. Making a big deal out of saying goodbye to them. What you might try to do instead is get your stuff ready before you start to leave. I know one owner who will put their jacket on and pick up their keys before the eat dinner so they can be more subtle about the act of leaving the house. It might be that you have a set routine in the morning. If you do, try shaking things up a little bit. You might try picking up your keys and putting on your coat as though you were about to leave, but then doing something completely different, like making a meal or watching TV. If your Frenchie starts to become anxious as you pick up your keys and put on your jacket, perhaps you can start to use these before you take them out for a walk or playing a favorite game. Give them a comfortable and safe place I mentioned the crate method earlier. This can work with some puppies, as you might have one who is perfectly happy to sit in his crate when left at home alone with no negative consequences. Other dogs might hate being crated. The key here is to see if you can find a room or area where your Frenchie feels more at ease when you leave the house. It could even mean placing them in a specific room with the door closed, with the TV or radio on and plenty of toys to play with more on this in a moment. Try short absences at first Another method to help you if you absolutely must leave your French Bulldog at home alone all day is to try short absences first. Come back through the house door behaving completely normally before your Frenchie can start to get up to mischief without making a fuss. By trying this exercise you can start to train your Frenchie to be left alone. Important: I do not recommend getting a Frenchie if you are going to be leaving them at home alone all day or for long hours at a time. However, I appreciate there may be times when this is unavoidable. Positive reinforcement Part of the reason why Frenchies become so distressed when you leave the house is because they know that they are going to be separated from you and your affection. Some people say that your dog might even think you are never coming back! To combat the idea that your leaving the house is a negative thing, you can reserve a certain treat or a favorite toy for when you leave. It will take them a good twenty minutes to finish with this toy, and by the time they are done, it should hopefully provide enough of a distraction to keep their mind off your absence. Keep your puppy distracted and entertained As an extension of an earlier suggestion, another thing you can try is to leave your Frenchie in a room full of toys and distractions to keep them occupied throughout the day. Make sure the room is well lit and fill it with engaging toys that you know your Frenchie will love. Can French Bulldogs be left alone all day? If you can, try to reserve these toys for times when you are out of the house. This way they will have more things to positively associate with you leaving. Another tip that may help, especially if you find that your Frenchie is comforted by sound, is to leave the TV or radio on during the day. Sometimes the silence can be enough to agitate your Frenchie, so you may find this on its own can make a massive difference. By doing so, you might find that they end up sleeping for large periods when left alone. By keeping your puppy or adult dog entertained and exercised when you are at home, it will make leaving them alone a lot easier, as hopefully they will use this time to get some well-deserved rest and recuperation until you return. Handy Hint: Ever wondered how long Frenchies sleep for? Read this article about French Bulldog sleeping patterns including a recommend sleeping schedule. Doggy daycare and walking services Last summer my wife and I had a period of time where we both had to be at work from 9 until 5 each day — usually my wife is at home with Claude. To cope with this better we decided to use a dog sitting and walking service. However, it can cost quite a lot if you have to place them into full-time day care. What we did most of the time was give our trusted dog walker the keys to our house. She would come once in the morning and once in the afternoon to take Claude out for an hour to break up his day and how long he was without human companionship. You might also consider taking your Frenchie to a reliable doggy daycare service. Use a remote camera to see and talk to your puppy Another suggestion is to get one of those remote cameras that you can buy on Amazon. This can give you huge peace of mind. It has 2-way audio so you can hear them, and they can hear you plus can be hooked up to your Alexa device. The reviews on Amazon for this dog camera are excellent, and could be a great solution if you are going to be leaving your French Bulldog at home alone for longer periods of time. Professional help or medication If you find that nothing seems to be working, or if the behavior is already quite bad, you may want to enlist the help of a professional trainer and your veterinarian. As separation anxiety can be the result of medical issues, it would be worth having your Frenchie checked over to rule this out as a possibility. Your veterinarian may also choose to prescribe medication for your Frenchie if the anxiety is particularly bad. Medication should only be viewed as a short-term fix for anxiety problems. Dog tranquilizers prescribed by your vet should only be viewed as a short-term and drastic solution if you really need to alter the behavior of your Frenchie. Related questions I hope this has given you some guidance on how you can better deal with the problem of separation anxiety. Much of this