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Lifespan Sociability Beagle-Shepherd dogs are a rarer type of hybrid that vary wildly in weight and height, usually a mix of two purebred dogs. Things like location, size of the puppies, and current demand for them can influence the final price. Unlike Labradoodles and other popular designer dog breeds, there are very few Beagle-Shepherd breeders. The problem is that Beagle-Shepherd mixes are often backyard bred or a puppy mill, which is why adoption is a much better option. They can potentially weigh more than 50 pounds, depending on the litter and parent dogs. Beagle-Shepherd mixes can have coats that range from shorthaired like the beagle to full double-coats like the German Shepherd. Beagles and Shepherds are Skilled Hunters While they have different approaches, both beagles and German Shepherds are skilled hunting dogs. Beagle-Shepherds will most likely inherit strong prey drives or the desire to track by scent, which are natural qualities of Shepherds and Beagles. The best way to know is to meet the parent dogs or look at the temperaments of both breeds. Powerful dogs with natural guarding instincts, these large dogs do well with active families and homestead living. German Shepherds are smart and loyal dogs, but they need a confident dog owner to follow. They require a lot of time and attention, so they need a household that can provide for their needs. Beagles Image Credit: Olga Melnichuk, Shutterstock Beagles are happy dogs with a knack for tracking scents, often wandering off to wherever their noses take them. Beagles need time and patience, especially for recall. However, once a Beagle learns a cue or command, they rarely forget it. Once they learn and have a routine, Beagles can be great companions and family pets. Are These Dogs Good for Families? They do best with active families that enjoy being active, especially being outdoors. Beagle-Shepherd mixes can get along with other dogs as long as they are frequently socialized as puppies. Some Beagle-Shepherds will be more comfortable with other dogs, while others may prefer human company. The best option is to raise another dog with your Beagle-Shepherd puppy, which will help them bond and learn to live in harmony. The problem may lie with cats and small animals. Beagles and German Shepherds both have prey drives, so small animals like bunnies might be too tempting. Cats and Beagle-Shepherds can learn to live peacefully, but slow introductions are important to prevent fighting and territorial issues. If you have a household with cats or small animals, you might want to consider a different mixed breed. Temperament: Happy, protective and curious. Mixing the physical traits of both the Beagle and the German Shepherd means that there is a large amount of variation when it comes to their appearance. You can expect a medium sized dog with the facial shape and structure of a Beagle. As natural runners they have lean legs meant to travel across long distances. After all their parent breeds are built for work in the woods and on the farm. Height and Weight You can expect males to stand between 17 and 24 inches and weigh anywhere from 22 to 50 pounds. Whereas females stand at 15 to 22 inches and can weigh between 22 and 30 pounds. This large size discrepancy is because the two parent breeds are so different in size. They are typically bi-colored against a white background. Brown and black spots and patches are the most common color pattern. Dark colors may appear as a mask against a white muzzle. A German Shepherd Beagle mix has a dense smooth coat that does not grow beyond a medium length. The coat is very smooth and will shine beautifully when well groomed. A double coat will have a dense wooly under layer. Double coated dogs may need slightly more grooming than those with a single coat, but regardless of coat type they shed only moderately with weekly brushing needed. The origins of this mix are completely unknown. It is speculated that it came about as part of the designer dog craze in the s and s. Their hardworking nature combined with their loyal and loving disposition make it a great choice for a therapy or emotional support dog. These dogs have very acute hearing and are very sensitive to the many sounds of the great outdoors. German Shepherd Beagle Mix Personality and Temperament This happy little dog comes from two of the friendliest dogs around. Not only will they be your best friend but German Shepherd Beagle mixes will make friends will just about everyone in your neighborhood. Despite their independence they do not like to be left alone, so you should find a good dog sitter if you cannot be with your dog for most of the day. The ability to keep up with their high energy is one of the most important aspects of owning one. These adventurous pups are eager and ready to seize each day and will be very unhappy in any environment that limits their wild side. They need their own slice of the great outdoors to run and jump and play. As a naturally social dog, Beagle German Shepherd mixes just love to make new friends. Puppies may be a little shy, but will quickly come around once they get to know the neighborhood. Barking can be a bit of a problem in such a vigilant breed. Unfamiliar sights and sounds may set them off and they can get very excitable around their good friends. Your best bet is to ignore their unwanted barking, they will learn when it is best for them to stay quiet. Be very careful if you plan to bring this dog around any other pets. Despite their friendliness and desire to please they can be very stubborn when the mood takes them. They can also be big bullies to pets that will not fight back. An increased prey drive is an unfortunate downside of their hunting instinct. You should keep them on their leash and well away from your local wildlife. The German Shepherd Beagle mix makes a wonderful family dog. Children over the age of 6 can make the very best companions for these playful little souls. Single owners should be aware that this dog will not appreciate too much alone time. If you live alone and cannot take your dog with you, you will need to find a sitter. Exercise and stimulation are the most important part of caring for these dogs. Beagle mixes are best for active owners who are just as energetic as their pooches. First time owners may find Beagle German Shepherd mixes to be a bit of a challenge. Their high activity level means they are not the best choice for the elderly or those with sedentary lifestyles. Grooming, feeding and other aspects of care come relatively easy. They do not ask for much outside of what every other dog needs. Exercise Requirements The combination of 2 very athletic dog breeds makes for a spirited pup full of wild energy. Your pup will need at least an hour of exercise a day, but an especially active pooch will want more. Outside of walking they will need at least 30 more minutes of play time. These furry sportsmen just love to run, so a long run at your side will be their favorite part of the day. You should create a safe place for them to go off leash when you are at home. Number of Walks Per Day: .Grooming and Shedding Weekly or bi-weekly brushing works for even the longest coated Beagle Shepherd. Double coated dogs will shed only slightly more than those with single coats. A full bath and shampoo treatment can be given every 2 or 3 months. Since Beagles are more susceptible to gum disease than other dogs, weekly or bi-weekly teeth brushing will be necessary. Feeding and Diet Beagles and related breeds are known for their very big appetites, so keep the treats to a minimum and do not allow your dog to free feed. Even a highly activate pooch will be fine with 2 cups a day of high quality kibble. High activity breeds benefit from high protein diets supplemented with sources of healthy fat, such as eggs and raw chicken. You can expect your German Shepherd Beagle mix to be a part of your family for 10 to 14 years. With a little planning ahead you could get reimbursed for every vet bill from now on! It is a cross between the Beagle and the German Shepherd. The best way to determine the temperament of a mixed breed is to look up all breeds in the cross and know you can get any combination of any of the characteristics found in either breed. It is very common for breeders to breed multi-generation crosses. He was a puppy in this pic. When he was 9 and a half months old he weighed fifty pounds and at that age standing up his paws were at my chest, but I'm only 5'1 so that's not saying much. He's great with kids and other dogs , though a male dog is harder for him than a female. I can't find much information on this hybrid, but he is an amazing dog. He is sweet, protective and very goofy! He is easy to train , but he won't do much without treats yet. He is very active, but he'll play till he's completely worn out, then he can sleep forever. He doesn't howl but every once in a blue moon, and seems to take after the German Shepherd more, though he's got the telltale floppy ears. I wish I knew how big he will get, I figure no more than sixty pounds though! She runs around a lot in the backyard like she is still a puppy. She likes to chew on stuff even with her chew toys. She is good at annual checkups. She smiles with her teeth sometimes. It looks mean but she isn't. She doesn't like cats. She doesn't like to be left alone for long periods at a time, which is like 2 hours. DRA You will be able to tell what your German Shepherd Beagle mix pup will look like by taking a closer look at its parent breeds. The German Shepherd is a medium to a large, healthy dog while the Beagle is a medium-sized dog. You can expect that your puppy will grow up to be a medium built dog. The German Shepherd mixed with a Beagle will be anywhere from 13 to 26 inches tall. It could be from 20 to 70 pounds in weight. If the Beagle parent is smaller, the resulting pup will also be smaller as well. When it comes to the coat and color of a Beagle German Shepherd, these could vary as well. Both parent breeds come with dense coats that are short to medium in length. Generally, the fur of the German Shepherd mixed with a Beagle may be straight or may also be light and wavy. The hair usually lays close to the body; therefore grooming will become easier. The fur located along the neck area may also be longer and thicker while the hair along the back of the legs will become longer. When it comes to fur color, your dog could be bi-colored or in a single solid color. You can get a dog with black, liver, blue, tan or white. The different color varieties are due to the many possible color combinations of the German Shepherd and Beagle. There may also be possible markings on the coat which are evident in both parent breeds. Your dog may also inherit the double coat of its German Shepherd parent. DRA German Shepherd Mixed with Beagle Puppies for Sale Possibly the first thing that came to your mind was to look for a breeder that specializes in breeding this designer breed. To help you find a reliable breeder from your area, check the Pet Professional Guild. Once you find a reputable local breeder, check the health and the condition of both parent breeds of the Beagle German Shepherd dog or puppy that you want to keep. He must also show proof that the parents were crossed to make the German Shepherd Beagle pup. If you are looking for German Shepherd mixed with Beagle puppies, the following are sites that are found to have ads for these dogs. There are many kinds of brushes for dogs. Choose a natural brush with a durable handle to effectively brush it from head to tail. Expect moderate shedding, so you need to invest in a durable vacuum to remove pet hair at home and in your car. Bath your dog at least once a week or as necessary. Giving a bath more often than needed can cause dryness and irritation. If your dog has skin conditions, your vet can help recommend a special shampoo or soap that will control his condition. It has a natural formula made from rosemary, cedar oil, and mint that are effective in fighting fleas and ticks up to one week. It is designed to meet the needs of dogs that have severe allergies to grass, food, and fleas. This is made from organic aloe extracts, vitamins A, D and E, almond oil and other natural ingredients. Invest in a durable nail clipper for dogs. You may also take your dog to the vet to clip its nails and to clean its ears better. As much as possible, have your puppy checked by a vet as soon as you take it home from the shelter or a breeder. Regular vet checks should become natural for your dog so that any medical issues can be addressed without any fuss. The following are very common health conditions that a Beagle German Shepherd mix may have Hip and elbow dysplasia. It is one of the most popular and recognized dog breeds. When people think about police dogs , the German Shepherd usually comes to mind. It came into existence in the late 19th century, thanks to Captain Max Von Stephaniz. After the 1st World War, it got popular in the United States after then. The GSD is a medium to large-sized dog breed that weighs between 75 and 95 pounds and grows as tall as 26 inches. It has a double coat of medium length or long. The main colors you will find on this breed are black, blue, gray, liver, white, black and tan , etc. German Shepherds are known to be aloof towards strangers, most likely because their herding instincts keep them wary of the unknown. That said, they are loyal to their loved ones and love working. Related: Beagle The Beagle is a native of England, though its history is blurry. Its popularity in England kicked off at an early point with royals keeping them as companions. This lasted for some time, then a period of near extinction occurred before the Beagle got recognized by the American Kennel Club in .The Beagle is a small dog breed, especially when compared to the German Shepherd. It weighs between 18 and 30 pounds and grows as tall as 13 to 15 inches. Its coat type is double and it comes in a variety of colors. Like the German Shepherd, it is used by the police force. Their sense of smell helps them pick up scents, a skill used to sniff out drugs in airports. In households, they bring fun and laughter. They are sweet, friendly, and sometimes mischievous. Expect some naughty behaviors from this mix. They are not hypoallergenic The Beagle Shepherd has two parents that are both shedders with double coats. Dead hairs are strong allergens and will trigger allergies in someone prone to it. They are good for first-time owners This mix is easy to train and intelligent enough to learn. New pet parents can take on the task and succeed, unlike some other designer breeds. That said, anyone who wants to succeed at training has to be confident and smart too as the Beagle Shepherd may try to outsmart its owner. Beagle Shepherds are good therapy dogs Its loving nature and gentle disposition coupled with its love for work make it good for emotional support and as a therapy dog. They have a strong sense of smell and hearing Taking the strength of both parents, the Beagle Shepherd has strong ears and can pick up sounds from a long distance. It also has a keen sense of smell and can track down a scent from a distance. They are good watchdogs and guard dogs The aforementioned qualities with the reserved nature the Beagle Shepherd gets from the German Shepherd make it qualified to be both a good watchdog and guard dog. It is alert enough to inform you of any threat and will protect you when need be. The Beagle Shepherd mix will have an unpredictable appearance because of its parents. There are only a few similar physical traits in both parents and no standards for the offspring, so have an open mind. Its face and expression are often like the Beagle, as well as the floppy ears. Sometimes one gene may dominate the other, which could lead to further alterations than what we highlighted. The German Shepherd is both medium and large while the Beagle is small. The mix usually falls in between. It will be smaller than the German Shepherd but bigger than the Beagle. A full grown German Shepherd Beagle mix weight range falls between 20 and 70 pounds and it grows up to 26 inches tall at the shoulder. Colors and Coat Type The coat type of the mix, like both parents, is double and smooth. Expect many different colors on the coat such as black, white, blue, and gray. The coat could either have a solid color or be mixed. Irrespective of which gene is dominant, some of these traits are common. Expect the mix to be friendly, playful, and loyal to family. Those with more German Shepherd genes might be a bit reserved, especially as puppies. With proper socialization, they would learn to flow with everyone. Furthermore, they love being around their owners. It is susceptible to separation anxiety, so learn to give it a lot of time. Hire a dog sitter if you need to be away for long. Although it can fit in an apartment, this breed needs regular exercise because of its energy level. You should also provide space for playtime, whether it be in your yard or at a dog park. The Beagle Shepherd is suitable for different kinds of families, from the new to the experienced. It can also fit in different living conditions, provided it gets the exercise it needs. If introduced early, this mix can flow with other dogs. However, it may bully smaller dogs and even get into fights, so be observant with its canine interactions. Both parents have hunting instincts which the offspring inherits. Thus, keeping it with small pets like cats and rodents may not be advisable. Age is another factor that influences diet, as well as the activity level of the particular dog. Your puppy needs a specific feeding plan that you can establish with the help of a nutritionist, but here are some general guidelines to give you an idea. The major nutrient dogs require is protein, and your mixed dog is not an exception. Protein can come from either animal or plant sources. Do not deprive your pet of either, but prioritize animal protein. Protein gives amino acid which contributes to the total well-being of the dog. Other nutrients needed are fat, vitamins, minerals, and carbohydrate. The adult Beagle Shepherd requires about 2 cups of meal a day which should contain around calories. Puppies require more but in smaller portions. Establish a routine your pet can learn, and ensure that it eats slowly. Rushing food can lead to bloating, a highly dangerous condition. If you discover your dog rushing, teach it to eat slower. Exercise Requirements for a Beagle Mixed With a German Shepherd Photo by bremartin92 This mix needs a lot of exercise, which is why the ideal owner has to be an active one. Combining two highly energetic breeds would produce an equally energetic one. Ensure that you can cope with its energy before getting one. The laid-back person would do better with a more mellow breed. This mix should be exercised for at least an hour before it gets satisfied. Once it is exercised, it can relax indoors without making a fuss. Exercise is also an opportunity to bond with your dog and get it socialized in the outdoors. Seize the opportunity to take your pet sightseeing while exercising. The German Shepherd mixed with Beagle makes a good walking, jogging, and hiking partner. All these activities are energy-burning, making them perfect for your furry friend. Keep it on a leash when outdoors to stop it from bolting after a scent or a sound. It should have some off-leash moments in a yard or at a dog park when it can run around and play. Games like fetch and frisbee are good for it. Puppies and seniors need a lower amount of exercise. For puppies, a ten-minute stroll is enough till it grows older and can go further. Seniors also require some casual activities to stop them from gaining weight. Training and Socializing a Beagle and German Shepherd Mix Earlier on, we pointed out that the Beagle Shepherd can be handled by anyone because it is easy to train. It is loyal, eager to please, and intelligent, three qualities that are assets during training. Nonetheless, the breed can be sassy and sometimes stubborn. The first-timer who gets this breed should be confident. Early training goes a long way in diluting the sassiness of this mix. Adopting an adult could be more challenging and you may need to hire a professional trainer, especially if the dog was abused. Positive reinforcement is the best method for any dog breed and is very effective for the Beagle and German Shepherd mix. It hardly resists treats, so you can use that when it shows signs of stubbornness. Under no circumstance should you yell, hit or isolate this mix as these are damaging. The various forms of dog training needed include obedience training, socialization, house training, and on-the-leash training. It sheds sometimes, but not too often to be concerning. Thus, brushing once or twice a week is enough. When your dog sheds, increase brushing to once a day. Bathing is best done once every 2 or 3 months, or when your pooch gets dirty while playing. The droopy ears it inherits from the Beagle make it susceptible to an ear infection. Prevent that by cleaning the ears regularly. Ear cleaning also reduces excess ear wax. With a stronger system than purebreds, most of them also have a longer life span. This is evident in the Beagle mixed with a German Shepherd who can live up to 15 years. Good pet parenting also increases the chances of better health. However, no living being is illness-free. The conditions that German Shepherds and Beagles are vulnerable to can affect the mix too. Some of these health problems are: Ear Infections: The Beagle is vulnerable to ear infection, making any mix with the droopy ears susceptible as well. Allergies: The Beagle Shepherd can suffer from allergies related to food, plants, and even some other animals like bees. Hip Dysplasia: Hip dysplasia is a joint problem that occurs when the hip joint is loose or ill-fitted. Heart Problems: This mix heart can become weak or suffer from some conditions that range from mild to critical. Dental problems: Because of the Beagle, this Mix is vulnerable to tooth issues. Bloat: Bloating is a critical issue for German Shepherds and other bigger dogs. It occurs when the stomach swells as a result of food and other fluids. Many breeders specialize in German Shepherds and Beagles as both are immensely popular, and these breeders usually sell mixed breeds too. It depends on the breeder in question, and some would charge more than others. Popular breeds are usually poorly bred by many breeders for quick cash, which should make you extra careful. When you meet the breeder and make your choice of a puppy, find out some key information. Let the breeder take you to where the puppies are kept to survey the environment. Ask questions related to the parents, health of the puppy, diet, and others. A reputable breeder will not find it difficult to answer these questions. Ultimately, you