french and english bulldog mix puppies

It is a medium-sized dog that is energetic, intelligent, loyal, and great around children. The Red Heeler German Shepherd mix has a high energy level that is best suited for families who want to spend time outside with their dogs. Because it is a relatively new and rare hybrid, it is also not acknowledged by the American Canine Hybrid Club ACHC and other designer breed registries. However, both parent breeds have contributed equally to the qualities of this hybrid dog. The Red Heeler , known as the Australian Cattle Dog, was developed in Australia as a working dog that could herd cattle and protect them from predators such as Dingoes or wild dogs. This breed was believed to be bred from European herding dogs like the Border Collie and then crossed with Dingoes Australian wild dogs to create this sturdy breed. On the other hand, the German Shepherd was developed in Germany in by Max von Stephanitz to herd sheep on large farms. They excel at police work, search and rescue missions, sniffing out drugs and bombs, agility training, and flyball competitions. The head of the Red Heeler German Shepherd is shaped like that of its parent breeds, with a muzzle that is slightly longer than its skull. It has dark eyes and ears that hang close to its head. The tail is somewhat long and curls over its backside when it moves around. The legs are strong with large paws that are very similar to those found on its parent breeds as well. The coat of the Red Heeler German Shepherd will vary for each dog, but most coats are either solid or mixed colors of red, black, or tan with white markings on the face and chest area. The sizes can still vary if the parent German Shepherd is a dwarf or a giant variation. They reach their full-grown sizes around 18 to 24 months old. But they can gain more weight depending on their level of activity and eating habits. It is an excellent family dog, but it may not be the best choice for families with small children. This mix is a friendly, outgoing, and playful dog that loves to play games with its owner. It is also very loyal to its family members and gets along well with other dogs and pets. The Red Heeler German Shepherd mix makes a great watchdog as well. It will alert you whenever someone comes near your home or yard. These dogs are generally healthy, but they have some health issues that you should be aware of. The disease affects both eyes at the same time, which means that your Red Heeler German Shepherd mix may lose sight gradually. The symptoms of PRA include night blindness, changes in pupil size, loss of vision, and cloudiness in the cornea. Hip Dysplasia: Hip dysplasia occurs when the hip joints of a Red Heeler German Shepherd mix do not develop properly during fetal development or when they degenerate later in life due to trauma or arthritis. Dogs that have hip dysplasia experience pain when walking or running due to joint instability. Elbow Dysplasia: Elbow dysplasia occurs when there is an abnormal formation of bones or cartilage inside or around the elbow joint of a Red Heeler German Shepherd mix, which causes pain. The condition can be treated with surgery or medication, but it is best to catch it early before the damage becomes too severe for treatment. The best way to prevent health issues in the Red Heeler German Shepherd mix is through the provision of a proper diet, regular grooming, and exercise. You should feed your dog high-quality food with no fillers or chemicals added in order to avoid any health issues down the road. Most importantly, take them to the vet once a month so they can receive preventive treatment to avoid health issues. It would also be wise to invest in pet insurance for medical emergencies. However, there are some things that you should know about in taking care of this dog to ensure its well-being. Below are some helpful care tips that can serve as a guideline when you plan to purchase a German Shepherd Red Heeler mix. You can feed it five meals a day with quality food with all the nutrients needed for its growth and development. Feeding your dog with treats is also good since they can help stimulate their appetite. You should also make sure that they get their daily dose of vitamins and minerals, which can be supplemented with vitamins. It is also important that you give them enough water, especially during hot weather, since they tend to sweat more than other dog breeds. You may read our German Shepherd feeding guide for some tips. Cleaning and Grooming A German Shepherd Red Heeler mix needs frequent brushing and grooming to keep its coat healthy and shiny. If they have short hair like short-haired GSDs , brushing once a week will be enough to maintain their healthy coat. But if your dog has longer hair, brushing twice or thrice a week will help avoid mats and tangles. You can also use conditioners on their coats to keep them soft and shiny for longer periods. You should carefully monitor their ear wax color , as this may indicate ear infections as well. You must ensure you train your dog well and teach it to behave properly. These hybrids need early socialization to be easy to handle as they grow. Positive reinforcement training is a proven method to employ for the Red Heeler German Shepherd mix. This method can also help in decreasing their tendency to become aggressive. Exercise is also another important aspect that should be addressed when raising a German Shepherd Red Heeler mix. You need to ensure that your pet gets proper exercise for a minimum of 60 minutes every day in the form of jogging and running. If your German Shepherd Red Heeler mix does not get enough exercise, it might develop health problems such as obesity , leading to more severe complications if left untreated. This price can also be affected by the bloodline of its parents. It is recommended to purchase a German Shepherd Red Heeler mix from a reputable breeder with a registration certificate. These breeders may offer expensive prices, but the health and quality of your dog are guaranteed. If you are fully determined to purchase a German Shepherd Red Heeler mix, you will need to consider a budget to cover the initial expenses of owning one. Lifespan Sociability In terms of energy and trainability, this breed is one of the best that you could bring home. The one area that a hybrid breed like the Red Heeler German Shepherd mix lacks is sociability rating. Both parent breeds are strong-willed and protective. There is a good reason for that. This breed was originally bred to protect flocks of herding sheep from predators. They were servants for farmers and not considered companions. However, as humans grew closer to these animals, they still thrived in a work environment. These dogs contain the same blood as Dingo dogs. Dingoes are free, wild dogs that are native to Australia. It is extremely rare to find a domesticated Dingo. They prefer to live wild, free lives, which is why Heelers have a bit of a wild look to them as well. These dogs are very intelligent and catch onto training fairly quickly, but only with owners who are persistent enough to handle their strong-willed nature. Poor socialization could lead to issues with children, strangers, or other pets. They do tend to bark a lot, and obedience classes could do this breed some good. These dogs are not suitable for cities or apartment living. The amount of energy they have pairs best with families who own a good chunk of land that allows them to run around and patrol the property. Are These Dogs Good for Families? However, not all dogs are the same. Puppies who grow up with the kids and are around other pets and animals a lot tend to adapt just fine to those around them. It is recommended to give active dogs of this size about 1. Divide this amount into two separate meals so that they eat both in the morning and at night. Cattle Shepherd mixes are happiest when they are given a specific job to do. The bare minimum amount of exercise they require is 1 hour, but they do a lot better when they have at least 2 hours of vigorous exercise every day. This level of activity is much easier to achieve when they have lots of land to explore. In other words, they are not suitable for apartment living. The biggest issue that owners face when training a Cattle Shepherd mix is breaking through their willpower. Brush through their medium-length hair once per week to remove any loose strands. They also benefit from a bath once every week or two since they spend a lot of their time outside. Keep the nails trimmed by using a sharp clipper. If you start the grooming routine when they are young puppies, then they are cooperative as adults. Lambert December 02, The red heeler german shepherd mix is a hybrid breed that is obtained by cross-breeding a Red heeler and a German Shepherd. Red heelers are also called Australian Cattle Dog. This hybrid breed is famous for its loyalty, intelligence, and protective nature. Like their parent breeds, they also have double coats on their body. Their coat length may either be short like Red heelers or long like German Shepherd. Contents Red heeler german shepherd mix Temperament Red heeler german shepherd mix dogs are very intelligent and loyal. They are alert like red heelers and courageous like German Shepherds. They are courageous, kind, playful, and curious. Their strength, loyalty, and bravery are appreciable. They are the protectors of their families. They can be kept as guard dogs because of their alertness and protective behavior. These dogs may become stubborn sometimes. They are skilled in herding, and their endurance is high. Another plus point in their personality is their working nature. They are very good working dogs. They are athletes having a very strong and muscular body. Red heeler german shepherd mix Size The size of a hybrid dog breed is dependent on the size of its parent breeds. The size of a German Shepherd is large, and their weight ranges from 50 pounds to 90 pounds. From the shoulder, their height is measured from 22 inches to 26 inches. The size of the red heeler is comparatively short, i. So their mixed dogs weigh somewhere between 40 pounds to 80 pounds. Talking about height, they are 19 inches to 25 inches from the shoulder. Red heeler german shepherd mix Adoption A reputable breeder should be contacted to buy any dog. Ask him to meet in person before adoption. A good breeder would never mind it. Must visit your dog before adoption; if possible, meet their parent's dogs as well. Check the health status of your puppy before purchasing it. You can visit online websites for options and details. Rescue centers and shelter homes are also an option. Check if there are your desired puppies for sale at these adoption points. Adopt a pet dog according to your routine and lifestyle. These dogs are not suitable for beginners. An experienced person should go for them. Red heeler german shepherd mix Lifespan The lifespan of a Red Heeler German Shepherd mix is from 11 years to 14 years. These dogs live a long life. In some cases, their lifespan is even extended to 16 years if they are kept in a healthy environment. Overall these hybrid dogs are healthy, but some health problems can be inherited from their parent breeds. German shepherds are more prone to diseases as compared to Red heelers. They serve with loyalty throughout their life. Accidents and health problems can affect their lifespan. After living a healthy life, they may either die a natural death or due to any health problem. Red heeler german shepherd mix Price The price varies from dog to dog within the breed. Age, size, colors of the coat, adoption point, and location can affect the overall cost of the puppy. If you contact a rescue center or a shelter home, you can purchase them at a cheap rate, but if you contact a breeder, you may have to spend a heavy amount on their purchase. The overall cost of these dogs varies from dollars to dollars, depending on the traits of these dogs. Blue Bay Shepherd The Red Heeler German shepherd Mix is a well-rounded dog that has been bred for working in packs and protecting its owners from danger. This is a tough and athletic dog. They have been used for centuries as guard dogs because of their alertness, and protective behavior, but they are skilled at herding too. Another plus point in this personality? Working nature — very good working canines with an amazing stamina rating; these pups work hard all day long. The Red Heeler German shepherd Mix is a versatile breed and can be used as both guard dog and sheep herder. They make great workers thanks to their strong work ethics. In fact, it is very strong and durable. Its condition can vary depending on what it was bred for: show purposes or working as an assistance animal. The Red Heeler German shepherd Mix is one of the most intelligent breeds, but it takes some time before that intelligence shows itself. The only color of pigment on their body, aside from red hair and eyes which can change , comes later in life- most dogs have at least one solid or near-solid patch for example spots over one if not both eyes as well as white tips on tails or other parts like noses. These dogs are 20 to 26 inches tall in size and weigh around 40 to 90 pounds. Some dogs wear a mask to make them look more intimidating. The tail of this breed is long and undocked. The most distinctive trait of the Red Heeler German shepherd Mix is its eyes. Not because they have an unusual color or anything else, but due to their attentive term. You can tell a lot about these dogs from their expressive gaze so keep your eye on those pooches when you see one in person for sure. It can be trained to obedience because it has such high intelligence levels and the energy level in these dogs needs no encouragement. A Red Heeler German shepherd Mix is a very active breed so it needs to be kept busy. You can do this by taking your dog on walks or teaching them tricks, but the best way would be if you participate in some type of sport with these dogs! This breed requires plenty of physical and mental stimulation to stay happy. The Red Heeler German shepherd Mix is a very social, loving breed of dog. It can be reserved with strangers but will affectionately greet you and your family members upon meeting for the first time as it becomes more comfortable around them. This long life span makes them perfect for those who like having a working partner that will be around through thick and thin. Even if you buy an Aussie pup at 12 or 14 years old he might still have some teeth left in his mouth! The red heeler german shepherd Mix has got creativity on its side as well as sensibility making it one of the smart breeds that are always ready with answers when needed most by following orders promptly to boot. This combination of qualities makes these dogs fantastic hunting partners because they are motivated learners able to follow scent trails efficiently without getting lost or confused through various terrains which also means less time wasted tracking down misplaced prey. Reproductive complications include a pyometra-infected womb leading to infertility; also false pregnancies caused. It can sometimes be challenging to raise them due to their stubbornness and need for consistency in training but if you have the patience they will reward you with loyalty once trained properly. It takes an experienced and dedicated owner to bring out all the potential in this Heeler-friendly animal. Post navigation. Blue Heeler vs. Both come from the same breed of cattle dog in Australia and share the exact same personalities and traits. The only difference is the actual hue of their fur. Blue Heelers are cooler with greys and browns, whereas Red Heelers have warmed reds, browns, and maroon shades. Traditionally, Blue Heelers are mixed to form this designer breed, hence the name. What does a Blue Heeler German Shepherd mix look like? This is going to be the start of the fun for these unique and special dogs! For whatever reason, the mask part that does tend to come through is the eyebrows! Most of these mixes will have some part of their coat that is speckled, which they get from their parent of the Blue Heeler. Some will have the speckling all over their bodies, and others will concentrate it in one part. Speaking of the base coat, your mix will have long glossy fur that is usually a bit wavy. Common coat colors include: Brown Black Grey If you find a mix with Red Heeler used, you can expect to see more red in the browns and tans than the greys and whites. Most tend to be solid in their base coat color, but you will get a two-toned option once in a while. How big will a German Shepherd Blue Heeler mix get? As mentioned above, you can expect your mix to reach between inches cm high and weigh between pounds kg as an adult. Often, you can get an estimate on the height from the parent breeds. In this case, however, that will vary as much as the range above does! Simply put, it can be hard to know just where on this scale your mixed puppy will be. Make sure you are prepared for either option! With a good blend of strong genes, you can expect your dog to live between years as far as lifespan is concerned. These dogs may not have a lot of severe health concerns, but you will need to be ready for the commitment of their temperament. If we were to put the temperament of a Blue Heeler German Shepherd mix into one word, it would be this: energetic. Both parent breeds were originally herders, so they spent their days running around and controlling sheep and other livestock. All this energy is then passed onto your mixed pup, who is getting it from both sides. This means that your dog is going to need massive amounts of exercise to help with this. Quite often, it could be as much as 2 hours a day in combination with mentally stimulating toys. For this reason, many do refer to them as being high-maintenance dogs! As far as other features of their personalities, they do tend to be lovely and loyal. They are very protective and will put themselves at risk just to protect you. They fiercely love their humans and will always be on the lookout for danger. They prefer to nap away from other people and chaos so that they can keep an eye out for danger. Are Blue Heeler German Shepherds good family dogs? There is still some research in this particular part of the mixed breed. In general, these are good family dogs because they always like to be in the middle of things. From camping trips to beach trips to a great hike in the mountains, these are going to be there for all of it — and then some. As mentioned, they are very protective of their family. They can be reassuring when you want a dog that you know will stop an intruder. That being said, this protectiveness can mean that they will be a bit over the top when meeting new people or animals. They will see everything as a threat, and it can be challenging to help them understand that a paper carrier is harmless. Their protectiveness also comes in combination with a strong prey drive. Young children and other household pets can trigger that, which can mean attacks and lunges. If you are set on bringing in a Blue Heeler German Shepherd mix. Top Blue Heeler German Shepherd Mix health issues to know about Since this mixed breed is still relatively unknown, the same goes for health issues! The best advice right now is to think about and plan for common health issues of both parent breeds. These include: Dysplasia.