behavior will exhibit itself in puppies and dogs who are left home alone, so here are some more pointers to help you decide if a Frenchie is the right dog for you. What age can you leave your French Bulldog alone? By this point he was starting to get more adult and was passing the destructive puppy-like behavior that would be most commonly associated with being left alone. It might be different with your own puppy, but the bottom line is, you should not leave a French Bulldog puppy alone at the age of 6 months. At this age they cannot hold their bladder for more than 6 hours. There have been some very rare occasions where we have had to leave the home for 7 hours, leaving Claude by himself home alone it was a family emergency. He would ignore us and give us the cold shoulder — almost like he was punishing us for leaving him alone all day. The bottom line is this; French Bulldogs are a very social breed and have been bred to be companion dogs. I would say no, French Bulldogs do not do well alone. What many people will do is have two Frenchies so they can keep each other company. I go into more detail on this in my article about French Bulldogs being better in pairs. A pair of Frenchies will hep to stimulate each other and will reduce their stress when you leave them alone. The benefits of having two Frenchies include: As social animals they can keep each other company. Pairs can act as role models for each other, particularly a puppy with an older dog. Two Frenchies can help to exercise and play with each other when you leave the home. You can leave them home alone longer if they are two of them. Which dogs have separation anxiety? Other dogs that suffer with this problem are said to be the following breeds source: Furbo. French Bulldogs are no doubt one of the sweetest breeds of dogs and make wonderful companions and pets. They can be very charming, are highly adaptable to new situations, and will never pass up the opportunity to sit quietly in your lap for hours on end. Frenchies can be more than a bit stubborn, however, and do tend to exhibit more separation anxiety than other dog breeds. For that reason, most experts recommend not leaving a French bulldog alone for more than 5 or 6 hours at a time. French bulldogs are extremely sociable animals, to be sure. For many people that would be a problem. If you travel a lot for work it could also be a problem as French bulldogs have quite a bit of separation anxiety. Frenchies will need you almost as much as a child and will take up nearly as much of your time. French bulldogs are one of the most loving and loyal dog breeds there are and make wonderful pets. Just realize going in that they are going to need a lot of attention, care, and love. You should never leave your French bulldog outside, especially during extreme weather. That includes both very hot and very cold days where their small bodies could easily overheat or freeze. French bulldogs are most definitely inside dogs and not outside dogs. Yes, of course, you can play with them outside and go for walks and things like that, but the majority of the time they should be inside. Your average Frenchie loves to romp around in the snow for a little while or splash around in a puddle. But again, just to reiterate, this is not the type of dog where you get a dog house outside and they live out there full-time. Leaving them inside when you leave, for that reason, is your best option. The answer to this question all depends on how your French bulldog was trained from a pup. For some, being unsupervised is not a problem at all while, for others, it might lead to disaster. In those cases a crate or pen would be recommended, but only if they have been trained beforehand. The thing is, one of the best qualities of a French bulldog is that they can adapt to practically any living situation. From a large farmhouse to a small apartment in the city and any size space in between, they usually have no problem at all adapting. One thing that they do tend to have, however, is separation anxiety, and for that reason, a crate or pen can sometimes be very good to have. What that means is that you will need to crate train them right from the beginning when they are puppies. The good news is that, because of the type of dog they are, most French bulldogs that are crate or pen trained well use them as a place of comfort when you leave. Some Tips on Using a Crate or Pen Train Your Frenchie The best thing for your Frenchie when you leave is to know that their pen or crate is a comfortable and safe place. For that reason, never use it to punish them for misbehaving. If their energy is because they are anxious and suffering from separation anxiety, there are products you can give them to help them stay calmer. More on those in just a sec. But, the truth is, most dogs when left alone will look for something to do, and usually something to chew on. For that reason, they should always have plenty of chew toys around when you leave. You should probably buy new ones regularly because Frenchies are whip-smart and get bored easily. Also, leaving them treats is a great idea but making it a little difficult to get the treat is even better. Below are some suggestions for toys, treat-dispensing products, and those anxiety products we talked about above.