decide. If adoption is the path you want to take, then get to some good rescue shelters like the All Shepherd Rescue or the Triangle Beagle Rescue. Ensure the adopted puppy is in good condition and that you know the backstory. Owners abandon dogs for many reasons, the negative ones can leave a strong effect on the pooch. German Shepherd Beagle mixes have a long life span. Member hybrids can live up to 15 years. Are Beagle Shepherds good dogs? Beagle Shepherds are friendly and loyal dogs with a low aggressive tendency. They are easy to train too, making them good dogs for households. What is a German Shepherd Beagle mix called? Final Thoughts The Beagle and German Shepherd mix is rising in popularity like its famous parents because of its set of good qualities and low challenges. Not only is it easy to care for and maintain but it also brings joy and gladness to a home. When all its needs are taken care of, you can be sure your pet parenting journey will be filled with beautiful memories. This breed is known as hard-working and smart, and are often used as police and rescue dogs. They are also commonly trained as trauma and guide dogs. With their height and build comes natural athleticism, bravery, and protectiveness. German Shepherds are playful and active, and should exercised at least three times a week every day if you can fit it into your schedule! Exercise should include an hour of playtime outdoors. However, do not leave them outside by themselves for long periods. German Shepherds love company and attention, especially from their owners. A male German Shepherd can grow up to 26 inches tall, and can weigh up to 90 pounds. A female German Shepherd can grow up to 24 inches tall, and can weigh up to 70 pounds. A German Shepherd has a life expectancy of up to 13 years. In the UK, it is a favorite hunting dog since it belongs to a group of hound breeds. Beagles are also known for their strong sense of smell, making them great hunters. Beagles are medium-sized dogs, making them the perfect size for house dogs. If you have a small apartment and you want a great companion, a Beagle will do well. Beagles have exceptional temperaments, and they love rough play with both kids and adults. Today, Beagles are also trained as drug dogs because of their great sense of smell according to LoveYourDog. A male Beagle can grow up to 15 inches tall, and can weigh up to 30 pounds. A female Beagle can grow up to 13 inches tall, and can weigh up to 28 pounds. A Beagle has a lifespan of up to 16 years. The origin of this designer dog is unknown. Dog breeders believe that the purpose of this hybrid is to produce a dog with a superb sense of smell — a feature that German Shepherds and Beagles both have. This hybrid is very rare, and not many pieces of literature about the Beagleman exist. But by looking at its parents, you can easily assume what the crossbreed will be like. Both parents are known for being brave, intelligent, and friendly so you can expect a Beagleman to be the same. This type of dog will do everything to protect you, and will love playtime with their owners. If you are looking for a mid-sized dog that will be a loyal friend, and that you can train, owning a beagle shepherd mix would be a great choice. Make sure you have time to train it though. Once trained, you can enjoy everything that both breeds can offer through this hybrid. A male beagle shepherd mix can grow up to 26 inches tall, and can weigh up to 90 pounds. A female beagle shepherd mix can grow up to 24 inches tall, and can weigh up to 70 pounds. Average German Shepherd Beagle mixes will fall somewhere in between. You can expect an adult male beagle shepherd mix to be around 24 inches tall, and weigh roughly 56 pounds. For its average female counterpart, it will be 22 inches and weigh roughly 49 pounds as per The Happy Puppy Site. A German Shepherd Beagle mix has a lifespan of up to 14 years. It is more than a pet-child. Beagles and German Shepherds are known for their skills in hunting and protecting their owners. A breed of these two great dogs would mean having a protector and a hunter by your side at all times. A German Shepherd Beagle mix is an exceptional breed that you can turn into a great pet and playmate. They will also make a great guard dog, or a watchdog at night. It has one eye-color. DoggieDesigner revealed that the Beagleman only has one eye color — brown. It has a high risk of developing tartar or teeth problems. Just like many dog breeds, the Beagleman is known to have teeth and mouth issues. This designer dog is prone to having tartar — brushing its teeth regularly is a must. The German Shepherd Beagle Mix Health Facts The major health concerns for this breed according to WagWalking are diabetes, heart murmur, intervertebral disc disease, and hip dysplasia. This breed is also susceptible to developing a cataract, glaucoma, allergies, and dental issues. If a German Shepherd Beagle mix is in pain or sick, they can undergo occasional tests such as blood tests, x-rays, electrocardiograms, and EENT checkups. You will have an active companion. If you love playing with your pet, the Beagleman is for you! This dog absolutely loves playing and exercising, just like the parent breeds. However, a regular walking activity might not be enough with this hybrid. You have to let it loose and let it run — having outdoor activities is a must for this breed No need for a security system. The Beagle is a known hunting dog that belongs to a family of hound breeds. This explains the howling! You can expect your Beagleman to howl loudly, especially when it is stressed. If there is an intruder, you will most definitely know right away. You will have an intelligent pet and friend. The Beagleman is no different. You can enroll your pet-child in a training school for dogs to learn tricks, or you can train it yourself. You might be surprised at how intelligent this designer dog is. You cannot live with them in a shared apartment or room. The Beagle Shepherd is very active, and they love playing around. If you are sharing a space with people who want peace and quiet, they might not approve of having a Beagle Shepherd living with them. They can get noisy. Beagle Shepherds sometimes howl as if they are hunting. This is a hereditary trait from Beagles who love to hunt and howl. If you are living with other people, this howling might wake them up and cause disturbances You need to have time and energy for them. This breed also loves playing and going outdoors, so you have to put aside time to bring it outside. If their energy is not released, it can blow in a destructive way that can lead to damaging furniture or howling for no reason. It is a designer dog with an unknown origin, but if it is like most other designer dog breeds, then it was likely bred in the s or very early in the s. Unlike the German Shepherd Corgi mix , the current idea is that it was created with the goal of achieving a breed with a stronger sense of smell. This is common knowledge as that is the only way to achieve a designer dog breed status with a mixed breed dog. To understand the breed a little better, it is probably best to take a look at their parent breeds. This way, you can get more of an idea of the history of why this designer dog was created in the first place and how your Beagleman will behave as it grows older. Everyone knows that the German Shepherd is famous for being a police dog because of its discipline and immense intelligence. It is a much-studied breed and has proved to be an amazing companion. However, their protective nature requires early and patient training. They are also really playful and extremely athletic, a favorite amongst active owners. It might be a good idea to brush up on some German Shepherd facts to understand them even further. The Beagle is known to be a lovely companion but is also a hunting dog breed. As with the other parent breed, Beagles are used within law enforcement because of their sensitive noses and sense of smell, making them one of the breeds of choice as sniffer dogs. They are extremely friendly and are also hard workers who make amazing companions. Funny enough, Beagles are actually considered not to be that intelligent as they tend to follow their nose and ignore everything else. Read more about the best-behaved dog breeds and smells dogs hate. The German Shepherd Beagle Mix Are Pretty Popular Dogs The two different parent breeds are immensely popular in their own right, but the combination of the two breeds has resulted in a dog that has grown in popularity. They are actually being adopted just like their parents as dogs for law enforcement because it inherits a lot of the similar traits of their parents but with a heightened sense of smell. What makes them popular as well is their exclusivity. There are very few breeders for a Beagle Shepherd, making them very rare and harder to get than one of their parents. The Beagleman has inherited a lot of its athleticism and energy from its parents, making them a popular choice of dog for families with kids. It is important to remember that you should always choose a pup that suits your lifestyle. Although they are popular dogs, it would be a little unfair to get a Beagleman if you are unable to fulfill the needs of the dog. So, ensure that this dog is for you before taking the step and picking a puppy. They are hyper-intelligent dogs that can also learn more intricate and elaborate tasks relatively easily. Their razor-sharp wit is a lovable trait, but the Beagle gene could come out and make them come across as pretty sassy. There are quite a few instances where they will just get a bit of an attitude. They feel that they already know what you are asking them to do, so they tend to not listen properly. Maintaining their attention is important then so that they fully understand your commands. It could rival an elephant, so how you train them is important as they will not forget for a long time. Punishment of any sort should be avoided when training these pups. With that long memory, there are instances where these dogs have held grudges against their owners for long periods of time. Rewards and constant repetition are the best ways to train one of these little dogs. As puppies, it is important for them to know what they can and cannot chew. They are chewers, so make sure that you draw that line at a young age when they start chewing their feet , and everything else, or your furniture and shoes will be at risk. This breed is also known to be yappers and barkers, so it is important to try and teach them when it is appropriate to bark and how much they should engage in various scenarios. Introduction to other pets is also important while they are young. It is in their nature to hunt so knowing that your other pets are friends is important. Early socialization with other pets and strangers is good to help prevent any future issues when meeting new people. Even though they are relatively easy to train, some professional training would be very beneficial to help control your puppy in certain situations. The Appearance of the Shepherd Beagle Mix Is a Bit of a Lottery The thing with a hybrid cross-breed is that there is generally no set of exact standard characteristics that you can expect. The same is true for a Beagleman, and there is a set of general characteristics or features that your pup could have and grow into. You will only know for sure as the puppy grows up. There is only one common thing for every Beagle Shepherd: all of their eyes are brown. To get an idea of how big your pup will be when it grows up, you can take a look at the size of the parents, and you will get a rough estimate. Their coat is a combination of the German Shepherd and Beagle. It is typically pretty dense and will either be medium or short and be a straight hair texture. Their bi-color or single-color coat is a bit of a chance, as there are four different possibilities of red, silver, white, and black. There have been instances of tan and liver color coats, but those are rare. There is a chance that the puppy could adopt the double coat of their German Shepherd parent. Basically, it is a complete lottery in which color coat, whether it is a combination of one, two, or three colors, your pup will inherit. The Beagleman is considered a medium-sized dog, but they can weigh anywhere from 20 to 70 pounds depending on which parent they take after most and even which gender they are. And for a larger family dog, the Golden Retriever German Shepherd mix is the way to go. But be prepared for spring when your Beagleman will lose its winter coat and shed quite profusely. This is where a daily brushing routine will be best to reduce the amount of hair around the house. Their nails can grow long pretty quickly, so frequent nail trimming would be beneficial if you want to protect your furniture or any wooden floor. These dogs are prone to tartar buildup, so their teeth should be monitored. A good way to help combat this and keep their teeth healthy is frequent brushing. Once a week should help keep them all healthy and good. You can get away with bathing your dog every few weeks, but water can find its way into their ears, especially if they inherit floppy ears. So make sure to dry their ears properly and carefully. You will also need to clean their ears once a week with a specific solution to help prevent future infections. Read more about why puppies lick their feet and why dogs shake their heads. Because they are so smart, they are super easy to train, but they need a higher level of stimulation, or they get bored. This boredom then leads to a destructive outlet where they will act out. When it comes to toys, apart from a really good chew toy, more interactive dog toys are a good choice. This need for stimulation also moves into needing attention from their owners. It is a pretty common occurrence for Beaglemans to have separation anxiety , which is another reason why they act out. A good idea would be to have another small intelligent dog for them to play around with while you are busy. Their overall temperament is a pretty amazing combination of all the lovable and desirable traits of their parents. There is a strong chance that they will be super noisy, and another way they act out is to bark for more attention and entertainment. They are naturally very curious and like to adventure on their own and explore so very strong communication skills are also important to keep them mentally involved. Read more about why dogs sleep-bark and when puppies get easier. A balance needs to be struck where if you live in a smaller space, you will need to take them out on walks and runs more often. If you live in a home and have a large garden area, you can burn off some of their energy with 30 minutes of playtime. The larger space will let them stretch their legs more and love to be outdoors. While an apartment lifestyle could potentially work, it is not the ideal living space for them. The risk of them getting sick is relatively high. Keep them inside where they will be nice and warm with you. You can expect to wake up with them on your bed in the morning as they are pretty clingy with their owners and love to be around you. But who would complain about that? Just make sure that you have a small pet hair vacuum to help contain the spread of hair as they shed their winter coat in the spring. Read more about why your dog is sleeping on you and why puppies have loose stools. Being cross-bred means that the different genes from each breed help to fight and counter any genetic concerns of each other. The outcome is normally a hybrid that is much healthier than a purebred. There is a potential for this hybrid to inherit Intervertebral Disc Disease , mostly when they are older. This is a progressive degeneration of the spine that could be slowed with surgery but, unfortunately, cannot be stopped. Obesity is another common health concern that would be the result of overfeeding and lack of exercise, particularly with this breed, as they need a lot of exercise. Unfortunately, both of the parent breeds are prone to epilepsy, and that trait is still found in the Beagleman. This can be controlled to an extent with various medications that are available. Hip dysplasia is another concern that is common in most dogs of this size. A Beagle Shepherd does adopt a few health concerns from its German Shepherd parent gene pool as well. These come in the form of mainly intestine issues. These are the most common issues they inherit, particularly bloat and pancreatic issues. This is where a strict and specific diet comes into play for these dogs. Consider following a slower and more spread-out feeding schedule. Firstly, you should always serve your dog an appropriate portion size which is determined by their build and weight. Their diet should be made up of mostly protein and fat with a limitation on the amount of carbohydrates. Whole proteins such as chicken and beef are preferred. With their susceptibility to bloat, it is better to serve your pup four to five small meals instead of two large meals throughout the day. They burn a ton of calories with the high energy output they have, so replacing them is essential to maintain a healthy weight. Sugars should be avoided as this hybrid struggles to process sugars. However, as long as they do get the exercise that they need, a few treats here and there are fine to give your companion. They want to go-go-go almost all the time. This is something to remember when you get one of these pups. You are inheriting an exercise buddy who will be by your side on all your excursions. A long run will make them smile with joy as they love to run and hike. It is not recommended to take them off the leash in wide-open spaces as their tendency to follow their nose will kick in, and they will not listen to you. A strong leash is needed to take them on walks and keep them on track. A lack of exercise could lead to physical and even some behavioral problems. They are naturally working dogs and have a strong body composition that needs to be worked on daily. They do also have a lot of stamina, so it will take some time to get those energy levels drained a little. While Beaglemans are working dogs, if you have wide open spaces at home, consider getting a German Shepherd Australian Shepherd mix or a Border Collie German Shepherd mix. They would be best suited for a larger family as they are incredibly social and will soak up as much attention as they can. Even though they are a medium-sized breed, they are pretty good with children. Although it is best to introduce them to your smaller children while they are young to understand boundaries. These dogs are immensely protective of their family and will always be willing and waiting to play with everyone. Their social nature means that they will jump from one family member to another and, with their genetic traits, will be extremely alert to any potential dangers at night. They are companions, though, and do need to be around their owners almost constantly. Although they make fantastic family dogs, they are not really best suited to the elderly due to their exercise needs. Beagle Shepherds are also not ideally suited to anyone who lives alone and is a working professional. They will bark a lot to attract your attention, not ideal if you work from home and are in meetings during the day a lot. Extended periods of alone time will cause them to act out since they need to be around you most of the time. However, these dogs will need intense training and socialization. Pros of Owning a Beagle Shepherd Mix Puppy Because of their intelligence, you can teach them a wide range of different tricks. There is even an option to get some extensive coaching that will allow them to perform much higher level acrobatic and exotic tricks. If you already live an active lifestyle, then this dog will be your absolute best friend. If you live a somewhat active lifestyle, then your Beagleman will encourage you to be more active with the immense amounts of energy that they have and need to burn off. So enjoy and embrace that this dog will almost force you to venture into the outdoors and go on adventures with them. They are incredibly alert dogs with a strong lineage of hunting and hounds, making them dutiful guard dogs to have around the house. They are mouthy and will be sure to bark and let you know if they feel uneasy or somewhat stressed. You will have hours of entertainment with one of these pups by your side. They are loyal and incredibly loving, so if you need an emotional support animal or therapy dog, then a little Beagleman is a top choice. They will almost never leave you alone. They will need constant attention, and if you cannot provide that, they will howl almost endlessly. So if you live in a shared space or in close proximity to others, this could be an issue with neighbors getting upset. Due to their diet needs and potential health risks, they can be pretty expensive to own. The main thing is that they require a significant amount of time. You will need to set aside a fair amount of time each day to give them the attention that they need and exercise them. Are Beagle German Shepherd mixes suitable for families with children? Beagle German Shepherd mixes can be good family dogs, especially when properly socialized and trained. They can be affectionate and get along well with children, but supervision during interactions is crucial, especially if the dog is larger and more energetic. Do Beagle German Shepherd mixes have a distinct appearance? The appearance of Beagle German Shepherd mixes can vary greatly, depending on the traits they inherit from each parent. Are Beagle German Shepherd mixes suitable for first-time dog owners? Beagle German Shepherd mixes might not be the best choice for first-time dog owners due to their strong personalities and energy levels. They require experienced owners who can provide consistent training and meet their exercise needs. Final Thoughts on the Beagle German Shepherd Mix For adventurers and outdoor lovers, this is a dream dog that will happily be by your side with every single excursion that you embark on. Sure, they may be a little loud and can be a little destructive if you leave them alone for extended periods, but what they offer in the love that they return is almost unbeatable. They can be hard to find, but they will be worth it in the long run as they will bring you around 16 years of amazing memories. The question remains then, is this the dog for you, and if so, when will you be getting a little Beagle German Shepherd mix for yourself and your family? I covered all of the costs associated with writing this post on the beagle German shepherd mix. However, it does contain affiliate links. That means if you click through on some of the links in this article and end up making a purchase I may receive a small commission. Just wanted to let you know. She is dog mad and dog aunt to Clover in London and Poppy in Sydney.