Sometimes called a Goldenpoo or Goldenoodle, the Miniature Goldendoodle is created by crossing a miniature or toy Poodle with a Golden Retriever. The result is a mild, friendly, family dog that looks like a teddy bear come to life. Their energy level matches the Poodle genes while their gentleness and willingness to please is reflective of the Golden Retriever. They are devoted friends who crave cuddles and will follow you around just to be near you. They are smart dogs with a silly streak. They are loving and loyal and gentle enough to make good playmates for kids. Their intelligence makes them easy to train. This breed has a happy disposition and a friendly, affectionate nature. They crave close contact at all times, and they can develop separation anxiety if you leave them alone too long. They typically get along well with other dogs and other pets. They are eager, excitable, and enthusiastic about outings of all kinds. Their heads are rounded and their ears are floppy and wide-set. Their eyes are large and expressive and noses are typically black. Their muzzles are short to medium with a scissor bite. They have long and fluffy or feathered tails. Mini Goldendoodles have wavy to curly hair and they do not have an undercoat, making them a great choice for people with allergies. While they are considered hypoallergenic, some allergy-sufferers may still experience symptoms. They can be: Black. Cancer Progressive Retinal Atrophy The primary recommendations we make when someone is shopping for Miniature Goldendoodles are fairly standard. Getting your dog the right amount of exercise and keeping them at a healthy weight can prevent many chronic problems and make them overall happier. In addition, taking your dog in for regular checkups, and to stay current on all shots and vaccinations, encourages health as well. One other reason that puppy parents trust Keystone Puppies when looking for Mini Goldendoodles for sale is that we make dog health our top priority! Not only do we only work with responsible breeders that prioritize healthy practices, but we also offer a no-hassle puppy health guarantee. Because they are bred to have the coat qualities of a Poodle, these pups are a popular option for owners looking to adopt a hypoallergenic dog. Their curly coat should be soft to the touch. The signature coat of pretty curls is one of the places where the Poodle ancestry truly shines through. To keep the coat looking its most beautiful, make sure to brush it two to four times per week. Not only is brushing a nice bonding experience for the pup and their person, but it also prevents tangling and matting. Owners can maintain a healthy Goldendoodle coat by bathing them every other month. Meet Mini Goldendoodles for Sale. Spingview Mini Goldendoodles. Welcome to Springview! We had our first litter of Mini Goldendoodles in and in at the request of our many clients, started to breed our Petites. Now we are one of the most respected breeder in the country for Petite Mini English Goldendoodles. Almost all of our clients come from referrals from our wonderful families, many that have two of our Doodles or more! Our site will tell you why. We have chosen to only breed the English lines because they are shown to be much healthier due to the strict breeding policies in Europe that result in less inbreeding which can cause disease plus, we just love the broad boning and wonderful coats they give us. The English lines are also known for their very gentle and laid back temperaments. We are located in beautiful Palm Beach County Florida. We are NOT a kennel, all of our dogs live as family members in our home or with their loving Guardian Families. Our puppies are born in our home where they are loved and snuggled and stay in our home until they go to yours. They are never put out into another building or area to live. Most breeders house their dogs in kennels, garages or barns, it is just easier. We choose not to, period. Our puppies are raised in a home just like yours so that they are used to normal home life with noise, music, people and dogs. All of our parents are raised in loving homes, either here with us, or in the homes of our approved guardian families. Our dogs have all the love they can handle and sleep in our rooms and on our beds. It is shown that temperament can indeed be passed down to puppies from their parents and we firmly believe that home raised dogs that are a valuable part of a loving family are the most well adjusted and tend to have the most mellow temperaments, therefore produce the most stable tempered puppies. Most of our puppies will range from pounds. Occasionally we will have a litter with some small Minis but we breed mostly Petites only. Each litter pairing may vary slightly. We specialize in the hard to find colors like our stunning dark apricots and amazing mahogany red. This also lets us get the size our clients desire without compromising the pedigree of the dog by adding other breeds to achieve our goal. Our puppies are from English Golden Retriever lines and Poodles only. Many Doodle breeders are now infusing Cocker Spaniel or Cockapoo into their lines to fix coats or get a smaller size since Cockers have short legs. They may be cute with their big eyes but a small amount of research will show you that Spaniels do not always have the best temperaments. Since we breed for health and temperament first, we never infuse Spaniels, Cockapoos or other breeds into our dogs. Please visit our Springview Mini Goldendoodle Facebook page! Families on our waiting lists or those with our puppies are welcome to join our Springview Families Facebook page and see stories and pictures from our families! Temperament and health, are the cornerstones of our breeding program and one of the reasons our puppies are consistently in such high demand. Breeding is not a hobby for me, it is my passion and I feel my calling in life; I take breeding very seriously. Our parents all have wonderful, gentle, very loving temperaments. We pride ourselves on being one of the most responsible breeders of Petite and Mini Goldendoodles to be found. All of our dogs must pass not one, but many rigorous health tests before we even think of breeding them. Please do your research and purchase the healthiest dog you can, if not from us then from a breeder who tests their breeding dogs so you can be assured of the healthiest puppy possible. All of our parents are tested for eye diseases with a special DNA test for two kinds of PRA prcd which is a hereditary disease which renders affected dogs totally blind. We not only test for the Poodle mutation but also the new test for Goldendoodles. This hereditary disease can not be detected prior to onset in any other way other than DNA testing and we test every single dog that is not proven clear by parentage meaning the parents have been tested and found to be clear. Our dogs also get a CERF exam by a special canine ophthalmologist to look for hidden eye diseases that can be passed down to offspring like cataracts. All of our dogs get certified to have clear and healthy hearts with a cardiac exam. All of our parents have their hips, elbows and patellas x-rayed by a certified OFA Vet and the x-rays are sent to OFA for independent expert evaluation. We are very proud of the structure and coats we have been able to achieve with our Petite and Mini Goldendoodles! We have been able to consistently achieve very blocky builds with amazing plush soft coats. Our coats can vary from wavy to curly, but our curly Minis are not Poodly looking at all. Our pups have wonderful strong bone structure, a testament to the wonderful genetics of our parents. We stand behind our exceptional dogs and offer a full two year Genetic Health Warranty on all of our puppies. Do they offer a full refund or partial? All of our puppies are handled daily from birth and given loads of love, cuddling and positive stimulation. When they are old enough, usually at 4 weeks of age, they spend their days in the main part of our home, in a large play area complete with toys, climbers and slide, adjusting to life with lots of fun activity and a variety of different noises. None of our dogs or puppies are ever kept in a kennel, basement or barn. It is a well known fact that home raised dogs have better temperaments than dogs raised in kennels. Our puppies are born and raised in our home until they go home to you. During the day, they get outside time to play in their own beautiful puppy play area to run and play with an assortment of toys and climbing things. We practice Early Neural Stimulation techniques on all of our puppies! This is an essential and very important ingredient in achieving a well balanced, socialized puppy. Please note that we are not affiliated nor do we sell to any Goldendoodle or Puppy Brokers in Florida or anywhere else. It is well known that puppies purchased from puppy broker sites are almost always from puppy mills. Their puppy mill operations can be very well disguised through these sites and even sites of their own. A quality, reputable breeder does not have trouble selling their own puppies and will never use a broker. One of the largest puppy mill brokers found on the internet disguises themselves as local breeders. They have over separate websites! These puppy broker puppies are actually from puppy mills, the same puppy mills that supply all of the pet stores that sell puppies. Springview is the Anti Puppy Mill! It used to be that purchasing a puppy over the internet was always from a broker or mill but that has changed now that most businesses are found on the web so it is super important to do your homework and make sure that you are working with a professional reputable breeder that loves and cares for their puppies in the same manner that you would. We have made it easy for you to see how we care about what we do. They are very social dogs who get along well with children and other animals and make excellent therapy pets. They are patient, gentle, intelligent, and are known to be very friendly. Our Mini Golden Doodles will grow to be inches tall and weigh pounds. Their coats are usually a shaggy curl with low to non-shedding. Contact us if you are looking for an adorable and quality Mini Goldendoodle puppy for your family. We deliver anywhere in Wisconsin to your door or meet you at a bordering state. We also have delivery options outside of Wisconsin. If you are interested in one of our Mini Goldendoodle Puppies, click on the link to our application page. The prices for our Mini Goldendoodles puppies are as follows, regardless of gender or color. The price includes the Wisconsin sales tax. Ask us how you may qualify. Meet Charley below. He is an example of the most popular color request we receive at Doodle Dog Hill. Know that we do our very best to match you with your new family member in the next possible litter as soon as possible when this does happen. This is why your Mini Goldendoodle deposit is good for one year. We appreciate your patience as you work with us to add an adorable member to your family. Uncle Isaiah is doing a good job caring for the Mini Goldendoodle puppies. They are very well-socialized from birth till they go to their new homes. Have a well-puppy check-up with our certified veterinarian and are given their first vaccinations. They also have several worming treatments. You will be given all health documentation. Will come with a puppy starter kit including a chew toy, a puppy blanket with sibling scent on it to help with transitioning, detailed puppy health documents, and 2-year health guarantee documentation, 3 days of puppy food, 5 days of probiotics, birth certificate. Parents are health tested. We are there for you after your puppy goes home to help with the transition too. We arrange for delivery of our mini doodle baby to your door and or have alternative shipping options for your puppy to you. Contact us for further details. Lifetime of support for you and your puppy. We are not intending to be a boarding facility. It is subject to our availability. By submitting a deposit, you are agreeing with our policies written on our website including but not limited to, our non-refundable deposit policy and our puppy guarantee document. Contact us for more information on our puppies and on pricing information. Find Us. Gaining popularity in the early s these beautiful mini doodle dogs would spread out over three generations. A first-generation Mini golden doodle puppy is known as an F1 Mini Goldendoodle. This is the puppy of a purebred Golden Retriever crossed with a Miniature Poodle. A second-generation puppy is known as an F1B Mini Goldendoodle. This is the puppy of an F1 cross bred with a Miniature Poodle. A third generation is known as F2 Goldendoodle mini. This is where a puppy has two Mini Goldendoodle parents. Most widely known for their affectionate, friendly, gentle, and intelligent traits, Goldendoodle puppies are often used in a variety of mental and physical activities including agility, hunting, narcotics detection, obedience, retrieving, and search and rescue. Appearance and Grooming The colors of a Miniature Goldendoodle puppy coat can vary from black, copper, white, and cream to gray, golden, apricot and red apricot, golden, red, white, and yellow. Its coat also varies a lot in look and texture. Some pups have fur that is shaggy like a Golden Retriever, others have curls like a Poodle, and some are perfect hybrids. Ideally, you should brush your puppies up to three times every week to keep their hair smooth and tangle-free. Bathing can be done every 4 to 6 weeks, whereas ear and teeth cleaning should be done at least every few days. Get more tips on grooming from our Grooming your Dog at Home Guide. As one of their parents the Golden Retriever is an occasional shedding dog and the other the Poodle is a non-shedding dog, their hypoallergenic qualities very much depend on who they take after more. A puppy that is a half and half mix of its parents will likely be a semi-hypoallergenic, low-shedding dog. Goldendoodles currently come in 4 size varieties: Standard, Mini, Toy, and Teacup. Standard adult size is typically an average of 40 to 50 pounds with a height of 17 to 20 inches. There are also larger Goldendoodles that can weigh up to 90 pounds and reach a height of 24 inches full grown Full-grown Mini Goldendoodle puppies can weigh up to 40 pounds and reach a maximum height of 22 inches Petite or Toy Goldendoodles typically weigh 10 to 20 pounds and grow between 10 and 16 inches at the shoulder Teacup Mini Goldendoodle puppies generally grow to inches and can weigh as little as 7 pounds Miniature Goldendoodle Size - There are a few key factors that should be considered in order to determine the Mini Goldendoodle size adult size. The typical weight for an adult F1b Mini Goldendoodle is between 20 and 30 pounds. This puppy has two Mini Goldendoodle parents. A teacup full grown usually weighs around 15 pounds. Temperament Our Mini Goldendoodle puppies for sale are joyful companions that are loyal, brave, and obedient. Most of all, they enjoy human company, cuddles, and fun games. Their temperament depends on heredity, training, and socialization. Mini Goldendoodle's general characteristics are curiosity, playfulness, gentleness, and patience. They will bark and alert their owner when visitors or intruders appear. They also have protective behavior and act fearlessly towards aggressors in order to protect their families. Out of all mini doodle breeds, these puppies are among the most suitable for families with kids due to their playful, energetic, and affectionate temperament. Goldendoodles are very good with children. They are also a very energetic breed that can keep up with active owners and teenagers that enjoy going on hikes, bike runs, or any type of outdoor adventure. Complete breed description of the Mini Goldendoodle Exercise Needs Being smaller dogs, our Mini Goldendoodle puppies for sale do not require nearly as much exercise. A recommended tominute walk, twice a day, and some added play time will be sure to help them burn some energy. In addition to games of fetch and chase, these lovable pups also love to swim so it is beneficial to allow them to go for a few swims during summertime as well as a form of exercise. Mini Goldendoodle Puppy Training and Socialization The influence of the parent breeds results in a dog that loves to learn and is eager to please its owner. They are known for forming a strong bond with their owner during the training phase, which may lead to separation anxiety, so in addition to taking them for walks to encourage socialization make sure to leave your puppy at home alone for little bits of time in the beginning to eliminate their fear. Consistent, fun, and short training sessions will make this breed easy to train. Our Mini Goldendoodle puppies for sale are sociable and get along well with other pets and humans, but they still need early socialization to prevent aggressive behavior. It is recommended to expose them to different environments, places, people, and experiences to help them become well-rounded adult dogs. They are easy to train as they are eager to learn and to please their owner. The trainer should use reinforcement methods such as praise and rewards for motivation. Mini Goldendoodle puppies are also known to form strong attachments to their owners. Goldendoodle Mini for Sale Premier Pups is partnered with the most reputable Mini Goldendoodle breeders in the nation to offer you the best variety of Mini Goldendoodle puppies for sale. Our Goldendoodle mini puppies are vet-checked, healthy, and ready to love you unconditionally for many years to come. At full growth the average height of a Female Minature Goldendoodle is between inches with an average weight of lbs. For Male Miniature Goldendoodles their average height is between inches with an average weight of lbs. What types of coats do Miniature Goldendoodles have? They can have a straight, wavy or even a curly coat. You can best tell what type of coat your puppy will have when they reach about 6 weeks of age. What colors do Miniature Goldendoodles come in? These pups can come in solid colors or with patterns. The most common colors include: cream, fawn, brown, isabella, grey, red and black. What is the difference between F1, F1B, and F2? F1 is a breeding of a Golden Retriever and a Poodle. The standard doodle would be with a standard size poodle and the mini would be with a mini size poodle. F1B is a breeding of an F1 Goldendoodle with a Poodle. F2 results from breeding F1 golden parents. Their friendly nature, strong intuition and unmatched intelligence, allows them to excel in areas of service and therapy. Are Miniature Goldendoodles considered a breed? Are Miniature Goldendoodles hypoallergenic? Miniature Golden doodles are a cross breed and therefore their coats can vary. Some do not shed at all and some have light shedding that occurs. Generally speaking, they are a great choice for allergy sufferers. Should I be concerned with any common health problems? Because this Miniature Golden doodle is considered a hybrid the only genetic diseases they can be prone to would be those shared by both the Golden Retriever and the Standard Poodle, both of which have no major concerns. As with any dog as they begin to age you can expect common concerns. How long do Mini Goldendoodles live? The average life expectancy is 10 to 15 years. Are Miniature Goldendoodles good with kids? Aside from their loving and sweet temperament, Miniature Groodles make great pets for families with kids or just friends visiting with children. These dogs are very energetic and love to run and play with kids. Does my Miniature Goldendoodle need to be groomed regularly? Ideally Miniature Golden doodles with a longer hair length need professional grooming every weeks. If you like to keep your Mini with a shorter clip, they will need professional grooming every weeks. What is best for me- a male or female? Though, the males are still active they have a tendency to be more laid back. How much exercise does a Mini Goldendoodle need? Miniature Golden doodles energy levels are average. In addition to a daily walk they will need about a half to an hour of play each day to stay fit and trim. Are they sociable? Yes, very much so. Miniature Golden Doodles are highly sociable dogs who form long-lasting bonds with their humans. What is the temperament of a Miniature Goldendoodle? Golden doodles are loyal, gentle and affectionate. They have the obedience of the golden retriever and the intelligence of the Poodle. They are sociable animals who love to be around the company of people. Do Mini Goldendoodles shed? Depending on their breed generation and who they take after more, these dogs can be low to moderate shedders. When do Mini Goldendoodles stop growing? The Mini Goldendoodle can reach its adult size as early as 8 months. Some may continue growing until they reach 12 months of age. What is a Mini Goldendoodle? A Mini Goldendoodle is a hybrid breed that is achieved by crossing a poodle and a golden retriever. How much do Mini Goldendoodles weigh? These dogs typically weigh between 18 and 35 pounds when fully grown. Do Mini Goldendoodles bark a lot? Although they are not considered a very vocal breed, Mini Golden doodles can be talkative when they have something to say. They are known to alert to visitors and can be vocal at times. What is an f1b Mini Goldendoodle? Are Mini Goldendoodles good apartment dogs? Mini Golden doodles make fantastic apartment dogs as they are very friendly, sociable, and well-behaved indoors. Their size is ideal for apartment living, as is their temperament. Are Mini Goldendoodles easy to train? As a mix between two of the most intelligent dog breeds in the world, Mini Golden doodle puppies are incredibly smart and easy to train. They are fast learners that pick up on commands quickly. You are mixing a relaxed large breed dog with a poodle. A majority of the Mini Goldendoodle puppies will have moderate energy but some can have higher energy level. Mini Goldendoodle Reviews.

