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Scroll down for LIVE puppy cams! However, if mama needs a little help, we are very close by monitoring the process to assist removing the sac or stimulating a puppy to breathe. When mama has finished her clean up, we remove puppy for a quick weight, add an ID collar, and treat the umbilical stump with a disinfectant. For the first few days after birth, we practically have to drag mama away from her babies to get her to go out to potty. After the first few days, mama begins to leave the puppies for brief periods of time—usually she lies just outside the box on the cool floor—she needs an occasional break from the higher temperature that is so necessary for her babies. We also have a heating pad area the puppies can choose to move to if they need more warmth when mama is away. Puppies are little heat seeking missiles—they have heat sensors on the sides of their noses. This heat seeking instinct guides them to mama to nurse, to each other to puppy pile and to warm areas in their nest. We also add one additional step by presenting the puppies with a new scent stimulation daily. This series of brief, specific exercises we perform are in addition to our normal daily handling of the puppies as we weigh them, trim toenails, move them to clean their area, etc. One Week Old: The puppies continue to spend all their time nursing or sleeping. During this week, we give them their first toenail trim and continue to weigh each puppy two-three times a day. We monitor weight gain carefully, since that is our first indication that a puppy might need a little extra boost of supplemental formula. Puppies generally double their weight in their first week of life! These rails originated on farms to protect piglets—hence the name pig rail. Puppies often gravitate to the outer edges of the box and wedge themselves down in a corner. Since mama is spending most of her time in the box with her babies all around her, she often leans back against the walls and falls deeply asleep as she recovers from her labor and delivery. The rail stops her from crushing or smothering a baby that has burrowed in behind her along the edge. We remove the rails when the puppies are about three weeks old and are strong enough to raise a ruckus if they get trapped. Towards the end of the first week, we see their eyelids begin to become more defined and separate, and their eyelashes grow longer. By the beginning of the second week, the eyes are starting to open in the inner corner and working to the outer corner of the eyes. By days old, their eyes will be open. Two Weeks Old: The puppies eyes are all open now and their ears will be opening in the next few days. At this age puppies do not experience fear, so the startle is not fear driven. In these next few weeks before they begin experiencing fear around weeks of age, we will mildly stress them with noises to build their recovery response. We are carefully watching the intensity of the startle and the speed of recovery—our goal is to elicit a very mild startle followed by a rapid recovery. By repeating the noise several times in a row, the startle response will diminish and go away and the recovery will become immediate. This will help the puppies be stable to new sounds and experiences as they grow into adult dogs. The puppies continue to gain weight at a remarkable rate—often several ounces a day. Mama is still stimulating puppies to potty and cleaning up completely after—she keeps the nest fastidiously clean. Their awareness of their surroundings is awakening. We start enriching their environment during this week—we generally remove the whelping box at this point to give them more room to explore, adding soft toys to give texture to their area. We place potty pads at the back of their area for the beginning of potty training, and we help define that potty area by adding sleeping beds, changing the bedding in the main area of their pen several times a day and leaving the soiled pads in the potty area. The puppies will gradually begin to follow the scent to the specific potty area, and in a matter of weeks they will regularly go to the designated potty area to eliminate. Four-Six Weeks Old: During these weeks we continue to add enrichment items to their area and also expand their area as they show signs of needing more room to move and explore. The puppies become more stable on their legs and start to interact with one another, play bowing, barking at one another, and noticing us. We have continued the weekly toenail trims and daily handling—touching paws, ears, body. At this time we increase our interactions with the puppies and spend more individual time with them. As the puppies continue to wake up and become more aware over the next several weeks, we will start our clicker training exercises, following our Puppy Culture protocols. Although the puppies are still nursing, during this time they are introduced to food. We start them with puppy formula, gradually adding in raw lamb and baby rice cereal, then softened kibble and diminishing the formula. Mama dog is usually tired of sharp teeth nursing and she pushes the puppies to weaning. She no longer lies down to nurse and only spends brief times in the pen with them cleaning them and checking on them—then out she jumps to lie just out of reach, keeping an eye on things, but no longer feeling as protective. At this point, she is fine to let the other older dogs interact with her babies, and she happily rejoins her guardian family once her puppies are eating solid food on their own. Seven-Nine Weeks Old: Weather permitting, puppies are introduced to the outside area through the doggy door and discover a whole new world of running, larger toys and obstacles, wind, sun, rain, the chickens, etc. Such fun times they have outside! They become proficient at diving through the doggy door, in and out all day. In the warmer months, we have a wading pool for them to play in, in fall and winter they chase leaves, dodge rain drops, and play in rain puddles. We welcome visitors once the puppies are six weeks old, and the puppies love meeting children, teens, and adults. At about eight weeks of age we do our temperament and structure evaluations and veterinarian check up. The big day arrives all too quickly that we make puppy allocations and at nine weeks old our puppies head off to new horizons, adventures, and wonderful lives with YOU! All rights reserved. By sharing knowledge and working together with other members of the ALAA, we can advance the health of the Australian Labradoodle. Membership in a professional organization ensures that you are working with a breeder who is invested in the breed, who abides by a Code of Ethics, and who will be here when you have questions or need support. We love what we do, and we want to do an exceptional job! We invest our time and resources into education, for us and for you! We continue to learn about health issues, breakthroughs in testing, puppy development, and socialization. We pass that information on to you. We are passionate about educating and helping new families become successful puppy parents. We look forward to partnering with you as you select your new family member! This keeps the health of the breed the top priority. There are different levels of health testing. Make sure you select a breeder who does all of the appropriate testing, not just some of it. She temperament tests all our puppies. There are 2 boys and 6 girls, and are apricot. Puppies will be mediums and are expected to weigh 30 to 35 lbs. Puppies will be going home the weekend of August 26 and
We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. Medium to large in size and full of life, the boxer Lab mix is an increasingly popular designer dog with active people and families with children. Developed by crossing a purebred Labrador retriever and a purebred boxer, this mix has a lot to offer to the right home. If you are looking for a devoted, outgoing, and smart canine companion, the boxerlab is a great choice! Energetic and playful, these dogs prefer an active lifestyle and need regular exercise to stay happy and thrive. A spacious home with a fenced backyard is ideal for this mix, but not a requirement. If you are an outdoorsy person and can keep your pooch exercised, the boxerlab will make a great apartment dweller. When left alone a lot, this mix is prone to separation anxiety and might become bored and destructive. Whether you are looking for a canine playmate for your kids or an exercise partner, the laboxer might just be the perfect dog for you! Keep on reading to learn everything you need to know about this adorable crossbreed. Boxer Lab Mix Dog Overview Size — 23 to 25 inches tall at the shoulder, weighs between 50 and pounds Coat — Short shiny coat, color varies Shedding — Moderate shedding Lifespan — 12 to 15 years Temperament — Energetic, eager to please, friendly, devoted Trainable — Very trainable, but might be stubborn at times Activity — Very active needs at least 30 minutes of exercise every day Best For — Active people, families with children, homes with outdoor space What Is A Boxador? The boxador dog is a crossbreed developed by mixing a purebred boxer and a purebred Labrador retriever. Although both parent breeds are officially recognized by the AKC, the boxer Lab mix has the status of a designer breed. Boxadors have several different names and are also known as laboxers, boxerlabs, and boxerdors. While some boxerlabs take more after one parent than the other, others are a perfect blend of both parent breeds. Generally speaking, most inherit a boxer-like frame but are sizably built like their Labrador retriever parents. Although their appearance is unpredictable, there are a few traits you can expect to see when it comes to size, coat, and color. Size Being a cross between a Labrador retriever and a boxer, boxerlabs tend to be medium to large size dogs. Most are between 23 and 25 inches high at the shoulder