Things to do with your English Bulldog Ohio is a great place to live with an English bulldog. The state has a diverse landscape, plenty of outdoor activities, and dog-friendly businesses. Hike the Trails Hiking is a great way to get some exercise and enjoy the outdoors. There are many hiking trails in Ohio that are perfect for English bulldogs. Be sure to bring plenty of water and snacks for your dog, and take breaks often. Visit a Campground Camping is another great way to enjoy the outdoors with your English bulldog. There are many campgrounds in Ohio that allow dogs. Be sure to bring a tent, sleeping bags, food, water, and other supplies. There are many places to fish in Ohio, both in fresh water and salt water. Be sure to get a fishing license and follow all the rules and regulations. Go Boating Boating is another great way to enjoy the outdoors with your English bulldog. There are many places to boat in Ohio, both on rivers and lakes. Be sure to bring a life jacket for your dog and follow all the safety rules. There are many places to swim in Ohio, both in fresh water and salt water. Be sure to supervise your dog at all times and follow all the safety rules. Visit a Dog park Dog parks are a great place for English bulldogs to run and play off-leash. There are many dog parks in Ohio, both in urban and rural areas. Visit Pet-Friendly Businesses Ohio has a number of pet-friendly businesses, including restaurants, hotels, and stores. These are just a few of the many things you can do with your English bulldog in Ohio. With its stunning scenery, endless activities, and friendly people, Ohio is the perfect place to create lasting memories with your furry friend. How do you breed for a healthier English Bulldog? Like all things in life, breeding for health is simply a matter of priority. We are blind to many of the breed priorities that distract other breeders from improving the health of the English Bulldog. We focus on health and personality and very little else. We are not interested in winning a blue ribbon in the show ring. Rather, we test for things like elongated soft palates, narrow tracheas, stenotic nares, luxation in the patellar tendons, heart defects, cherry eye, optic cilia, entropion, ect. We focus and prioritize creating healthy bloodlines, therefore our bulldogs are typically much healthier than the breed as a whole. After breeding for health, what other priorities are you focused on? Our true desire is to create the perfect family bulldog. We also believe a bulldog bred for the correct personality is essential to the family unit as well. A Bruiser Bulldog is bred for intelligence and playfulness. We want our bulldogs to be full of personality and some quirk. We believe a full personality along with a little stubbornness is the true North star of the bulldog breed and is what makes the unique among other breeds. We look for these personality traits in our adult bulldogs and continue to create bloodlines that reflect these qualities. What are the steps of your adoption process if I am located in Ohio? Check out our available English Bulldog Puppies page. At times, we have available puppies but almost always have a waiting list as well. A quick look at our available puppies is the starting point to begin the process. Send us an email or give us call .If approved to adopt one of our puppies you are welcome to place a deposit to hold until your puppy is ready to go home. Greetings from the Wysongs! 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. For the past 15 years we have had a passion for breeding bulldogs, striving to breed sound, healthy, beautiful bulldogs. We specialize in small RARE colored bulldogs. We are also Life's Abundance Field Representatives, and we have links to our Life's Abundance website where you can purchase the amazing food that we have been using for so many years. Don't forget to save us in your favorites! Like us on facebook, and you will get weekly updates, and behind the scenes pictures! Cincinnati Bengal's Jake Fisher! However, we do not do cash refunds for any reason at all. Thank you for your interest. Please let us know if you have any questions. During that time, we have never received a single complaint about their breeding program, only compliments. Great job! Keep it up! Every time we take them in public every person is drooling at just how adorable they are. I told Melissa what kind of dog I wanted and she delivered! They are very knowledgeable, kind, and professional. I was worried about my dog when I brought him home, but they helped by giving me suggestions to acclimate Toby to his new environment. I would definitely refer other people to go visit their farm in Ohio! They were very helpful in helping us find our first bully. We love her. Thank you! It was a wonderfully smooth transaction, she was shipped Oregon within the week and Daisy Duke aka butterscotch is a beautiful healthy puppy! Melissa was great to work with, answered all my new mommy questions very promptly.

Special Note: You can also find them on Facebook. Aside from that, they also aim to educate more people about the care and maintenance needed for this breed. This volunteer organization started in and has successfully saved over Bulldogs. They offer foster care for surrendered dogs in order to rehabilitate and prepare them for their new owners or homes. They flourished through the years with the help of volunteers and donors. After the initial mailed application, you will then be contacted through email or phone by their representatives. They prefer those with prior experience with the breed or those with passion and knowledge. Also, if you have other dogs at home, they require that all of them be spayed or neutered with vet records. The volunteers of Bulldog Rescue Squad provide spaying, neutering, and other medical-related treatments to rescued dogs before bringing them to their new families. Bulldog Rescue Squad also uses a foster care system after they have taken them from their owners who could no longer look after them. If you are interested in adopting from this rescue, you can visit their website and fill out the application form. This is why Northern California Bulldog Rescue has devoted its efforts to saving and improving the lives of abandoned Bulldogs, especially the senior ones. They have a network of foster homes that reintroduce the dogs into a family set-up before they are rehomed. They make sure that the Bulldogs are temperament-tested before they are approved for adoption. To start your adoption process, visit their website and fill out the online form. Any other discussions about adoption will only be entertained once an online application has already been filed. They will then visit your home to check out the space where the dog will live. Since then, the volunteers of this rescue organization have devoted their time not only in helping and healing dogs but also in spreading breed-specific awareness for the public to arrive at sounder decisions in taking this breed as pets. They have a good network of groups and individuals, such as other rescues, shelters, English Bulldog clubs, advocacy organizations, and veterinarians who give aid to their rescue process. Their website provides the link to fill out the adoption application. Female Bulldog: Which Is Better? From the time they are surrendered up to the time they find their perfect homes, KCEBR makes sure these dogs are given the utmost love and care. They also rescue English Bulldogs from shelters and move them to foster homes to reacquaint them to family life before rehoming them. Every English Bulldog is spayed or neutered to avoid any other unwanted litter. They are also thoroughly checked medically and trained to be the best companion dog in their new home. The application will be reviewed and you will be contacted by a volunteer for confirmation of the home visit. You will be scheduled to meet the foster family of the rescued dog as well as your prospective pet. Understand that this process may take a while as they are very serious in finding the best match both for you and the Bulldog. Please email us at gabullierescue gmail. We are now an independent rescue. We rely solely on donations for the care and treatment of the rescued Bulldogs that are admitted to our organization. Georgia English Bulldog Rescue, Inc. Our mission is to first ensure the safety and well-being of all English Bulldogs that we take in and second to educate the public in the care of English Bulldogs. We rehabilitate and re-home English Bulldogs that are sick, neglected, abused, or injured. Moreover, we provide a safe alternative to shelters for owners that are faced with the already difficult decision of finding a new home for their English bulldog. GEBR rescued 23 English Bulldogs our first year and since forming in have rescued approximately dogs. In we began rescuing French Bulldogs also. The rescue has approximately 30 dogs in foster care at any given time. We also need volunteers, supplies, and support for the care and treatment of the rescued English and French Bulldogs that we take into our organization. We rescue English and French Bulldogs regardless of medical condition and as foster homes become available. Veterinary care is our biggest ongoing expense, even after our veterinary care providers extend rescue discounts. We are an application ONLY rescue. We do not have adoption days although we will finalize adoptions at our events. English and French Bulldogs are very high maintenance creatures and require prior knowledge of their daily care and potential expenses of ownership. We do not have a kennel as our dogs are fostered in private homes. They are re-acclimated to family life and their temperament is assessed. After a brief foster period minimum of 2 weeks recommendations for placement are made based on information provided by our foster families. Foster families also give input throughout the adoption process. Volunteers are needed all the time. If you live in the Atlanta area and want to be a part of a great organization please contact us. There are many ways you can help. We are always in need of foster homes in the Atlanta area. We provide all vet care, you provide the food and TLC. If you love English or French Bulldogs and want to be a part of a great organization please contact us. We rarely get puppies in rescue. It takes a team and relationships with people who love bulldogs and want to help the breed. Will you subscribe to our newsletter and see how active a band of bulldog rescue volunteers and sponsors can be? Share A Story! French Bulldog Rescues In Florida A small commission may be earned on any purchases made via links on this page. Read our full affiliate disclosure. French Bulldog Rescues In Florida French bulldogs make excellent pets and deserve all the love and care they can get. They are small and adorable and have one of the best personalities among all dog breeds. This is why they have become a favorite breed for people who are looking for a new dog. For the people living in Florida, getting a french bulldog as a pet requires a bit of consideration. While they are quite playful, they do not do very well in hot climates as Florida has. This does not mean that you can not get a french bulldog as a pet if you live in Florida. It just means that you should take extra measures to ensure that they are comfortable, such as keeping a cool house and walking them in the late evenings when it might be cooler outside. If you are willing to make these concessions and are actively looking to adopt a french bulldog, this is the best place to start your search. We have curated a list of the best french bulldog rescues in Florida. We also provide you with the necessary information you need to know on how they work, how to adopt, as well as how to contact the rescue. These rescues are charged with taking care of these dogs and finding a good home for them. If you are in Florida and are looking to adopt a French Bulldog, this list is for you. Florida English Bulldog Rescue Odessa, FL This rescue is a nonprofit bulldog rescue dedicated to finding new forever homes for bulldog breeds. They have been rescuing bulldogs since .They have helped more than 1, dogs get new homes, and each of the bulldogs gets rehabilitation so that they can be a functional part of their new home. The thing about this particular nonprofit is that they do not focus on french bulldogs. In fact, on the surface, it looks more like their primary focus is English bulldogs. But they have stated that they are open to different bulldog breeds, including the French bulldog. The main difference between an English bulldog and a French bulldog is their size. Florida English Bulldog Rescue seeks out neglected and abused dogs and provides them with rehabilitation and new homes. They also provide a safe home for bulldogs who have no option but to leave their homes. They always have a bulldog ready for anyone who wants to take one home. You can view their available bulldogs here. If you are passionate about helping bulldogs get a better home, you can also help the organization through donations and sending supplies. They are always looking for volunteers.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. What to Feed German Shepherd Puppies: A Healthy Feeding Guide One of the first things you need to know about what to feed German Shepherd puppies is, right from the start, to choose a high-quality puppy-specific food for large breed puppies. What to feed German Shepherd puppies—feed German Shepherd puppies a diet that is: Specifically created for large-breed puppies. What do German Shepherd puppies eat? New owners are given a host of choices when bringing home their new pups. You can choose to offer one or the other, or even opt for mixed feeding. Dry Kibble Kibble is the most popular and economical choice for German Shepherd puppies. Plus, the major manufacturers offer a complete and balanced diet in many different flavors, with or without grains, and even limited ingredient diets. Kibble can be moistened either with water or broth. Here are the advantages and disadvantages of kibble when it comes to feeding German Shepherd puppies: Advantages Easy to purchase at most stores and online. Keeps for longer than other food options. Quick and simple to serve with little clean up. Disadvantages Can be difficult for some puppies to chew, causing them to not eat enough. Wet Food Here are some advantages and disadvantages of feeding German Shepherd puppies wet food : Advantages Softer and potentially more palatable for picky eaters. Contains more water content than dry food, which can help keep your puppy hydrated. Can leave dogs feeling fuller for longer due to the water content. Can be more expensive than kibble in the long run. Requires more preparation time. Mixing Dry Kibble and Wet Foods Feeding our German Shepherd puppies is no easy task, and deciding between wet and dry puppy food can leave us scratching our heads. But what if we told you there was a middle ground? Mixing wet and dry puppy foods can be an option worth considering, but it comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Wet food contributes to increased water intake, ensuring your furry friend stays well-hydrated. Allows you to provide a diverse array of nutrients, contributing to a balanced diet for your growing German Shepherd. Disadvantages Might make it trickier to regulate portion sizes accurately, potentially leading to overfeeding and weight issues. These diets exclude foods that have been cooked or processed in any way. There are also some advantages and disadvantages to feeding a German Shepherd puppy a raw food diet: Advantages Raw diets consist of uncooked, fresh ingredients that retain their natural nutrients, potentially promoting better health for your puppy. Some puppies with food sensitivities might find relief on a raw diet as it eliminates common allergens found in processed foods. Disadvantages Preparing a balanced raw diet requires careful planning to ensure your pup gets all the necessary nutrients in the right proportions. Raw diets carry a higher risk of bacterial contamination, potentially affecting both your pup and you. Sourcing high-quality ingredients and properly storing them can be costly and time-consuming. Homemade Diets For large breed puppies, like German Shepherds, homemade diets must be carefully formulated, just like commercial foods. To create a homemade diet recipe specifically for your dog, it is preferable to consult a veterinarian who holds a board certification in veterinary nutrition. Unfortunately, research has shown that many well-intentioned dog owners still overfeed or give their dogs an unbalanced diet, which can be harmful. By cooking at home, you can skip additives and preservatives often found in commercial dog food. Disadvantages Without proper knowledge and planning, homemade meals may lack essential nutrients, leading to nutritional imbalances. Preparing homemade food demands time and effort, which might be challenging for busy pet parents. Mishandling raw ingredients can lead to contamination, causing health issues for your puppy. Remember, these charts help provide a guideline, but each dog is an individual. For example, if your dog has had a busy day of training and playing, they may need a few extra calories for dinner. This helps ensure they are growing as expected, and if not, you may need to alter the recommended feeding amount. As a rule of thumb, most German Shepherd puppies will eat as follows in this chart: Age. How often you should feed a German Shepherd puppy depends on their age and their activity level. Many owners also want to know when they can switch to adult food formulas for their German Shepherd puppies. Switch your GSD puppy to adult food when they are around 12 to 18 months old. Puppies can begin adult kibble when they are approximately 80 percent of their adult weight. This usually occurs around 8 to 10 months of age, but you can safely feed puppy food up to 18 months old as long as they are not putting on excess weight too quickly. If you want to know what to feed a German Shepherd puppy, keep reading. Finding the best food to feed your German Shepherd puppy is overwhelming at times. This means choosing what to feed a German Shepherd puppy is even more serious and intimidating! Follow this feeding guide when you need to know what to feed German Shepherd puppies. I understand! The following dog foods are all recommended for large breed puppies and meet and exceed regulated nutritional standards. Feeding a high-quality kibble from a name-brand company that uses feeding trials ensures the best quality and nutrition. Here are some of the best German Shepherd puppy foods that are research-backed. Packed with nutrients to help limit inflammation of the joints and uses fresh ingredients. Easily digestible formula for puppies prone to allergies and sensitive stomachs. Rich aroma with DHA fish oil to entice puppies to finish every last bite while giving shine to their coats. The better the food, the healthier your pup will be inside and out. Cheaper GSD puppy food lacks quality proteins that are essential for your working breed dog. Adding too much weight to your German Shepherd too soon can cause lifelong joint issues that are painful to your pet and expensive on your wallet. Most GSDs are healthy and fit on commercial dog foods that are high quality. These balanced formulas keep their bones and muscles strong throughout their growing periods and can ward off later joint issues, a common breed problem, as they mature. There is a greater demand for quality nutrition during the early growth stage. For these reasons, you must feed high-quality food. Now, consider what to feed a German Shepherd puppy based on their age. These feeding charts and guides will help keep your new companion growing strong and athletic. Tiny portions of canned, wet foods are introduced. Meals per day: 4 or more Puppies should stay with their mom for to keep them healthy. Nutrition Warning! At 8-weeks-old a GSD pup is eating more solid foods and develops a better appetite for kibble and other foods. Add in only a couple of small spoonfuls of canned plain pumpkin, unsweetened Greek yogurt, or cooked oatmeal to entice your pup to eat. Meals per day: 4 Week-Old