They're exceptionally clever dogs, and can often be found helping the blind, the police, and even rescue services. They're also extremely cute, and the only thing that I find sweeter than a Golden Retriever is a Golden Retriever puppy! Thankfully, people just love sharing pictures of these tiny cute puppies, and here are 14 of the best: 1. Golden Retrievers are born with an adventurous spirit. Playtime usually ends like this. How can anyone say 'No' to those puppy eyes? Cats and dogs don't quite seem to share the same sense of humor. He falls asleep smiling, and wakes up smiling too! This cuddly pup's birthmark makes him even cuter! Who wouldn't want to drive a car full of love? I can't ever take a picture of one puppy without the other getting in the way! My friend's puppy is just too cute for words! Regrets come in many forms. This is a common one in our house! Wouldn't want our baby to catch a cold. Who needs blankets to keep warm when you've got this many siblings? Is this a puppy or a polar bear? Motherly love in its sweetest form. Christina Donnelly is a small animal expert focusing on dogs and writer with over 12 years of experience in animal welfare. In fact, golden retrievers have snagged the third spot for most popular dogs in the United States for the last several years! These pooches are on the larger side females range between 55 and 70 pounds, while males weigh in between 65 and 75 pounds and require lots of exercise, which may make some families shy away. But don't let their size—or high energy—deter you. Golden retrievers are highly intelligent, easy to train compared to other breeds of dogs , and incredibly friendly. Whether you're already a golden puppy parent or considering adding one to the family, read on to learn some fun facts and see some seriously cute photos! One even surmises that goldens are descendants of Russian circus dogs! These alternate theories were debunked, however, when the personal records of Lord Tweedmouth of Inverness, Scotland were made public. Lord Tweedmouth was an avid waterfowl hunter who wanted to breed a dog with some serious bird retrieving skills. So, in , he bred a yellow retriever named Nous with a liver-colored Tweed Water Spaniel named Belle. The result? A pack of puppies with the exact hunting skills he was looking for, which he dubbed golden retrievers. Golden retrievers were later brought to North America—sometime during the s—where they became hugely popular for their beautiful looks and sweet personalities. Then, in , they were officially recognized as a breed by the American Kennel Club. Continue to 2 of 9 below. They can range from a very light, snowy white, to a yellow-gold, to a dark, coppery red. No matter the color of their coat, however, it's important to never cut your golden retriever's hair—doing so can put her at risk of skin cancer, among other health issues. Their coats are made up of two layers—the long, silky, waterproof outercoat and soft, warming undercoat—and act as insulators against all types of weather. So, if you think to trim your golden's coat in the summer to keep it cool, think again! It'll be much cooler and its skin will be protected from the sun with its coat intact. Continue to 3 of 9 below. Bred to fetch waterfowl, golden retrievers love a good swim session but would be just as happy with long walks, games of fetch, or even agility games. Aim for about one hour of exercise each day, but keep your dog's age and activity levels in mind—you may have to adjust accordingly. Continue to 4 of 9 below. If taken to a rescue site, for example, they can quickly learn how to perform search and rescues to help those in need. In addition to their smarts, golden retrievers' downright sweet demeanors make them the perfect pick for therapy dogs. They can bring a lot of comforts—and joy—to people who have experienced traumatic events, are living in hospitals, or are stressed out during college exams. Continue to 5 of 9 below. Their love of food can cause health problems like obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease , so it's important to feed your golden the right amount of food for her weight, age, and activity level. Not sure how much is right for your dog? Talk to your vet about a healthy diet. And take it easy on the treats! It's true that goldens love to eat, but they like to carry non-food items in their mouths, too. Their mouthy nature makes everyday stuff such as sticks, shoes, or even the remote control a highly prized possession. Because golden retrievers have very gentle mouths, challenges such as the golden retriever egg challenge—in which a golden is tasked with holding an uncooked egg in its mouth without breaking it—have popped up all over the web. Continue to 6 of 9 below. Tons of major movies, such as the "Air Bud" series, "Homeward Bound," "A Dog's Purpose," and even thrillers such as "Poltergeist" and "Friday the 13th" have goldens in the credit roll. What's more? There are a few golden retrievers in presidential history, too. Presidents Ronald Reagan and Gerald Ford had goldens during their presidencies. Golden retrievers are often considered the all-American dogs, so it makes sense, right? Continue to 7 of 9 below. Todd, the sweet golden pictured here, is one of those puppy heroes. During their hike, Paula nearly stepped on a rattlesnake—and when the snake lunged at her, Todd jumped in front of her to protect her. Although Todd was bitten on the nose and had severe swelling in his face, he's expected to make a full recovery. Because of his heroic deed, the internet has hailed Todd as a very, very good boy. And believe it or not, Todd has found a way to be an even better boy: He has a GoFundMe page to help other heroic doggies who have suffered from the same injuries. Continue to 8 of 9 below. Even in their senior years, it's not uncommon for older goldens to keep up with their puppy counterparts. Continue to 9 of 9 below. And for good reason! Not only are they adorable, but they prove goldens are some of the sweetest puppers around, too. One look and an instant calm will probably wash over you. Stress simply melts away. Because Golden Retrievers are notoriously loyal and obedient. They can look silly with their big goofy grins. Or they can look stoic and wise beyond their years with their striking, deep brown eyes. CutenessOverload Everything they do is adorable Just watching your pup go from an adorable average of 10 pounds right when you get them at 8 weeks old to a sizable 70 pounds at the year mark is cuter than anything you can imagine. Or falling asleep in your lap. Or busting your pup discreetly chewing on your brand new pair of sneakers in their new closet lair is the cutest. There are too many cute things! Everything will be adorable and glee-inducing if done by a Golden Retriever pup — even the behaviors that, by all logic, should annoy you to no end. This is a good thing because a puppy this adorable is definitely going to be a popular one. Golden Retriever puppies make friends with kids , adults, and other animals while keeping their trademark smiles on their faces. They are so friendly, in fact, that they may not be the best bet when looking for guard dogs. A Golden will usually greet any stranger, including during a break-in, with a welcoming smile on their face. But they will love you best Again, the loyalty of a Golden Retriever pup cannot be stressed enough; it is strong. At the end of the day, your athletic, big-pawed, adventurous, silly, and loving Golden pup will only have eyes for you. Fluffy Golden pup on bench Chunky Golden pup running through yard Golden puppy with big ears looking directly at camera Fluffy pup in a basket on grass Scrawny Golden pup in yard Golden puppy in lavender field Remember, you can find just about any breed of dog you are looking for at a shelter or rescue.

Welcoming a new puppy into your home is an exciting time filled with joy, cuddles, and a few inevitable challenges. One of the most common questions new puppy owners ask is, "When can puppies go outside? Table of Contents Easiest Dog to Take Care of: Top 10 Breeds for a Happy Home Do you ever dream about having a furry best friend who loves to play fetch, gives the warmest cuddles, and greets you with the happiest tail wags every time you come home? A friend who is not just any dog, but the easiest dog to take care of? We know, it sounds like a dream come true, right? But we also understand that bringing a new puppy home is a big step. It's like adding a new member to your family, a little brother or sister.All French Bulldog Insights French Bulldog Breed Info If you're seeking an adorable companion with a charmingly squashed face, an easygoing personality, and a distinct penchant for lounging on the couch, the French Bulldog could just be your perfect match. With their signature bat ears and expressive eyes, French Bulldogs, or "Frenchies" as they are lovingly known, have captured the hearts of many dog lovers around the globe, consistently ranking among the most popular breeds. Renowned for their easy maintenance and the ability to thrive in apartment living, French Bulldogs are a city dweller's delight. Their small size, typically weighing under 28 pounds, makes them perfectly suited to compact urban spaces. However, their charming personalities and heartwarming companionship are universally loved, irrespective of city or countryside living. This breed's laid-back nature does not mean they're devoid of fun and play. On the contrary, French Bulldogs can be quite playful and are known for their often comical and entertaining antics, which only further endears them to their owners. Their affectionate demeanor, combined with a remarkably low barking tendency, makes them a joy to have around the house. French Bulldogs are sturdy, compact, and stocky, with a powerful muscular build that contradicts their small size. They have a smooth coat that comes in a variety of colors, from fawn and brindle to white and grey. Their facial expressions are human-like, and they're known to "talk" using a complex system of yawns, yips, and gargles. However, owning a French Bulldog does come with responsibilities. Their brachycephalic short-nosed nature makes them prone to certain health issues and less tolerant of extreme temperatures. Despite their muscular appearance, they are not the best swimmers, and care should be taken around bodies of water. It is a very sturdy dog that can serve as a great companion. The French Bulldog, however, could be mistaken for the English Bulldog. Although these two breeds may be similar, they are two different breeds and are merely distant relatives. In the 18th and early 19th century, bulldogs were mainly used for blood sports in England. However, in , this practice was abolished and outlawed. As a result, breeders began to breed bulldogs for the purpose of companionship, rather than sports. To achieve this, they had to cross-breed with terriers in order to create a smaller size of bulldogs. Within this period, lace workers from Nottingham migrated to France and brought these small bulldogs with them. The small bulldogs gained popularity in France and soon enough, people began to breed more and import some from England, thereby reducing the number of French Bulldogs in England. They are also known as Bouledogue Francais or Frenchies. Temperament The French Bulldog can best be described as fun-loving. This breed is also very affectionate, especially towards trusted humans. It should be noted that French Bulldogs can be very willful and obstinate. They tend to follow their own rules and as such, may be difficult to train. Owners will need to maintain a firm but kind hand when training this breed. However, beneath their stubborn hide lies a soft heart and a need for companionship or affection. When left alone for too long, they may develop separation anxiety. French Bulldogs are also very territorial and may be aggressive towards cats or other dogs. Environment French Bulldogs are best suited to cool environments. They can survive in small, compact apartments as long as it is air-conditioned. This breed of dog is very prone to heat exhaustion. Exposure to extremely hot weather could cause them to overheat and collapse. Exercise The French Bulldog does not require much exercise. All it needs is a minute exercise session. Owners may take their Frenchies out on a walk or play with them. However, it is important to watch out for signs of exhaustion. Frenchies usually tire easily because of their propensity for heat exhaustion. Once any sign of exhaustion or fatigue is noticed, the dog should be given time to rest and recuperate. Grooming French Bulldogs do not require much grooming. As a matter of fact, only the basic grooming routine is required. They do not shed excessively so they do not require excessive fur grooming. Owners are equally advised to brush their teeth twice or three times a week in order to maintain oral hygiene and prevent dental problems. French Bulldogs often experience splitting of the nails. To prevent this, their nails should be trimmed or filed once in a while. Our French Bulldog puppies come from either USDA licensed commercial breeders or hobby breeders with no more than 5 breeding mothers. We only purchase puppies from the very best sources, and we stand behind every puppy we sell. Contact us today to learn more about the availability of our French Bulldog puppies for sale. We look forward to helping you find your next family member. Although spaying or neutering is not compulsory, it is highly advisable to spay your French Bulldog. This will help to decrease its chances of getting certain kinds of cancer. It also prevents the risk of unwanted breeding between your French Bulldog and any nearby dog. Are French Bulldogs Aggressive? French Bulldogs have the potential to be aggressive. However, they are not usually aggressive unless they are trained that way. It is important to note that they may show aggression towards other dogs or smaller animals. Owners should watch out for signs of aggression and nip them in the bud. What is the life expectancy of a French Bulldog? With a proper diet and nutrition, French Bulldogs can live for up to eleven or thirteen years. Can French Bulldogs eat raw meat? French Bulldogs can eat raw meat such as chicken, liver or kidney. They could also eat canned, dry food. What is the difference between a French Bulldog and an English Bulldog? French Bulldogs and English Bulldogs are quite similar but different at the same time. English bulldogs are bigger while the French Bulldog is considerably smaller. French Bulldogs also have upright pointy ears whereas the English breed has folded ears. Do I have to worry about fleas with French Bulldogs? Just like all other breeds, French Bulldogs can get fleas. If they do get fleas, this can be solved by getting flea medicine or using a flea comb to get rid of the fleas. How do you deal with separation anxiety in French Bulldogs? French Bulldogs are very prone to separation anxiety. To curb this, owners can crate train their dogs or provide them with chew toys. What is the best way to train your French Bulldog? Crate training is one of the best ways to train your French Bulldog. It helps to create good and positive behavior in your Frenchie and could be a fun place for it to rest. Are French Bulldogs children-friendly? French Bulldogs are not the best option for kids. However, if they grow up surrounded by children, the risk could be lessened. They should not be left unsupervised around kids. How big are French Bulldogs? The French Bulldog is about 11 or 12 inches tall and weighs an average of pounds. For an energetic and somewhat strong-willed dog, the French Bulldog has all the traits you are looking for! Contact Us.

After moving into a small country home just outside the city, they began to research home security options. Ultimately, this led to their first purchase of the worlds most loyal, protective, friendly, and intimidating canine: the German Shepherd. Since then, their shepherds have brought fun to their days and peace of mind to their nights! The Rutt's German Shepherds have been a huge gift to their family, and they are proud to breed quality GSDs that will be a gift to other families as well. Check out his father, Renzo vom Wolpertinger Wald. He loves kids and gets along well with other pets. His medium drive and desire to please his owner has made him an easy dog to train. This guy is adaptable, smart, and the ideal dog for any family. She is very protective but great with kids and very playful. She is great for the family, and serves as a faithful guard dog. Her working-line drive and keen sense of smell has made her an essential part of tracking and recovering MANY deer. More than anything, she loves retrieving sticks we throw into the pond. She keeps a keen eye on the Rutt farm and is often the first to let strangers know they haven't gone unnoticed. She loves to play, run, and swim, and is usually the first to let us know when someone has pulled into our country-driveway. She's got tons of drive and a great ear for visitors. In fact, two of her littermates were purchased for the New York Police Department. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Quality working line German Shepherds Responsibly bred for health and temperament. Our dogs are always tested for hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and degenerative myelopathy at a minimum. We also do full Embark panels that test for hundreds of different genetic health issues. Being our German Shepherds are working line, they possess a tremendous amount of intelligence and desire to work and please their leader. When appropriately trained and stimulated, they make excellent family companions and can have a good "off" switch while relaxing with their people. We are a very hands-on family-oriented program. We put our all into each puppy to ensure a healthy, stable, confident, and friendly temperament. We use the puppy culture program as a baseline in our puppy-raising protocol to help build confidence and nurture their critical thinking skills. Emily has been a veterinary technician for 12 years, so all the dogs and puppies receive routine and quality vet care; she is also a certified canine trainer and behaviorist, so we spend a lot of time watching and analyzing each puppy's behavior. We temperament test each puppy at six weeks old to help provide each family with the most information possible before picking is done; this helps ensure each puppy ends up with the best possible fit in a family. We are very involved with all the families still, to this day, and make a point to always be a resource to them for anything from health to training and everything in between. We take a lot of pride in our program and have put in countless hours and literal blood, sweat, and tears developing and shaping the program and our puppy-raising protocol to be one of the best available to families in the southeastern United States, specifically South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, and North Carolina. However, we have also placed puppies in homes with families in many other states, including California, Alaska, New York, Connecticut, Nevada, Pennsylvania, and South Dakota. After falling in love with the breed and seeing so many local German Shepherd breeders in South Carolina who were not educated on responsible breeding practices or even the standards, lines, and recommended health testing of the breed, producing unstable and low-quality German Shepherds and then watching families who didn't know better struggle to deal with these issues we decided to dedicate our time to being a resource for education on the breed and an option for families to have a quality shepherd that can excel in all areas that are healthy and mentally stable. Education is our favorite part of it all, next to the absolute joy of seeing the family's faces when they get to bring their new family members home. Home: Opening Hours. For the complete list please see our German Shepherd Breeders by State guide page. The cost of a German Shepherd puppy in South Carolina can vary widely. If you are looking for an extremely high-quality pup, expect to pay more than that. When assessing the price of your pup, do not forget to take vet fees into account. Be sure to talk with the breeder about any additional costs associated with caring for your dog after it is brought home. A reputable breeder should be able to provide you with all the information you need about taking care of your new best friend. First, ask your friends, family, and coworkers if they know of any good breeders in the area. Chances are, someone you know has purchased a dog from a breeder in the past and can recommend someone trustworthy. Second, do some online research. There are many websites devoted to helping dog owners find responsible breeders. Be sure to read reviews and compare prices before making a decision. Finally, contact your local German Shepherd rescue organization. These organizations often work with reputable breeders who have puppies available for adoption. This is a great way to find exactly the kind of pup you are looking for, while ensuring that your money goes to a good cause. If you do your research and contact breeders ahead of time, finding the perfect German Shepherd puppy for sale in South Carolina should be easy. First, be sure to ask lots of questions. A good breeder will be happy to answer all of your queries and will provide you with detailed information about their puppies. Second, take the time to meet the parents of your potential pup. If the parents are friendly and healthy, it is likely that their puppies will be as well. Finally, spend some time playing with the puppies. This is a great way to get a feel for their personality and temperament. Be sure to bring your entire family along so everyone can have a chance to interact with the puppies. If you follow these guidelines, finding a responsible German Shepherd breeder in South Carolina should be easy. Just take your time and contact several different breeders before making a final decision. A good breeder will have no problem giving you the contact information of happy customers. If possible, visit the homes of some of these customers to see the puppies firsthand. This will give you a good idea of what to expect from your new puppy. References will be able to tell you a lot about your potential breeder, so be sure to ask for them. If your breeder is reputable, they will have no problem with you contacting some of their previous buyers. Ask these customers about their experience with the breeder and their puppies. Were the puppies healthy and well-socialized? Was the breeder easy to work with? Did they provide any after-sale support? A good breeder will be happy to provide them. If they do, this is a promising sign. A reputable breeder will take their puppies to the veterinarian for regular checkups and preventative treatments. Make sure you confirm your suspicions before proceeding any further. Your breeder should take their German Shepherds to the vet regularly. A reputable breeder will be very open about allowing you to meet either or both parents. Reputable breeders will always offer written health guarantees so that both parties can be protected against illness or genetic defects. There are plenty of responsible breeders out there who will be more than happy to help you find the perfect puppy. You can also report them to the Better Business Bureau or your local animal control agency. Puppy Mills Puppy mills are a huge problem in the United States, and they often prey on unsuspecting buyers who are looking for a new pet. The breeder is secretive and unwilling to answer your questions. The puppies are much cheaper than average, indicating that the breeder is trying to make a quick buck. You deserve much better than that. A responsible breeder will be more than happy to answer all your questions. You should expect health guarantees from any responsible South Carolina German shepherd dog breeder. These guarantees will protect both you and the breeder in case your puppy ever falls ill or inherits an illness or condition. A responsible breeder will always put the welfare of their puppies first, and they will be more than happy to answer all your questions. The breeders who meet these high standards will ensure that both you and your new pup are happy with your decision. However, there are a few things you should do before your pup arrives to make life as easy as possible for both of you. Set up the Crate Ensure that the crate you choose is large enough for your German Shepherd puppy to stand up and turn around. Just be sure to clean it thoroughly afterward so that neither of you accidentally steps on anything harmful. Here are a few tips to get started: 1. Take your pup outside immediately after they eat, drink, or play. Reward your pup when they successfully pee or poop outside. A treat or some verbal praise will do the trick. Have patience. It may take a little while for your pup to get the hang of things, but they will eventually learn where is appropriate to relieve themselves. If all else fails, consider using puppy pads or training pads until your pup has learned where to go. Congratulations on your life with your new puppy! I love animals and love helping people adopt a pet. It all started when attending Missouri State University and I began volunteering at an animal shelter. Our dogs are x-rayed and certified through the orthopedic foundation for animals OFA and they are also PennHip certified. We participate in conformation shows through the United Kennel Club and have several champions. Learn more about our breeding program here Knowledge in raising the finest puppies There is more to producing amazing puppies than just careful selection in breeding. We strive to produce perfection in the way we nourish, train and enrich our puppies lives from birth. What sets us above the rest is the enrichment we provide for our litters. We go the extra mile to make sure that our puppies have the best start in life as possible. We focus on quality over quantity by never having more then 2 litters at a time. We have been raising these magnificent dogs for over 20 years. Learn more about how our puppies are raised here Located in beautiful South Carolina We are located in the beautiful midlands of South Carolina. A beautiful unique color is just icing on the cake of an already exceptional dog. Our non-traditional color lines have some of the highest hip ratings in the US! Learn more about GSD colors here We hope you enjoy looking around our website and getting to know about us, our dogs and the unique way we raise our puppies! Visits are by appointment only. If you are in California and want a puppy from us we can still make it happen as we can deliver! My husband got this made for me in