and can weigh anywhere from 50 to pounds when fully grown. And males tend to be larger than females. Color The Labrador retriever comes in three colors — yellow, chocolate , and black. On the other hand, the boxer also comes in three different colors — white, fawn, and brindle. Keeping this in mind, it comes as no surprise that the Lab boxer mix can come in many different coat colors. The most commonly seen colors in this mix are brown, black, brindle, and white. Coat While a Lab has a short, double water-resistant coat, the boxer is a short-haired breed with a smooth and silky single coat. Most laboxers inherit the short, silky, and smooth coat of their boxer parents; however, some can have a denser coat of a Labrador. Since your boxerlab will inherit character traits from both its parent breeds, you should meet both the Lab and the boxer parents. Since both boxers and Labrador retrievers are friendly, playful, loving, and devoted companions, chances are that their mix will be too. Although boxer Labs can act as either of their parent breeds, they are generally extremely playful and energetic. Depending on how much your mix takes after its boxer parent, they might act goofy and cheerful most of the time. Boxerlabs form strong bonds with their people and do best in large families that have the time and energy to interact and play with them several times during the day. People-oriented and loving, this mix craves companionship and tends to develop separation anxiety when left alone a lot. If they are forced to stay home alone while you are at work, boxerlabs can easily become bored and destructive. Activity Level As an offspring of two very energetic working breeds, the laboxer is a very active dog with high exercise needs. Being such an active and athletic dog, your mix will need at least 30 minutes of exercise every day in addition to two walks. Activities such as running, hiking, swimming, or agility are all great ways to keep your pooch exercised and in excellent shape. Since boxerlabs love to play, games such as fetch, flyball, Frisbee, hide and seek, and tug-of-war are ideal ways to interact with your pooch and keep them entertained and exercised at the same time. Having a securely fenced backyard can be a big bonus when owning this mix. This way, you can keep your laboxer exercised and in great shape without leaving the comforts of your home. This mix craves companionship and is happiest when involved in all family activities. But, besides love and affection, you should also pay attention to: Exercise As mentioned previously, the lab boxer mix needs at least 30 minutes of vigorous activity every day. In addition to two regular daily walks, you should take your dog for a run, hike, or swim to burn excess energy and stay in good shape. Fun-loving, playful, and goofy, this mix loves games and will enjoy having a variety of interactive dog toys that will stimulate their curious mind. Games such as fetch or hide and seek are also a form of exercise that will also keep your pooch entertained and mentally stimulated. Intellectual Stimulation In addition to being highly energetic, laboxers are also intelligent dogs that can easily become bored without mental stimulation. If left to their own devices without interactive toys, your mix will chew and rifle through your belongings just to have some fun. And when you are at home, interact and play with your pooch as much as you can to stave off boredom and encourage good behavior. Companionship True to their parent breeds, boxadors are outgoing, people-loving, and easy-going dogs that form strong bonds with their owners and families. Bred to be loving companions, laboxers are delighted when they are involved in all family activities and are best suited for large families. This mix craves affection and company and can easily develop separation anxiety and other behavioral problems if left at home alone a lot. Ideally, a boxador dog should live in a large family where they will have company at all times. Grooming Most boxerlabs have short glossy coats that are easy to keep clean and are a fairly low-maintenance breed when it comes to grooming. Brushing your pooch once or twice a week is enough to remove loose hair and dander and keep their coat clean. In addition to regular brushing, you will also need to bathe your dog once every two months or as needed. Diet An ideal diet for a Lab boxer mix should be formulated for medium to large-sized breeds with high energy. Make sure the food you are feeding to your pooch is rich in protein and reinforced with all essential vitamins and minerals. Like their Labrador retriever parents, this mix has a tendency to gain weight easily and can become obese in no time. To prevent weight gain and all health problems associated with it, feed your dog two times a day and stick to a regular feeding schedule. Known Health Problems The boxerlab is considered a healthy breed, but they are predisposed to some of the same health problems that boxers and Labrador retrievers face. The most common health issues seen in this designer breed are: Hip and elbow dysplasia: Both boxers and Labrador retrievers are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, so boxerlabs can develop it too. Allergies: Like people, dogs can develop food or environmental allergies. Itching is the most common symptom associated with allergies. However, some dogs also exhibit respiratory problems and might cough, sneeze, wheeze, or have a runny discharge from their eyes or nose. Hypothyroidism: This is a relatively common endocrine problem in dogs caused by an underactive thyroid gland. Dogs suffering from hypothyroidism usually experience symptoms of lethargy, weight gain, and changes to the skin and coat. Life Expectancy The Labrador boxer mix has an average lifespan of 12 to 15 years. But, when cared for properly and taken to regular veterinary check ups, this mix can live longer. Highly intelligent and eager to please, most laboxers are fairly easy to house train, and learn basic obedience. Boxerlabs, like all other dogs, react the best to positive reinforcement training techniques and reward-based training. The idea behind this approach is to reward good behavior using treats or praise and to ignore bad behavior. This type of training has been proven to give the best results and is highly effective even if you are dealing with an extremely willful dog. Besides training, laboxers can also benefit from early socialization and should be exposed to many different people, situations, sounds, and sights from a young age. Early socialization can help your laboxer puppy get used to other people and pets and grow into a friendly and well-rounded dog. Who Should Own A Boxador? Bred to be a loyal and devoted companion, the Lab boxer mix is best suited for active people and families with children. This friendly mix craves companionship and is best suited for large homes and families who can spend time and play with their dog every day. Buying A Boxer Lab Mix Puppy Spend some time researching reputable Lab boxer mix breeders before you decide to welcome a laboxer puppy into your home. Since this is a fairly new designer breed, be prepared to spend more time researching and tracking down a reputable breeder. Once you locate a breeder you like, schedule an appointment to meet the puppies and the mother and to inspect the facilities they are kept in. If by any chance the breeder refuses to show you the conditions the puppies are kept in, walk away and look for another breeder. A reputable breeder will be more than happy to answer all of your questions and will also be able to provide health certificates for both parents and all puppies. However, you may end up paying more, depending on the breeder, your location, lineage, and gender. History Of The Breeds Boxer Originating in Germany, the boxer is a medium to a large-size working dog breed that was used as a guard dog. Although they might seem intimidating, boxers are goofy and mischievous canines that make great family companions. Highly energetic, easy to groom, and loving, the boxer is a great choice if you are looking for a loyal family pet that can also double as a guard dog. Easy to train, friendly, gentle, and affectionate, Labs make great family pets and companions to people of all ages including children. Due to their amazing temperament and high trainability, Labrador retrievers are often used as service dogs for people with disabilities and make great guide dogs. Boxerlabs make amazing pets for active people or large families with children. This loyal, energetic, playful, and friendly mix forms strong bonds with its people and likes to be involved in all family activities. If you are active and have enough time to interact and play with your dog every day, the Lab boxer mix will be a great pet. Are Boxer Labs aggressive? However, they form strong bonds with their owners and are naturally suspicious of strangers. Therefore, early socialization is a must if you want your mix to grow into a friendly and well-behaved dog. Conclusion Medium to large in size and highly energetic, the boxer Lab mix is a fairly new designer breed on the block. Amiable and devoted to their people, this pooch forms strong bonds with its owners and prefers to be involved in all family activities. If so, tell us more about your pooch in the comment section below! Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining. However, unlike its boxer parent that might not be too friendly with strangers, it has a calmer disposition and would not bark unnecessarily, enjoying human company with an eagerness to please its owner, and with a separation anxiety out of sheer loyalty. Care Exercise Boxadors would constantly try to eat, and thus gaining weight like the labrador, for which reason, brisk exercise for at least an hour is a must, that might be divided into schedules daily. Grooming Already famous for their glossy coat, they rarely need a bath, unless too untidy. Health Problems Although a generally healthy breed, but however, because of their specific allergy to grains they might end up developing syndromes like dermatological irritations, diarrhea loose motion , stomach-licking or foot-licking etc. If kept alone for long periods of time, they might suffer from boredom or loneliness, affecting their psychological health. Training The overly-happy boxadors must be trained to socialize with people and pets and learn dog manners as a puppy, so that they would remain within the limits of sweetness in the family, knowing the rules to remain calm and balanced. Feeding Meat should be the first ingredient, better whole meat like chicken or turkey or red meat. Grains like oats, wheat, rice, barley etc. A high-quality dry dog food divided into two equal halves during lunch and dinner is recommended. Eating is in the genes of this breed. Hence, their food habits need to be monitored, especially when they are full-grown. Interesting Facts The gloss in the coat of the boxador comes from the natural oils present in their body hair. This dog has a tail that is either coiled, or else they are docked. Your Boxer mixed with a Lab will have very short hair that is very easy to groom and maintain. But if your dog has dominant Lab genes then expect a lot of shedding. Lab Boxer suffers from seasonal shedding, and its coat may be kept in check using regular grooming and the right kind of dog shampoo and grooming products. Since a Lab has black, chocolate or yellow coats and Boxers are either fawn or brindle with white markings; the mixed breed pup will be any of the two. A Brindle Boxer Lab dog is very common and these come with white patches. It contains lavender, sage, and mint plus many botanicals. It can treat hot spots; consequently, it is perfect for dogs that tend to over-groom. Earthbath Oatmeal and Aloe Dog Shampoo This dog shampoo comes with a soap-free formula using oatmeal, aloe and other natural ingredients. It is perfect for itchy and irritated skin. This dog needs regular bathing at least once every other week. Invest in a high-quality nail clipper. You may also take your dog to a groomer at least once a month. Therefore, you must have your puppy checked by a vet to rule out any health condition as soon as you take it home from a breeder or the shelter. The following are common health conditions of a Lab Boxer mix breed dog. We also warmly recommend these best dry dog food brands; but try to steer clear from the worst dry dog food that has high additive content. If you adopt a puppy, give them the healthiest possible start at life with the best puppy food brands and as they grow bigger and stronger, slowly switch them on adult food. Your pooch may even enjoy the taste of best dry dog food for small dogs, so keep an open mind, and offer them a serving of it to check. Old doggos should be fed with slightly different food, though. If you have a grandpa-dog at home, see how they like the best senior dry dog food. If your dog has allergies, then there are dog food varieties that are right for his needs. Food treats should be avoided especially when training your dog. Use positive reinforcement instead of giving food treats. The following dog food brands will work well with Boxer Lab mix breeds: Canine Formula Taste of the Wild This is considered one of the best dog foods in the market today. Wellness Complete Health Large Breed This is made with rich protein sources such as salmon meal, whitefish, and chicken. It comes with flaxseeds that contain high omega-3 fatty acids and probiotics to promote a healthy gut. It has a delicious flavor and smells that your Boxer Lab will love. Your dog will love this flavor and will be the best choice for dogs with sensitive stomachs. The Natural Grain-Free dog dry food is gluten-free and will never cause stomach upset. Never give the following human food. Do not feed the following Onion and chives. Chopped carrots or celery make great little healthy treats. Your vet can help you develop a care routine. Boxadors love to eat and will rapidly gain weight if they are allowed to free feed. Pick a high quality dog food and stick to a feeding schedule; two feedings per day could be ideal to keep this pooch happy. They also need an exercise schedule. A 30 minute hike, walk, or game of fetch, plus an hour of active running around a yard will help burn off pent up energy. Check their ears for debris and pests daily and clean them as recommended by your vet. Keeping them clean and dry is the best way to avoid doctor visits. If your dog develops a pungent aroma or is scratching their ears excessively, they may have an ear infection and will require a vet exam. They should not be clicking against the floor. Your groomer can help with this. You should brush their teeth a minimum of three times a week. Clean your dogs eyes as you would your own. You can use a cloth or your fingers to wipe away discharge or debris that collects in the corners. Boxador Feeding An ideal Boxador diet should be formulated for an active, medium- to large-sized breed. Limit their amount of treats, as well. The main colors of Boxadors are; black, brown, brindle, and white. Rarely solid, their coats typically have a blend of two or more colors. Luckily, their coats are very easy to groom. A good brushing per week will probably do. They may self groom and are considered a pretty clean dog. Always teach children how to approach and touch dogs, and always supervise any interactions between dogs and young children to prevent any tail pulling or biting on the part of either party. No dog should ever be left unsupervised with a child. Learn more about this pup by reading about their parent breeds, the Boxer and Labrador Retriever. Boxador Rescue Groups It may be hard to find a breed specific rescue for Boxadors because they are a mixed breed. However, you may want to try Boxer or Labrador Retriever breed specific rescues, as they often care for mixes, as well. Here are some rescues you can try:. The boxador is an active dog who's affectionate and loyal to her entire family. As a mix of two highly intelligent breeds , she has earned a reputation for being easy to train and eager to join any family adventure. But she also comes from two high-energy breeds and needs to be kept busy. As a hybrid dog , the boxador can vary in size depending on which parent breed she takes after the most. She will likely stand about 2 feet tall and weigh between 50—80 pounds. At her best, every inch of the boxador is filled with exuberance and love. She will need an active owner who can match her endless stamina, and she will be happiest when kept close to her people. Appearance The boxador is perpetually ready to play. Her toned, muscular body is frequently in motion, often chasing a ball or trying to start a friendly game of tug-of-war. Even if she has the longer snout of the Labrador retriever, she will likely still have droopy jowls. Because of this, she might be prone to drooling —especially when she gets excited. Both of her parent breeds are large dogs , so your boxador will grow up into a big bundle of energy. The boxador is expressive with her eyes and ears, often looking at you with a longing glance and perked up ears to tell you she's ready to go for a long walk. If she takes after her boxer side, her coat will be short and won't shed much. However, because a Labrador's coat can range from short to medium in length, a boxador will likely experience seasonal shedding. The boxador can come in a mix of colors, with the dominant shades being fawn, brown, black, or brindle. And while it's not guaranteed, the boxador often has a white patch on her chest and a muzzle of black fur. This means the mixed breed is ideal for many on-the-go families, as long as you make sure you have time to play with your boxador every day. Bored dogs are not good dogs because they're going to chew on belongings. They need families that are going to be active and keep them busy. She gets along incredibly well with children and other dogs, especially if she is well-socialized as a puppy. Boxadors are motivated by praise and affection, so owners should train her using positive reinforcement training and give her plenty of attention when she does something correctly. She will be highly motivated to learn different games alongside you. Both parent dogs are known for their intelligence and ability to communicate exactly what they need with their owners. So pay attention when your boxador is whining or nudging you—that probably means she needs to go outside or just wants some more playtime. You need to get them all kinds of games and activities. Take them on a jog or play fetch, all of that good stuff. She's not going to want to entertain herself in a fenced-in yard ; she wants you to play with her. While she is a well-tempered dog, the boxador should not be left at home for hours alone. If left by herself, the boxador can be prone to make her own entertainment think: chewing decorative pillows or pulling over houseplants to keep herself entertained. Loretta Moraco, a director at Chelsea's Hope Boxer Rescue that works with boxers and boxer mixes in the Northeast, says many people don't understand the energy level these dogs bring to a household. By training your boxador that her crate is a safe, comfortable space, she will feel more secure there whenever her owners do need to leave her alone for a short period of time. Crate training can also limit undesirable behavior that can happen when boxadors get bored. The boxer side is mischievous and curious, and you don't want them eating something they shouldn't when left alone. As a general rule, boxador owners should be prepared for a dog that wants to run and play 99 percent of the time. While there are some exceptions, boxador owners need to be ready to take their new pet on long, daily walks. She is exceptionally friendly thanks to her Labrador side, and she will thrive when socializing with other humans and dogs. They need doggy