Puppy Continue feeding the same as the 8-week-old diet. Treats are not only enjoyable for your German Shepherd, but help you to eneterain and build a positive relationship with him. Be sure to keep their zoomies under control by playing plenty of fun German Shepherd games for puppies. Meals per day: 4 Week-Old Puppy Continue to feed the kibble. Watch for excessive weight gain during this growth time as their bones cannot take extra weight! Too much weight gain too quickly can cause joint issues as an adult and prevent healthy development. Use their mental energy to help keep them more relaxed throughout the day by playing brain-boosting mind games for German Shepherd puppies. Meals per day: 3 to 4 Week-Old Puppy Keep your puppy trim and athletic by monitoring how much you feed your puppy and their body condition. You can write how much they eat and track this over time, and adjust how much your feed your German Shepherd puppy to keep them at a healthy weight. Try using fresh, raw, cut-up pieces of carrots as healthy treats or small, deseeded cubes of fresh apple as part of their training treats. Keep your eyes open for a growth spurt about to begin! Meals per day: 3 Week-Old Puppy Around 4 months old, you might notice your puppy finish their meal quickly and look for more food. Be sure to watch how many treats you give them throughout the day. You can do this by holding them safely in your arms and weighing them with you on the scale. Then, place them on the floor and step onto the scale without them to weigh yourself. Remember, around 16 to weeks old your German Shepherd puppy begins to rapidly grow. Instead, when looking overhead at your puppy their waist should look trim and not rounded outwards. German Shepherd puppies should appear sleek in their waistline. Meals per day: 3 Week And Older Puppy Continue to feed your German Shepherd puppy dry kibble with a small amount of healthy foods mixed in. You can lessen the healthy food you mix in gradually if you prefer. But, even as adults, German Shepherds love a bit of tasty toppers on their kibble. Around a year old, begin feeding your German Shepherd puppy 2 meals a day. Two meals, one in the morning and evening, are not only safer but also provide your German Shepherd with sustained energy to fuel their high-energy lifestyle. You can create a positive meal time by using the following tips: Always offer fresh water during their meal times. Keep the area where they eat their food in calm and out of the way of the family hustle and bustle. I found sitting with a book reading, just keeping my GSD puppy company, encouraged my dog to eat their meals while giving us time to quietly bond. Feed your German Shepherd at the same time everyday. The best time to feed a German Shepherd puppy is in the morning, before you leave for the day, and in the evening, about 2 hours before you put your dog to bed. Allow them to potty after eating to ensure their comfort. Your dog also needs to eat at other times of the day for their health and growth. How much you should feed a German Shepherd puppy really depends on a number of factors. Your GSD pup should eat enough to maintain their growth and energy, while not carrying any extra fat. Every dog is different. Keep in mind the number of calories in the kibble, which varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. Each puppy food company has a different amount of calories and size of the kibble. Here are a few things that might affect how much your German Shepherd puppy should eat. The more active a German Shepherd puppy is, the more calories he needs to eat to replace lost energy. For example, puppies need nearly twice the amount of calories as compared to adults. And older or senior German Shepherds who are less active need less food. Health Maintaining a healthy weight is essential to feeding your German Shepherd. Simply put, you can prevent some medical conditions and health problems by monitoring their waistlines. Instead follow the healthy way to bulk up a German Shepherd. To see if your German Shepherd is at the right weight you can find the average weight depending on their age. When should I change my German Shepherd puppy to adult food? Discover the online program that more than 57, dog owners have used to rapidly transform their dog into a well-behaved, obedient furry friend. This is a very controversial topic. I'll bet if you asked 10 dog owners this question you'd get 10 different answers. Growing puppies should only be fed a high quality puppy diet which you need to continue feeding until your dog reaches 80 to 90 percent of his anticipated adult weight. For many German Shepherd puppies, this occurs usually around 8 to 9 months of age. Keep in mind that individual German Shepherd puppies growth rates will vary greatly from dog to dog. If your puppy is growing exceptionally quickly, you might want to ask your vet about switching your GSD puppy to adult food even sooner. And how will you know if your puppy is growing faster than most, you may ask? Well, for one thing I would check with your own GSD breeder. And if you didn't get your German Shepherd puppy from a breeder, for example, if you got your puppy from a rescue organization or from a shelter or maybe some other source I would then suggest speaking with your veterinarian about your pups growth rate and when the change in diet should occur. You may wonder why you don't just start feeding your puppy adult food in just one meal or so. That's just asking for trouble. There's a really good reason for this slow transition from one type of dog food to another - to avoid upsetting your dog's intestinal tract or causing diarrhea. If you were to just drastically switch from one food to another without this transition period you will have runny poops and just overall messy poops and a puppy with an upset stomach. And this can be easily avoided by following the transition as suggested above. And for adult GSD's, I always suggest feeding a good quality dry food only. You don't need to supplement a good quality dry dog food with any type of canned food. A good dry food is an excellent choice for a growing German Shepherd in many respects and it is very beneficial to their teeth as canned foods can cause many problems with tooth decay. What puts man in a higher state of evolution is that he has got his laugh on the right end. Your puppy should have access to clean water throughout the day, but it should be taken away at night. Puppies between the ages of eight and twelve weeks benefit from being fed three or four times per day. Any changes in the amount of food a puppy consumes should be implemented gradually. A German shepherd puppy needs a lot of food between 6 and 8 months to grow into an adult. Adult food provides numerous superfluous nutrients that the puppy does not need at that time. Feed him tiny servings of puppy food per day. After a year, you can switch him to adult food. It is recommended to feed your dog as directed by the manufacturer. These instructions may vary by brand and composition. Make sure your dog stays fit. To feel the spine, ribs, and pelvic bones. A noticeable waistline is a must. German Shepherds are capable of consuming a wide variety of human meals, including beef, chicken, pig, turkey, salmon, tuna, and eggs. Fruits and vegetables such as apples, bananas, berries, carrots , peas, and pumpkins are also permitted. Additionally, you can feed your GSD additional foods such as rice and noodles, yogurt, and cheese. This procedure should take two to four weeks to finish. Supplements should be avoided since they may add too many nutrients to the diet that are already there. If you wish to provide a treat, eggs, cooked vegetables, or yogurt are excellent additives for improved digestion or flavor variation. Although it is natural for young German shepherd pups to be hungry, persistent hunger should be a matter of concern. Worms can make your dog be ever hungry. Carol is a paw parent, and her love for dogs started when she was just 5. She adores her two German Shepherds and a Bengal cat, who she says, "life would be incomplete without" Recent Posts. Just a few months ago, your little ball of fluff was tumbling around, getting into mischief. This article will help you determine when to switch your puppy to adult dog food, how puppy and adult dog foods differ , how to select the best adult dog food, and how to transition foods smoothly to ensure that your pup is set up for a life of good health. According to AAFCO, puppy foods should be higher in protein, fat, calcium, and phosphorous than adult dog foods. These macronutrients and minerals help support lean muscle and bone growth. They also provide enough caloric density to enable the puppy to grow and perform basic bodily functions such as breathing, digestion, and movement. Many puppy food manufacturers also include higher amounts of compounds like omega-3 fatty acids to support proper brain and eye development as your puppy ages. Large-breed puppies need specially formulated puppy foods that contain less fat , calcium, and phosphorous to moderate their rate of growth. This helps prevent skeletal diseases such as elbow and hip dysplasia that can result from growing too quickly. You need to ensure that your puppy has the extra protein, fat, and minerals they need to support their growth and development and prevent various bone, joint, brain, and eye disorders. But aside from breed size, you also need to consider whether they are spayed or neutered or if they are a highly active dog that needs more calories. Breed Size Because of their faster growth rate, smaller breeds such as Chihuahuas , Yorkshire Terriers , and Pugs reach adult size sooner than larger breeds such as Golden Retrievers , German Shepherds, and Dalmatians. The guidelines below will help you to determine when to start feeding adult dog food: Small breeds under 25 pounds when fully grown reach adult size at months of age. These breeds will be ready for adult dog food at months of age. Medium-sized breeds such as English Springer Spaniels , Australian Shepherds , and Border Collies are pounds when fully grown, and they reach adult size at months of age. With growth rates between those of small breeds and large breeds, medium-sized dogs will be ready for adult dog food around months of age. Large breeds are over 50 pounds when fully grown. There are many large breed dogs, from the Boxer to the Great Dane , so the point at which these breeds reach mature size and weight can vary between 15 and 24 months of age. With the wide range of breeds under this category and a generally slower rate of growth, these dogs will need to stay on puppy food until they are months old to ensure they have enough protein and other nutrients during this stage. They also need to get those nutrients in the proper ratio to support the growth and proper development of their larger skeletons. Activity Level Athletic dogs may benefit from staying on puppy formulas longer, as the extra protein supports lean muscle growth and function, and the extra fat and higher caloric density can allow energy for high-intensity activities. Spaying or Neutering Breed size is not the only factor when determining when to transition your puppy to adult dog food. Because puppy foods contain a higher calorie density, feeding the correct amount during the remaining months of puppyhood is very important to prevent obesity as the puppy matures into an adult. Spaying or neutering does not usually slow the growth rate of your puppy, but it may affect the growth plates in the bones of large breed puppies, setting them up for joint problems later in life. In addition, unspayed female dogs who will be bred early in life may need to stay on puppy food longer to support gestation and lactation following whelping. Switching Too Early or Too Late Because the timing of switching your puppy to adult dog food is so important, there can be negative consequences from both switching too late and switching too early. Dogs that are taken off puppy food too late may be more predisposed to obesity and associated health problems later in life, given the fact that puppy formulas have more fat and calories per cup than adult dog formulas. The extra protein and calories in puppy foods can also increase the rate of growth in certain dog breeds if they are not fed a breed-specific puppy food formula. If these breeds are left on puppy formulas too long, they can be more predisposed to developing joint problems in the future. Similarly, if your puppy is taken off a puppy formula too early, they may suffer from nutritional deficiencies and growth abnormalities, failing to reach adult size around the expected time and increasing their risk of future bone, joint, brain, and eye issues. How to Pick the Right Adult Dog Food When it is time for your puppy to transition to adult dog food, how should you go about selecting the best adult formula for them as they become young adults? The young adult stage is typically considered years of age, as middle age starts by year in many dog breeds. While most dogs are generally quite healthy during this stage in their lives, feeding them appropriately during their young adult years can help lower the risk of obesity, arthritis , and dental disease as they age. Choosing a Brand The many adult dog food companies are not all equal in terms of quality. Dry Food vs. Wet Food The next step is to decide whether you would like to feed your dog dry food, wet food, or a mixture of the two. Both types of food have positive and negative aspects, and the choice to use one, the other, or both depends on the specific needs of your dog. For example, wet food: Has a higher moisture content than dry food and may be better for dogs that do not drink much water. Has a lower calorie density per volume than dry dog food, allowing dogs to feel fuller on fewer calories, which helps control their weight throughout their lives. Is often more palatable and appetizing than dry food, so it may be a great option for picky eaters or for stimulating the appetite of dogs that are less interested in food. Can be beneficial for dogs with oral abnormalities or dental disease, as it is easier for them to chew. By contrast, dry food: Can be a more economical option than wet food. Is a great option for easier portion control and for dogs that tend to graze throughout the day rather than consume a full meal in one sitting, as dry food will not spoil as rapidly if left out for long periods of time. Is beneficial for dental health, as the crunchy pieces act as an abrasive against the teeth during chewing and help prevent tartar buildup and thus tooth and gum disease. Can be easily used as a tool in puzzle toys for enrichment and mental stimulation. Is be used in slow feeders for reducing the rate at which dogs are able to consume their meals. When your pup eats more slowly, the risk is lower of them swallowing too much air and developing bloat, a potentially dangerous condition. Nutritional Requirements The final step in selecting the best adult dog food diet is to examine the Guaranteed Analysis panel on the bag or can of food and ensure that the formula meets a few major nutritional requirements. Other formulas have glucosamine for joint health or probiotics for gut health. Some dogs are sensitive to chicken and do better on beef- or salmon-based formulas. If you are unsure of the additional needs for your dog outside of the key ingredients and nutrients listed above, consult with your veterinarian. This will help ensure gut regularity with less physical activity. Remember that dog treats and other sources of calories in the diet need to be included when determining the appropriate amount of food for your young adult dog. How to Switch Your Puppy to Adult Dog Food Once you have selected the best adult dog food for your puppy, you are ready to transition them slowly onto their new diet. Because rapid diet changes can cause gastrointestinal upset in dogs, such as vomiting and diarrhea , it is recommended to introduce the new food slowly over a period of five days or so. Continue to feed your puppy as many times per day as they are used to throughout this process. If your puppy develops vomiting, diarrhea, or lack of appetite, stop feeding the adult dog food and see your veterinarian. How Often to Feed Your Dog For large-breed puppies, it may be best for them to continue to eat three times per day. For medium-breed puppies, they should continue to be fed twice daily when they have been transitioned to adult dog food. For small-breed puppies, you may consider transitioning them to eating twice daily instead of three times per day after they are fully on adult dog food. This may involve providing more attention and playtime for your dog as they become accustomed to fewer feedings per day. Consider extra walks, extra playtime, or brushing to distract them from feelings of hunger. Some dogs may benefit from high-fiber adult dog food to increase feelings of fullness between meals. Your dog may also enjoy cleaned, raw fruits and vegetables such as sliced carrots, cucumbers, or apples without the core or seeds. If you have any questions about transitioning your puppy to adult dog food, contact your veterinarian. In addition, a board-certified veterinary nutritionist can be a great resource for any issues that come up, and they can help develop the best diet and feeding schedule for your new family member. Featured image: iStock. Help us make PetMD better Was this article helpful? Growth and weight The German Shepherd puppy is a popular addition to many households. Sometimes called the Alsatian puppy, the German Shepherd was initially developed for herding and now commonly used as a working dog or pet. This is your guide to providing all the nutrients your new puppy needs. When Your Puppy Comes Home Although they look pretty sturdy at eight weeks old, German Shepherd puppies are vulnerable to tummy upsets when they arrive at a new home. To help them settle in stick with the food their breeder was giving them for the first two weeks minimum. You can then gradually swap over by increasing proportions over the course of a couple of days. However, if they are doing well on their original food, considering sticking with it for longer. To begin with follow the guidelines provided by the breeder, the feed manufacturer or by your veterinarian. This will vary depending on how calorie dense the food is and how it is formulated. Your puppy should be fed four times a day up to the age of four months. After this age, two larger meals at regular times will be sufficient. However, the more often you feed your pup the stronger your bond will grow. Simple sits and recalls, puppy tricks, they all make a big difference to how your dog behaves towards you and feels about you as they grow. What to Feed A German Shepherd Puppy You will find there are a lot of different opinions about what kind of food is best. Kibble and wet food are the most popular, but you do also have the option of raw or homemade meals. Puppy Kibble Great quality, high meat content kibble is my go-to for feeding larger puppy breeds. At the beginning of the day I measure out their daily food amount, then separate it into little pots. Some as meals, and the remainder to use throughout the day to reward good behavior or get off on the right foot with positive reinforcement. The FDA recently issued a notice alerting dog owners to a potential increased risk of a serious heart condition. This is called canine dilated cardiomyopathy DCM. The risk is in dogs eating foods that include peas, lentils, or potatoes instead of grains. The underlying cause of these cases is not clear, but the FDA note suggests that caution should be used in selecting foods with these ingredients for German Shepherds and other large dogs. Canned Dog Food For picky eaters canned food can be more appealing. It smells stronger, and debatably tastes nicer. These diets do not include cooked or otherwise processed foods. However, it may be more difficult to regulate a BARF diet to ensure a slow and steady growth rate in young puppies. If you find this option intriguing, you can check out our article on feeding your dog a raw diet. Homemade Diets Research has shown that in the past, poorly balanced homemade diets have been harmful to