There are a variety of reasons to crate train your dog. Use your crate: [25] X Research source To keep your puppy safe when you cannot watch her. To keep your belongings safe when you cannot watch your puppy. When your puppy is home alone. To give your puppy a place to calm down. When traveling. To keep your puppy away from children or other dogs. To aid in house training and other behavioral training. Never use your crate to punish your dog. And once your dog is no longer a puppy and can be trusted not to destroy the house, do not crate your dog when you are away. Save the crate for special times — i. For the most part, your dog should enter her crate voluntarily. The type of crate you use is up to personal preference, though many find that wire crates are the most durable and comfortable long-term solutions for dogs as well as being used at most kennels where you might board your dog. The most important thing is that you get the right size crate. If it is too small, your dog will not be comfortable. If it is too large, it will provide the den-like space dogs crave. Your dog should be able to stand in the crate without hitting her head, to turn around comfortably, and to lie on their side with their paws stretched out. Also buy a divider if purchasing the crate for your puppy. Your dog should enjoy her crate. It should provide a comfortable place for her to relax, so much so that she should choose to spend time there. Make sure to: [28] X Research source Put the crate in a room where you spend lots of time, so your puppy does not feel abandoned. Keep it a comfortable temperature: out of direct sunlight and far from fireplaces and radiators. Place soft bedding inside. Place chew toys inside to give your dog something to do. Cover your wire crate with a towel or crate cover. This will give it more of the den-like feel your dog craves. If you do it well, crate training will be much easier. Throw some new dog toys in, too. Let your dog explore the crate on her own. Let her go at her own speed. Every hour or so put more treats in the crate when your dog is not looking. Be sure to subtract all these treats from their daily food allowance. Also start feeding your dog in the crate. At first, put the bowl just inside so they only have to poke their head in. After 2 or 3 successful feedings, move it to the middle, then all the way back. Show your dog a treat and toss it in the crate. Move away and wait for her to leave the crate. Always use your cue words. Repeat the whole ritual several times a day until your dog is happily entering the crate to fetch treats. After tossing a treat in once or twice to warm your dog up, use your command word without a treat. If she enters, praise profusely and give a treat or two. Also praise her when she leaves. Repeat this training several times a day for two or three days, until your dog is entering and leaving the crate on command. If your golden puppy struggles with this step, go back to the previous one. Ask your puppy to enter the crate and sit. Slowly close the door. If you have to bang it shut before your dog escapes, then she is not ready for this step. When the door is closed, praise and give treats, then open the door and let her leave. Gradually lengthen the time they must sit in the crate before you let them out. Do sessions of training where they wait ten seconds, then 30, 45, and a minute. When your dog can comfortably stay in the crate for a minute, you will want to start moving away while she is in the crate. In the first session, move only a few feet away before you come back. Move to different areas of the room and keep looking at your dog. Next, try training sessions where you move around the room without paying attention to your puppy. Add moments when you step out of the room briefly and return. Finally, leave the room. At first, stay out for only five minutes. Gradually increase the time you are gone to 30 minutes. Go back to the previous step or reduce the time you are leaving her. Always remove your puppies leash and collar before putting her in the crate, as they are choking hazards. For a puppy, these will need to be shorter trips, as a puppy cannot be expected to go more than 3 hours or so without urinating. She needs to be able to get up and stretch her legs. Vary the time you put your dog in the crate. Sometimes do it ten minutes before you go. Sometimes five. Sometimes right before you head out the door. Praise your dog for entering her crate, then go. Now that your puppy is comfortable in her crate, she can sleep there overnight, but be sure you can hear her. Puppies often need to pee in the middle of the night. Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you click on a link and purchase the item. This comes at no extra cost to you. If your Golden Retriever is like mine, they just want to play all day. It contains a mix of games that will mentally stimulate them, physically stimulate them, games with toys involved, and games with no equipment needed. Here are the best games to play with your Golden Retriever: Chase All puppies love chasing and being chased, so this is a fun way to tire them out. Treat Toss Treat toss is another way to get your puppy practice coming to you. This is a great game to play to pre-practice recall, get your pup some exercise, and have them learn that good things come from you. This game obviously requires lots of food, so instead of feeding your puppy their meal in a bowl, you could just play this game. To play this game, you and your partner each grab a handful of treats kibble will be fine for young puppies and sit across the room from each other. For more fun or more advanced dogs, there are a few ways to mix this game up. The other option is to take it outside. This is best with older puppies who are not so distracted and who are good at coming when called. We play this game with my 3-year-old Golden Retriever all the time in our backyard where we stand on opposite sides of the yard to get him some exercise. Want to potty train your Golden Retriever puppy fast? Click here to download the Potty Training Cheat Sheet! Tug Tug is a classic game that you can play with Goldens of any age. Once your pup learns how to drop it , you can mix in practicing other commands between sessions of tug. This makes it a great way to get physical and mental exercise, plus bond with them. The only equipment you need to play tug is a rope toy like this one from Amazon. We play fetch with tennis balls he likes the Penn tennis balls better than balls made for dogs or the West Paw Zogoflex Zwig stick. And if you want to make it easy to throw the tennis ball farther, you can get a Chuckit! Launcher to throw the ball like a major league outfielder. Open Sesame This is a fun game to mentally challenge your Golden Retriever puppy and teach them some impulse control. The first step is to grab a treat in your closed fist and hold it out to your pup. The moment they pull away, open your hand and give them the treat. This will teach them that patience, not pestering, will get them what they want. Getting a Golden Retriever puppy? Check out the Golden Retriever Puppy Handbook. Airplane Game The Airplane Game is a great game to get your puppy to pay attention to you. To play this game, hold a treat in your hand. She might even jump , bark , or paw at you to get the treat. Immediately reward her for doing so. Muffin Game To play the Muffin Game, take a muffin tin and put treats in it. Then, put balls or other objects over the treats so your pup has to move them to get the treats. Oliver loves this game and this is another idea I got from Brain Training for Dogs. The only requirement is that they either know how to stay or you have a partner to hold them still while you hide. I usually have a few treats to give to Oliver when he finds me, but you could also have a tug toy to play with them as a reward. This game is great because it helps them practice stay and recall , as well as builds the bond with you two. You can also play this game with their toys where you hide one of their favorite toys in another room and they have to go find it. Wrestle Mania Wrestle Mania is what it sounds like — wrestling with your pup! Oliver and I wrestle a few times a week and he loves it. Building A Bond With Them Having a solid bond with your puppy will help them want to behave and obey you more — not to mention this is the whole reason you got a Golden Retriever! Playing games, having fun, and exercising with your pup are all ways to have a better relationship with them. When I was a kid, the only thing that motivated me to learn math was that I wanted to keep score of basketball games. Playing games like Open Sesame will help your pup with impulse control, the Airplane Game will help get them to focus on you, and tug interspersed with tricks and commands is a fun way to practice those behaviors. Have any questions about these games? Let me know down in the comments! Related articles:. Playtime is a perfect opportunity for you and your dog to bond. Luckily, there are several fun games that you can play with a Golden Retriever! As a dog owner, it is your responsibility to keep your pet active and entertained. Learning some of a Golden Retrievers favorite games will create many memorable moments for you and your furry friend. Read on and learn more about the games that Golden Retrievers like to play! This article may contain affiliate links and loyalgoldens may earn a commission if a purchase is made. Unlock your goldens natural intelligence and see just how quickly problem behaviors disappear. This is the best at home dog training I've ever used! There are two ways to play this game. One way is where you hide, and your dog looks for you. Once they find you, make sure you praise and encourage them to do it again. Another way is to hide treats in interesting places and ask your dog to look for them. Since Golden Retrievers love treats, and they will work hard to ensure that they get them. The challenge of looking for the treats uses up some of the dogs excess energy, gives them a chance to exercise their body, and provides the mental stimulation a Golden needs. You can also play a version of hide and seek where you hide a dog treat in a puzzle toy like this one by Outward Hound on Amazon. Your Golden Retriever has to figure out how to get to the treat. Discover how to train your Golden Retriever by playing games : 21 games to play with your Golden that will make them smarter and better behaved! Note: Play Hide and Seek with treats in moderation since giving them too many extra treats will end up causing more harm than good. You can also try playing hide and seek with your dogs favorite toy instead. The game is fun, helps keep your dog active, and is a good way to teach them manners. This is a rope made of special material that will not hurt their teeth or have any harmful chemicals. Try the Mammoth Tug Rope found on Amazon. When playing tug of war, always remember that the game ends when the dog touches your hand with his mouth, so you should teach them this rule from the beginning. This helps ensure that the game remains safe since some dogs can get carried away when playing tug of war. Alternatively, a safer and very fun to watch way to play tug of war with your pooch is to set up a bungee out in the yard where your Golden Retriever can play the game all by himself. Watch how excited these two Goldens are to play with their new tug of war bungee. Like humans, dogs enjoy spending time in the water, especially on a hot afternoon. When teaching, use a doggy life jacket Amazon for safety. After your dog has learned how to swim, you can then have fun playing other Water Games, such as dock diving or swim racing. You can also bring along some of their toys and play a game of fetch in the water. You can play this game both indoors and outdoors. Also ensure that your Golden Retriever is running on a carpet. Otherwise, they are at risk of slipping and hurting themselves when running to get the toy, especially if the floor is slippery. For an outdoor game of fetch, the bouncier the dog toy the better. A Jolly Ball is a ball and a rope combined. This is a durable rubber toy that really bounces! The inside is hollow so it can be filled with peanut butter or dog treats for an added surprise. Clean Up Teaching Your Golden to Clean Up As its name suggests, Cleanup is where your dog will collect the toys that have scattered on the floor while you were playing. Imagine that! Though this may take time for them to get, Golden Retrievers are smart and will eventually be in a position to pickup and put away anything you ask him to. Pretty cool! You can improvise with items such as blankets, old furniture, or wrapping paper tubs, creating your own obstacle course. Use treats to lead your dog through it. This is a fun and an ideal exercise for your dog, especially if you are trying to help them lose weight. Here is a YouTube video to guide you on how to play some agility games: How to play games with agility training. Is it a sport or a game? To ensure safety in the game, make your Golden Retriever sits downstairs while you throw the treat onto the top landing. When your dog is coming downstairs, encourage them to run slowly to reduce the risk of injuries. Under, Over, and Through Golden Retriever Obstacle Course Teaching your dog to go under, over, and through objects is not only a good brain game, it is also good exercise for them. Use an item such as a chair and teach them to crawl under the legs of the chair as a response to the command you give them. You are also likely to bond better with your dog when they see you joining them. You can set up all sorts of obstacles to climb over, go around, and crawl under using items in your home. Cardio Twist Golden Retriever Slalom Game This game is often played in dog competitions, but you can play it at home as well. Set up poles using household items such as chairs or stools and have your dog weave between them. If you have other people in the game, they can also serve as poles. Weave between the poles and instruct your dog to follow you at your pace. Change your pace from fast to slow from time to time. Cardio twist is not only a great workout for you and your dog but it also helps them learn coordination. Golden Retriever slalom. You can also use pillows, chairs, people, anything really. Since dogs have a powerful sense of smell, you can make a game out of it. The follow your nose game is similar to hide-and-seek. You play it by hiding something yummy and smelly in a scent bag and instruct your Golden Retriever to look for it. Avoid hiding the bag in an obvious place. Hide it somewhere where your dog will have to put in the effort to get it, so as to challenge and stimulate them. This dog game is best played outdoors since there are many hiding spots, including underground. Golden Retrievers, young and old, love to chase bubbles out in the yard. You and your dog can have hours of fun with this one without requiring much effort on your part. An old dog will enjoy this game as much as a young dog will! This Golden Retriever loves her bubbles! Conclusion It is impossible to exhaust the list of games to play with your Golden Retriever. But whenever you have a chance, entertain and bond with them by joining them in the games listed above. And remember that safety comes first, so always ensure that your playing area is safe to avoid any risk of injuries for you and your Golden Retriever. If you click on a link and choose to make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no cost to you. Making sure your Golden Retriever gets plenty of exercise is vital to its health and well-being. Physical exercise ensures your Golden Retriever has healthy muscles and bones, that its heart and lungs get stronger, and it helps maintain a healthy weight. However, for your Golden Retriever to be well-balanced, it also needs mental stimulation and socialization. Boredom in dogs can often lead to destructive behaviors. So, what are some good activities for Golden Retrievers? Good activities for Golden Retrievers incorporate physical exercise and mental stimulation and should include training and socialization whenever possible. Physical activities help burn excess energy and maintain physical health, while mental-focused activities aid in cognitive skills and problem-solving. The game also works on recall skills as a bonus. Fetch is simple and cheap. You throw it an item such as a tennis ball, frisbee, or practically anything your dog can comfortably carry, and your Golden gets it and brings it back. Or, if the weather is lousy, you can play a shortened version in the house. The tug game is widely recommended by most science-based trainers and animal behaviorists. Begin by showing your dog a toy that they like and that is suitable for the dog. You may have to really wiggle it and shake it around if your dog has never played before. The goal is to get their interest peaked, and movement usually does it. Every game has its rules, and this applies to a game of tug too. Your dog cannot make contact with skin or clothes, and you decide when the fun begins and ends. Rules for us humans are that no aggressive pulling is allowed, nor is pulling aggressively up at steep angles or side to side. The tug of war game is an excellent way for your dog to learn and reinforce skills such as let go, sit, and go-play commands. The tug game can be combined with fetch as well. Teach your Golden to let go and ask for a sit. Mixing it up keeps it more exciting and mentally stimulating. Follow the Leader Follow the leader is a great training game that teaches your dog to follow you while having fun. If your Golden goes right, you go left; if your dog runs ahead of you, you slow down; if your Golden slows down or stops, you run. The rule is that he follows you. It can be a quick activity to start or end a play or training session, and it works well as an add-on to other activities. I usually like playing follow the leader before a fetch game. Puzzles and Games Many pet stores and online retailers carry puzzle games and lick mats, so if your budget affords it, these can be fantastic options to keep your dog mentally stimulated. Puzzle feeders can be used with your kibble, while lick mats work well with peanut butter, yogurt, or dehydrated foods such as beef liver treats. All dogs need mental stimulation, especially higher intelligent dogs such as the Golden. Many games engage a Goldens brain and include anything from hiding treats in toys to commercial puzzle games. Or we put a treat or two in a muffin tin, put tennis balls on each hole, and the goal is for our Golden to find the reward. Or create a foraging box. Keep some boxes in various sizes, such as cereal boxes. Sprinkle some treats in each box and then place the smaller box inside a bigger one and those inside an even bigger one. Your Golden has to use its nose to locate the treats and must figure out how to get the goodies out. Kong toys work well also. You can put some loose kibble in there for your Golden to locate, or you can soak the kibble, put it inside the Kong and freeze it for the next day. Your Golden will need to figure out how to get the tasty reward out. You can use make-shift pylons any object will do , use Hoola hoops, small jump obstacles like cardboard boxes, stairs, brooms, rolled-up blankets, and whatever you think of. Teach your Golden to run through the obstacle with you. Have your Golden run-around, over, and under the obstacles. Find a hiding space. Someplace where your dog cannot see you, but your Golden should still be able to hear your when you call. Once you find the right spot, say behind a curtain or door, call his name. Your Golden will find you pretty quickly unless you are a great hider , but they love seeking you out and finding you. Another variation is using treats. You can do this activity indoors or, if you have a yard, then outdoors. Use cheese, boiled chicken, apples, or any high-value treat your dog loves. You may have to show them the first few treats, so they get the hang of the game, but they catch on quickly. Bubble Game Cheap, fun, and no training is required. Great for kids as well. Get a bubble blower. Blow bubbles. Your Golden Retriever will chase the bubbles and jump up, snapping at bubbles to break them. Just make sure the bubbles are pet friendly yes, they make bubbles for dogs , and off you go. You can use a PVC pipe, an old fishing rod, or a sturdy stick think hockey stick, eh. Attach a long rope or string, and now add a furry toy, a rag, or a dog toy, and you have a flirt pole. The flirt pole is excellent for physical activity and mental stimulation. Your Golden has to run, jump, and anticipate changes of direction and plan for what will happen next. It also benefits those dogs with a more innate prey drive by stimulating that instinct. The rule is, though, you must let your Golden catch the lure or toy on occasion. It also prevents frustration. Not allowing a dog to catch its toy is teasing and can cause behavioral issues. Once your Golden catches the lure, now you can transition into a game of tug. All handy things for your Golden to learn. And, the teaching moment is all wrapped up nicely in a fun play activity. Just remember, dog training is supposed to be fun, so keep it that way. It can be fun and still accomplish the goal at the same time. The best teachers know how to do both. Or teach your Golden an invisible boundary, so it stays out of the kitchen or stays back from the door. Not only are these complex skills a great way to invigorate the mind, but it teaches skills that benefit both them and you. Activities That Require Classes Obedience Training Formal obedience classes are a wonderful activity and one that I consider essential. It combines socialization, mental stimulation, and training. Your Golden gets to meet new dogs and people, learn basic commands, and do all this in a distracting environment. Obedience classes ensure your Golden gets a great foundation of obedience and manners while simultaneously building and strengthening communication between your Golden and you. You each must learn to work together as a team. Hold up. Are you looking for a good online training program for your Golden Retriever? I recently wrote an article comparing some of the most popular online dog training systems. Canine sports classes are especially suited for dogs with high energy or dogs with very ingrained instinctual drives like herding dogs. Scent Work Scent work training is excellent for dogs. Scent work is also great for fearful and reactive dogs as it teaches them to focus and be confident. Nose work starts by teaching your dog how to seek out treats and toys, kind of like puzzle games and hide and seek. Then it expands and increases in difficulty to entire rooms, outdoor areas, and vehicles. Scent detection is actually a competitive canine activity. If you and your dog have an interest, then competitive events are an option. Doggie DayCare Doggie daycare is great for puppies and older dogs alike. Just like children need to play with other kids their age to get exercise, mental stimulation, and to learn how to socialize — your Golden is no different. So, you get a day to relax or run errands. It also helps teach your Golden Retriever to be away from you, which can reduce separation anxiety. If you work and have your Golden in there every day, then you know your pup is getting exercised along with plenty of social and mental stimulation. This a tired pup — physically and mentally. A shout-out to his best friend Milo for the fun times. Strictly Outdoor Activities Swimming For this one, you need a body of water. Golden Retrievers are bred to retrieve waterfowl from lakes, and their coats are designed for the water. Golden Retrievers are very well adapted to tolerate cold because of their double coats, and they dry off quickly. The result? Goldens are ideally suited to the water and love to swim. Body of water includes lakes or ponds, pools, and even slow-moving rivers or streams. If swimming is done in a pool, be mindful of pool chemicals and chlorine. Give your Golden a good rinse after a pool swim. Did you know that overbathing can be bad for a Golden Retriever? Dock Diving Of course, with this one, you need both a lake and a dock. Once your Golden is comfortable with the water, just run and jump off the dock. Chances are your Golden will follow. Dock diving incorporates swimming plus diving plus fetch all rolled in one. Make sure you put a life jacket on them, though. Kayaking and especially canoeing are easier for your Golden, but paddleboarding will take training for the both of you. These activities can involve swimming too if you decide to take a dip with your Golden sometimes that may be unavoidable. However, the real benefit is mental stimulation new sights, sounds, and smells and the time you spend together. Hiking Hiking is an excellent activity for people and dogs alike. It usually incorporates inclines depending on the terrain and offers a host of other sights and sounds for your dog. Not all trails allow dogs, so check in advance to be sure. And if the trails do allow dogs, then most will require that you keep them leashed. Keeping your Golden on a leash is a good idea anyway since if you lose your dog in a thick brush or a forest, you may never get them back. Also, you want to be mindful of any encounters with small animals like squirrels or porcupines or bigger critters like bears. Just keep them leashed to be safe. Rocky and ungroomed, jagged trails can cause issues with their paws, so be alert to the type of landscape on the hiking path. Make sure to bring water and snacks for you and your dog. Also, throw a small backpack on and take some essentials just in case. Bring a first aid kit along at a minimum. Remove any you find and be thorough. Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are not unlike walking or hiking in that it gets your Golden Retriever outdoors and trotting beside you. Usually, groomed trails or shallow snow is best, or your Golden may have difficulty navigating itself through the snow. Bike Riding Biking can be an excellent exercise for you and your dog if you have a well-behaved and well-trained Golden. You want your dog to trot beside the bike, which means you need to keep the speed reasonable. It would be best if you had excellent control of your dog, so training your Golden gradually with the bike beforehand is a good idea. You should also wear a helmet. Be very mindful of temperature in the summer; your Golden can overheat quickly. Bring water and snacks for your dog. If your Golden falls behind, then it may be tiring. Turn around and walk your Golden back home. Yes, you can over-exercise a Golden Retriever. Walking During walks, your dog is exposed to the world outside his home. He gets to experience various sights, sounds, smells, and environments, which mentally engage him. Walking is the foundational exercise for all puppies and dogs, which is no different for Golden Retrievers. Walking should be the staple exercise for your dog throughout most of its life. Dogs love to walk, and walking helps bond your dog to you. You may find your dog wants to stop frequently and check things out. A solution is to mix up your walking sessions. One that focuses on fast walking for exercise and another where your Golden gets time to smell and investigate his environment. One is more physical, the other more mental. Both are social. Running Running is a great cardio workout for both humans and dogs. However, refrain from running with your Golden before 14 to 18 months of age due to developing joints, muscles, and bones and the impact of running on those. And be sure to get a thumbs up from your vet first. Every so often, stop and ask your Golden to sit or change directions and vary the terrain. Keep it fun and your dog guessing. If running in the summer, be cautious of not overheating your Golden, so stick to cooler mornings or evenings and bring water for the both of you. The article details the age they can start, how much they can run, how fast and how far, and much more. Check it out here: Need a Running Partner? How About Your Golden Retriever? Read the full disclosure here. Keep in mind that healthy adult golden retrievers should get about an hour of exercise a day , with some needing more and others maybe less. If you are looking for fun ways to exercise your golden retriever, consider these 14 options that will help keep your pooch happy and healthy. The list starts with outdoor activities before transitioning into indoor options that you can do on rainy or cold days. Walking Or Running The most obvious way to exercise with your golden retriever is to simply take them for a daily walk. Your pooch will gladly walk alongside you for an hour or more a day since this breed is very athletic. If you enjoy jogging or running, take your dog with you next time. Because of their build, goldens have no issue keeping up with human runners, even those who go running regularly. As a bonus, walking or running with your retriever will help you stay active as well. Fetch Another obvious but fun way to give your golden retriever exercise is to play fetch. Go to your backyard or the local park and throw their favorite toy. Wait for them to bring it back and throw the toy again. Remember to give your dog breaks and think about their personality. If, for example, your golden tends to get easily distracted, try playing fetch in an enclosed area to keep them concentrated on you. Also, make sure to choose an appropriate object for the game. Avoid sharp or heavy objects that can hurt your retriever; instead, stick to balls, squeak toys, small sticks, ropes, or other vet-approved toys. Best of all, you can also play fetch on a smaller scale inside if the weather is bad or you feel too sick to go outside. Hiking If you are tired of simply walking or jogging around the neighborhood, then plan a more exciting trip and take your golden retriever hiking with you. Always be sure to check whether the trail or park you plan on hiking in is dog friendly and whether your canine needs to be on a leash while there. Remember that hiking requires a great deal of athleticism and can be very tiring. If your golden retriever is sick, young, or old, ask your vet whether they are up to the task. Be sure to bring plenty of water and a bowl with you and let your golden pause to drink at regular intervals. During the hike, try to aim for soft terrain and stay clear of dense underbrush and sharp rocks since these can damage paws. When you get home, give your retriever a thorough bath or brush out and check for fleas and ticks. Although they are now frequently family pets with humans who have no intention of hunting, this is still part of their genes. You can take advantage of this, get outside, try something new, and let your retriever do what they were bred to do. They will truly enjoy field retrieving and hunting with you and this will ensure they stay in great physical shape with strong muscles. Hunting with your golden will also promote bonding. It also helps you build a bond with your golden as you work together towards a common goal. Depending on where you live, it should be easy to find an agility group. You can even adjust this activity for inside play on rainy days. Set up items like tables and hula hoops and get your retriever to go around, under, or over them. You can even work on balancing on top of smaller items. Swimming Swimming is another great way to exercise your golden retriever and it will let you both stay cool on a hot summer day. Retrievers tend to be natural swimmers and because of their special coat, do not feel the cold and dry off quickly so can partake in cold winters as well. You can even just invest in a small kiddy pool, fill it up, and watch your dog go crazy. If you do plan on swimming with your golden, remove any collar or other apparel they may be wearing and always keep an eye on them to make sure they are safe. While these dogs are typically excellent swimmers, accidents can happen, especially with a collar getting snagged. You can even find a doggy life vest if you want to be extra safe. Also, make sure to give your dog a thorough bath after swimming in a lake or pool to get rid of chlorine, dirt, and other items that can cause irritation. Many dogs can be trained to get comfortable on a treadmill. Start off by simply having them in the same room as the machine while it is on so they can get used to the sounds and sights. You can then turn off the treadmill, get them to stand on it, and give them a treat. After they seem comfortable, turn it on at a very low speed and encourage them to stay on with treats. Over time, you should be able to increase the speed of the treadmill to the point where your golden retriever can eventually get a good workout on it. If they have problems getting used to it, try standing in the front of the treadmill and giving them the occasional treat for motivation. Remember to always supervise your dog when they are on a treadmill and never tie them to it. This is simply a combination of swimming, diving, and fetch. Grab a floating toy that your dog loves and throw it into the water. Wait for them to swim and retrieve it, then repeat the action. Many areas even have dock diving groups and you only need a safe area for swimming. Before dock diving with your golden retriever, make sure they are a confident swimmer and check the area for potential dangers such as hidden rocks or other objects in the water. In reality, dogs such as golden retrievers can have plenty of fun with these toys as well. Simply shine it around the room or any other indoor space and watch them follow and chase the red dot. If this happens, it can lead to retinal damage. Hiding Treats All dogs love treats and you can take advantage of this to give your golden retriever some exercise on a rainy day. Take some of their favorite treats or testy dry dog food and hide them around your home in various places. Consider putting them underneath rugs, behind chairs, under tables, or behind doors. Your dog is likely to get exhausted looking for the treats and get a great workout in the process. Your golden retriever may even get enough exercise from a toy that dispenses treats when they solve a puzzle, but it depends on the animal. Just remember to restrict yourself to a reasonable number of treats. Giving them too many can make them sick or defeat the point of exercising by leading to weight gain. For some dogs, this will trigger aggressive or predatory behavior that is not good in a domesticated animal. If you notice these issues, stick to a different form of exercise for your retriever. Playing Hide And Seek If you are concerned about giving your golden retriever too many treats, you can adjust the above game to hide yourself instead of treats. Distract your pooch by giving them their favorite toy to play with. As soon as they get distracted, go to another area of your house and hide. They will start to run all over the place looking for you, mildly exercising themselves. Suddenly the game is not only exercise, but it also reinforces training. Jumping Jumping is another way to get your dog to burn plenty of calories even if you are stuck inside. You can encourage your dog to jump in plenty of different ways. Tap them on the nose so they know you have it, then stand up and hold the toy over your head. They will jump up to try to reach it. As a bonus, this method also lets both of you work on your leg muscles. An alternative is to encourage your dog to jump up and down with the help of bubbles. Just make some non-toxic bubbles like you would for your children or buy a pre-packaged solution. Blow the bubbles up high into the air and watch your dog go for them. This exercise method has even caught on enough that you can find bubbles for dogs in fun flavors like peanut butter and chicken. If you use bubbles, always make sure to pick non-toxic ones that are safe if they are ingested. Conclusion No matter which method you choose to exercise your golden retriever, the goal is to have fun, keep them healthy and mentally stimulated. Always make safety a priority and find an activity that you both enjoy doing. Soon you will look forward to play time as much as they do. You May Also Like. Without adequate exercise, few puppies will be able to control their energy. Families see an out-of-control puppy and immediately think exercise is the answer to their problem. Often it is, but exercise can also be overdone. There is a balance. The information below has exercise guidelines for large breed puppies along with a broad range of various ways for your puppy to get that exercise. Make sure that you have a fenced area or that you are far from any place that cars or other dangers might be. For off-leash strolls, let the puppy set the pace. If he lies down, let him rest. Here are a few general guidelines. Keep in mind that puppies that are used to active lifestyles can handle longer excursions. Conversely, puppies that have not had opportunity to exercise off leash need to start off at a slower pace. For your average puppy, start off with minutes for an 8-week old puppy. Increase to up to 20 minutes for week old puppies. By the time your puppy is 6 months, the time can be increased up to as much as 45 minutes and for a month-old puppy, you can go for as long as an hour as long as you are going at a slow pace with plenty of opportunities for your puppy to sniff around. If you miss a week or two of the work, decrease your distance when starting back and gradually build up the distance again. This long distance exercise must be off-leash so that your puppy can take breaks and slow down as needed. The puppy must set the pace. Forced running on a leash is never good for a growing puppy. Leash Walks as Exercise for a Golden Retriever Puppy Leash walking can be a good form of exercise when certain criteria are met. First puppies need to be trained and socialized to the environment. Second, leash walks need to be done in a certain way. Leash walking can be overdone. One of the biggest causes of growth plate and soft tissue injury in young puppies is repetitive exercise. Leash walks for puppies must be broken up with training sessions or opportunities for free off-leash play or time to sniff around on the leash. At 3 months, you can go for 20 minutes and at 6 months, you can walk up to 30 minutes. You must be much more careful with leash walking since you and not the puppy control the pace. Leash walking provides an excellent way of combining a little bit of physical exercise with mental exercise, obedience training, socialization, and environmental desensitization. It is a fantastic way to introduce a puppy to his world. It gives a bit of exercise while at the same time giving opportunities for socialization and training. However, strolls on a leash are not enough. Puppies must have an opportunity to run and play. Again, off-leash walks are best if your goal in your walk is to provide adequate exercise. A week old Golden Retriever puppy will have a neck that is about 12 inches. Get a collar of any brand that includes 12 inches in the size range. An adult female will have about an 18 inch neck. A male adult will need a collar that fits a 20 inch neck. Similarly running on a treadmill or any other types of forced running are not appropriate forms of exercise for a golden retriever puppy. Free Play as Exercise for a Golden Retriever Puppy Free play is always an excellent form of exercise for a golden retriever puppy. Dogs and puppies of all ages can play as long they like in your safely contained yard. If your puppy is playing with another dog in the family, make sure you supervise their play until you are sure that they play well together and that the older dog is not too rough. End the play if the other dog is getting too rough, if your puppy is starting to annoy the other dog, or if your puppy shows signs that he is ready to quit playing. Strange dogs are not worth the risk. Getting on the ground or running around with your puppy can be one of the best ways to exercise your puppy. Fetch and tug can be options if played within certain guidelines. Whether you are playing tug or fetch or just running around with your puppy, there are a couple of rules that need to be followed. Instead, ignore him. Wait until your puppy is behaving. Then, once you begin playing with your puppy, periodically, stop the game and make him gain control of himself before resuming the game. Ask him to do a simple behavior such as a sit or a down. Then start playing again. We recommend teaching your puppy the game of fetch at a young age. Going and getting a toy, bringing it back, and giving it to you is easier to teach when they are young. Chasing balls causes puppies to twist, roll, jump, and tumble while trying to grab a moving ball. Instead, use toys. Then, combine your game of fetch with a game of tug. Tug is discussed in detail in another section. Once your puppy has learned to tug, teach your puppy a release command. Save longer throws for your dog until after he is over 2 years of age. Teach The Wait Command Once your puppy has learned to bring a toy back to you reliably, you can begin teaching your puppy to safely retrieve a ball. Before moving from a toy to a ball, teach a wait command. Playing fetch with a dog with a wait command is a tremendous exercise. It not only provides physical exercise, but it also provides a super opportunity for a puppy to learn self-control. Here is how to teach it. I like to use what is called a pull tab. A pull tab is a very short leash that you attach to a collar. Pull tabs are typically 6 inches or shorter. A pull tab is long enough to give you control over your dog, but short enough for the dog to be able to run and play with it dangling from his collar. Once the dog relaxes and I require a sit as well , throw the ball. When the dog is dependable with regard to waiting on the release, you can do away with the tab. Having a dog wait before chasing a ball is a necessity with puppies because it eliminates the problem of the dog twisting, turning, and diving for a moving object. Fetch is a great exercise for an adult. Once a dog is over 2, you can begin throwing balls and even add a Chuck-it ball thrower to your game. Tug as a Form of Exercise for a Golden Retriever Puppy Tug is a very good exercise for dogs of all ages except for during the stage when puppy teeth are coming out and new adult teeth coming in to replace them. Make sure you stop before he looses his first teeth at around 4 months. Tug can then be resumed when all adult teeth are in. The most current training recommendations for tug no longer include the idea that the dog can never win and that you must always be in charge. This is not true. Consider a child racing his Dad down the street. The Dad lets the child win and the child beams. It gives the child confidence and makes him want to be faster and better. The same holds true with puppies. Let them win when they do a good job! The Release Once a puppy is tugging vigorously and understands the game, you can teach a release cue. Teach this by making the tug toy become motionless and no fun. Just keep the toy still until the dog opens his mouth on his own. Then immediately give the toy back to the dog and start the tug game again. Begin integrating the release into your play session in such a way that you are giving the toy back far more often than not. The dog needs to associate his releasing the toy with a restart to the game, not an end to it. It encourages forced running, jumping, and twisting, all bad for the growing puppy. Frisbee throwing can be dangerous for any dog, but especially for a puppy. We personally never play frisbee with our dogs. There are many other better exercise choices. Digging Digging is actually a very good exercise for a puppy though it may not be so good for your lawn! If you should have a place that your puppy can dig, maybe a soft spot in the corner of your yard, train him that that place and only that place is his digging spot. Puppies Should Avoid Full Flights of Stars Your Summer Brook puppy will be trained shortly before changing homes to safely navigate a set of 3 or 4 steps. If your set of steps is more than half a full flight, we require that you carry him up them until he is 4 months old. Even after this, we recommend keeping him off the steps as often as possible. Dogs tend to get excited and fly down them, often leaping over 4 or 5 of them at a time. This can result in injury. As with so many other repetitive or impactful activities, we highly recommend waiting until growth plates are closed. Baby gates can be a huge help until that time. Swimming Swimming is super exercise for a Golden Retriever puppy and most dogs enjoy playing fetch in the water. See our website page on teaching a puppy to swim for more information. This includes jumping up on and off of furniture until he is fully grown and growth plates are closed. Growth Plates and Exercise We have mentioned quite a few times on this page the importance of limiting certain activities with your puppy until his growth plates are closed. Some of you might be wondering what growth plates are and why they matter with regard to exercise. What Are Growth Plates? Growth plates are soft areas that are at the ends of the long bones in puppies. These growth plates gradually get thinner until they completely close. The closure of growth plates is brought on by hormonal changes during puberty. When growth plates close, they harden as they calcify and the rapid cell division stops. The growth plates become what is called an epiphyseal line. The epiphyseal line is sturdy and not so prone to injury as the growth plates. These are collectively referred to as soft tissue. In an adult, when there is a soft tissue injury, a sprain will result. However, in a puppy, the soft tissue is stronger than the growth plates. An injury that would only cause a sprain in an adult dog could cause an injury to the growth plate in a puppy. The soft tissue can actually pull the growth plate apart. Growth plate injuries can sometimes not heal properly and keep a dog from growing straight and strong which can subject him to problems for his entire life. Conclusion Although you need to be much more careful with the type of exercise you provide your puppy, exercise is still very important to a growing puppy. Appropriate exercise is key to building strong bones. Another key to good puppy development and a relaxed puppy is mental exercise. Give your puppy appropriate physical exercise and give your puppy a long life with healthy bones and joints. For more information on our puppies, see our page on Golden Retriever puppies. Primary Sidebar Breeders and Trainers of English Golden Retrievers We focus on breeding and training beautiful English Golden Retriever puppies with health tested champion parents, great pedigrees, and fantastic temperaments.