daycare and activities and games outside. They're literally like a toddler for a really long time, that's the best I can describe it. Keep them busy, and don't let them get bored. It's a good idea to get her used to regular teeth brushing as a puppy because her boxer side can be prone to dental issues. If she has face folds particularly around her mouth , you'll want to keep them clean with regular bathing in order to avoid any bacteria buildup. Health A healthy boxador can live between 10—12 years, but they are likely to experience health issues in their lifetime. Owners should consider investing in pet insurance if they bring home a boxador because both breeds are prone to certain health conditions that can become expensive in their older years. A boxador's health largely depends on what genetics she inherits from her parents and grandparents. The Labrador side often experiences elbow and hip dysplasia , according to the Labrador Retriever Club. These issues can be addressed with joint supplements recommended by your veterinarian. They can also experience certain heart disorders, as well as a condition called exercise-induced collapse. The boxer parent's genes can make boxadors predisposed to cancers that often impact the brain, thyroid, or spleen, according to the American Boxer Club. They can also be at risk for hereditary heart diseases , including arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy or Aortic Stenosis. They could experience discomfort with her hindquarters later in life if they inherit the boxer's predisposition to degenerative myelopathy. The popularity of boxer hybrids including the boxer-Lab mix in recent years has actually been, in part, an effort to mitigate some of the more heartbreaking health conditions that impact the purebred dogs. They are great with kids, smart, and goofy. And a lot of people who love the boxer breed are now looking for a hybrid dog because they are hoping it eliminates some of the health issues. While many boxadors live long and healthy lives, being aware of the potential health issues is the best way to ensure she is kept comfortable and happy. History As a hybrid dog, the boxador's origin is murky. Mixed breeds are not registered by the American Kennel Club, so their history is undocumented unlike purebred dogs whose history goes back for centuries. The most likely explanation for the boxador is that breeders sought to combine the best traits of the two beloved, active breeds. Especially for owners who worry about the health issues surrounding the boxer breed, the Labrador retriever—as the nation's most popular dog—makes an optimal pairing to offset some of the boxer's health risks. While the boxador's history is largely speculation, she comes from very famous parents. The Labrador retriever originated in Canada as a loyal waterfowl dog before gaining a reputation as a loving family dog. The boxer is the product of breeders in Germany and Belgium who wanted a strong hunting dog. Eventually, the boxer became a farming dog who enjoyed spending time with her family. Because the boxador can be prone to certain health issues, it's especially important that potential owners get health records for the dog they are adopting. If you are bringing home a puppy from a boxador breeder, take steps to avoid a puppy mill scam by working with individuals who are transparent about health screenings and allow you to meet the puppy on-site so you can ensure she was raised in a good home. Fun Facts While the boxer-Labrador retriever mix is most commonly referred to as a boxador, the dogs can also be called a boxerlab or Laboxer. In , the Labrador retriever was named the most popular dog breed for the 30th year in a row. The same year, the boxer was named the 14th most popular dog breed in the United States. A rescued boxador named Wesson is the frequent star on the popular TikTok account willandwesson. Was this page helpful? The Boxer Lab mix is playful, energetic, loyal and loving. Boxador puppies are known for being intelligent and enthusiastic dogs. But their spirited temperament is not right for every family setup. Watch these cute Boxer Lab mix puppies playing! The boxer lab mix, also known as the Boxador, is a hybrid of the Boxer and the Labrador Retriever breeds. Compared to its parent breeds, the Boxador mix itself is very new. But, its parents have long histories living and working alongside humans. Labs originated as working dogs, retrieving game for fishermen in Newfoundland, Canada. When they were first bred in 19th century Germany, Boxers were used as fighting dogs. Boxer Lab Mix Characteristics With cross breeds it is often hard to predict which parent a puppy will resemble. Boxers can weigh up to 80lbs and reach 25 inches tall. Labradors are similarly large. Boxador full grown tend to be between 23 and 25 inches tall and weigh up to 80lbs. Although females are smaller than males. Regardless of the mix of your genes your pup ends up with, your Boxer Lab Mix dog is likely to be a medium to large dog, active, loyal, easy to train and very fond of challenges — of both the physical and mental kind! Boxers are fawn or brindle. Often with white patches. Their offspring can be any mixture of these! The Boxador is usually brindle, and these dogs often have white markings. If you want a black Lab Boxer mix, your puppy will likely still have some white on them. Your best bet is to mix a black Lab with a dark Boxer. But, even a black Lab Boxer mix can have unpredictable coloring, despite the dominant genes for black fur. Do Boxer Lab Mixes Shed? When it comes to coat, the Boxer Lab mix usually takes after its Boxer parent. These pups typically have short, smooth hair that sheds very little and is easy to care for. However if your Boxador dog has more Labrador in its genes you might have to deal with some shedding. Thankfully this is usually seasonal and can be kept in check with regular grooming. Are Boxadors Hypoallergenic? The Boxer Lab mix might have a short coat, but it is likely to be a high shedder at least part of the time. They produce allergens in their dander and saliva, and are not suitable for dog allergy suffering owners. Boxador Temperament The Boxer Lab mix will fall somewhere between its parents. But, luckily, the Labrador and Boxer breeds have quite similar temperaments. Both Boxers and Labradors are very loving and loyal. They think nothing of climbing on their people for a cuddle, despite their large size! Both Boxers and Labradors are usually great with older children. They are considered gentle giants and will eagerly run after little ones. Although they have been known to accidentally bowl over smaller family members in their excitement. Labradors also love playing with canine companions, but Boxers are less reliable in this area. Poorly socialized Boxers can be prone to aggression towards strangers and other dogs. Boxers are instinctive guardians and proud to play the role of family protector. But you can reduce this through thorough socialization during the puppy stages and by meeting the Boxer parent and ensuring that they seem happy and confident around strangers. Even the most friendly breed, like the Labrador, will benefit. Finding them puppy friends to play with will encourage them to be calm and docile with other dogs when fully grown. Attending puppy classes is a great way to do this. But, make sure you also socialize them to unfamiliar people, children, cats, other animals, and more. This will ensure your Boxador dog is as friendly outside the home as he is inside. They require a lot of exercise and enjoy running around with the family or playing a game of fetch. This can result in unwanted behaviors like barking, digging, or chewing. But, be wary of a shorter snout in the Boxador. Boxers suffer from a conformity issue called brachycephaly, which can cause trouble breathing and overheating when exercising. Use positive reward techniques for best results. You could even take your mix to a puppy training class, or attend an online dog training class. Boxador Health and Care Genetic diversity is improved in a cross breed compared with the parent breeds and the coefficient of inbreeding COI is much lower. Put simply, the COI of any mating describes how closely related the parent dogs are. Higher COIs are associated with an increase in health problems. The risk of this happening is lower if the puppies parents are not closely related. There are however, some health issues that are not recessive and can be passed on from just one parent. And there are common ancestors in some of our dog breeds that mean some diseases are present in both breeds. For that reason it is still possible that a cross bred dog could inherit genetic health problems. Labrador Health Labradors are not without their issues. This breed can suffer from hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. It can cause lameness and severe arthritic pain. Another issue to be aware of in Labs is eye disease. Retinal dysplasia was first noted in the breed in .Progressive Retinal Atrophy is a degenerative eye disease that is common in Labs. Only buy your puppy from a breeder who health tests the parents for all the potential problems their respective breeds could suffer from. Boxer Health A study found that Boxers are one of the most likely breeds to get cancer. According to Petplan, mast cell tumors are the 5th most common illness in Boxers. This breed is unfortunately also associated with heart disease. Aortic Stenosis is the most common major problem in the breed. The causes are not known but it is genetic and passed along certain bloodlines. ARVC affects males more than females and is most common in dogs older than .Symptoms include coughing, difficulty breathing and weight loss. Boxers can also suffer from Canine Degenerative Myelopathy. This is a neurodegenerative disease that can cause paralysis. Unfortunately more is not necessarily better and brachycephaly causes breathing difficulties and overheating