Your puppy will be born and raised in our busy household. Our passion is to produce wonderful family pets with gentle loving temperaments that will bring a lifetime of happiness. We are extremely proud that the foundation of our lines have been trained as canine partner dogs and many of our puppies are therapy dogs and visit schools regularly. We have been breeding for a number of years and over these years we have seen many clubs come and go and we have been a member of some of them. We breed authentic Australian Labradoodles with lines that have been verified. We are content to follow our own path with strong ethics. We have an excellent reputation and we adopt the highest standards so you can be assured your puppy is an authentic Australian Labradoodle with bloodlines and health testing that has been verified. We follow a socialisation programme and temperament test all of our puppies before puppy pick day so we can help you make your choice. Temperament and health is always our first priority. We purchased our first Australian Labradoodle in and have been hooked ever since. Our dogs are our much loved family pets or live with their guardian families. Please contact us via email for more information. Access to our private puppy family area. A WhatsApp group for your litter. Both parents have been fully health tested with certificates available to view. Been bred in our family home by a 5 star council licensed breeder. Temperament tested and advice provided at puppy viewing. Call us today on Health Guaranteed All our puppies leave us with a full vet health check and a 2 year genetic health guarantee. Health Tested All our breeding Australian Labradoodles are fully health tested. We give our puppies the best start by following a tried and tested programme. Ethical Breeding We have the highest welfare standards which is why we hold a 5 star council licence. We believe every dog deserves a good life and this starts with the breeder. What our customers say.We travelled far to find her, and her knowledge, expertise and love for all things ALD is exceptional. After only a few days, Willow is already a huge part of our lives and so we are very glad that we chose Judy and RIpley's. Our dogs are very much our family pets. We are not a kennel, all our Australian Labradoodles have wonderful fulfilling lives either with us or our guardian families. Our dogs are for life and not just for breeding. The health and temperament of Australian Labradoodles is our number one priority, of course we breed exceptionally lovely puppies but our puppies health and temperament will always be our first priority. The Australian Labradoodle breed originated in Australia in the 's. The focus has always been on temperament, coat and quality through good health testing and planned matings. Our Australian Labradoodles are multigenerational, meaning both parents are Australian Labradoodles. Australian Labradoodles are very people focussed, they have a strong desire to please. Australian Labradoodles come in 3 sizes, miniature, medium and standard. Within my breeding programme I concentrate on miniature and mediums. Our Australian Labradoodles are extremely clever, sociable , comical and joyful. They are energetic when free and quiet in the home. We test their hips, elbows, eyes and genetics. When you purchase a Ripley's Australian Labradoodle you can be assured we have tested everything possible. We provide a 2 year health guarantee but we ask that our puppy families not give ingestible flea and worming treatments. We raise high-quality Mini Labradoodles as well as a few other breeds. We also have partnered up with several other reputable breeders that raise mini labradoodle pups that meet our strict genetic criteria and testing. So we usually have a good selection of very high-quality puppies. View Our Available Puppies! F1B Mini Labradoodle Puppies are a second-generation cross or hybrid. The father is a Mini Poodle and the mother is an F1 Labradoodle. The F1B Minature Labradoodles usually have soft hair that is usually wavy or curly. Thes puppies are considered semi-hypoallergenic since they shed minimally. These puppies can be a good fit if a person that has mild pet allergies. Once F1B Mini Labradoodles reach 6 months old they require to be groomed once every 8 weeks or so to keep their fur healthy and to stop matting. Adult F1B Mini labradoodle dogs range in size from 14 inches in height and pounds in weight. The average life span is typically years of age. The F1BB puppies usually have curlier coats and will be totally hypoallergenic. Once the F1BB pup is 6 months they will need regular grooming every 6 to 8 weeks. F1BB Puppies are usually slightly smaller than F1B puppies and range from 12 inches in height and pounds in weight. Mini Labradoodles are known for their intelligence and the ability to be trained very easily. They make amazing family pets and love to participate in family activities like swimming, hiking, camping or just playing tag in the yard. This breed is also a good choice for people who live in apartments as long as they get at least minutes of exercise a day. So if you live near London Kentucky and are looking for a healthy and beautiful Mini Labradoodle puppy that can be delivered to you then check out our available pups now by Clicking Here. Below are some Mini Labradoodle pups that have been adopted. We like them to be fully immersed in a normal home environment. We have been working as a family on our lines for nearly 10 years, but we are still working towards our goal, by adding new lines and opening the gene pool to create stronger lines. Our aim is to achieve the type of Australian Labradoodle with our own specific breeding, and offer loving family pets. We Nurture And Love Our breeding is very much a family affair, and it is filled with love and a lot of patience from all of us. Puppies are from DNA-tested lines, both mum and dad will be tested in accordance to their mix, we hip and elbow score our larger dogs as well. London Doodles are