German Shepherd puppies. There is now abundant information available to anyone who is willing and able to produce a safe and balanced diet. However, modern cases studies have shown that well-meaning owners may still over-feed or create an unbalanced diet. So, this is an area where you really can have too much of a good thing. As with commercial foods, homemade diets must be properly formulated for a large breed dog. Do not deviate from recommended recipes as provided by a veterinarian. If possible, preferably a vet with a board certification in veterinary nutrition. Recipes published in popular magazine and websites may not be nutritionally complete or suitable for a large breed puppy. Is My Puppy the Right Weight? You can also refer to German Shepherd puppy growth charts to see if you puppy is gaining weight and within the normal range. However, keep in mind that some dogs will be unusually small or large but still be perfectly healthy. Do not try to maximize growth rates as this can lead to health problems later. Ensure that you are familiar with how to assess the body condition of your puppy. The ribs and spine should be easy to feel but not simple to see. My Puppy Is Still Hungry If your puppy seems excessively hungry provide more frequent but smaller meals. Young puppies cannot tolerate going without food for extended periods. With older puppies you may wish to experiment with foods that help them feel more full, and provide low calories treats. Keeping a health puppy active and occupied will help prevent them from becoming overly focused on anticipating their next meal. When should you transition to adult dog food, and how? Still, there are several variables — for example, whether your pup has developed faster or slower than average, the amount of exercise it gets, and any advice your vet has given you. This article will explore these and other factors that come into play when deciding to start giving your young German Shepherd adult dog food. But on an individual basis, the time of adulthood may be closer to ten months or, on the other side, fourteen. After all, you know your dog best. Protein And Fat Must Be Balanced In Any Diet The main thing to be aware of is that when your dog is a puppy, they need a diet rich in protein to fuel their enthusiastic and curious nature — in other words, how much exercise they prefer to indulge in. A good balance between how much your pup moves and how much they eat is essential. Your German Shepherd puppy also requires a significant amount of fat in their diet at this stage to keep their skin and coat healthy and to add flavor to their food. But be careful — too much fat in the diet can exacerbate congenital disabilities like hip dysplasia, arthritis, and degenerative myelopathy. This practice can lead to obesity, and again, hip joint problems. The opposite, not feeding the dog often enough, can cause a deficiency in vital nutrients and lead to dysfunctional behavior. Always be aware that you should strike a balance between good health and an appropriate appetite. Unfortunately, one of the only things to be done preemptively against hip dysplasia is to make sure you get full disclosure of any issues from the breeder or individual you buy your puppy from, and preferably a check-up with the vet as well. Some German Shepherd parents prefer to give raw foods — in degrees that vary from a raw egg mixed into dry food to a total biologically appropriate raw food BARF diet that includes bones, raw meat, and vegetables. Also, cross-contamination from raw meat on cooking surfaces can make humans sick. And finally, the high cost in time and money it takes to maintain this feeding method can be too much to handle. For example, the Food and Drug Administration allows ingredients in dog food like infected animal products , justifying that the heat involved in the kibble-making process kills microorganisms and other pathogens. Add to this all the dyes and other chemicals added to kibble, and you can understand why some German Shepherd owners go with other kinds of food altogether. Also, take into account that the liquid fat applied to dry food to make it palatable can also go rancid quickly, and you might want to reconsider the whole option of kibble for your German Shepherd. Canned Dog Food Is Only A Partial Answer As Well It may seem tempting to go for the canned food advertised as containing real meat and vegetables and no fillers like excessive grain content. And depending on which exact brand you choose, canned food can seem like a sweet deal if you can afford it. Think of how your mouth feels after eating a chocolate bar — your teeth become coated in sugar. The longer you wait before brushing, the more harm that coating can do to your dental health. Final Thoughts Hopefully this article has provided you an essential guide to transitioning your German Shepherd puppy to adult dog food, with attention paid to all the smaller choices involved in the process and their consequences. Proper nutrition is key to keep your German Shepherd healthy and happy. According to Total German Shepherd , all feeding changes should be made gradually to ensure the best possible results. The food recommended by the breeder or rescue organization should be used for the first few weeks to avoid digestive disruption, and kibble should be mixed with a little water. Clean water should be available to your puppy all day but taken up at night. Puppies between eight and 12 weeks old do best with being fed three or four times daily. After 12 weeks, feeding your puppy twice a day is fine. Any changes to the amount of food a puppy eats should be done gradually. Puppies will experience their most significant growth rates between three and six months old. In most cases, this will be around a year old, although larger males might take longer to reach this size. The Happy Puppy Site states that a lot of problems German Shepherds can encounter are due to bone growth that occurs too rapidly. These issues include hip dysplasia. Choosing the right food and feeding the right amount both play a leading role in making sure your puppy grows at an acceptable rate. A raw diet might prove beneficial once your dog has reached adult size. One of the possible benefits is reducing the possibility of hip dysplasia. When your puppy has a growth rate that follows a proper pace, the dog will reach the appropriate proportions when they are supposed to. Even though all dogs run the risk of injury, a puppy that grows at the appropriate rate has healthier bones. Puppy food for large breeds with a high protein level is best for German Shepherd puppies. Whenever possible, it is always a good idea to continue the same brand and essential formulation, but to switch to the adult version when appropriate. You will not only avoid any issues with finicky behavior but will also help ensure that your puppy continues to meet its essential nutritional needs. The outcome of taking these steps will be better overall health for your dog. Then, you will replace half the food for two days and three-quarters for two days, ultimately making the switch totally to the new food. This process should take two to four weeks. This video helps put the process of switching your dog over to another food into perspective. This relatively simple step is an essential way of making sure that your dog is nourished. Avoid adding supplements, because they may add too many nutrients that are already present in the food. Eggs, cooked vegetables, or yogurt make suitable additives for better digestion or flavor variety if you want to provide a treat. Amanda J. These guidelines may vary depending on the brand and formulation. Make sure your dog keeps a healthy weight. The spine, ribs, and pelvic bones should be easy to lightly feel. All GSDs should have a visible waistline. If the food your puppy is eating seems to be leaving them unsatisfied or they do not appear to be gaining healthy weight levels, you may need to consider following up with your veterinarian. Medium-length beef marrow bones can be a tasty treat in addition to their food, especially if stuffed with pumpkin without any spices or peanut butter. However, avoid pork or poultry bones, because these can splinter very easily. Gravy should never be given as a treat because of its potential to cause diarrhea. Another concern is that gravy might contain spices possibly toxic to dogs. Avoid feeding table scraps for the same reason. There are concerns about some kibble-based dog foods that owners should be aware of, according to Anna Burke. These foods include grain-free varieties high in potato and legume content like lentils or peas. Such ingredients increase the risk of canine dilated cardiomyopathy. Large dogs like Shepherds may be somewhat more prone to this condition. If you want to consider this diet, wait until your dog has achieved adult size. Avoid homemade diets, as these are mostly deficient in crucial nutrients that growing puppies require. Melissa Smith notes that timing is everything when it comes to switching from puppy to adult food, and your vet will play a leading role. One of the reasons why timing is so important is because the calorie content of puppy food is so high. This can make the young adult dog gain weight too quickly, in the wrong places, particularly the belly area, where fat can be dangerous. A growth spurt after a year is possible in German Shepherds, particularly males, and your vet may have a good idea of when the growth will finish. However, what about Shepherds that are not purebred? This question is very reasonable, as it is a little more difficult to guess when a mixed-breed is done growing. Compare your measurements to popular GSD growth charts for reference. Consider making sure your vet is on-board as you make the transition from puppy food to adult. Your vet will be able to spot any nutritional deficits that require addressing. Another advantage is being able to ensure the dog has proper bone growth. If your German Shepherd has needs that require a special diet, your vet will be able to provide valuable guidance about the appropriate timing. Even though you might find it challenging to think about obesity when your dog is transitioning out of puppyhood, this stage is not too early by any means. Early prevention is key to stopping many conditions besides hip dysplasia. Both obesity and being underweight can come with their share of problems for your growing dog. Obesity, when unchecked, can not only lead to bone and joint issues but can also lead to heart disease and diabetes. If your dog is underweight, Amber King recommends a high-protein diet with a moderate amount of fat. Follow up with your vet to help uncover the cause of the low body weight. Another possible health issue of concern, according to Dr. OCD is a condition that involves abnormal cartilage growth at the end of a joint. Wobbler syndrome is another condition that may have its origins in overly rapid growth. This disorder is a neurological condition that affects the spinal cord in the neck area, often leading to difficulties with walking. When you have a growing German Shepherd, the right nutrition makes all the difference in their growth and development. Even though it may feel as though the amount of information on nutrition is overwhelming, it is essential. Making the right choices early on will mean greater health and happiness for your dog. A dog that grows at a reasonable, healthy rate will do much better in life. Recommended reading:.

Tomato leaves stem or unripe fruit Alcohol, beer, wine or liquor Grapes or raisins Golden Retriever Crossed with Labrador Exercise Requirements The Lab Golden Retriever Mix has an active temperament so they might get destructive if they get bored. It is recommended to exercise them at least 2 hours daily. Getting them to do physical activities every day will help keep him happy and healthy. Here are some outdoor activities that you can try with your Golden Retriever Lab Mix: Hiking: It is a great way to turn your daily walk more challenging and exciting for your dog. Swimming: Utilize your private pool and do a swimming exercise with your dog companion. Swimming does not only serve as an exercise activity to yourself and to your companion dog, but it is also a great bonding experience. It also provides relief from the heat during the summer months. Make sure you supervise your dog all the time while doing this activity. Dock Diving: This is a fun sports activity to enjoy with your dog. All you have to do is throw a floating toy and encourage your dog to jump and swim out to retrieve it. If you and your Golden Retriever Lab Mix want to upgrade the challenge, you can try joining a Dock Diving Club and compete with other dogs. Play Fetch: This is a classic outdoor game that is great to do in summer. Challenge your dog by putting a twist to the activity, you can either use a Frisbee or a tennis racquet to make the object travel farther for your Golden Labrador to retrieve and return back to you. However, you should not be working them too much because when it comes to recovering objects, both parent breeds of Golden Retriever Lab Mix can be overly enthusiastic. However, even though they are intelligent dogs and has a friendly nature, you still need to put time and effort to train them better. Both parent breeds were bred to carry things. The best way to teach your Goldador not to bark is to socialize them frequently with strangers. Use Positive Reinforcement The Labrador crossed with Golden Retriever is a sensitive type of dog, so training them using positive reinforcement will be very helpful. Make sure to avoid negative punishment-based training since this hybrid dog may end up fearing you rather than respecting you as their leader. Make it a regular routine to reward your puppy whenever they do something right. Training your Goldador consistently in a positive method will give you pet companions that are obedient and good-natured. Do Mental Exercise The Golden Retriever mixed with Lab is an intelligent dog, and they need stimulating mental activities to avoid developing any aggressive behaviors, such as nuisance barking and chewing. Without proper mental exercise, Goldador puppies will grow into a passive, timid and uninspired dog. Labrador Golden Retriever Mix and Families Despite its large size, the Labrador mixed with Golden Retriever is a great family dog because of its easy-going personality. It is extremely friendly and affectionate. The Goldador is the type of dog that goes well in a loving and active family — one that considers him as a family member. The Golden Labradors cherish the company with children. They are naturally gentle, but they can play tirelessly as long as your kids can keep up. However, due to their sheer size, supervision is still needed around toddlers and infants. The Goldadors makes an excellent therapy and companion dog. Because of their affectionate nature, they generally do well when given lots of attention and affection. These hybrid dogs love to be with people, and hence it is tough for them to cope with solitude. So give love lots of love and affection to your Goldador Lab Retriever Mix and expect that it will shower you back with love. The double coat has a soft undercoat below a rough top coat that is water resistant. Either way, their coat will be fairly high maintenance. Shedding and Grooming Your new friend is going to shed, sometimes a lot. Both parent breeds heavily shed their coats with the change of seasons twice a year. For the rest of the year, expect a moderate level of shedding. Increased brushing during transitional times can help catch the loose hairs and stop them from spreading everywhere. Golden Retriever Labrador mixes will need weekly brushing, likely more during shedding season. Their nails should be trimmed regularly as well. Are They Hypoallergenic? The Goldador dog will not be hypoallergenic. They are high shedders, spreading dander from skin and saliva liberally around your home! With designer breeds like the Golden Retriever Lab, you can only make an educated guess about their temperament based on the general demeanor of their parents as well as the temperament of the parent breeds as a whole. If they are left alone a lot, they may become very destructive to your home. They will chew out of boredom or anxiety. As many Lab lovers know, these dogs do not know a stranger. Generally, the Goldador will get on well with children and other pets. Socialization Socialization from an early age is important for any breed, including the Golden Retriever Lab. Even though it hails from overly friendly and sociable breeds, there are still no guarantees to the temperament of your dog. Since training and socialization are both best started early on, puppy training classes can be a great way to both train and socialize your puppy at the same time. Training Tips The Goldador has an easygoing and eager to please temperament that helps make them highly trainable. Owners should start training early, from the time their puppy comes home. The parent breeds have a long history as service dogs, bomb detection dogs, hunting dogs, and now therapy dogs. Obedience classes will help create a well-mannered dog but also strengthens the bond between the dog and owner. Since Goldadors grow to be large dogs, obedience is also important to prevent them from jumping up at your guests! Energy Levels Golden Retriever Labrador puppies will grow into high-energy adults with a love for playing and a passion for retrieving! A Labrador Golden Retriever Mix makes a great companion for jogging, hiking, or cycling. This is a breed that also loves to swim. Canine sports, like agility, obedience trials, and tracking, are also a great way to keep your dog physically active, mentally stimulated, and out of trouble. As a very social breed, they do best as indoor dogs, but with a large, fenced in yard to run around. In addition to self-exercise, they need walks or other forms of daily activity with their owners. Exercise is especially important for the health of your Goldador since both Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers have a tendency to develop elbow and hip dysplasia. Weight management is one way of combating these joint problems. Health and Care All pedigree dog breeds are inbred to some extent. The measure of this is called the coefficient of inbreeding COI. The higher the COI, the greater the risks of health issues arising specifically from inbreeding. In a crossbreed such as the Goldador, the COI is usually much lower than it is in a purebred dog, and this is a good thing. To begin to look at the health and care of a Goldador we first need to consider the inherited health risks from both parent breeds Labrador and Golden Retriever. Labrador Health Labrador Retrievers are prone to a few hereditary health conditions and joint problems, as well as some health issues common to most dogs. To help minimize the likelihood of hereditary health issues in your new Goldador pup, check that your breeder has followed the recommended testing for the Labrador Retriever breed: Hereditary Nasal Parakeratosis HNKP. Labrador Retriever Mix, or a Goldador Dog. The Goldador dog is a playful and good-natured, large dog. When you cross a purebred Labrador Retriever with a purebred Golden Retriever , even though both parents are recognized purebred dog breeds, the result — the Goldador — is a hybrid dog; recently known as a designer dog. Designer breeds come in a variety of coat colors and types, depending on the genes and appearance of the parent breeds. This cross-breed dog has parents with hunting and retrieving skills. They are often used as therapy dogs, guide dogs, search and rescue dogs, and other types of service dogs, even bomb detection: but not as a guard dog or watchdog! This hybrid dog breed has the classic appearance of the Labrador Retriever and Golden Retriever dogs; inheriting their friendly, smiley face and their big brown eyes. The Labrador Golden Retriever mix is soft, loving, and intelligent. This is a large, bouncy, and easy-going dog that loves to be active. It will want to be wherever you are; in your bed, on your sofa or in the bathroom with you! A Goldador puppy is simply adorable. But remember, nowhere is private with a Goldador around! Fact: When two different