It may be that being the Boxador rather than a purebred Boxer offers some protection against these diseases. It certainly reduces the skull shortening we see in brachycephalic breeds. This is a bit of a two edged coin because while the Boxer physique may benefit from a longer muzzle, the Labrador physique is unlikely to be improved with a shorter one. Reputable breeders will only breed from dogs that have been tested and cleared of these serious hereditary health problems. To give your pup a long and healthy life, make sure he gets plenty of exercise, a balanced diet and regular vet check-ups. Boxador Life Expectancy Labrador Retrievers have a lifespan of years. And, on average, Boxers live around years So in theory you can expect Boxer Labrador mix puppies to reach anywhere between 9 and 12 years old. In practice studies tend to find that crossbred dogs in general, live longer on average than most purebred dogs. But we currently have no evidence that this is the case for the Boxador in particular. Only you can decide if the Boxer Lab mix is the right fit for your home. These are large dogs with big hearts that will give as much as they take. Boxadors love being part of a family. They are great with children and enthusiastic playmates for families with school age children and up. But this cross breed needs lots of exercise. They are fiercely attached to their people and dislike being left for long periods of time. This is a dog that suits a family with an active lifestyle and lots of love to give. Boxer Lab Mix Rescue Adopting a shelter dog always comes with risk. But Boxadors in shelters need homes and rescuing puppies or older dogs can be very rewarding. Labrador and Boxer breed rescues also sometimes have crossbreeds available. Dogs from adoption centers are usually much cheaper than puppies. But, remember you may need to spend lots of time helping them work through behavioral issues from past experiences. Finding Your Boxador Puppy Never buy a dog from a puppy mill or pet store. Or from the back of a vehicle. Always visit the puppy in his own home in the presence of his mother, who should be relaxed, healthy and friendly. Sadly with any very fashionable breed, or breed mix, there are many out there who are just looking to make a quick buck. Socialize your Boxador very thoroughly, exposing him to all kinds of fun experiences and making sure that he meets many different types of people, places, machinery etc. Given Boxadors intelligent nature and working history, get started on training your dog right away. Boxador Breeders It can be challenging to find a responsible breeder of cross breeds as there is currently quite a stigma against mixed breeding in the dog world. You must ask to see those certificates — they are very important. The parent dogs must have been screened for any genetic diseases and the breeder should be very forthcoming with any questions. Life Span Did You Know? The Boxador is a designer mixed dog breed that is a cross between a Boxer and a Labrador Retriever. They are sometimes also called a Boxer Lab Mix, although Boxador tends to be a more popular term. Because this is not an established purebred dog, the Boxador is not recognized by the American Kennel Club, but they are still recognized by other official organizations. With mixed breed puppies, you can get any combination of the physical characteristics and character traits of the parent breeds. A Boxador puppy could take completely after their Boxer parent or their Lab parent or could be some combination of both. In general, Boxadors tend to be intelligent, friendly, energetic, and loving. Overall, these dogs tend to make a great addition to a family. Both the Boxer and the Labrador are known for their happy-go-lucky, friendly temperament. They also have a playful spirit and are known for getting along well with children, other dogs, and other pets. In general, the Boxador tends to have a similar temperament. Playtime with small children should be supervised as these dogs will grow into large, energetic dogs and small children can be knocked over by their excitedly wagging tails and energetic play. They tend to be loyal, friendly, and playful and love spending time with their families. Due to the hunting instinct in the parent breeds, a Boxador may have a high prey drive and enjoy chasing things. Boxadors tend to be highly adaptable dogs. They do tend to be a better fit for larger homes with a fenced-in backyard where they can run. However, as long as they receive plenty of exercise, mental stimulation, and attention, they can adapt well to apartment living. As with many dog breeds, they are sensitive to extreme heat and can be sensitive to cold. But, overall, this dog breed does well in just about any climate. They love to be around their families and have a high energy level, so they do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. Mixed dog breeds can inherit some, all, or none of the potential health issues present in their parent breeds. When it comes to the Boxador, they are a relatively healthy breed. Some of the potential health conditions to be aware of include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, cataracts, and heart conditions. Asking the breeder about the genetic history of the parent breeds and to see any relevant health clearances can help allay potential concerns about health you may have. Both the Boxer and the Lab are highly intelligent dog breeds that are eager to please their owners, which makes them both highly trainable. You can expect your Boxador to be highly trainable as well. These dogs respond well to positive training techniques and are a good fit for owners of any experience level. Although it tends not to be necessary with this breed, enrolling in puppy training and obedience classes is an added bonus and can offer some extra opportunities for socialization. Boxadors usually have a short and dense coat. They will shed moderately year-round and more heavily twice a year as the seasons change. Generally, brushing their coat a few times a week is sufficient. This will help keep your dog more comfortable and will keep some of the loose fur contained to the brush instead of all of around your house. In terms of bathing, these dogs only require the occasional bath or more often as needed if they have gotten dirty or have been swimming. Dental care for dogs is especially important. Both of the parent breeds of this designer dog breed are high-energy, so you should expect your Boxador to have a high energy level as well. In addition to regular daily walks and playtime, your Boxador may enjoy running with you, going for a swim, going hiking with you, and taking trips to the dog park. They also are a good fit for several canine sports like dock diving, agility, and more. Their joints are still developing before this age and can be damaged by strenuous exercise. A fully-grown Boxador will usually stand 20 to 25 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh 55 to 80 pounds. A Boxador generally lives 10 to 14 years. Boxador Puppies for Sale.
In I purchased my first boxer Lady. After coming out of the Navy. I decided to have my first dog since leaving home. She was my first boxer a pet, not knowing boxers well. My veterinarian encourage me to go out to the dog park as he felt she was a good representation of the breed. To my surprise I found out that Miss Lady was the granddaughter of Ch. Candy Kisses Play Boy. As my adventure began with Lady it was determined that she was my lovely pet who taught me to love the breed with all of her antics and characteristics. So then I purchase my next boxer her name was Lola a classic brindle girl. As it would be Lola would never finish as she was a classic brindle at that time called a plain. Lola taught me patience and how to handle dogs in the show ring. So my love for the classic boxer goes to my original girl Lola. Venician Boxers came about for the love of the city where I grew up. Venice Beach California. I decided on changing my name from Avalon Kennels after 15 years of co-ownership and mentoring in from Dr. Daniel Buchwald, D. I could not thank him more for everything I have learned and continue to learn. I live in the South West part of the state which is surrounded by beautiful mountains. AKC proudly supports dedicated and responsible breeders. We encourage all prospective puppy owners to do their research and be prepared with questions to ask the breeder. Boxer puppies for sale Reno, Nevada Boxer puppies for sale Reno, Nevada Introduction of the Boxer The Boxer dog breed originated in Germany and has been around since the late 19th century. His main purpose is for hunting large game. But this dog breed was also useful in guarding and driving livestock. It is said that he got his name due to using his front paws for just about anything. Boxer dogs look intimidating with their stern-looking faces and powerful bodies. But they are actually very loving family dogs that get along with children and other animals. They love being with their families, and being separated from them can lead them to develop separation anxiety. Since this working dog is highly intelligent but stubborn in nature, he is better suited for experienced owners. The average lifespan of the breed is 9—10 years. Look for a boxer puppies for sale Reno Nevada? Here is a brief background of this protective dog with a good sense of humour. History of the Boxer The Boxer dog breed is a descendant of the now-extinct Bullenbeisser a fighting dog with Mastiff ancestry and the Old English Bulldog. He was developed in Germany in the 19th century as hunters of deer, wild boar, and bear. Later on, he was used to guard and drive cattle. The man responsible for the creation of the Boxer breed was Georg Alt, who was from Munich. He crossed a brindle-coloured female Bullenbeisser named Flora with a local dog of unknown breed. In , the first German Boxer dog named Flocki joined a dog show in Munich. After winning the dog