pets, so no working lines are used in our dogs, which helps to create the wonderfully calm and sensitive disposition our puppies are known for. Many of our dogs have gone on to be pet therapy dogs, making us very proud. We breed beautiful Australian Type Labradoodles and English Labradoodles Our puppies are home raised — we like them to be fully immersed in a normal home environment. We have been working as a family on our lines for nearly 10 years, but we are still working towards our goal by adding new lines and opening the gene pool to create stronger lines. We Nurture And Love Our breeding is very much a family affair, and it is filled with love. Puppies are from DNA-tested lines, both mum and dad will be tested in accordance to their mix. We start toilet training and basic commands sit, come and wait. Extensive Puppy Pack Puppies are vet checked, vaccinated, microchipped and leave with follow-on food, blankets, toys and more. All puppies will have lifelong support from us Bonding time New owners are encouraged to visit their new puppy before they go to their new home multiple times, to make the transition easier for them by getting to bond with their new family and lots of advice for the humans. I have passed your details to everyone I know who has a dog, and even a few without!! Apart from giving me the best dog in the world, the support I was given from day one has been exceptional. The price will depend on the size of the litter, costs and colour of puppies. Both parents have been bred by us, and both grandparents on each side. These will be ready for their new homes at the beginning of December. A little bit about us Here at London Doodles we believe a good family pet can only be created when born and bred from good pets; which cannot be achieved by breeding from dogs kept in kennels. The modern day dog is becoming less and less of a working dog in the traditional sense — their new role is to provide joy to their families. Knowing what I want from my breed and what I am already achieving is what motivates to dedicate my life to these wonderful breeds. We are small home breeders — a mother and a daughter team. Our aim at London Doodles is to work towards a multigenerational dog with a diverse genetic make up. Similar to the ;Australian Labradoodle;, except bred with our own lines so we fully know the breed inside out. We strive to create well balanced dogs suitable as pets or therapy dogs. This idea was started many years ago, but due to the ways in which the breed was founded I decided it is best to do it my way, the most ethical way I can. I want to create a breed of dog which is free from inherited conditions, with a vast gene pool, which would help with the stability of the breed. Labradoodles are well known now for their intelligence and great temperament. But many modern homes want a non shedding dog, making the labradoodle a great choice. We have mummy dogs in guardian homes, which are specially selected parents who care for the dog as their family pet, and in return for financial care, training and support for their dog, I maintain breeding rights. All of our dogs have loving homes for life, and never spend a day in kennels. Contact Us Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.

It was so obvious that this puppy was blue and it was the only one in the litter. It was already sold and so was I. I then met Dawn Malcolm as I was looking for a traditional colored show type stud male. Dawn shared with me that she has a solid blue male and had a strong love for the livers and blues too. That was 12 years ago and our friendship is still very strong. I am glad we joined the Yahoo email group as I met some great people who were as interested in sharing in the goals I have set forth expanding the blue gene pool. With the help of many friends I incorporated various GSD with the blue gene to start my own lines. Over the years all have proven to be a valuable asset not only because of their color but because of their various personalities, health and structure. Some needed physical traits improved, others needed tweaking in the personality department to be what I feel is an ideal companion bred GSD which is what most average families need. She is a blue brindle born here. Many of my others carry the blue gene. Tanzietu - is Tanzies blue fawn daughter, her father is Miner so she carries long coat and can carry liver from her father. She is a puppy and will be included in the program as she matures. How did blue get into the GSD gene pool? The color has been apart of the original gene pool from the start. The puppies born of a blue GSD that are expressing the color blue themselves are born a very striking shade of blue. Shades of blue Blue is a dilution of black. It is lighter than black, and in some cases, it is very apparent that they are still blue as adults. The puppies are born a very pretty shade of blue and many of them turn to almost like a steel gray black as adults. Others are a lighter shade of blue. None the less the gene responsible for blue in the GSD is the D gene. Again, blue is a dilution of black. Therefore blue GSD are unable to produce any black on the dog. Every where traditionally seen black is, is blue with the dog has the D gene. Including the nose leather, eye rims, lips, and paw pads will all be a dark shade of blue and not black. When puppies are young their eyes appear to be very brilliant blue as all puppies are born with blue eyes but they do change over to a light yellow wolf eye or even to an amber orange eye as they mature. Is your GSD blue or carry blue? Feel free to send me a picture of your puppy or dog you feel may be blue. Keep