dog breeds are intentionally mixed it called a designer dog; any hybrid dog will inherit its characteristics and health problems from both parent breeds but the result will not be seen until the puppy is born and observed as it grows up. A Goldador is friendly and will always want to be close to you. In , Lord Tweedmouth, a British Aristocrat, wanted a loyal and hard-working gundog to retrieve waterfowl while hunting on his estate in Scotland. So he crossed a wavy-coated yellow retriever sire with a Tweed Water Spaniel dam and produced 3 Golden-colored Retriever puppies. Fact: the Tweed Water Spaniel is now an extinct dog breed. Lord Tweedmouth mixed this new breed Retriever with an Irish Setter dog to breed the recognized Golden Retriever dog breed. In , the Golden Retriever dog breed was registered by the UK Kennel Club, and they quickly became popular as family pets and show dogs. Parent 2: A brief history of the Labrador Retriever parent — a purebred dog The Labrador Retriever is the best-loved and most popular dog breed in the world! It has a solid- color double coat in one of 3 colors; pure black, chocolate brown, or yellow. Whatever the coat color this is just a good looking dog breed for any level of dog owner or family member. The Labrador Retriever dog is from Newfoundland, Canada, and was used by fishermen to retrieve fish from nets and catch those that escaped back into the sea. They are good swimmers and have a gentle mouth grip that will not further destroy any prey they are ordered to retrieve. The Newfoundland and Labrador Province, in Canada, provided this hunting and retrieving dog with its name — the Labrador Retriever or Lab to its friends! The Newfoundland Labrador Retriever dog breed came to Great Britain around , to be used as gun dogs for retrieving waterfowl from land and water, during the shooting season, in Scotland and England. Ongoing breeding is believed to have continued the pure Newfoundland lab bloodline in our Labrador Retriever breed today. Meet the offspring: The hybrid offspring of these two purebred dogs is the Golden Retriever Lab mix — the Goldador puppy. This mixed breed puppy will be happy, affectionate, and will easily become a family member for sure. Fact: Designer dogs are increasing in popularity and so is the trend to give them a cute combo name that reflects a bit of both parent names. The Goldador puppy will inherit characteristics from both parents. What are the main characteristics of a Golden Retriever Lab Mix? Like any other crossbreed, a Labrador Golden Retriever Labrador mix can inherit the characteristics of either parent or both. Crossbreed dogs, like The Goldador, are no more likely to inherit health issues than purebred dogs; in fact, it is believed they may actually be stronger. Any mixed puppy can inherit all, some, or none of the health issues its parent breeds have. It can be heavily weighted towards the characteristics of one parent more than the other. The characteristics of The Goldador are a combination of nature and nurture: genetics of the parents, the environment, and the quality, type and amount of training and socialization. The Goldador — possible coat colors Both Golden Retriever and Labrador Retriever parents have a thick, double coat: a water-resistant topcoat and a warm undercoat. Therefore the Goldador will inherit the same double coat but is likely to be short-haired like the Labrador. With its impressive and popular parent breed mix it will be loyal with a loving temperament and good around children and other dogs. It will be caring and become and active companion, that just wants to be by your side all the time. Reputation: This large Golden Labrador mix breed dog comes from two of the best-loved and most popular dog breeds. This is why they can make such good service and guide dogs, therapy dogs or even search and rescue dogs. They will still need to be trained and socialized early to teach them how to use that energy positively and learn how to behave in public. They are people-friendly and need exercise. They would not make a good guard dog, or watchdogs as they are approachable with strangers and make friends easily. So watch your slippers! Trainability: The trainability of this intelligent Golden Labrador mixed breed should be easy. The Goldador needs to be trained and socialized early as it will inherit a herding instinct and be highly active. They may attempt to take over and herd small children and smaller pets so they need to be controlled. Positive reinforcement and small treats will work well but not harsh discipline, or any form of negative punishment or physical restraint. Power and intelligence: This mixed breed dog is very intelligent, strong, and active with a herding and working drive. It will enjoy and need working challenges incorporating mental and physical stimulation, but it will be curious and want to investigate the other side of the fence. Socialization: Early socialization and discipline are strongly recommended for any crossbred dog especially those with herding and service dog parents. The Labrador Golden Retriever Mix wants to be active and occupied; if bored it may become destructive and bark. When trained and socialized this mixed breed dog will be approachable and friendly around all types of people, children, and other animals. Purpose: Any herding or working dog will want to be useful and please its owner. It will need to be trained and socialized early as it will help with control its excitement in public and develop obedience norms. It will form an early bond and lasting companionship with its owner. Either parent will still give it an athletic, well-balanced build and a strong working ethic.

Our dogs all have basic obedience, little tricks, and live indoors and outside. Our girls are very friendly, funny, and athletic dogs. Male and Female. They come with full AKC Registration. They are very playful puppies and have been socialized with other dogs and cats. Labrador have a very friendly happy character and get on well with children and like to be in a family environment. We are always available to give any help and advice on general care and house training your new puppy. Free puppy pack and 4 weeks free Dali golden labrador Cyprus for Xmas Sales at low prices! Stunning Chunky Golden Labradors. They are ready to become your life long companion, please contact directly via my email address for more details and photos at Dali golden labrador Cyprus Stunning Chunky Golden Labradors golden labrador Dali, Cyprus Stunning Chunky Golden Labradors Stunning Labrador puppies for sale 3 dogs left KC registered Excellent Pedigree 5 generation pedigree with puppy packs, and 4 weeks free insurance Both parents are golden, please contact directly via my email address for more details and photos at suzifarrell13 gmail. The have been vaccinated and dewormed. The Father is a Golden Retriever and the mother Labrador retriever please whatsapp for more information and photos Dali golden labrador Cyprus. Beautiful Male and Female Labrador retriever labrador retriever Larnaca, Cyprus Beautiful Male and Female Labrador retriever puppies for sale Beautiful Male and Female Labrador retriever puppies for sale We have healthy male and female Labrador puppies available and ready for sale. Our puppies are all vet checked with good temperament. All potty trained and comes with all health papers and a one year health Guarantee. For serious inquiries and quick respond contact the email below for more information. They are 12 weeks old, playful and very energetic. My puppies are well socialized with children and with pets as well. They are current on all shots, potty trained, registered, and have a excellent pedigree. Will come with all papers. For more information and photos contact us at foaudym gmail. Please Contact me back by Email: sandrinemayer39 gmail. Puppies will be sold as pets. Best homes only, Puppies available for viewing. .Two Lovely Labrador retriever puppies available. Two Lovely Labrador retriever puppies available. .Purebred, healthy and raised in a clean environment, vet checked, up to date on shots. All are loving, friendly and very playful. Have been raised with children and other pets. Contact me now for more details. For more infor contact : sandrinemayer39 gmail.

Breeds The link has been copied! Few dogs are as intelligent and loyal as German Shepherds. With its athletic build and remarkable drive, this working breed makes excellent companions, herding dogs, police K-9s, and therapy animals. How much does a German Shepherd cost? The price of a German Shepherd puppy can vary a lot from one breeder to another. German Shepherds are active and need plenty of stimulation. Flea and tick preventatives are a must-have. You might face additional costs such as pet insurance, training classes, boarding fees, or dog walkers. Puppies tend to cost more due to the high demand. However, professional breeders charge a lot more. Professional breeders usually conduct health testing for the parents. Elbow and hip dysplasia and degenerative myelopathy are the two main tests to look for when adopting a GSD puppy. Prenatal care for the mother can be expensive. These costs can include bloodwork, ultrasounds, and X-rays. Most breeders raise the puppies for the first eight to 12 weeks. They provide nutrition, a living space, socialization, and sometimes early training. Puppies typically receive veterinary care, including a first round of booster shots and a deworming treatment. Colors German Shepherds can come in a few different colors. Black and tan and black and cream are the most common GSD colors. However, there are rarer colors, like black and silver, sable, or black. These colors meet the official breed standards, and a puppy with an unusual color can be worth more. Bloodline and Purity One of the key factors that influences the cost of a GSD puppy is the parents and their pedigrees. A breeder will look at how well the parents match the AKC breed standards. Both parents should be the right height and color. They should have a muscular morphology and the proper head shape. Breeders who are able to trace the ancestry of a litter over several generations and document that all the ancestors are purebred GSDs will charge more. You should also expect to pay more if a breeder can provide health testing information over several generations. Titles are another important factor. Show dogs can receive V, VA, or VA1 titles if they do well at an event and judges determine they meet all the standards of the breed. An IGP3 title indicates that a dog can protect its owner. Parents with IGP or IPO titles produce puppies that are worth more since breeders consider these animals to have excellent potential for training. A breeder who has an excellent reputation and many positive online reviews will attract more prospective dog owners and can afford to charge more. You can protect your dog with a microchip, but there are other steps you can take. The Fi GPS tracking dog collar helps you keep your dog safe. The design is highly resistant and waterproof for durability, and the collar comes with a battery that lasts three months. You can track your pet anywhere and locate them easily if they get lost. There are a few things you should know about this working breed. Personality of the German Shepherd German Shepherds are fiercely loyal. They make excellent guard dogs thanks to their protective instincts. They also make amazing pets who will give you lots of affection. GSDs are reliable and hardworking dogs who thrive if you constantly give them new tasks and challenges. These dogs are extremely versatile. German Shepherds have amazing potential and tend to do extremely well in training thanks to their drive and intelligence. However, they require consistent training and handling since they can be mouthy, chase prey, or become overprotective without the right training. Size and Weight German Shepherds are medium to large dogs. When it comes to weight, a healthy male will weigh 66 to 88 lbs. Lifestyle and Activity Levels German Shepherds are a working breed. Their origin dates back to the 19th century when dog breeder Max Von Stephanitz developed a new dog by breeding different herding dogs. Like all shepherds, GSDs have a strong need to stay active. Due to their athletic build, these dogs need at least two hours of exercise every day. Going for walks might not be sufficient. Your GSD will thrive if you provide plenty of opportunities to use their athletic abilities, including jumping, swimming, or running. Approximate Lifetime Care Costs The total cost of owning a German Shepherd is difficult to estimate since every animal is different. German Shepherds can be expensive. Here are a few tips to help you lower the cost. Look for a breeder who cares about the animals and who does health testing on the parents, but everything else is extra. You should also consider adopting a dog with an unknown lineage. Check local shelters or go online to look at classified ads. Check classified ads to find owners rehoming their pets. If you decide to get a German Shepherd, think about using the Fi GPS dog collar to keep your dog safe, and make sure you can bring your puppy home if she gets lost. Get more expert advice on pet-parenting by visiting the Off Leash blog at TryFi. TryFi's The Fi Dog Collar is a must-have for any pet parent, it's a GPS tracking collar that helps you keep tabs on your dog's location, activity, and sleep patterns, and alerts you if they escape your backyard. Try the Fi Dog Collar today! The link has been copied! You might also like. Apart from recurring costs such as dog food, toys, and grooming essentials, a great chunk of your finances must go to routine veterinary care and pet insurance. Annual check-ups should be done on adult German Shepherds to check their physical condition and ensure they are healthy dogs. This involves listening to the heart and checking the ears and eyes. The typical lifespan of a GSD is 7 to 10 years. Other Potential Expenses Owning a dog is already comparable to parenthood. German Shepherds, much like any other dog breed, have other needs that go beyond food, water, and shelter. Your dog will be watched over, fed, and socialized with other dogs. Grooming Services: For your GSD to have a well-maintained coat and appearance, you should take them to a professional grooming salon. They will be cleaned, trimmed, and pampered as they deserve. Emergency Treatment: Dogs grow up so fast. As your German Shepherd puppy gets older, they are more prone to health issues like hip dysplasia. Sudden injuries can also happen that will require immediate medical attention and treatment. This will allow them to join various dog shows and other competitions. Places to Find German Shepherd Puppies for Sale and Adoption Once you plan everything out financially, you are ready to find places where you can buy your German Shepherd puppy. Cheap German Shepherd dogs can be bought from puppy mills or a backyard breeder. Buying from responsible breeders is the best option to get healthy puppies that will grow up to be strong adult dogs. To help on your quest, here is a list of breeders certified by the American Kennel Club that offer high-quality German Shepherd puppies: Vom Ragnar German Shepherds — This is a small kennel located in Illinois dedicated to breeding show-quality German Shepherds with sound temperament and the best condition because they have their puppies undergo health testing. This breeder strives to match their GSD pups to the most suited families. Mittelwest German Shepherds — As a well-renowned breeder, the owner ensures that they only produce show-quality German Shepherd puppies that can serve as show dogs, guard dogs, K-9, and much more. They also import and ship their dogs worldwide. West Coast German Shepherds — If you are located in California, this breeder can offer you a health-tested German Shepherd puppy coming from the best bloodlines. Buying the cheapest puppies online seems tempting, especially if you are on a budget, but you might spend more in the future due to medical expenses. To easily distinguish a responsible breeder from a puppy mill or backyard breeder, check out our puppy buying guide. Are you considering adopting a German Shepherd instead of buying from a breeder? If you are, this list can help you find the perfect GSD pup for you: German Shepherd Rescue and Adoptions — Based in North Carolina, this non-profit organization was established to protect and promote the German Shepherd breed. German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County — This volunteer organization is all about placing unwanted, neglected, and abused German Shepherds into permanent, loving homes. Applicants are encouraged to meet up with their chosen dog prior to adoption. Matching their rescue dogs to a suitable owner is their top priority, along with the restoration of their health. For more chances of finding your lifelong companion, check out this list of the 10 best German Shepherd rescues. You can surely find one in your location! Adoption is the cheapest alternative to getting a German Shepherd Dog, and this is more suggested than buying from backyard breeders. Buy high-quality items. You will spend more on replacing them rather than having good products that can last for a longer time. Purchase supplies in bulk. When buying food or treats for your pup, make sure to stock up by buying them in bulk. This can save you a lot of money than buying small bags of kibble or cans of wet food. Keep your dog in excellent shape. To avoid expensive veterinary bills, keep your German Shepherd puppy fit and healthy. Do this by feeding them high-quality dog food equipped with the right nutrients. Groom your GSD at home. Instead of going to a professional groomer, learn to groom your German Shepherd puppy at home. All you need to do is buy the basic grooming tools and research how to groom your dog effectively. Plan your finances accordingly so no one will have to suffer in the long run. They are highly intelligent and loyal dogs that will protect you at all costs. Buying one from a reputable breeder is worth the hefty purchase price than purchasing from backyard breeders or puppy mills. On another note, you can adopt from a local rescue organization, but make sure to ask about any current health conditions that the dog may have. Aside from the financial aspect, make sure you are prepared for the full responsibility of being a German Shepherd puppy owner. Now you know how much German Shepherds cost, are you ready to own one? Share your thoughts in the comments below. My passion for animals started at a very young age as I grow up on a farm with several horses, cows, cats, chickens, and dogs on our property. Leave a Comment. German Shepherds are considered healthy dogs that can live many years. You must be able to pay for these dogs every month of their lives. For the most part, providing your dog with a lot of exercise and high-quality food will prevent the dog from developing unforeseen health issues. You will need to buy a dog-safe toothpaste, dog-safe shampoo, and certain medications, such as heartworm prevention, to keep your dog healthy its entire life. Not only do you have to feed your German Shepherd a lot of food, but you want to feed your dog food that is high quality and healthy. As long as your dog does not have any known illnesses or issues, you should not have to pay monthly prices. At the minimum, you should take your German Shepherd for an annual visit, assuming it is healthy. You also need to pay for flea, tick, and heartworm prevention. Most of these medications last for 1 to 3 months at a time. It is completely up to you whether or not you decide to get pet insurance. If you are interested in getting health insurance for your new pet, Lemonade offers customizable insurance plans and responsive customer service. If you do not want to pay for pet insurance, you can simply set up a savings account instead. So long as you have a house and a yard for your dog to play, the home environment is generally suitable for dogs. Some environmental maintenance things you will need to buy include doggie bags. You need these if you take your dog for a walk or if you have a yard that you have to maintain. You may also need to pay for carpet