show, he was the first-ever Boxer dog to be listed down in the German Studbook. Modern Boxer dogs were believed to be the descendants of Flocki. He was then imported to the United States in and was accepted by the American Kennel Club the following year. The American Boxer Club was established in .In both world wars, various military tasks were given to Boxer dogs including guard dogs, attack dogs, and messenger dogs. The British Boxer Dog Club was then formed in .The Boxer breed was recognised by the Kennel Club shortly thereafter and classified under the Working Group. Versatile and hard-working, these dogs are capable of carrying out different canine work. Boxers are good choices for protection dogs, police dogs, service dogs, and guide dogs for the blind. Temperament and Intelligence of the Boxer puppies Reno for sale Extremely patient and gentle, the Boxer breed is good with children. But he is recommended for families with older children as he may accidentally knock over toddlers. Befriending other pets is possible if the Boxer dog is properly socialised at a young age. It will keep him from viewing small animals as prey and reduce his tendency to dominate same-sex dogs. Is a Boxer a good family dog? Yes, the Boxer breed is a good family dog. He may look noble and intimidating, but he is actually considered the Joker of the Dog World. Boxer dogs are playful and fun-loving. They love to be part of family activities and be the centre of attention. Are Boxer dogs dangerous? Boxer dogs may be tough-looking, but they are not generally aggressive. But they will stand guard and defend their families if necessary. Boxer dogs are initially wary of strangers, but they eventually warm up to them if no danger is detected. Their protective and loyal nature makes them good guard dogs as well as watchdogs. Are Boxers easy to train? Yes, Boxer dogs are easy to train if you are already experienced in handling the breed. They are intelligent but tend to be independent and stubborn. Due to this, they are not suited for first-time owners. Boxer dogs respond better to people that are firm and consistent. However, firm does not mean harsh. Instead of strict training methods, positive reinforcements are more effective in teaching this breed basic dog manners and tricks. Boxer Breed Highlights The Boxer dog breed is a loving, loyal, and protective companion. Boxer dogs are comical companions despite their intimidating appearance. The Boxer breed has low-maintenance grooming needs. As an energetic working dog, he has high exercise needs. Boxer dogs tend to be destructive when they are left alone or unable to let off steam. Are there miniature boxers? Yes, but they are rare. Miniature boxers are either a product of mating purebred runts or cross-breeding small dogs that have similar characteristics to boxers, such as Boston terriers, pugs, rat terriers, and fox terriers. While some of these minis may closely resemble their larger counterparts, they may not act similarly. Are boxers hypoallergenic? Unfortunately, boxers are not hypoallergenic. What problems do Boxers have? Boxer dogs are brachycephalic, which means they have flat faces. This trait narrows their airway and causes breathing problems. As a result, Boxers should not be out in the sun for a long time as it can lead to heatstroke. Overexercising them must be avoided too to avoid triggering breathing difficulties. How long do Boxer dogs live? The Boxer dog breed has a short lifespan compared to other dogs. He can only live up to 9—10 years, and this is due to the prevalence of health issues in the breed. When buying a Boxer puppy, look for a reputable breeder whose breeding stock and litters are health-screened. This will help you determine how likely is your chosen Boxer puppy going to develop certain health conditions. Reno NV Reno is a city in the northwest section of the U. The Reno metro area along with the neighboring city Sparks occupies a valley colloquially known as the Truckee Meadows, which because of large-scale investments from Greater Seattle and San Francisco Bay Area companies such as Amazon, Tesla, Panasonic, Microsoft, Apple, and Google has become a new major technology center in the United States. We will not send you unnecessary notices in the future. My name is Tetyana and I am glad to welcome you on the site of the breed nursery.
Life Span Did You Know? One of the facts about Labrador Retrievers is that there are a few distinct color coat variations. Fox Red Labradors are a rare-colored version of the Labrador Retriever. Despite this, they can be registered as purebred Yellow Labrador Retrievers , as the darker-colored coat is not considered to be a disqualifying factor. Due to their unique and certainly eye-catching color, the Fox Red Labrador continues to grow in popularity. Labrador Retrievers are known for being exceptionally sweet and are one of the most affectionate dog breeds. These dogs yearn to be a part of a family, and fit right in when joining one. In fact, Labs are considered one of the kid-friendly dog breeds. Well-socialized Fox Red Labradors tend to get along well with children, other dogs, other pets, and even strangers. After all, every person they meet is a potential friend that they can play with. Labrador Retrievers are one of the most active dog breeds. Despite their energy, Fox Red Labradors can adapt to most settings. As long as this dog breed has a chance to get in daily walks, go outside to run and play, and they get plenty of attention, they are content. They are not overly affected by cold weather, but they have a dense double coat. Fox Red Retrievers are also happiest when in the presence of people and they love to be with their families whenever possible. They also have a lot of energy and get bored easily. Potential health concerns to be aware of in Fox Red Labrador Retrievers can include hereditary myopathy, hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia , progressive retinal atrophy, heart disease, and cataracts. There is also a condition with a genetic link that can occur in young adult Labradors called exercise-induced collapse EIC. Carriers can be identified by DNA tests. Good breeding practices can reduce the risk of potential health issues and make a big difference in the health of Fox Red Lab puppies. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. Make sure you ask about the health and genetic history of both parents and about any health tests or clearances. The national breed club recommends hip and elbow evaluations, an EIC DNA test, and an ophthalmologist evaluation at a minimum. As a large, deep-chested dog breed, the Fox Red Labrador Retriever is at a higher risk of bloat. Bloat in dogs can be dangerous and can become fatal if the stomach flips gastric torsion. Labrador Retrievers are one of the smartest dog breeds and are highly trainable. Although they can become stubborn at times, they are eager to please and pick up on training quickly overall. Their energy and intelligence mean they can lose focus in training and get bored easily. However, training that is kept clear, consistent, and focused on positive rewards usually keeps them focused and responding well. Any color variant of the Labrador Retriever is ideal for beginner dog owners. Fox Red Labrador Retrievers have a short, dense double coat that is water-resistant. They shed year-round and more heavily as the seasons change. Brushing their coat a few times a week and daily brushing during seasonal shedding is usually enough to keep their coat healthy and looking great. Bathing is on an occasional, as-needed basis. Because their coat tends to protect them from the cold and they are one of the dog breeds that tend to love water , your Fox Red Lab may try to go for a swim regardless of the season. If they are an avid swimmer or tend to get into a lot of things, you may need to bathe them more often. It is highly recommended to give them a bath or at least rinse them off thoroughly after going swimming with your dog. Their nails should be trimmed once or twice monthly. This will help prevent ear infections. Proper dental care for dogs is essential for preventing the tartar buildup that lends to dental diseases like gum disease and tooth decay. Brushing their teeth or using an enzyme toothpaste every day is a good start. You can also supplement your dental care efforts with dental hygiene chews, a special dental care diet, and more. Like other Labs, Fox Red Labrador Retrievers are high-energy dogs that require a lot of daily activity to be happy and healthy. Daily walks plus playtime, time to run, and other activities are usually enough for this dog. However, they will likely always be up for more activity if you are. Often, they are just happy to be spending time with you. Labs tend to have an extended puppyhood until they are around years old. They will mellow out a little, but also tend to maintain a puppy-like exuberance even in their senior years. Once they are done growing and your vet has cleared them for more activities, you can try a lot of different things. Labs are athletic and versatile dogs. They are one of the sturdy dog breeds for outdoor adventures and tend to enjoy a variety of activities. They tend to excel in swimming, running, obstacle courses, and several dog sports. Fully-grown Fox Red Labrador Retrievers usually stand inches tall and weigh pounds. Fox Red Labs generally live for years on average. Holland, MI This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Click here and you will find information on the litters that are here now or that will be born soon. All puppies are also AKC Registered. Our puppies come from well known multiple generations of champion GMPR bloodlines, with good bone structure, nice heads, and a wonderful temperament. We work hard to keep our dogs in top shape and condition. Our dogs are exercised regularly to help maintain great health. When our puppies are born, they are watched over very carefully to make sure all are maintaining a healthy weight. The pups are wormed at three weeks, and then again at six weeks. Their first shots are given at six weeks of age, and your new puppy will come with a 28 month health guarantee! If you are looking for a loyal family dog, or a wonderful hunting companion, you will definitely find what you are looking for here at Fox Red Pointing Labs. For more information on any of our dogs, please call or This email address is being protected from spambots.