in mind blue is the color, the patterns can be solid, sable, saddle, with and without other patterns panda, brindle, white spotting ect.Do you want to know for sure if your GSD is blue or carries blue? There are several color testing companies out there and we have used a few different companies our selves. The most recent company we have used is Embark. Not only does it test for all colors, it screens for several genetic diseases all in one test. We will be using this on many of our dogs in the next year. Thank you Embark for creating such a valuable tool for breeding. Scroll through the albums and if you do not find what you are looking for please send me a message. Keep in mind you do not have to have a facebook page to see this page. They are very loyal to their trusted humans, but wary of strangers until they have been properly introduced. Their high intelligence makes them easy to train, although they can be strong-willed at times which can make them a bit stubborn. However, stubbornness can be an issue if you do not display a no-nonsense approach to training. So keep it simple, firm, kind and consistent with all your pups. They really love praise so adding some tasty snacks will definitely help get you get more success during training sessions. German Shepherd's intelligence makes it easier to train them. Still, they need consistent training when they're young, so they understand their boundaries, especially with the protective behaviour because you don't want them to harm anyone or anything without your consent. Inconsistent training can lead them to think they're in charge. It's best to be firm right from the get-go so their dominant behaviour is kept under control. Another dimension to having a smart dog is that you'll need to keep them busy. If you don't, their intelligence will go towards bad things like digging holes in the yard, chewing through things like your favourite shoes or your favourite pair of boots. They're very curious dogs and will get into almost anything they think will be fun to chew on. Keeping them busy with training, walks, or playtime can help curb that behaviour because it gives their minds something else to focus on instead. Puppies, as you know all too well can be a little accident prone during house training so take your time and keep on top of it. They respond best to positive reinforcement rather than punishment so consider using some dog pee-pee pads indoors for the first few weeks just until they become more confident and reliable about house training outside. The Steel Blue Panda German Shepherd loves to explore so give them lots of new toys to interact with and things to use their intelligence. These pups also love a good tug-of-war, but be careful — they tend to win! They have an internal coat of fine hair with an external layer of more coarse hare. Each year in fall and spring they shed their undercoat so expect additional grooming seasons during these times of yeat. Additionally you will find their fur has an uncanny ability to get everywhere, under the sofa, behind the television and even in your shoes! You will also need to brush the back of your dog's legs, his stomach and his chest to avoid getting mats in their fur. You should take care that you do not brush over any tangles which you can feel and if they are too bad then cut them out with scissors rather than tugging on them with a brush. For their feet, only use a soft brush or a piece of cloth as it is easy to injure their foot pads. If you see your steel blue panda german shepherds eye's are clogged with dirt, then take a clean damp cloth and gently rub them clean. While cleaning your dog's teeth, make sure that you are gentle with their gums and mouth area as they are rather sensitive. If you have any problems brushing your pups' teeth then talk to your veterinarian as they will know what products you can use that will be safe for your dog. You should also check their nails as the Steel Blue Panda GSD tends to go through a lot of physical exercise and as such, they do grow very quickly which could result in overgrowth if not properly cut. If your pup seems uncomfortable or is limping then you should see a veterinarian as it could be due to overgrown nails. When grooming your dog, if you find that he starts itching and licking himself more than normal then his skin may be irritated. If this occurs, call your vet immediately because the irritation might be the sign of an allergy or parasite problem. This is due to the combination of their rareness, their beauty, and demand. Because of this high price tag it is advisable to contact your local German Shepherd rescue in order to find a Blue Steel Panda pup that needs a good home if possible. Blue steel panda shepherd breeders are not always reputable which means that you need to be cautious when buying your pup and do your research on them. Not all breeders are out for just the money and there are many that do in fact care about their dogs. A reputable German Shepherd breeder will be involved with the community and their breed, they will also be very active in the local German Shepherd club — so keep an eye out for them at any events and activities. They should ask you questions about your life and not just demand to know what type of home you have and whether you have children or not. A good German Shepherd breeder will take back any puppies they have bred, even if you are no longer interested in keeping them; this shows that the breeders genuinely care about their dogs and their new owners - so please keep this in mind when buying a pup from a breeder. A good breeder should be happy to have you as a potential customer and be