Welcome to Quail Meadow Labradors! We are not a kennel but a large family that fell in love with Labradors over 20 years ago. At that time all of our children were small so we didn't breed any of our dogs, but about 18 years ago, we decided it would be great to start sharing our love of these beautiful dogs with other families. We are located on 8 acres in central Florida just west of Ocala and besides our dogs, we also have cats, horses, cows, and sheep. We usually have three to five litters of puppies each year. These pups have got to be some of the most socialized puppies in all of Florida! They are raised right in our home along with our children and our pups and kids love it! They are people pets that like to be right where you are! All of our dogs are the English Labradors and they have great temperments with both show and field in their bloodlines along with championship pedigrees. Most families though are just looking for a quality pet with no hip, elbow, or eye problems and that's what we strive for. Our puppies are a part of our family and our goal is to provide good homes for them and a sweet, healthy pet that will be a part of your family for many years. Thanks for visiting our website and we hope to hear from you soon! Please visit us on Facebook and Instagram! Get In Touch. Duke is a perfect fit in our family. He loves our small children. He is medium in size. He is just like his momma Lacey.I highly recommend Penny Lane Labradors! Jennifer Sample: Duke I constantly get comments not just on how handsome he is but his temperament. My husband has had labs his entire life and I have owned one other lab with him for 10 years. Bosun is hands-down the best dog we've ever had. Thank you for breeding such great animals. He is a gem! She is adjusting well! Thank you for taking care of her for 8 weeks :! Charlotte Kountz: Dannie Thank you for our puppy muffin Juno. She is so sweet. She is definitely getting spoiled. She is a good little girl. We just adore her! Deanna Morrey: Delilah Lexi has the most adorable smile and is a little cuddle bug! Rachel Roberts: Lexi We named our little ball of joy Maisie. Thank you for such a wonderful pup! We love her so much!! He loves to swim at the beach and go on walks. Laura Watson: Sully Brady on his 11 wk birthday. He is very good - after the first night he has slept thru all of the nights. He is the perfect puppy!! Loves to get into the refrigerator- never seen anything like it! Took her to the beach first time Yesterday- she absolutely loves all the other dogs and people she meets, and they love her. She sleeps thru the night now in her kennel next to our bed. Thanks for raising such a fine puppy- she has stolen our hearts and filled our lives with joy! She is adjusting fine. She slept free in her own bed in our room till about then went straight back to sleep. Erika Foster: Olive. Pet Keen is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more. We understand there are many reasons for seeking a breeder, though, so we encourage it to be done the right way. We have not personally investigated all of the breeders below, rather, we have gathered their details for you to get in touch and ask all the right questions before you decide. Learn more about our position and how to choose a breeder here. Labrador Retrievers are one of the most popular breeds of dogs in the United States. They are loyal, outgoing, friendly, and active. Affectionate and good with other dogs and children, they make wonderful additions to your family. There are plenty of reputable breeders in the Sunshine State to choose from. All the breeders mentioned in this list make sure the puppies are well cared for, including receiving all vaccinations, being thoroughly vet examined, and adhering to the Labrador Retriever Official Standard set by the American Kennel Club AKC. The 10 Labrador Retriever Breeders in Florida 1. No Lab has ever been returned for health or temperament issues, and each pup is raised in a home with 5 acres of land, plenty of love, attention, and care. All puppies are dewormed and thoroughly examined by a veterinarian. They also do not remove dewclaws. To get started, fill out the form under the contact link on the website. They focus on breeding pups of superior temperament and health. All puppies are vaccinated, microchipped, AKC registered, and come with a health certificate. They also offer a 1-year health guarantee. The bloodlines have a history of service dogs , companion, show, and hunting dogs. The pups are sold with limited AKC registration. The breeder socializes the pups, and they are raised in a loving environment. They are more focused on breeding for their own breeding stock and show lines but occasionally have pups available. They serve Florida, Georgia, and surrounding states. All puppies are AKC-registered and bred for companionship, show, field, and service work. All pups are examined and tested for top-quality breed assurance. They are happy to assist you with any questions; all you have to do is shoot them an email. Augustine and Jacksonville, Florida, this small hobby breeder raises AKC-limited-registered pups in the home. All puppies are bred according to the Labrador standard health and temperament and are ready to go home at 8 weeks. All parents are genetically tested for any joint issues and any signs of inbreeding. The British Labrador is primarily a sporting and hunting breed that holds the Labrador Retriever standard temperament. Their facility sits on 7, acres of land filled with wildlife and designed by nature experts, creating the perfect hunting-training scenario. They handpick from the finest British Labs in the world to produce the best hunting and sporting Labs. The puppies are sold with an AKC limited registration and are microchipped. You can take your new puppy home at 8 weeks, and the breeders raise them with love and plenty of attention. A unique fact about this breeder is they use an early socializing technique called early neurological stimulation , which improves cardiovascular health and other physical benefits. These predictable, durable, steady breeds, like Labs and Goldens, are great with kids and offer the whole family more dog to love. At Twin Lakes Kennel, we have been breeding and training world class Labrador retrievers for almost forty years. Our industry setting Puppy Guarantee makes buying one of our pure-bred Labrador retrievers one of the wisest decisions you will ever make. Read the personal testimonials from prominent Labrador Retriever owners from around the country. Visit our Puppy Page or call Woody or Judi for up-to-the-minute puppy information at .Located near Laurel Hill, NC, we deliver our world class Labrador retriever puppies and adults to locations as far away as Alaska. We can easily deliver our guaranteed Labs to your location in or around Orlando. For details, call Woody or Judi at .Labrador Retriever Puppies and Children In a recent article, a licensed professional counselor for more than twenty-five years, explained how owning a Labrador retriever can help produce healthier, happier, more well adjusted children. Furthermore, telling a dog to sit, and then watching the dog do what he was told, provides children with tons of confidence. By giving children the confidence needed to consistently practice reading, they become better readers by virtue of the practice. Dog-owning children have fewer sick days off school, and children who own them often have better self esteem. Be sure to read the rest of her article, Ten Reasons to Own a Dog. Our world class Labrador Retrievers puppies for sale! Our Latest Happy Clients! Become A Happy Client!

For example, white miniature German shepherds is a mixed breed with Maltese dogs. Since this breed is known for being short-tempered with kids, this may make them too scary for kids, a possibility no family wants. This may also make training harder, unlike standard GSDs that can easily be trained. For example, most miniature GSDs carry the intelligence and loyalty of German shepherds. This leads to plenty of differences between the personality of a miniature German shepherd and the standard GSD. Another good news is that those that belong to the purebred or the dwarfism category typically acts like how a standard German shepherd should. But a mixed breed like the white miniature German shepherd is not only a dog that looks like a German shepherd but smaller. They also have a different purpose, depending on the other breed. They are great for those who own their own farm. Despite a less aggressive behavior, they still qualify as guard dogs. German shepherds have great potential as a search and rescue dogs. Even more so with the mini German shepherd since their size allows them to easily navigate through most terrains. See also 17 Things To Know About German Shepherd Pomeranian Mix Take note, however, that miniature German shepherds, like any other dog, need to have a balanced work and play for a comfortable life. While the German shepherd traits work well with the working line, the traits from the miniature breed may work the opposite way for family dogs. Due to their small size, they can easily be carried from place to place. This makes them great for kids. However, as previously said, when mixed with incompatible breeds, they can exhibit undesirable behaviors. Some examples of such breeds are chow chows and chihuahua , which are the worst dog breeds for small children due to their snappiness. On the other hand, being bred with a collie, poodles, and other friendly breeds may make small German shepherd breeds better family dogs. This means the dog might inherit different traits that you might not know of. Information such as the DNA line and health data are crucial things that you should know so you can take care of the miniature GSD properly. Breeders that cannot answer questions about the parents or provide any documents to back their statements are likely to be the type that only goes after the money. There are also dogs that look like a German shepherd but smaller with a parent from another breed. Some can have different personalities, appearance, health issues, and so on. At the end of the day, you learned many valuable things in this blog post. Many questions have been answered about miniature German shepherds. The truth was revealed. Peter My name is Peter and I am a dog lover. I have two German Shepherd dogs, one of which is called Biscuit because his coat is very light with brown patches. My wife and I moved from the UK to Ohio where we now live with our two daughters. We love squash on weekends and following the English Premier League closely! Previous Article. What is a Miniature German Shepherd? Purebred or crossbreed? The other side claims it is a mixed breed. The truth is that the Miniature German Shepherd is indeed a crossbreed. Small-sized standard German Shepherds do not exist unless the dog happens to have dwarfism. To get a Miniature German Shepherd, the standard is bred with another purebred, most commonly the Collie or Poodle. Instead, take a look at the parents to get an idea of how a puppy could possibly turn out as an adult. The Intelligent Border Collie This breed is world-renowned for its smarts. A lovable family doggo with talents for competition and herding, it contributes desirable personality traits to make a German Shepherd Collie mix. It can weigh up to 44 lbs 20 kg with a height of 22 in 56 cm and has a lifespan of up to 17 years. Some health concerns to be aware of with this breed include bloating and an eye anomaly that causes partial or complete blindness. This dog makes an elegant and friendly family dog that is a fast learner. The Poodle excels as a competition dog and is also widely used for therapy. The Poodle can weigh up to 70 lbs 31 kg with a height of 22 in 56 cm and has a lifespan of up to 15 years. There are health concerns associated with this breed, such as epilepsy, canine hypothyroidism, and progressive retinal atrophy. The Loyal German Shepherd The German Shepherd is sharp as a tack and completely dedicated and in love with its family. Ranking as the 3rd most intelligent, you get a well-rounded dog that is not only stunningly beautiful with its thick coat, confident stance, and communicative features, but an excellent guard dog that will protect at any cost. It can weigh up to 88 lbs 40 kg with a height of 25 in 65 cm and has a lifespan of up to 13 years. For further insight into German Shepherd growth, take a look at this guide and chart. With the Shepherd breed, hip dysplasia is a common health issue that is seen in the Miniature variety as well. Shepherds are also known to suffer from a neural disease called degenerative myelopathy and endocrine pancreatic insufficiency, which is a digestive disorder. This is a rare inherited genetic disorder that results from breeding two purebred German Shepherds. A German Shepherd with dwarfism, though significantly smaller weighing up to 30 lbs , will exhibit the token characteristics and mannerisms the breed is known for. It will also look like a typical Shepherd, except with shortened limbs. This is one way to procure a smaller than normal Shepherd, but there will be extra health issues to deal with, such as allergies and thyroid issues. It is common for these dogs to bald as they age as well. Here is a cute video that gives a glimpse into what life is like for a German Shepherd with dwarfism. The Mini German Shepherd is undoubtedly smaller than the standard one, weighing up to 50 lbs 22 kg. Any combination of these colors can be inherited by the Mini. This Dog is a Devoted Protector maria. They make excellent guard dogs but are good-natured. If you have kids, the Mini will take full responsibility for their safety, with a healthy dose of playtime and cuddling thrown in. Hardworking and intelligent, they make phenomenal search, rescue and therapy dogs. Training is a breeze, as this breed is a fast learner remember, all of three possible parents rank TOP-3 in the smartest dog breeds list? The earlier you introduce behavior commands and socialization methods such as walks in the park where other dogs can be encountered safely, the sooner you will see the intelligence blossom. Hip dysplasia is the most common inherited disease from the German Shepherd parent. This painful condition occurs when an abnormality in the hip socket causes the dog to become crippled or experience agonizing arthritis. To keep your small German Shepherd in good health, plenty of exercises is key. This breed is also prone to canine hypothyroidism, which can cause obesity. No one can guarantee how a mix will turn out. The breeder should be able to present health clearances for hip dysplasia and other common diseases. Check out these Miniature German Shepherd breeders for available litters. There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a breeder, so read on for tips on how to make the best decision for you and your dog. Research: The first step in choosing a German shepherd breeder is to do your research. Once you have a list of potential breeders, narrow it down by doing more research on each one. Find out how long they have been breeding German shepherds, what their breeding practices are, and whether they have any health concerns with their dogs. Health Screenings: A good German shepherd breeder will have their dogs health screened before breeding them. This means that the parents of your puppy will have been checked for common health problems that can affect German shepherds. This is important because it helps to ensure that your puppy will be healthy and free of these conditions. Temperament Testing: A good German shepherd breeder will also temperament test their dogs before breeding them. This means that they will evaluate the dogs to make sure that they are good candidates for breeding. They will check things like how the dog responds to strangers, whether they are aggressive, and how well they socialize with other dogs. This is important because it helps to ensure that you will get a puppy with a good temperament. Ask For Reviews: Once you have found a few potential German shepherd breeders, ask for reviews from people who have purchased puppies from them. This can be an excellent way to get first-hand information about the breeder and their dogs. Visit Breeder Permises: After you have done your research and asked for reviews, it is time to visit the breeders in person. It is also a good opportunity to ask the breeder any questions that you may have. These are just a few things to keep in mind when choosing a German shepherd breeder in the UK. By doing your research and asking the right questions, you can find the perfect breeder for your new furry friend. If you know any great German Shepherd Breeders who live in UK, please let us know in the comments below. So we can add it to our list. What is the Breeder Name? Where are they located in UK? It really helps others who are looking for German Shepherd puppies in UK. And we believe there are many but we thoroughly review and close check the breeder before adding it to our list. If your friend and relative looking for a German Shepherd Puppies in the UK, you can share this post with them. Post navigation. Life Span Did You Know? A Miniature German Shepherd is a cross between a German Shepherd and a smaller dog breed that is meant to result in a smaller version of a German Shepherd. Although these Mini Shepherds can inherit any combination of traits from their parent breeds, they tend to be energetic, intelligent dogs that bond closely with their families and are affectionate with them. Miniature German Shepherds make great family dogs. They may be hardworking while on a job, but they have a playful spirit while relaxing with their family. They also tend to get along well with children and other dogs in the family. Although they tend to do well with smaller pets they have been raised with, they do have a high prey drive. Mini German Shepherds are also protective and alert. They will bark to alert you and will be naturally suspicious of strangers. Proper socialization and training early on can help make sure barking does not become a nuisance and will help them open up to strangers once introduced. Miniature German Shepherds are highly adaptable dogs. They tend to be a better fit for homes with fenced yards where they can run. But, they can adapt just as well to apartments as long as they get the exercise, mental stimulation, and attention they need. They do well in most climates, but are sensitive to heat. Because they bond so closely with their families and want to be near them, they do not do well with long periods of alone time. Mixed-breed dogs can sometimes be healthier than purebred dogs because of genetic diversity. However, this is not a guarantee. They could inherit no conditions common to the parent breeds, but they could also inherit some or all of them. So, make sure you are asking them about the health and genetic history of both of the parents. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done. For the Miniature German Shepherd, potential health conditions to be aware of include progressive retinal atrophy, hypothyroidism, epilepsy, and hip dysplasia. Because of their body shape, they are also at risk for bloat. Although Miniature German Shepherds are highly intelligent dogs that pick up on things quickly and are eager to please, they can be difficult for first-time dog owners to handle on their own. Their high energy, working dog instincts, thirst for learning, and need for structured training can be overwhelming for first-time dog owners. Because of this, puppy training classes are recommended if you are not an experienced dog owner. They help reinforce training, strengthen the bond you have with your dog, and also offer opportunities to socialize a puppy. In general, a Miniature German Shepherd will have a coat that sheds moderately year-round and heavier seasonally. Brushing a few times a week, daily brushing during seasonal shedding, and the occasional bath is usually sufficient for this coat type. If a Miniature German Shepherd has a Mini Poodle parent, there is a chance they could inherit the low-shedding Poodle coat. Weekly ear checks with careful cleanings as needed can help prevent ear infections. Although good dental care for dogs is essential, it is often overlooked. This is one of the reasons why gum disease is one of the most common health issues in older dogs. You can help protect your pup from painful dental diseases later in life by brushing their teeth or using an enzyme toothpaste every day and keeping up with regular vet visits. Although a Miniature German Shepherd may be smaller than a German Shepherd, they are still a high-energy dog with working dog instincts. In addition to having a job to do, these dogs also need daily walks plus playtime and time to run to be happy and healthy. If they like it, swimming can be a good low-impact activity while they are still growing. Once puppies finish growing , you can try higher-impact activities like hiking, running, training for dog sports, and more to see what they like. A fully-grown Miniature German Shepherd usually stands inches tall and weighs about 50 pounds. There can be some variation depending on the other parent breed in the cross, but meeting the mother dog in-person can give you a better idea of what size to expect in a Mini GSD. A Miniature German Shepherd generally lives for years. If the other parent crossed with a German Shepherd is a Standard Poodle, the result is a Shepadoodle. Featured Miniature German Shepherd Article. Standard German Shepherd Dogs In the late 19th century, various strains of German dogs were combined to create the ultimate herding dog. Today the breed is better known for their military, police, protection and service dog work. A well-socialized German Shepherd Dog makes a wonderfully loyal family pet. This is a well muscled dog with a deep chest and strong hindquarters, and he is longer than he is tall. Their double coat of medium length comes in a variety of colors. They have a long muzzle, confident head carriage, and pointed ears. Therefore that makes them more appealing to many people. The oversized round head and big eyes associated with little dogs engenders a feeling of caretaking behavior in people. This phenomenon is known as baby schema. Are Miniature German Shepherds Real? Miniaturization in dog breeding is achieved in one of three ways. A standard German Shepherd can be crossed with a smaller dog breed. They can possess the gene for dwarfism. The final way to miniaturize is to breed two exceptionally small purebred German Shepherds together. Miniature German Shepherd Mix Breeding a female German Shepherd with the male of a smaller breed produces a mixed breed dog. This is the most humane way to miniaturize. They could be smaller but not look or behave anything like a German Shepherd. The upside to crossbreeding is that it can reduce the incidence of passing along genetic health problems. Here are some breeds that breeders commonly mix with the German Shepherd. They measure just 10 to 12 inches and weigh from 25 to 30 pounds. Despite the size difference, these are both herding breeds who are smart and trainable. You can expect this mix to stand from 12 to 15 inches and weigh anywhere from 25 to 65 pounds. The Corman Shepherd will be an athletic dog who needs plenty of activity. This is a highly intelligent, loyal, and loving mix. In appearance, these two breeds are very dissimilar, so looks can vary depending on which parent the puppies take after. The standard Poodle is over 15 inches and weighs from 40 to 70 pounds. You can expect the Shepadoodle to range from 15 to 26 inches tall and weigh between 40 and 90 pounds. This is sure to be a whip smart and extremely energetic dog. He will need plenty of physical activity and mental stimulation. The Shollie will be highly trainable. But a tendency to be protective might not make them the best choice for homes with small children. The Border Collie stands from 18 to 22 inches and weighs from 30 to 55 pounds. Physical characteristics of this condition include short bowed legs, longer body and issues with coat development. This would truly be a miniature German Shepherd in terms of temperament and behavior. However, pituitary dwarfism can have some pretty serious health effects. To a breeder, it means puppies whose weight at birth is abnormally low. To clarify, defined this way, you could have an entire litter of runts. Unfortunately, puppies who are born extremely underweight are likely to face many health problems throughout their lives. And the more underweight they are, the more they are at risk. Some breeders choose this method because the other characteristics of the breed will get passed down to the puppies. However, when two dogs who are way below the standard size are bred together, it increases the chance of passing along health problems as well. The standard female German Shepherd is somewhat smaller, standing from 22 to 24 inches and weighing between 50 and 70 pounds. To be a mini German Shepherd you need to be less than 22 inches tall and fewer than 50 lbs. But Miniature German Shepherds can be considerably smaller than this, depending upon how they are bred. Miniature German Shepherd size will depend on a number of factors. So crossing with a Collie would make a larger dog than one mixed with a Yorkie. A miniature German Shepherd full grown with the gene for dwarfism would have very short legs and weigh approximately 30 pounds. Breeding two very underweight purebred GSDs could potentially make an even smaller dog, but at what cost? Loves to chase his tail and pesky flies, he is a soft-at-heart pup who has a Big character. A change in our circumstances unfortunately means we are unable to keep him although we would most dearly love to. A loving home for him is needed. He's had a health check from the vet and comes from healthy and well-tempered parents. Absolutely loves his food so will be able to train fully. He understands pointing to indicate a direction for him. House trained, microchipped and wormed. He is good at being protective over guarding the household and is not in the slightest territorial over food or toys. He will allow you to take a bone or food off him with ease. He loves to play ball more than anything, and loves walks, long grass, new scents, chewing on moon bones and chicken. This lovely pup needs a sizeable garden and ideally, someone who is used to similar breeds and has time to train him fully. He has great potential. He would be ideal for flyball. He can jump up - he is only a puppy so can be trained - and will certainly grow up into a big, handsome dog. He has excellent parentage. He is a stunning boy and whenever we go out always attracts compliments. A good choice if you're looking for a good-natured furry friend that will be your loyal companion and protector for years to come, He is very loveable characterful boy with a great personality and a goofy soul who just wants to play. Replies to msgs after 7pm

When in doubt, ask your veterinarian, but a few guidelines can help you determine what your pug should and should not eat. Remember though that pugs are genetically susceptible to obesity. Feed your pug two smaller meals each day. The exact size of the meal will depend on the type of food you are feeding it. Check the package for daily recommended feeding amounts. Dry Dog Food Pugs can thrive on dry dog food that is formulated for small breeds. There are countless commercial brands to choose from, so find one that your pug likes and seems to do well on. The best foods include a real source of protein, such as chicken, beef or lamb as the heaviest weighted ingredient. Check the ingredient list on the package. Purchase foods for your pug that contain real meat first. The food will also contain carbohydrates such as rice, soy or wheat as well as essential vitamins and minerals. Avoid foods that are formulated for large breeds. Large breed food can also help your pug get fat quickly. Wet Dog Food Commercially prepared wet dog foods are also available. Your pug will enjoy these, but use extra caution if you choose to feed your pug wet food. Canned or wet foods can contain extra calories or fat. They can also be more expensive. If your pug really enjoys wet foods, try giving it special meals once a week or on holidays and special occasions. Feed your pug dry food the rest of the time. Homemade or Raw Diet If you have time and money to spare, you can feed your dog a raw or homemade diet. You can cook meat or leave it raw. Use chicken, beef or lamb. Grind meat up and combine it with carbohydrates such as cooked potatoes. Always store homemade food in the freezer and thaw before mealtimes. Otherwise the food may spoil and make your pug sick. Talk to your veterinarian before choosing a homemade or raw diet. He can recommend portion sizes as well as fruits, vegetables or supplements to help your pug get all of the nutrients it needs. Treats, Bones and Chews Rawhides, real beef bone and pig ear chews are safe for your pug. Avoid giving your pug chicken bones or other small bones such as fish that can splinter and cause choking. You can also give your pug the occasional treat. There are hundreds of treats to choose from at any pet store, and your pug will probably have its favorites. Cheese, cooked hot dog, and small bites of cooked meat are also popular dog treats that many trainers rely on. Treats can be fattening, and limiting them will keep your pug at a healthy weight. Other foods, however are toxic and should be avoided as much as possible. Fruits such as grapes and currants, as well as the pits of peaches, plums or cherries can be harmful for your pug and cause a variety of health problems from kidney failure to heart disease. Avocado, mushrooms, garlic, onions, green tomatoes and raw potatoes can also be harmful. Never give your pug alcohol or drugs such as tobacco. Keep coffee, chocolate and other foods containing caffeine away from your pug as well. If you can, keep your pug out of your garbage can. It is a never-ending worry when you bring home your new Pug, and finding the right food to feed him or her is a concern. However, you just cannot feed a Pug everything you eat. There are a few, if not a lot, of human foods that will harm your pet if they eat too much of it. To find out what foods you can or cannot feed your little Pug, just continue reading our article. Click here to learn more. Before we get to the list of human food that is okay for your Pug to eat, you may be surprised to find out that some cat food is okay for your pug to eat as well. There are nutritional differences but Pugs should be able to eat cat food without any harm being done to them. Of course, if you were to feed him or her cat food, you would have to slowly introduce it to your Pug so their stomachs do not get upset. There are no toxins in cat food harmful to your pet but this option may be more of an emergency food supply than a standard daily diet. The list of human food they can eat is fairly long but not every item in each food group is good for a pug to eat. Fruits— These include apples, bananas, and berries. The items to stay away from are grapes and peach pits, cherry pits, and plum pits. You should also avoid mushrooms, avocados, and green tomatoes due to the chemicals inside these items. Vegetables— The list includes but is not limited to cucumbers, carrots, potatoes, and spinach. Of course, not every pug is going to like the same vegetables or fruit options and you may have to try it on a trial-and-error basis or talk to your vet. Dairy— Cheese and raw yogurt are the best items to feed your Pug. But like anything else in this list, you should feed it to them in moderation as too much of a good thing is not healthy for them You want to make sure your Pug gets a balanced diet so they grow big and strong. Also, watch out for the fat. Trim that off and throw it away as fat is not good for Pugs nor is it good for you. Do Pugs have Breathing Problems? Click here to find out. While we are talking about homemade food, we are not talking about your 8-course gourmet dinners you serve family and friends. We are talking about homemade dog food and there is a long list of ingredients you can use to make your own dog food. One reason you do this is that commercially made dog food can contain triggers for allergies. If you want to protect your pet, you may want to consider making your own dog food. Keep in mind that puppy Pugs should only eat 50 calories of food per pound per day. Here is a list of food ingredients you can put in your recipes for your dog: Meat— A good source of protein but stay away from processed foods like hams and salted meats. Here is a list of meat items you can add to your dog food- chicken, turkey, duck, pork, lamb, beef, sardines, and cooked fish. Non-Meat Animal Protein— Cottage cheese, peanut butter, eggs, and dairy products except milk. Fats— Fish oil, canola oil, flaxseed oil, and peanut butter are good for your pet in moderation. But butter, nuts, and actual fat from beef, etc. Carbohydrates— Barley, brown rice, chia seeds, and sweet potatoes, while oatmeal and pasta are okay with the last two better in small doses. Bread, cereal, quinoa, tortillas, chips, granola, and pretzels are not okay to feed your Pug. Fruits And Vegetables— The good ones are- apples, broccoli, cantaloupe, carrots, celery, kiwi, melon, papaya, pear, peppers, pineapple, pumpkin, raspberries, squash, watermelon, zucchini. Do not feed your Pug grapes, grapefruit, jalapenos, lemons, onions, pickles, or wild mushrooms. Can pugs eat scrambled eggs? Some Final Words There are a lot of good ingredients to choose from when you are thinking of making your own homemade dog food. If you are still in doubt, talk to your vet to make sure you get a complete list of foods your Pug can and cannot eat. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. You may find yourself on the dog food isle trying to make sense of all the ingredients, types of foods and categories. And all you want to know is… How often and what should I feed my Pug? Every dog is different, every type of food has its specific quantities and it even varies between brands. Start simple and figure out all the details and methods. I have collected information about the different types, brands pros and cons of dog feeding to try and give an unbiased as much as I can look, so you can make a better-informed choice which will be right for you and your Pug. Remember, people care deeply about their dogs and will often get very emotional about the health and feeding they chose. Having been the owner of a pet store, I have learned that although I have my personal preferences and very good reasons for them, others may have different choices and they believe they are the right ones for them. There are a lot of issues to consider. How Many times a day should I feed My Pug? A mature Pug can easily live a healthy life with one meal which provides all his nutritional needs. In most cases, it is more convenient for both us and the pug to split this to two meals. If your Pug had a full meal in the morning, be sure he will nag you like crazy in the afternoon. Puppies have smaller stomachs and need, relative to their size, a larger quantity of food so it is better to break it up to three or even four meals a day. If you are around your Pug all day and prefer to give 4 meals a day to a mature dog, there is no harm in it, as long as the overall daily quantity stays the same. Free Buffet or Set meals? Pugs are notorious for becoming overweight and need to be limited to a set amount. If your Pug is not typical in that sense, you are welcome to put the full daily portion in the bowl and see how long it lasts. One more reason for set meals is monitoring. You want to know how much you Pug eats. If you want your Pug to lose weight, you need to know how much he is eating in order to cut down. On the flip side, if your Pug is not eating the usual amounts it may be an indication of a medical condition. What food do Pugs Eat? Pugs love food. They love treats, dry food, wet food, table scraps, raw meat, cooked meat, spicy meat and meat gone bad. In rural areas and farms, they may have also got more meaty scraps. Our Pugs who grew up with Emperors and Royalty were probably treated to high quality scraps. Today, dry bagged kibble or canned wet food are the standard for most homes, although there is a growing number of people and companies promoting more natural diets of either raw or cooked food for dogs. Every type of food claims to be the healthiest, more appropriate, tailored and nutritional. Kibble Kibble is the most common dog food available and has become the staple for the average dog. Pros of Kibble The makers of dry food claim it has the most balanced and scientifically based formulas to provide the best nutrition for a dog. They also tailor these formulas to dogs of different size, breed, age or other needs. Even the most discerning dog owners should be able a composition to satisfy them. The ingredient list is unclear and misleading. There are numerous food recalls yearly. There are websites dedicated just to keep up with the recalls. Teeth are going to need cleaning. Wet canned food Aside from the meatier texture and the higher water content, there is little difference between kibble and the canned, wet counterpart. The ingredients can be similar and so are the health benefits. Some dog owners report that wet food makes for softer stools when fed exclusively. Many dog owners will give a combination of wet and dry food. Home cooked As with human food there is a growing number of people fed up Pun intended with commercial and over engineered food. Raw food Also called the BARF Biologically Appropriate Raw Foods , the idea behind it is that the dogs digestive system has not evolved as their behavior, and much like wild dogs or wolves, they should eat the equivalent to small animals they would pray on in nature. Since dogs are also scavengers this diet will include some vegetables, berries etc. The pros As with the home-cooked diet, you have total control of ingredients and quality No preservatives, additives, fillers etc. You need to learn how to make, takes time Ingredients like bones and internal organs may not be available in your area. Can be pricy. Even More expensive if buying ready and frozen. Takes freezer space Raw Disclaimer I am a little bias towards raw food. I used to own a pet food store specializing in raw food for cats and dogs and I have been feeding my own Pugs raw food for over twelve years. Obviously, I am very happy with the raw diet and its outcomes as switching to dry food would have been easy and cheap. I believe it is the better choice for myself and my dogs. I believe I have presented the facts fairly objectively as far as the other feeding options go. There is no standard or way to measure what natural is and what the added value of it is other then the origin of it. Natural color could come from some secretion of an insect. Special Needs Puppies These little ones need the most nutritious and high-quality food you can find. If you want to find an economic way to feed your dog, please do it later in his life. Allergies Pugs are relatively sensitive to allergies. In some cases, this is due to an external source such as home detergents, but more often than not it has to do with their diet. There are a few brands that you can try with low, or no grain. If you are feeding your pug home cooked food or a raw diet, taking the carbs and grain out would be easy. Our Pugs were and are on a raw diet from day one and we never had any issues with allergies, except for one time. We started noticing that Preston had pinkish skin around his paws and around the nose fold. Since we owned a pet food store specializing in raw food, at the time convenient, I know we tried different types of meats, but nothing helped. It took us some time to realize the cause. We had our baby daughter at the time, and since she was very close and intimate with Preston, and he was eating raw, we made sure to wipe his mouth and feet with baby wipes after every meal. The baby wipes were the culprits. We switched them both to hypo-allergenic wipes and the skin went back to normal… Hip Dysplasia Pugs are ranked as one of the breeds with the highest chances of suffering from Hip Dysplasia. This can lead to trouble in walking and running and arthritis may follow as well. If your Pug is suffering from Hip Dysplasia to any extent you may want to either supplement their diet with Chondroitin and Glucosamine or to choose a brand that is made for joint support. Vets and nutrition. Having said that, if I needed nutritional advice, I would go to a nutritionist and not to my Doctor. The nutrition training vets get in many schools is provided by agents of the commercial food companies who are bias at best. Skipping meals Dogs will sometimes skip a meal. It is natural for them as food is not something that was always available on daily base. It is not typical for Pugs but it may happen. If it happens it will probably be a one meal deal. If your Pug misses a few meals in a row you may want to consult a vet. Treats and snacks I try and think of treats and snacks the same way I think of candy for my daughters. If the amount of treats your Pug is rivals the actual food, in quantity, you should reconsider or at least re calculate it. If you are using kibble both at meals and as treats for training, and your stubborn Pug ends up consuming a lot of treats, just take it off the next meal. The same goes for snacks. They should be a part of the total daily feeding and not extra. How long can a pug go without eating? An adult Pug can probably survive many days without food, but no Pug would stand for it. Unless your Pug has a medical condition, he will surely let you know he is hungry. Do make sure that your Pug is not deprived of fresh drinking water at all times. More so if the weather is hot and if he is on a dry food diet and has no other source of hydration. What if my Pug is overweight? Pugs love to eat and have a tendency to eat too much. A chubby Pug is very cute, but at some point, it becomes a health issue. Overweight Pugs may suffer from a wide range of conditions and or aggravate others. Conclusion Food is an important part of your Pugs life and will directly affect his health and well-being. Do make sure you know what your Pug is eating, the quality as well as the quantities. Actually, yes. This is an actual condition called Eye Displacement or Proptosis. It is not a common occurrence but with extreme trauma or circumstances it may happen. In most cases the condition is treatable. More on the condition here… Are Pugs Loving? Pugs have been bred as companion dogs for over two thousand years. Being with people is almost in their DNA. So yes, Pugs love to cuddle, snuggle and just be in contact or as close as they can to their human friends. More on Pug Love here. Aug 25, Share An important part of taking good care of your Pug puppy is making sure that they are properly fed and that they get all the nutrients that they need to grow strong and healthy. Puppies have different nutritional needs than adult dogs, and if your Pug is like most, they seem to like anything that they are fed. Luckily, there are many commercial foods available on the market. There is also the raw doggy food diet that seems to keep getting more popular as time goes on. But what kind of dog food is