Breeds The link has been copied! However, the Border Collie Golden Retriever mix has a lot to offer as a pet. It can always be a little interesting to see what you get when mixing two dog breeds. Border Collies are mostly black and white, though there can be other colors. Goldens vary in color from light yellow to deep gold or red. The cross, sometimes called the Coltriever can be any color ranging from black and white to yellow, golden, brown, deep chocolate, or red. The best way to understand a designer dog breed a mix of two purebreds is to take a closer look at its parent breeds. As you might expect, they were used extensively for herding sheep over generations in this area. Eventually, they developed into excellent working dogs known for their intelligence, energy, and obedience. In fact, Border Collies have topped the list when it comes to ranking the smartest dog breeds. Border Collies are medium to large size dogs standing inches at the shoulder and weighing about pounds. They were made to work and require a job or at least lots of exercise and mental stimulation to be calm and happy. The Loving Golden Retriever The Golden Retriever has long been popular as a family dog in addition to being used for various jobs. Their affectionate personalities and loving attitude toward everyone they encounter are downright endearing. Interestingly, Golden Retrievers were originally developed for work. They are also from Scotland and are the result of the work of Lord Dudley Marjorbanks. He worked to produce an intelligent, hard-working dog from the extinct Tweed Water Spaniel and the Yellow Retriever. Golden Retrievers are pretty big, usually standing between inches tall and weighing up to 75 pounds. They are typically golden in color, but the shade can range from quite pale to a deep gold or red hue. However, the Golden Collie tends to be a larger dog, standing between inches and weighing pounds. Surprisingly for such a large dog, Coltrievers can handle living in small homes or even apartments — with proper exercise, of course. As descendants of the highly energetic Border Collie, these guys will go nuts if they are cooped up for too long! Goldens are famous for their easy-going, loving personalities. They are loyal, develop strong bonds with their families, and make wonderful playmates for children. As with any dog, it is important to meet their needs for mental stimulation and physical exercise. Because of their smarts, they may need more mental stimulation than other breeds but there are a lot of activities that count. Playing with the kids, puzzle games , fetch, swimming, jogging, hiking , and so much more make these pups super happy! The last section gives you a big hint — yes, Golden Border Retrievers make excellent family dogs. Because they need so much attention, it can be hard for a single person or even a couple who work outside the home to provide enough interaction for the dog. But you put a whole family in the house and that Golden Border Retriever is in heaven! They will happily play with your kids and will be gentle and loving. They will always let you know when a stranger is coming to visit! Everybody wants a well-behaved dog and it takes time and patience to achieve that. However, some dogs are easier to train than others. For busy families that may not have tons of time to dedicate to dog training, easy trainability is a big plus. Well, the Golden Border Retriever is a great choice. They can get themselves into trouble if they are bored, so plenty of mental stimulation and exercise is a must — or your furniture could pay the price. If you like the idea of a dog that can learn lots of cool and unusual tricks, this is a great dog to pick. They are also great dogs for competing in agility and other canine sports. Outside the home, Golden Border Retrievers are fantastic for use in a variety of jobs. Their smarts and obedience make them easy to use for herding, retrieving, and everything in between. But one thing is certain, they have a lot of hair and will shed frequently. Because these dogs are certainly not it. To keep their coats somewhat under control, expect to brush their hair at least once a week. Baths only need to happen about once or twice a month. Be careful not to bathe too frequently or their skin can dry out. And make sure to keep those floppy ears clean and dry to help avoid ear infections. Just as with humans, it depends on their age, size, activity level, and other factors. Adjust accordingly if you notice they are getting thinner or putting on more weight. For exercise, remember these guys are quite the energetic pups! It is best to provide your pup with at least 90 minutes of vigorous exercise daily. Though if your schedule allows, these pups will happily go strong for minutes a day and still race you to the front door! Health Concerns for the Golden Retriever and Border Collie Unfortunately, all dogs can get sick, regardless of their breed. That may be somewhat true for the breed as a whole, but individual dogs could also be susceptible to the health problems of both their parent breeds. For Coltrievers, this means they can be plagued by the health problems of both the Border Collie and the Golden Retriever. Both dog breeds are susceptible to bloat and allergies. Elbow and hip dysplasia are also common and may be passed on to their designer dog offspring. Border Collies can pass on progressive retinal atrophy and collie eye anomaly. Both of these conditions can cause loss of eyesight if not treated. Deafness and epilepsy are also common issues. Golden Retrievers contribute heart problems, other eye conditions like pigmentary uveitis, and, unfortunately, cancer. All in all, Golden Border Retrievers are generally healthy dogs and can be expected to live a long life with proper care. The average life expectancy of the crossbreed is around years. Breeders love the idea of mixing their intelligence and obedience with the looks or other characteristics of different dog breeds. Thus, there are quite a few options for Border Collie crossbreeds to choose from. The Border Aussie is very similar to the Border Collie in smarts and personality. Plus, this dog is smarter than the average toddler, so watch out and get ready to teach him lots of tricks! The Border Collie Chihuahua mix is a designer dog breed that has become quite famous in the last few years. That's because these dogs are smart, playful, and active. They also make great pets for people who live in small apartments or homes. The Border Collie German Shepherd mix , also known as the Shollie, is a unique and intelligent breed that combines the workaholic nature of the Border Collie with the protective instincts of the German Shepherd. These dogs are known for their loyalty, intelligence, and versatility, and they excel in a wide range of activities, from herding to search and rescue. A Bordoodle is a great option. With the right mix, the Poodle contributes a slightly curly, low-shed coat. The Golden Border Collie makes a fabulous companion for the right family. They can be content in an apartment or small home, but only if you have the time and energy to exercise them daily. They need to run at the local dog park, go on a hike, explore new areas, or participate in agility or other canine sports to get enough exercise. For this reason, they can be a better option if you have a house with a sizeable yard or live on a farm. If you have kids, these are great dogs to consider. They make loving and playful companions and your dog and the kids will help tire each other out. They may try to herd people around, which can be intimating for small children, but gentle correction usually takes care of that quite easily. These guys crave attention and love companionship so they will get lonely and anxious on their own for more than 6 hours every day. They are friendly and loving, even with strangers, so you can have guests over without worrying about your dog being suspicious or aloof. All in all, the Golden Border Retriever is a wonderful companion dog for active families. Find more helpful articles on pet-parenting at the Off Leash blog at TryFi. Also, be sure to check out TryFi's Fi Dog Collar , a cutting-edge GPS tracking collar that keeps you updated on your dog's location, activity, sleep, and alerts you if they escape the backyard. Try the Fi Dog Collar today! The link has been copied! You might also like. From a very young age we train our puppies in a few things that aid them in being successful adults as family members, companions, service dogs, agility dogs. The Coltriever is a mid sized dog, they weigh between pounds and are built similar to a Golden Retriever. Available Puppies Our next litter will be in September ready for their new home in early November. Usually we have… Early Learning Each of my litters is born inside my home, rather than a kennel setting. This allows them to hear the sounds and smell the scents associated with a household from the very start. They are continually exposed to the everyday sights and sounds of a family home. This includes potentially scary sounds such as vacuum… About Our Puppies I have been raising Coltrievers in Lacey, Washington since .They are a designer dog, which is a mix of Golden Retriever and Border Collie breeds. They are a mid- sized dog, weighing between 40 and 80 pounds. The conformation of a Coltriever is similar to a Golden Retriever. Addie Belle is a huge part of the heart and soul of our home. We love her SO much. And, yes we could be tempted