cleaner, deodorizer, and other items to keep the house clean, despite your heavy shedding German Shepherd. This means that your German Shepherd can help you out when you are in a pinch, but it also means that you need to provide your German Shepherd ample entertainment, or else your dog could become destructive. At the very minimum, you need to buy heavy-duty toys for your German Shepherd. German Shepherds can be really rough with their toys. So, we recommend some sort of brand specific for rough-playing dogs, such as Kong. These boxes will offer toys, treats, and more for your dog, but these boxes can be pretty expensive too. Additional Costs to Factor In In addition to initial costs and monthly payments, there are some other additional factors you need to think about. For starters, obedience training is really important for dogs of this size. Obedience training can be a bit expensive at first, but it will be worth it in the long run. You need to pay for a pet sitter or kennel whenever you go on vacations and your dog does not come with you. If you are buying a German Shepherd puppy, you may also have to pay to replace or fix items the puppy damages. Think about accidents or unforeseen illnesses too. These can cost a whole lot in vet visits. Owning a German Shepherd on a Budget If you want a German Shepherd but are worried about destroying your budget, there are ways that you can own one of these wonderful dogs without spending a fortune either. Unfortunately, there is little you can change about the price of these dogs up front, but you can save on the monthly expenses. The most important tip for taking care of a German Shepherd on a budget is to know when to splurge. When it comes to dog food, make sure to select high-quality food. This will be more expensive upfront, but it will ensure that your dog is healthy for as long as possible, resulting in fewer bills. Splurging on heavy-duty toys is another great idea. These toys will cost more at first, but they should last much longer than cheap ones. For instance, there are a lot of coupons and promo codes you can use when purchasing toys, food, and other items for your German Shepherd. Even if you find coupons, only spend money on the essentials. Not to mention, buy crates and beds that are suitable for the dog as it grows. Many people make the mistake of buying crates and beds suitable for the puppy, but the puppy soon outgrows them. The initial cost primarily accounts for the dog itself and any other items required when bringing the dog home for the first time. Even after the German Shepherd has made your home its home, you will still have to pay some pretty hefty bills for the remainder of its life. Although the initial and monthly costs for this dog are a bit high, they are required for this dog to live a happy life. If you cannot afford to provide a German Shepherd the sort of life it needs and deserves, simply do not get a German Shepherd. What factors determine the price of a German Shepherd Puppy? The price of a German Shepherd puppy does vary, depending on her age, color, bloodline, litter size, location, as well as breeding cost. German Shepherds obtained from animal shelters and rescue organizations are relatively inexpensive because they charge only enough to cover their costs. Here are the 5 most prominent factors that will affect the price of a German Shepherd: 1. Age Age is the most important factor in determining the price of a German Shepherd Dog. All in all, it has a lot to do with the desirability of a cuddly puppy. Puppies that are only weeks old will cost the most. It is because this marks the beginning of the most precious moments of a puppy. The demand drives up the price. The price of German Shepherd puppies of 12 weeks or older will start to decrease. Adult German Shepherds will be offered at much lower prices because some people see them as less desirable. Another reason is that the new owner may need to set a budget for health issues related to senior dogs. Coat Color Some colors are more expensive than others. For German Shepherds, colors such as white will cost more than the usual black and tan. This is because these rare coat colors are more difficult to breed. Bloodline Although purebred German Shepherds puppies are the most sought-after ones, mixed-breed pups usually cost much less and have the potential to be healthier than many purebreds. In general, German Shepherds have working lines and show lines, totaling five different variations. We will get into them later in this article. Litter size It refers to the number of puppies in a litter. Usually, the more the number of puppies in a litter, the cheaper the price will become. Location The location from where you purchase your German Shepherd can actually affect how much you pay. Areas with a lower cost of living, or places where there is less demand will typically charge lower prices than more populated cities. Certain states or cities may even have more regulations on breeding which may increase the cost, thus the price of a German Shepherd pup. And these all come at a cost for the breeders. What are the different variations of the German Shepherd bloodline and their prices? While the German Shepherd is a dog breed of its own, you may probably stumble upon different variations. Purebred German Shepherds come in many different sizes, colors, coloration patterns, and body styles. In general, German Shepherds are divided into working lines and show lines, totaling five different variations. Here is a four-minute video from which you can learn about their variations: 1. They have a distinctive angulation with their back legs shorter than their front legs, thinner bones, and significantly smaller heads. They come in quite a few colors, mostly solid with occasional bi-color variations, including black and tan saddle, solid back, solid white, and saddle sable. But their obedient and playful character make them fantastic pets. There are certain measurement minimums for their hips and elbows. This results in a stunning, very specific, and uniform appearance. These dogs have a very strong, pronounced build with a black and tan saddle, and solid back. They make good house protectors and need a lot of exercises and to be trained frequently. These dogs are very social. So they are perfect for families with kids. This is the line of GSD you would normally see in movies. They are also closest to the original breed that was bred and developed by Max von Stephanitz, who is acknowledged as the father of German Shepherd Dogs. With a stable temperament, they excel in working jobs, and also make awesome family pets. Rigid control of the original DDR breed prevents the gene poll from diluting. They must be free from any history of hip dysplasia, among other health conditions, to be able to reproduce. This resulted in a very distinct look — with large heads, large bones, and a shiny dark coat. The Czech further tightened the breeding standards, resulting in arguably the most intense breed of German Shepherd available to date. But they are extremely loyal and obedient, with a pleasant temperament. They could be the best guard dog to protect people. But they are extremely rare nowadays. Other factors that affect the cost of a German Shepherd A puppy whose parents and often grandparents and other relatives are hunting champions has the potential to excel in these areas as well. And it will cost you more than any puppy who is the offspring of just average parents. And the most expensive German Shepherds are those adults with proven records as show dogs, K9, or breeding dogs. What is a reasonable price for a German Shepherd puppy? Reputable breeders, when pricing their German Shepherd puppies, must factor in the cost of breeding, feeding, raising, and caring for the pups as well as their mother. If your breeder had not run these genetic tests on your dog—or if you adopt a German Shepherd from a rescue or shelter, you can run the Embark Dog DNA Test using a simple saliva test you can perform at home. Dogs with CLAD, type III typically exhibit symptoms such as recurrent ear infections, skin infections, pneumonia, and other respiratory infections. Dogs with DM first lose coordination in their hind legs, then they lose muscle mass and eventually the ability to walk. It is caused by a lack of one of the proteins needed for blood to clot properly. Dogs with hemophilia A will often suffer from uncontrolled bleeding, most commonly into the joints. Uric acid is a waste product that is normally eliminated from the body through the kidneys. When the kidneys are not able to remove enough uric acid, it builds up in the blood and can cause health problems. Dogs with hyperuricosuria are at risk for developing bladder stones, kidney stones, and other health problems. P-glycoprotein is involved in the transport of drugs and other molecules across cell membranes. Drugs that are known to cause adverse reactions in MDR1 dogs include digoxin, ivermectin, loperamide, and milbemycin. There are several different types of MPS, each caused by a deficiency in a specific enzyme needed to break down mucopolysaccharides. It is caused by a genetic mutation that impairs the ability of the blood to clot properly. This can lead to frequent and sometimes severe bleeding events which can be difficult to control, even with the help of medications. Dogs with this condition are at an increased risk for bleeding and may require lifelong monitoring and medical management. Symptoms include weight loss, decreased appetite, vomiting, and increased water consumption. Affected dogs have problems with the development of their skin, hair, nails, and teeth. They may also have problems with sweating and the function of their tears and salivary glands. Dogs with this disorder usually have a very thin coat of hair, often with areas that are bald or have very thin hair. Their skin may be dry and cracked, and they may develop sores on their skin. Nails may be abnormally shaped or missing altogether, and teeth may be missing or poorly developed. Dogs with X-linked ectodermal dysplasia often experience overheating. Attend a sanctioned dog show and talk with breeders and competitors for recommendations. Ask your veterinarian for recommendations regarding reputable breeders. Check the Facebook page of the breeder and read through the comments. Remember, however, that comments can be deleted by the page owner. The breeder should be happy to share the name and contact information for customers. Ask questions. Lots of questions. The breeder should be glad to share the test results from the health tests and screenings and should be happy to let you meet at least the mother if not the sire as well of the German Shepherd Dog puppies. Ask how often the dogs are bred. Ask to tour the kennels. Are they well maintained? Do the dogs look healthy? Beware of operations that will not let you tour the kennels and breeders that want to meet you in a parking lot to hand over the puppy. Be prepared for questions. The breeder should ask YOU questions as well; be suspicious if the breeder has no questions about your past history with pets, your living situation, etc. The breeder should want to know how much experience you have with herding breeds, what your training plans are and your plans for exercising the dog. Ask if the breeder will take the German Shepherd puppy—or adult dog—back if necessary. Ask for a contract. If medical problems are diagnosed, the breeder should readily take the pup back and provide a full refund. German Shepherd breeders may adopt out of the area but, nonetheless, you will want to go to the breeder to meet the parents, view the kennels and bring home your puppy in person. This will add to your expenses—but breeders that transport a puppy by air are putting the dog at risk. If you want to buy a German Shepherd Dog from an online breeder, please think again. There are numerous scams; people spend thousands of dollars for a dog and never receive a puppy. AKC warns potential pet parents to be wary of any seller asking for payment by Venmo, in gift cards or as a wire transfer. Dogs purchased from puppy mills can mean years of heartache and expensive veterinary care—and perpetuation of a cruel industry. The pros of purchasing from a German Shepherd breeder: You may be able to select a puppy—including a choice of gender. A reputable breeder will be passionate about German Shepherds and will a resource for years to come. The cons of purchasing from a German Shepherd breeder You will pay far more for a cattle dog from a breeder than a rescue or shelter. If you find a breeder who has German Shepherd puppies for sale at prices much lower than you are seeing from other breeders, you must suspect you are dealing with a backyard breeder who has not done health screening, with an online seller who is operating a puppy mill or with someone who is running a scam. You will need to wait until puppies are available. You will need to do your own due diligence to select a reputable breeder. German Shepherd Dogs in rescues are far less expensive that those at a breeder. Puppies under a year old will be the most costly. This group provides funding to a network of GSD rescues — they do not have dogs themselves for adoption. They have a list of affiliated rescues that can help located adoptable GSDs in your region. A breed rescue is, like the name suggests, a pet rescue that is specifically for one breed of dog. These are generally small non-profit groups that operate through a foster system of volunteers who love the breed. German Shepherd rescues specialize in German Shepherds of all ages; some have primarily purebred German Shepherds while others may also have adoptable Belgian Malinois and Dutch Shepherds. How to Find Breed Rescues Along with the list mentioned above, many breed rescues list their adoptable dogs on large adoption sites such as:. Deworming Spaying or neutering If you were to add up the cost of all of these services separately, and not part of an all-inclusive adoption fee, the price tag would invariably be considerably higher. Additionally, you can also feel good about adopting a GSD puppy from a shelter, as the proceeds acquired through adoption fees are used to help support the shelter from which you adopted the puppy. This allows a shelter to continue to rescue new animals and relocate them in safe homes. One potential downside to adoption is the time and effort that it may take you to find the right pup for you. Unlike a breeder who is able to provide you with rather specific dates, there is no telling when a new GSD puppy may be available through a shelter. Additionally, purebred GSD puppies tend to be adopted out very quickly, so if you choose this option you must be very diligent and persistent. Be prepared to make lots of phone calls on a daily basis, as it is unlikely that a shelter will call you specifically when the puppy you want arrives, as many others will undoubtedly have the same request. This is because purebred dogs that are ethically raised by responsible breeders are expensive to breed in general. Also, in contrast to a purebred shelter puppy that spends a short portion of its life at the shelter prior to adoption, a breeder must pay all of the costs associated with raising an entire litter for a minimum of 8 weeks, as is mandated by law in many states. Next comes the cost of pre-breeding health checks performed on both parents, prenatal care, stud fees, shots, food, wormings, vet visits, and a host of other unexpected medical costs. You must also figure in the time and effort that it takes to socialize an entire litter, coupled with the fact that many breeders are dealing with more than one litter at a time, and it is easy to see how the costs can quickly add up. Essentially, a purebred German Shepherd puppy from a breeder will cost more because they are more expensive to raise. However, a purebred puppy from a reputable breeder will also come with health and temperament guarantees, so you do actually get what you pay for. For more detailed understanding of adopting a German Shepherd puppy from a shelter versus purchasing one from a breeder, we have an excellent article here that will answer all of your questions and remove all of the guesswork for you. The Cost of the First Year of German Shepherd Puppy Ownership While the amount of money that you spend to acquire a German Shepherd puppy will vary in accordance to the different factors that we have described above, keep in mind that acquiring the puppy is just be beginning of your financial commitment. It is important that you pay attention to these costs, as they can be significant, and may have a bearing on whether or not acquiring a GSD puppy is a good economical choice for you. While there are other related costs, the main costs that you will incur during the first year of GSD puppy ownership can be apportioned as follows: Initial Cost of Your Puppy As described above, this is entirely dependent on whether you adopt from a shelter or purchase from a breeder. This cost varies widely and can exceed several thousand dollars on the high end. Dog Food With so many different dog food brands on the market today, this cost can also vary considerably. From basic dry dog food to available gourmet raw diets, you can spend as little or as much as you choose. Grooming While you can groom your GSD puppy yourself, many people opt to take their puppy to a professional groomer. Necessities such as nail trimming can be intimidating to the first-time puppy owner and may harm the puppy if performed incorrectly. Training While it is our preference that you take the time to properly train your GSD puppy on your own, as this is a unique and irreplaceable bonding experience on many levels for you and your GSD puppy, many people opt to seek professional obedience training. Some people simply do not have the time to do this, or perhaps it is their first dog and they are unsure of where to begin. If this is the case for you, then you should plan on this expense during your first year of GSD puppy ownership. It is, however, important to understand that individually these items do not cost very much, but if you love to spoil your puppy, then costs can add up very quickly! Crate and Divider A crate is another essential item that there is just no getting around purchasing if you want your puppy to be well-trained. Be sure to not make the mistake that many people do by purchasing too small of a crate and then having to upsize as their puppy grows. It is wise to purchase a large crate as well as a crate divider. This way, you are able to place the divider so that the volume of the crate can be increased as your puppy grows in size. Veterinary Care A preliminary veterinary health check and vaccinations are essential. If you adopt from a shelter, these are likely included in the adoption fee. However, if you purchase your puppy from a breeder, you may incur these costs after bringing your puppy home. Keep in mind that you can, and should, also plan on unexpected veterinary bills. What happens when your puppy gets into something that he definitely should not have, and even worse, after veterinary office hours? It is wise to prepare and set aside some extra funds for such emergencies. Heartworms can be deadly, so heartworm preventative medication is a must. Ticks can also transmit disease that may cause severe illness, such as Canine Anaplasmosis , and fleas are wildly uncomfortable for both human and puppies alike. Table: First Year of German Shepherd Puppy Ownership Costs Now that we have gone over the basic essential expenses of GSD puppy ownership during the first year, we can get more specific as to the expenses that you may incur, depending on your own personal preferences. The table below provides a reasonable estimate of all costs associated with the first year of German Shepherd puppy ownership. Keep in mind that, while this is a reasonable estimate, it is still an estimate. There are certain services and items within the table below that are elective, such as boarding the puppy while on vacation or obedience classes. However, as discussed above, there are certain mandatory, nonnegotiable expenses such as food and veterinary care that you must take into consideration. 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.