right for your Pug? How much should you be feeding them? What will the dog not eat? Are there special considerations for a senior Pug? The answers to these questions and more can be found in our Pug feeding guide below. What you do decide to feed your pooch should be based on the quality of the food, no matter the type, and your personal feeding preferences. Here is what can be on the table for your Pug. Image credit: PxHere Commercial Dry Food Kibble Commonly referred to as kibble, commercial dry dog food is the most common and widely available option on the market. Manufacturers of this type of food work hard to balance the ingredients and create a completely balanced nutritional profile for dogs like your Pug. In fact, some brands, like Royal Canin, offer puppy and adult foods made just for Pugs. Whether you choose a dry dog food made just for Pugs or one made for dogs in general, it should include real meat or animal meal as one of the first ingredients on the list. The upside to commercial dry dog food is that it is affordable and easy to administer. It is also typically easy to store for the long term without worrying about it spoiling. The downside is that it tends to be dehydrating, so water should be available to your Pug throughout the day. Commercial Wet Food Commercially made wet dog food tends to be more nutrient-dense than dry food because it contains fresher ingredients and usually has fewer grains, if any at all. Most wet foods have real whole meat or seafood and broth as the first ingredients. Sometimes, veggies are thrown in for good measure, but many are meat-centric to meet the high protein needs of your growing Pug. Wet food is not as easy to store as dry food is, because it must be refrigerated after being opened. However, Pugs tend to enjoy the flavor and texture of wet food more than dry. Wet food is also a little more expensive than dry food, especially when trying to feed Pugs that are full-grown and in their prime. Raw Food A raw food diet is said to result in better digestion, a healthier coat and immune system , optimal dental health, and less susceptibility to allergies among other things. A raw food diet typically consists of quality meat, a source of calcium such as bones , animal organs, and a lower fat count than most commercial foods offer. Feeding your Pug a raw food diet will take commitment and a strong understanding of the nutrition that they need. This type of diet can be expensive and can require storage space in the fridge and freezer. It is recommended that you consult with a veterinarian to put together a complete meal plan to follow if you choose to go this route. It is a freeze-dried raw food supplement that is delicious and nutritious. The process requires about a day of cooking in the kitchen, but the time that you spend in your kitchen should yield enough food for your pooch to eat all week long. You will just have to store the leftovers in the fridge each day until the entire batch has been offered and consumed. Homemade dog food usually consists of whole meat like chicken, eggs, fish oil or flaxseed, brown or white rice, possibly vegetables like carrots and peas , and maybe even supplements of some kind. It depends on what kind of recipe you decide to follow. Any recipe that you consider feeding your dog should be approved by your veterinarian first. But you can quickly tell whether your pooch is being underfed or overfed by checking out their physique every day. If your dog is underfed for too long, you could notice signs like lethargy and an unwillingness to interact with family members. If your dog is overfed, they may succumb to problems like diabetes. If you find that your dog is getting underweight, start feeding them up to an extra cup of food each day. Reduce the amount by up to a cup if your dog is getting pudgy and out of shape. To help avoid under and overfeeding your dog, follow the feeding directions on the packaging of any commercial food you buy for them. If you decide to go the raw or homemade food route, your veterinarian can provide you with a feeding guide. You are free to use this image, but please give credit back to Hepper. Extra immune support is also typically present in puppy food. Once Pugs become adults, they are not as active as when they were pups, and they are not growing at exponential rates, if at all. Therefore, they need food with less protein than what puppies get. Pugs can typically switch to adult dog food between the ages of 9 and 12 months because much of their growth will be complete at this time. The tricky part is the actual process of switching your pooch from puppy to adult dog food. If not done slowly and intentionally, switching to a new food can cause digestion issues for your dog that could create messes around the house. Lethargy and nausea may follow. Finally, offer only adult food. There are many reasons why your Pug might seem like they do not have an appetite. The first thing to consider is whether you are overfeeding them. If your pooch does not want to eat their last meal of the day, they could simply be full and satisfied. However, other issues could lead to a pup not eating such as: Dental Problems. If your Pug has a toothache or some other kind of dental problem, they may not be comfortable eating. Check for red gums, bleeding, and tenderness throughout the mouth. If something unusual is detected, consult your veterinarian immediately for guidance. Recent Vaccinations. Vaccines can cause side effects, including a lack of appetite. So, if your Pug does not seem to want to eat for a day or two after getting vaccinated, this is normal. Uncomfortable Surroundings. If your pooch goes on an adventure with you and is expected to eat their meal in a situation that is not familiar to them, they may pass on the meal altogether in favor of waiting until they get to what they feel is a safe space to eat. Even if your dog seems fine in every other way, a lack of wanting to eat could mean an illness of some kind is brewing. If you cannot find any other reason for a lack of appetite, you should see your vet as soon as possible. Adult Pugs will generally eat about a cup of dry commercial dog food each day or the equivalent, although certain differences might scale this amount up or down as time goes on. Here are the most important factors to consider. Active vs. Sedentary More active dogs will require more food than those that tend to be sedentary. If your pooch takes multiple walks every day, spends a great deal of time playing with kids throughout the day, or enjoys outdoor time with family members each afternoon, chances are that your dog will need a little more food than the average pooch. If your pooch takes only one short walk each day and spends most of their time lounging around the house, chances are that they should be fed as sedentary dogs. Spayed vs. Neutered Sometimes, dogs that are not spayed or neutered eat more than the average pooch. This is because they tend to be more active and excitable, which results in the need for more calories to support their energy needs. Pregnancy Pregnant Pugs need up to twice the amount of food that an adult dog would need. Instead of feeding your pregnant dog puppy or adult food, consider a food designed for all life stages that indicates its suitability for pregnancy. This type of food offers more protein and fat than adult food to support the extra growth they go through, but not as much as puppy food, which could make them overweight after the birth. What Foods Are Bad for Pugs? Image By: Momentmal, Pixabay There are a few foods that you should never feed your Pug to ensure their good health and to avoid serious problems like poisoning and even death. Here are a few food items that should be avoided at all costs: Alcohol. This food is made for Pugs ages 8 weeks to 10 months. On the other hand, the ingredients list for this food leaves something to be desired. It lists brewers rice as the main ingredient with the second ingredient being chicken by-product meal. For such an expensive Pug food, they sure skimped on the quality of the ingredients! Pros Supports healthy skin, digestive health, and natural defenses Specially shaped kibble is easier for brachycephalic dogs to pick up Cons Brewers rice is the main ingredient 4. It might be expensive, but if you can afford it, it could help keep your pug pup healthy and happy for the long haul. Pros Helps support healthy brain and eye development Contains omega fatty acids for improved skin and coat Lists deboned chicken as the main ingredient Cons 5. Their Wilderness Puppy Grain-Free Dry Dog Food formula takes things even further with higher levels of protein than their original formula. The use of high-quality ingredients in high concentrations is what earns this food its rather expensive price tag. More than just healthy whole-food ingredients, this food is also fortified with healthful nutrients and supplements. Furthermore, it contains an optimal blend of essential vitamins including calcium, phosphorus, and more, to help support healthy bone growth. Pros Contains high levels of protein Uses high-quality ingredients Packed with healthful nutrients and supplements Cons More expensive than most puppy foods 6. We loved the large pound quantity you can buy it in and the relatively affordable price. Others ate the food but had difficulty digesting it. Still, dogs with sensitive stomachs, in particular, would do well to avoid this food. And the total number of dogs all breeds in the reports are .So while this is something that should be monitored and many more studies need to be done, it's important to keep in mind that this is a very small number compared to the estimated 77 million dogs in the U. The latest update is that there are no recalls at this moment that are linked to this issue. The Best Food for Pug Puppies and Adults What to Avoid: Quite a few ingredients that are found in a lot of dog food brands can be severely detrimental to a Pug and cause everything from allergic reactions itching, rashes, wheezing, running eyes, etc. Corn which includes as corn germ meal, corn gluten meal, and corn bran High grain counts which includes high levels of wheat, oats, barley, and other cereal grains which may be listed as hominy feed. Rice can be an exception; with rice, the hull, bran layer, and cereal germ is removed and for this reason, rice is often tolerated very well. By-products which are animal body parts deemed unfit for human consumption and can include brain, lungs, undeveloped eggs, and more. Generic meats or oils which can legally include roadkill and deceased zoo animals. What to Look For: All-natural preservatives; there are vitamin blends that work very well to preserve dog food and this often will show as mixed tocopherols. Natural flavoring Protein will come from wholesome animal sources including chicken, turkey, lamb, fish, bison, and beef. There will be no by-products or generic meats. If you offer grains, gluten-free grains are usually best. No other fillers or controversial additives. Helpful extras such as glucosamine and chondroitin beneficial for joint health , omega-3, 6 for healthy skin and coat , probiotics for immune health and antioxidants to help prevent disease. Some of the best food for Pugs includes: Best Formulas with Grains: 1. Wellness Complete Health for Small Breeds. The base of this kibble is turkey and oatmeal which is easy on the stomach for most Pugs. There is also salmon, brown rice, peas, carrots, spinach, sweet potatoes, blueberries, and apples. There are excellent levels of a wide-range of vitamins and minerals, good levels of omega-3 and 6, and glucosamine and chondroitin which are extremely beneficial joint supplements for Pugs. This is made in the US. Note that this offers puppy and adult formulas as well as 'healthy weight' for Pugs that need to lose a few pounds, and a senior formula. This line of Halo offers holistic recipes. This one has non-GMO produce and meats that are antibiotic-free and hormone-free with factory-free farming. The grains in this are oatmeal and pearled barley which are generally known for being well-tolerated. This is sized ideally for Pugs, and has no artificial additives, by-products, or corn. And, this is made in the US. Best Grain-free Formulas: 1. This is one of the best grain-free kibbles for Pugs; it's really top-of-the-line. The base is chicken and turkey. There is a wide selection of vegetables and fruits compared to some other brands spinach, broccoli, carrots, kale, sweet potatoes, apples and blueberries. Levels of omega fatty acids are ideal, via both salmon oil and flaxseed. And, there are good levels of glucosamine and chondroitin which as mentioned earlier are important for joint health. There is no corn, wheat, by-products, fillers, or artificial coloring, flavoring, or preservatives and this is made in the USA. This is another excellent choice that is formulated for dogs under 70 lbs. There are several great bases including lamb, beef, chicken, and salmon. There are zero chemical preservatives and no artificial ingredients. Added extras are healthy antioxidants, omega-3 and 6, and the very important glucosamine and chondroitin which are very beneficial for breeds like the Pug that are prone to joint and hip issues. This is a holistic kibble that offers non-GMO veggies and fruits and sustainably-sourced wild-caught fish and is ideal for Pugs that are carrying a few extra pounds. The base is salmon and whitefish, so most dogs love the taste. There are no chemical preservatives, corn, by-products, coloring, or fillers. Switching a Pug onto a Different Food If you just got a new Pug puppy, you may want to feed your little guy or gal something different than what was being given. And in many instances, this will be a good idea. The sooner you start your pup on a superior food that you've chosen yourself, the better. If you have an adult Pug, you may decide to switch foods due to an intolerance to certain ingredients some dogs do best with certain proteins like beef as opposed to chicken or vice-versa or maybe you realized that your Pug was not on the brand and you want to make a change. No matter the circumstances, if at all possible, it is best to change to a new brand of dog food in a gradual way because a quick switch can disrupt the digestive system. The goal should be a incremental change over the course of 3 weeks. Home Cooking Owners decide to home cook for their dogs for a variety of reasons: It can be less expensive; though, this depends quite a bit on what you buy and if you can purchase ingredients in bulk. It may be done to fully avoid preservatives, additives, by-products and other subpar ingredients; you know exactly what you are putting in. This can help avoid an intolerance or allergic reaction to an unknown ingredient. It is very flexible and adjustable. It can be a good choice for picky eaters. Other sources include beans such as lima beans, kidney beans, and butter beans must be cooked. Vegetables - This includes peas, carrots, spinach, zucchini, green beans, bell peppers, and butternut squash. You can also offer asparagus, kale, cauliflower, and broccoli in moderation since these foods can cause gas, Pumpkin in moderation is fine but typically reserved to help ease upset stomach issues. Fruits - This includes blueberries, raspberries both are low calorie, high in antioxidants, and water-packed , strawberries, huckleberries, banana, cantaloupe, honeydew melon, mango, kiwi, pear, peaches no pit , plums no pit , nectarines no pit , fresh pineapple, and apple no core, no seeds. Additional - This includes oatmeal plain , white or brown rice if no intolerance , quinoa, potato, sweet potato, cottage cheese, plain whole white yogurt, and eggs most dogs do best with scrambled eggs vs. Read more about home cooking for a Pug. Snacks and Treats We've covered the frequency of giving snacks and treats, but let's recap. Dry snacks, meant to satiate a dog in between meals should be given 3 to 4 times per day. And moist treats, meant to reward training and reinforce good behavior, should be given as needed. Now, the question remains on what to offer. All snacks and treats should be held to the same high standards that you have in place for your Pug's meals, meaning no synthetic preservatives, artificial coloring, artificial flavoring, soy, corn, by-products, high wheat levels, or generic meats. If your Pug's calorie intake needs to be carefully watched due to issues with weight gain, there will also be a need to opt for some low-calorie treats. And, to see more options, including moist treats for giving reward, continue on to the best snacks and treats for Pugs. After 2 to 3 days, if the problem has resolved, adding in additional ingredients can be done. Any diarrhea lasing longer than 3 days or moderate to severe vomiting lasting more than 12 hours should be brought to the attention of the veterinarian. Water Different elements will dictate just how much water a Pug dog requires , though a general rule of thumb is that each day, dogs need to drink about 1 ounce for each 1 pound. Offer bottled spring water or use a filter device like the. Related Articles: When a Pug is a Picky Eater - If you find yourself constantly scrambling to find foods that your Pug likes and their taste buds seem to change weekly, this will help you get things back on track. When a Pug is Always Hungry - If your Pug's appetite is ferocious and nothing seems to satisfy, these issues may be at the root of the problem. When a Pug Won't Eat - If your Pug puppy or dog refuses to eat or getting them to eat feels like a chore, these tips will help. How to Stop a Pug from Begging - If your Pug wants your food and is relentless about getting it, these guidelines will help stop this sort of behavior. Top 10 Pug Dog Eating Problems - A roundup of the most common eating-related issues seen with this breed and exact steps to resolve them. Do you have your book? All rights reserved. Privacy Policy We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon. Kibble, cans and specialty foods Proper Nutrition Since puppies need energy to grow big and strong, their food is higher in calories and packed with more nutrients. This includes more fat, protein, amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and omega-3 fatty acids. So always choose a food that is labelled for puppies. Since a Pug is a small toy breed , they will grow very quickly and reach adulthood much faster than larger breeds. Toy dog breeds actually need more calories per pound than larger breeds due to their higher metabolic rates. The structure of their flat muzzle and facial folds , while appealing to look at, unfortunately causes a number of serious health problems. This causes soft tissue to block the airways, making breathing very difficult. Their jaws and teeth can also cause them problems. Remember, slimmer is better. How Often To Feed Your Pug Puppy I always recommend feeding puppies small meals at scheduled times several hours apart, and then decreasing the frequency as they get older. For puppies under six months go with something like 7am, 12noon, 3pm then 6pm. As they grow you can reduce this routine to three or even two times a day, but there is no harm continuing with multiple feedings as long as you dividing their daily rations evenly. Kibble vs Canned Food Dried puppy kibble is affordable, easy to store and transport, and readily available. Serving is as simple as opening the package and pouring it into the bowl. Canned or wet food will sometimes offer more meat protein and fewer carbohydrates than kibble does, but you will usually pay more as well. Wet food is also associated with an increase in periodontal diseases , which is not ideal for a dog already prone to these issues. Specialty Pug Puppy Foods The introduction of breed-specific formulas to the market has made it even more confusing. However, there are some Pug puppy formulations that address some of their health issues that might be worth considering. Some kibble is designed in a shape and texture that makes it easier for short-nosed puppies to pick up and chew easily. But the sad part of the story is that just like any other dog, pugs get obese very quickly. As they say, you become what you eat. Since the pug is a tiny dog, even one extra pound will affect its appearance. For this reason, it becomes important to keep a check on what your pug is eating. The present article talks about the feeding guidelines of this adorable dog: How much is too much? It is very important to feed your dog the correct amount of food to ensure that the pug is getting enough calories for proper growth. Any deviation from the right amount will led to health problems in a pug. Age, activity, metabolism and build of a dog are the major factors on which the amount of food which should be given to a dog depends. Also, the type of food you are giving to a dog is another important factor. If you are feeding home cooked food to one pug and commercial dog food to another dog with same age, build and activity level, it is not necessary that both of them will consume the same amount. As a general rule of thumb, a puppy pug should be given 1 ounce of food per one pound of body weight. For adult pugs, the amount is halved. What about calories? A pug puppy which is in his growth phase requires more calories than adult and senior pugs. On an average, a puppy requires 50 calories per pound of their body weight while an adult pug requires 40 calories per pound of their body weight. Senior pugs need fewer calories because of slow metabolism and less activity level. Free feeding is not recommended to the pug. The following table illustrates the right feeding regime and meal frequency for pugs: Age Amount of food given at one time No.