available for advice even after the sale has been made. The worst case scenario is that the puppy you buy has health problems which its original owner did not inform you about; in this case, it can be difficult to legally do anything about it. They are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia which is common in large breeds, but can also suffer from seizures, eye problems such as cataracts and retina degeneration, blood-clotting diseases, bloat, and cancer. The most common health issue that GSDs suffer from are allergies which can range from being mildly irritating to life threatening. Some are just allergic to certain types of food or grasses but there are some that have multiple allergies at once. The best way to help your pup is to check in with your vet if your pup displays any allergic symptoms. If they don't get enough exercise, it can lead to weight gain and be detrimental to their health. They're very energetic dogs, so you can take them on walks as long as the weather permits because they love the outdoors. You can also take them out to play fetch or Frisbee since they are brilliant dogs. You can also try agility training if your dog's interested in that sort of thing. It might sound like a lot of work, but it will be good for them, so they stay happy and healthy. As with any breed, you should always ask the breeder about the health of their parents and grandparents to ensure that they do not suffer from any hereditary diseases. If you notice that your dog is behaving oddly then it may be a sign of health problems and you should take them to a veterinarian as soon as possible. You should also be aware of all the symptoms and what could potentially cause them; this means keeping a journal of your dog's daily activities and taking note of the following: -If they are each time more tired than usual or breathing heavily -If there is a change in their stool or if they lose weight suddenly -If they are limping or avoiding certain movements -If their fur is dryer than usual, if it falls out easily, or if its full of dandruff Size. This recessive gene dilutes any black pigment on the dog including coat color, nose leather, foot pads, toe nails, lips, etc. It also affects their eye color. Blue pups have a beautiful light gray coat as babies, as they age however is usually darkens up quite a bit, the ones that darken up are called "steel" blues. To the untrained eye, they can be mistaken for regular blacks. There is also "Powder" blues, they tend to lighten up in color and always stay a very noticeable gray color. Powder blues are not seen very often. A blue pup with sable markings We have a couple blues and a few dogs who carry the blue gene. We choose these dogs first and foremost because their temperament, structure and health aligns with the goals of our breeding program. A beautiful unique color is just icing on the cake of an already exceptional dog. Our non-traditional color lines have some of the highest hip ratings in the US! We have produced non-traditional colored GSDs that compete in obedience, agility, nose work, etc. I personally love the non-traditional colored German Shepherds. These colors are been in the breed since the beginning and our foundation girl Rose just happened to be a blue! Discover the online program that more than 57, dog owners have used to rapidly transform their dog into a well-behaved, obedient furry friend. It's true - there are German Shepherds that are blue. In fact, German Shepherd Dogs come in various colors and also in a lot of different color patterns too. Others say that the blue colour is simply a gene mutation, and as such the blue German Shepherds should never be bred from, and overtime the gene should be bread out of the species completely. The blue German Shepherd, technically, a diluted Black Shepherd with 2 recessive genes. The Dd dilution gene affects coat colour in the main, but can also change the colour of eyes and noses. All coat colours and patterns are controlled by a set or group of genes that work together. In standard German Shepherds you will see descriptions and breakdowns that speak of the A genes, which control the black and red colouring in the dog through the release of melanin, and this affects the generic base colour and variations. However, the colouring of the blue German Shepherd is controlled by a different gene, the D gene spoken of earlier. All genes come in pairs, and it takes the presence of the big D and little d pair to produce the blue German Shepherd. The big D produces full strength coat colour and is the dominant gene, and the little d produces a dilute colour, which is the recessive gene. For the Blue Shepherd to be created he needs two copies of the diluted recessive gene, one from each parent, in order to have the diluted blue fur. If both parents have blue fur color their offspring will have it also however it is also possible for the color to appear in regular black and tan German Shepherd Dogs if both parents have the recessive genes. In addition to the above, the Blue German Shepherd takes three variations in blue colour, they come in blue and black, blue and sable and blue and tan, and again it is all dependent on the mix of different genes. Additionally, the blue German Shepherd can also be a variety of lighter and darker blues. Steel blue is the darker shade, and powder blue is the lighter of the two. It can be difficult to identify a steel blue on his own, but when you stand him next to a black German Shepherd, you can easily tell the difference in colour. How do they look? If you've never seen one of these dogs just imagine that everywhere there is black on the GSD