Although she stands no more than 10 inches tall and weighs between 4—6 pounds, the Toy Poodle has a big, playful personality that can fill up a room. While frequently associated with France, Standard Poodles were first developed in Germany, where they were used in duck hunting. They have lower exercise needs than many other dog breeds, but still benefit from a daily walk and play session. Poodles of all sizes have curly coats with extensive grooming needs. Their coat grows continuously, calling for a trim every four to six weeks. However, there is no such thing as a completely "hypoallergenic" dog. People with allergies should spend time with the breed before officially bringing home a Toy Poodle puppy. But during this long life , they are predisposed to a few health issues that may require care. Pet parents may benefit from investing in pet insurance early in life. Progressive Retinal Atrophy Progressive retinal atrophy PRA is a group of diseases that cause a breakdown of the photoreceptor cells rods and cones on the retina. Initially, the dog may have difficulty seeing in the dark, but the condition can cause blindness over time. PRA is an inherited disease and there are currently no effective treatments available. Patellar Luxation The patella kneecap is a small bone that normally sits in a groove within the femur at the knee. In dogs with patellar luxation, the patella moves luxates outside of its assigned groove when the knee is flexed. This movement can cause discomfort and may eventually lead to arthritis. Many pets will skip or run on three legs when the patella is out of place. While some cases will correct themselves, in more severe cases the patella remains out of place. In mild cases, joint supplements such as fish oils and glucosamine or anti-inflammatory medications are used to control pain and prevent arthritis. In more severely affected dogs, surgery may be recommended. This causes pain and limping occur as the bone breaks down. In some cases, pain can be controlled with medications. In severe cases, surgery to remove the head of the femur may be recommended. Symptoms include visible debris, redness, odor, head shaking, and scratching. If any of these signs are noted, take your dog to the veterinarian for an exam. In most cases, ear infections can be resolved by cleaning the ear and with topical medications. Toy Poodles develop ear infections more often than most other breeds. This may be partly due to Poodles having long ear canals with excess curly hair to trap in moisture and debris. Trimming not plucking the hair from the ear may help reduce the incidence of ear infections. Dogs with chronic or recurring ear infections frequently have allergies that should be addressed. Dental Disease Dental disease is one of the most common conditions seen in dogs as they age, especially in small breeds like the Toy Poodle. Dental disease occurs when bacterial tartar and plaque build up, leading to inflammation of the tissues around the teeth—and eventually to tooth and bone decay. Daily tooth brushing with a dog-specific toothpaste is the best way to prevent dental disease, though some diets, treats, and chew toys also help prevent plaque and tartar. Tracheal Collapse Tracheal collapse occurs when the trachea commonly called the windpipe flattens. This happens due to weak cartilage rings or the sagging of a membrane along the trachea. Most cases are treated using medications, but in severe cases where breathing is impeded, surgery may be necessary. Toy poodles are likely genetically predisposed to tracheal collapse. When on walks, use a harness instead of a collar, as pressure on the trachea can cause further damage. The condition causes a deficiency in a protein called the von Willebrand factor, which is necessary for platelets to stick together and form a clot. In dogs that are deficient in this protein, the blood may have difficulty clotting, which can lead to bleeding from the nose, vulva, bladder, or gums. Additionally, dogs with this condition may bleed for a long time after trauma or surgery. If there is concern about VWD, a screening test may be performed. This test measures how long it takes for a small cut in the mouth to stop bleeding. If the time is longer than usual, additional testing is needed to confirm VWD. Because some dogs with VWD do not have notably prolonged bleeding until later in adulthood, blood levels of von Willebrand factor can be measured to help with diagnosis. Most veterinarians recommend testing for VWD prior to any planned surgery, including spays, neuters, and dewclaw removals. Puppies should be fed a diet formulated specifically for puppies or designated for all life stages. For Toy Poodle adults, dental-focused diets may be recommended by your veterinarian to help prevent dental disease. Toy poodle puppies, however, should eat three to four small meals per day on a consistent schedule to help maintain their blood sugar. Additionally, the feeding guide labels on the dog food provides valuable information for pet parents. Just remember: In small breeds like the Toy Poodle, calories in treats add up quickly. Omega-3 fatty acids can be found in skin and joint supplements , fish oil, and even in some specially formulated dog foods. These fatty acids act as natural anti-inflammatories that help support the skin, coat, kidneys, joints, and heart. They are playful and self-confident when socialized at a young age. While relatively calm, Toy Poodles enjoy playtime and exercise with the family. The breed is gentle with children and other pets, though all interactions between dogs and kids should be supervised. Because these pups are so tiny, they can accidentally be hurt during playtime. Toy Poodles have lower exercise needs than many other dog breeds, but still benefit from a daily walk and play session. Toy Poodle Behavior Toy Poodles bond closely to their families and may develop separation anxiety if left alone for extended periods. They can also be sensitive to stress, and sudden changes in the home environment may lead to gastrointestinal upset. Additionally, because Poodles are so smart, they need mental stimulation to keep themselves entertained—and out of trouble. Bored dogs are more likely to bark, jump, be destructive, or misbehave. Toy Poodle Training Toy poodles want to please their owners. Paired with their smarts, this makes them an easy breed to train. As always, training is most successful when based on positive reinforcement with praise and tasty treats. Fun Activities for Toy Poodle Obedience training. Toy poodles double down on the froofroo rep with their tiny size and by sometimes sporting those fancy haircuts. But trust us, poodles are more than happy to get down and dirty. In fact, poodles started life as hunting dogs for the rich and famous in Europe. What made them so popular, however, is their incredible intelligence. Generally regarded as one of the smartest dog breeds , poodles are highly trainable, extremely eager to please people, and love being the center of attention through tricks and activities. None of that has changed over the years: The poodle consistently ranks as one of the 10 most popular breeds in the world. Appearance Toy, miniature , and standard poodles are all the same breed of dog, so they'll look more or less the same—except for their size. Toy poodles are the smallest of the three, standing no more than 10 inches tall and generally weighing right around 5 pounds. All three classifications of poodle have squarish bodies, generally about as long as they are tall. Poodles have a proud bearing, with heads kept high and their large, dark-colored eyes looking alert. Poodle coats come in a stunning array of colors from black, through the browns and yellow colors all the way to white. Bi-colored coats are also seen, though not hugely common. Poodles don't shed much , making them great for owners with allergies. While there aren't technically any hypoallergenic dogs , most people will find toy poodles close enough to not really quibble over it. Additionally, groomers can style a poodle's fur many different ways, and the breed has become famous for its outlandish show cuts. They tend to consider themselves a vital part of the family, have strong personalities, and learn things in a flash. They will get legitimately disgruntled if they think they're being left out of family activities. Of course, this temperament is kind of a double-edged sword. Toy poodles are devoted family pets who love to be the center of attention, learn tricks, and take walks. They're excellent in agility and obedience training and will play with children for hours. Because of their extreme intelligence, poodles are even quick to learn how to engage in more complex games such as hide and seek. On the flip side, poodles can develop common stress behaviors associated with separation anxiety. If you leave them alone for too long or don't give them the attention they deserve, these pups can be passive aggressive and do things they know you don't like—while you're there to watch. The toy poodle's teensy-tiny size makes it tempting to carry him everywhere, and he's so cute that it's no surprise owners are tempted to spoil him rotten. But, again, poodles are brilliant. A toy poodle who is carried everywhere will start to expect to be carried everywhere. As a result, every poodle owner should take full advantage of the breed's brilliance and eagerness to please, and obedience train their pet as quickly as possible. Living Needs Here is where the toy poodle's aptitude as an ideal family pet really shines. While poodles can be active dogs and will require some kind of daily exercise, toy poodles can get all their needs taken care of right there on the living room floor. Nichols says these little dogs will be happy with whatever type and amount of exercise their owner provides. Their tiny size makes them marvelous apartment-dwellers , and their innate desire to be lapdogs makes them great for seniors and people with mobility issues. Poodles of all sizes make great therapy dogs , and toy poodles in particular will love sitting near you for hours at a time. Toy poodles do great in households with other dogs, and the breed's lower prey drive , high intelligence, and friendly attitude make them ideal for houses with cats as well. Poodles love children and are eager to play, but most vets and breeders will steer households with children under the age of 10 toward the miniature or standard varieties, simply because the toy poodles are so small. They can be easily hurt by a falling child or by being handled too roughly. Always supervise children when they play with any dog and teach them how to properly interact with pets. Care No breed is perfect, and for poodles the biggest setback is going to be their grooming needs. That coat that is so shed-free and allergy-friendly? It's going to need brushing. A lot of brushing —ideally, every day. Because his hair curls in on itself, it's extremely prone to matting and, if left unchecked, can cause skin infections and have to be shaved off entirely. Aside from the brushing, poodles will need a bath and haircut every four to six weeks. While show dogs have a variety of complicated cuts to choose from, most non-show owners opt for a more standard sporting cut because of its ease to maintain. Like all dogs, you'll need to trim his nails regularly. Special attention should be paid to the ears , as their hair will grow up inside the ear canal, trapping wax and dirt and leading to infections. Because toy varieties have the same number of teeth as other poodle varieties but their mouths are smaller, it's easy for food to get trapped and decay to occur rapidly. Health Though the three varieties of poodles are the same breed, they do not suffer from the same conditions. While the standard poodle will be more prone to bloat , toy poodles can be slightly more susceptible to blood clotting disorders including Von Willebrand's disease and hemophilia , Beck says. Finally, smaller dogs can have a higher propensity for dental problems. In addition to being at greater risk for tooth decay , they don't lose their puppy teeth as easily as bigger dogs, Beck says. Reputable toy poodle breeders will conduct all health tests recommended by the Canine Health Information Center. History The poodle is the national dog of France, which is why you'll hear many people refer to the standard poodle as the "French poodle. Today in France, the poodle is known as the caniche, which translates to "duck dog. Toy poodles began to see favor by the late 18th century, appearing in artwork and in the courts of French aristocracy. The American Kennel Club recognized the poodle as a registered breed in .Jinkee , a 5-year-old red toy poodle, has more than 70, followers on Instagram. Was this page helpful? Your browser does not support the audio tag. Description When groomed to show dog standards the body is meant to give off a square appearance. It is approximately the same length as the height at the withers. The skull is moderately rounded with a slight but definite stop. It has a long, straight muzzle. The dark, oval-shaped eyes are set somewhat far apart and are black or brown. The ears hang close to the head and are long and flat. Both the front and back legs are in proportion with the size of the dog. The topline is level. The tail is set and carried high. It is sometimes docked to half its length or less to make the dog look more balanced. Dewclaws may be removed. The oval-shaped feet are rather small and the toes are arched. The coat is either curly or corded. While it does not make the written show standard, some breeders are breeding parti-colored Poodles. See grooming for different types of Poodle clips. Temperament The Toy Poodle is remarkably intelligent. Highly responsive, it is said to be one of the most trainable breeds. Sweet, cheerful, perky and lively, it likes to be with people. Delightful, very amusing and keen. Socialize these dogs well. They make very good watchdogs for their size. Without the proper type and amount of exercise they may be high-strung and timid. Toy Poodles are generally good with other pets and dogs. Unless given rules to follow and limits as to what they are and are not allowed to do, this breed will tend to bark a lot. Do not let this small dog develop Small Dog Syndrome , human induced behaviors where the dog believes he is pack leader to humans. This causes varying degrees of behavior issues , including, but not limited, to snapping, growling, guarding , demanding, untrustworthiness with children and sometimes adults, sensitive, nervous, reserved with strangers and obsessive barking, as the dog tries to tell the humans what it is HE wants THEM to do. This little dog can be good with children, however is usually recommended for older children who know how to display leadership skills. The reason is that most humans treat the dog in such a way that makes it unsure just who the pack leader is in the human-dog relationship. The dog, in his mind, is convinced HE is the leader to humans. Height, Weight Height: up to 10 inches .The Toy Poodle is 10 inches or under at the highest point of the shoulders. Any Poodle that is more than 10 inches at the highest point of the shoulders cannot compete in the AKC show ring as a Toy Poodle. Health Problems A long-lived breed, Poodles are, nevertheless, subject to many genetic diseases. Eye problems such as cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy can cause blindness. Skin conditions, possibly due to unskilled use of clippers. Brown Poodles tend to become prematurely gray. Living Conditions Toy Poodles are good for city life as well as country living. Given enough exercise, they are not active indoors. They will lie right next to you and are more sedate when indoors, although they love to play outdoors and are a highly intelligent breed, so they do like lots of thoughtful activities to stimulate their mentality. They will do okay without a yard. Exercise These are active little dogs that need a daily walk. Play will take care of a lot of their exercise needs, however, as with all breeds, play will not fulfill their primal instinct to walk. Dogs that do not get to go on daily walks are more likely to display behavior problems. They will also enjoy a good romp in a safe, open area off lead, such as a large, fenced-in yard. Life Expectancy. Life Span Did You Know? Breeders developed Toy Poodles in 18th century England as smaller versions of their German predecessors. The Toy Poodle began to represent social status, and nobles would decorate their dogs in high fashion of the time. They became so popular, in fact, that they were one of the first toy breeds recognized by the Kennel Club. Toy Poodles are smart cookies. Their intelligence is one of their predominant features, and is often showcased during obedience training. These dogs have tremendous problem-solving capabilities that make them ideal for competitions. On the other hand, this same intelligence makes for an easily bored pup. They need mental stimulation, like challenging games and toys , to keep their busy minds occupied. The Toy Poodle may also be suspicious of strangers and slow to warm up to new people. This dog breed can adapt to a wide range of living situations due to their small size. As a matter of fact, they have trouble dealing with any kind of alone time. As such, the Toy Poodle is an excellent companion animal for people who love a little company. There are a few health conditions that Toy Poodles are more susceptible to than other dog breeds. For example, they may suffer from eye disorders, like cataracts, or blood clotting disorders, like Hemophilia. Because of their size, they may also bear the risk of dental crowding, kneecap migration, or trachea instability. With regular visits to the veterinarian, many of these potential health concerns can be comfortably managed. Owners typically have an easy time during obedience training with Toy Poodles. Their intelligence often hastens the training process. However, they can present destructive tendencies when left to their own devices for too long. Toy Poodles have famously low-shedding coats. They lack undercoats, so their shedding is minimal. Their fur is hypoallergenic and mats rather than sheds. These pups will only need to be groomed to prevent matting and increase shine. Usually, brushing your Toy Poodle once or twice a week and grooming every six weeks is sufficient. As a small dog breed, they are more prone to developing dental disease so good dental care is important. Poodles are an active breed in general, and Toy Poodles in specific are just as active. After a few laps around the kitchen, the Toy Poodle will tire out and happily sit by their owners during daily activities. The Toy Poodle stands at a mighty inches at the shoulder. Their weight ranges from pounds and usually averages around 8 pounds. Toy Poodles usually live 12 — 15 years. The Poodle coat is built for the water and even the Toy Poodle tends to have excellent, practically innate, swimming abilities. Featured Toy Poodle Article. Nutrition and Feeding Small dog breeds , such as the Toy Poodle, have a fast metabolism, meaning they burn energy at a high rate, although their small stomachs mean that they must eat little and often. Small-breed foods are specifically designed with appropriate levels of key nutrients and smaller kibble sizes to suit smaller mouths. This also encourages chewing and improves digestion. Discover more about how to offer your dog a balanced diet with our easy-to-follow guide. Grooming Toy Poodles Toy Poodles do not shed and are often though not always tolerated by allergic people. Their coats do take a great deal of care, though, generally requiring professional dog grooming , as well as regular combing and brushing at home. The poodle should be taken to a groomer about every six weeks to be clipped, or you can learn how to do it yourself. A groomer will also advise on ear care. Training Toy Poodles Poodles are a joy to train as they are clever, quick to learn and love working with their owner. They can also turn their paw to dog sports such as mini agility, heelwork to music and even obedience with no problems whatsoever - and in fact training and working with their owner will keep this often-busy little dog happy and relaxed. Best Family Dog Breeds The Toy Poodle can make a fabulous family dog but are better for older children and quiet households as, especially as puppies, they are very small and easily injured by rough or boisterous play. While many dogs are traditionally thought of as being good with children, all dogs and children need to be taught to get on with each other and be safe together. Even so, dogs and young children should never be left alone together and adults should supervise all interactions between them. Poodles - especially the ones you see in the show ring - seem to have all kinds of crazy hairdos but these often flamboyant-looking styles all started off with a purpose. Poodles were originally water-retrieving dogs but their coats could easily get water-logged and pull them down. The answer was to clip off all their hair but leave some around their vital organs to keep them warm, and around any vulnerable joints to protect from injury. Similar breeds:.