normally, that you now see kind of a dusty grey colour. In some cases the blue might look kind of dusty, like someone spilled flour on the dog's coat but then in other cases it might be more of a darker gunmetal colour. Although it is rare and frowned upon by the AKC don't let the blue colour scare you away. A healthy blue German Shepherd is a very handsome animal and has all the same loyal and intelligent traits as regular colored German Shepherds. Many owners who have an unfavourably coloured German Shepherd have suggested that their pups face colour discrimination in events even in competitions where color should not be judged. The males will weigh between 65 and 90 pounds, and they will measure 24 to 26 inches in height from paw to shoulder, also known as the withers. The females will weigh between 50 and 70 pounds and will measure 22 to 24 inches at the withers. Additionally, it is common for the blue German Shepherd to have lighter coloured eyes, such as light blue, golden brown or yellow compared to the darker eyes of normal colored German Shepherds. Again, this is controlled by the recessive genes explained above. Because of their appearance, the blue German Shepherd is often mistaken for a blue Malinois, or with yellow eyes can often look similar to a dark grey wolf. They are super affectionate with their immediate family and enjoy a cuddle on the sofa and lounging around home. The blue German Shepherd is known for their confident and courageous personality. If properly trained and socialized their natural guarding tendencies work great in a home environment. Blue German Shepherds can also be aloof with strangers, or outsiders of the pack if improperly socialized but if raised correctly they are lovely, loyal dogs. The blue German Shepherd, like any other German Shepherd, is a medium energy dog and requires up to 60 minutes of exercise a day. High intensity exercise that tests their mental abilities as well as their physical are their favorite. Your dog would also require mental stimulation throughout the day, such as playing interactive games with his you, patrolling the yard, or taking part in training sessions. Because of their guarding tendencies early socialization is key to a happy hound and household! They are working dogs, and they like to pull if they are not trained properly. We also recommend crate training from a young age. Unlike other breeds, such as the French Bulldog, the colour blue is not indicative of health issues or problematic personality traits. The diluted gene is often linked to health issues in other breeds, such as Colour Dilution Alopecia in Weimaraner, but the blue German Shepherd is not known to suffer any diluted colour related health issues. Simply put, the blue German Shepherd is simply a colour variation, and their health is exactly the same as a traditional coloured German Shepherd. Elbow and Hip Dysplasia is an abnormal formation in the elbow and hip joints which is prevalent in larger breeds of dogs. Over time this formation can cause pain in their joints and can often lead to crippling arthritis in older dogs. Because German Shepherds are susceptible to bloat, it is advised to spread food across several sittings during the day. The exact amount of food will vary on the size of your dog and their activity levels throughout the day. Grooming The blue GSD often has a medium length outercoat with a dense undercoat. Due to the thick undercoat, they are heavy shedders. To keep their coat nice throughout the year you will need to brush them 2 or 3 times a week. During shedding season you will need to brush them every day. You should wash your GSD every 6 to 8 weeks to keep the coat clean and help with shedding. Specialist dog shampoos and shedding products help make managing the coat easier. It is possible for blue German Shepherds to have a long coat but it is very rare. Because their colour is more on the rare side, you may end up paying a slightly higher premium for this colour of the breed. These dogs are rarer than their tan and black saddle siblings i. This can make it difficult to find one to buy. German Shepherds are larger dogs, and can have large litter sizes. With an average of eight puppies in a litter; a blue German Shepherd puppy may show up unexpectantly. If you would prefer to adopt, the German Shepherd Club of America has a list of available rescues and rescue centres all over the country. Adopting A Blue German Shepherd On the other hand, if you are considering rescuing a German Shepherd, then the American German Shepherd Rescue Association has listed rescue centres dedicated to this breed and you may find some blues that need a home. Finishing Up Blue German Shepherds make great family pets. They are fun, intelligent, trainable, affectionate, loyal and protective. If they are socialized from a young age, they are great with children and other pets and will be a lovely member of the family for years. Naturally, all dogs have their own quirks that make them unique, just like all humans, and a blue GSD will be no different. Generally, however, German Shepherds are intelligent and fun to be around and love to spend hours playing in the garden with their family. If you do adopt one of these beautiful pups then it might be wise to let your neighbours know so that they think you have a stray wolf in your yard! For more information about the blue German shepherds, you can consult different social networks of groups responsible for the upbringing and care of the GSD, like the American Blue Bay Shepherd Association. Sign up for promotions, news, discounts, and the chance to win prizes for you and your German Shepherd E-mail Address.