by a sibling some day. Thank you for giving me my Sprinkle. They are active, dedicatedly loyal, and have an intense eagerness to please their owners just for a little attention. Their obedience is quickly reflected through their affectionate and friendly nature, thus making them good with kids. Though some Gollies might tend to be shy, they are highly sociable, being in a jovial mood most of the time. Hence, they do not do well when kept alone for extended periods. Some dog enthusiasts think that so much of cheerfulness in their character failed to make them a good guardian. This assumption, however, is not correct, since their alertness is readily apprehensible from their barking instinct. Gollies are very active and responsive, making for excellent watchdogs. They would start to bark the moment they come across a stranger around and alert their family members about the same. Care Exercise These canids need regular exercise to burn down their calories. Take them out on a walk or jog on a routine basis to channelize their energy positively. Let them play in an enclosed yard if you have one. A total of around 90 minutes of daily physical activities is enough for this breed. Grooming The coat of the Golden Collie is average to long, and their shedding is moderate to high. For this, they need high maintenance, especially if your dog is double-coated, having a long and rough outer coat with a soft undercoat. Brush them regularly, at least times a week, so as to keep their coat smooth and glossy. Regular brushing also promotes blood flow and enhances hair growth. Hence, it is better to consult your breeder about the health history of its parents. Interactive toys that make sounds or dispense treats would give your dog the incentive to work harder. Try frozen Kong toys stuffed with peanut butter. This trick should work. To prevent your dog from being overly excited when your guests come in, teach him to display a controlled behavior when the doorbell rings. Ask your puppy to sit close to the door, and press the doorbell, holding a treat in your hand. If your puppy starts to show any sign of excitement, go close to it and ask it to calm down, showing the gift, but do not give it away. Next, repeat the process and do the same, if your dog shows any sign of excitement. Give the treat as it obeys you and sits down calmly. Doing this activity from time to time would help your dog will learn to put a check to its overly wild behavior as well as refrain from incessant barking habits. Lifespan Sociability Given how well-known its parent breeds are, you may think that you already understand everything about Golden Border Retrievers—and you might be right. If you value your lawn or garden, this dog may not be right for you. They love everyone and everything, although they may be a bit shy around strangers. Are These Dogs Good for Families? In fact, you may need to enlist the entire family in tuckering these dogs out, as meeting their exercise requirements may be overwhelming for a single person. Having multiple family members who can take turns throwing a ball or a stick definitely comes in handy. Golden Border Retrievers are generally welcoming to strangers, although socialization helps in this regard. Also, they have strong herding instincts, so while they may not chase or attack your cat or other small pet, they may try to push it around a little bit. Here are a few things you should know about the breed before you bring one home. That usually means kibble with plenty of protein in it, preferably from a variety of lean meats. Protein burns more slowly than carbs do, so your pup will have plenty of energy to stay active all day long. The primary ingredients to watch out for in a kibble are cheap fillers like corn, wheat, and soy. These are packed with empty calories and can cause digestive issues in some dogs. Instead, look for high-quality fruits and veggies. These dogs fail to see the appeal of an afternoon spent in front of the television. They need exercise—a great deal of it. These brainy pups love to be challenged, so obedience training, agility work, and puzzles are all likely to go over well with one of these pooches. Their big brains can quickly figure out what you want them to do, and they love to make you happy. As noted above, these dogs have destructive tendencies that need to be curbed, and they need proper socialization if you expect them to have good manners in public. You can teach these dogs to do just about anything. They respond well to positive reinforcement while punishing them is likely to backfire. Praise and affection are generally all you need to use as rewards, so be careful about handing out treats. You can quickly overload these dogs with cookies if you give them one every time they do something right. Their other grooming needs are fairly typical. They need their teeth brushed several times a week, their nails trimmed as needed, and their body bathed a couple of times a year. Be careful not to bathe them too often, though, as that can strip their coats of essential oils and dry out their skin. Below are a few of the issues that may come up if you bring one of these dogs home. Minor Conditions. Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. Click here for more information on this characteristic Gollie Highlights The Gollie is a mixed breed dog. They are not purebreds like their Golden Retriever or Collie parents. The most common coat colors for Gollies are black, brown, gold, and white. They can either be one shade all over, or a combination of two or three colors. This is a mixed breed that definitely sheds a lot. Daily brushings are going to be key to keeping the coat in healthy condition. Gollies and kids get along great together. The dog is playful and tolerant, which means even young children form close bonds with the dog. The dog does not enjoy being left alone for long periods of time. This is definitely not a mixed breed to consider if you live in an apartment and are gone for most of the day. The Gollie is a dog with high energy and exercise needs. Consider one hour the absolute bare minimum amount of exercise and outdoor time you need to provide every single day. Collies were originally bred in Scotland and used as sheepdogs on farms. According to legend, Queen Victoria was also a huge fan of the Collie. On the Golden Retreiver side, this breed can also point to some Scottish history, although they were originally seen as hunting animals. These days, the Golden Retriever has become a remarkably popular family dog. The Gollie has become known as a designer dog breed, but many of them unfortunately end up in shelters. Gollie Size The Gollie is a medium-sized dog. As is always the case with newer mixed dog breeds, exact size standards might vary. Most weigh in at 50 to 75 pounds and range in height from 22 to 26 inches. Female Gollies might be slightly smaller than their male counterparts. The mixed breed loves to show off how quickly they can learn new tricks and commands and master new agility or obstacle trials. Gollie Health Gollies are generally considered to be healthy dogs; although, the breed can be predisposed to some of the same conditions that the Golden Retriever and Collie face. Some of the more common health problems Gollies suffer from include: Cataracts Elbow Dysplasia Gollie Care The Gollie is a dog with high energy and exercise needs. Make sure to add obstacle courses, fetch games and agility tasks into the repertoire. Aim to give the dog a bath once a month to ward this off. Just like with any dog who spends a lot of time outside, check paw pads and nails for any signs of damage. Ask your vet for guidance if you are not confident about undertaking these tasks yourself. Gollie Feeding An ideal Gollie diet should be formulated for a medium-sized dog with high energy. This will also help ward off mats. In general, the Gollie is an adaptable dog when it comes to climate. Just make sure that proper socialization takes place at an early age so both parties know their boundaries. You should still supervise playtime between all kids and dogs. In general, Gollies will also do well with other household pets. But ensure that boundaries are set early and supervise those first interactions. Ultimately, early socialization really pays off with this breed. Make sure to reward your Gollie for good behavior and adhere to a proper training regime when you bring them home to your family. Gollie Rescue Groups It may be hard to find a breed-specific rescue for Gollies because they are a mixed breed. However, you may want to try Golden Retriever or Collie breed-specific rescues, as they often care for mixes, as well. Here are some rescues you can try:. Since they are known to shed frequently, they can cause allergies and other irritations. The basic grooming processes needed are: Brushing their furs weekly with a solid bristle brush to prevent them from shedding their coats too much; Cleaning their ears weekly to prevent ear infections; Bathing of one to two times a month; and Having their nails trimmed once they get too long. For first time owners who do not have experience with grooming dogs, this can be difficult because this breed requires high-maintenance grooming. You should see a veterinarian first to ask the grooming practices necessary for your dog. You need to follow the practices always. Excessive shedding is possible, so bath should be given at most twice a month. Their skins can also dry out if bathing is done irregularly. When bathing your dog, use a shampoo specialized for their furs to keep the quality. This mix is also prone to ear infections. Prevention is better than cure, so every week cleaning of the ear should be done. Their ears are one of the essential parts of their body. They cannot carry out their daily activities if their ears are in bad condition. Also, you must also trim their nails if they got too long to avoid future injuries from scratches. There are times that they even scratch their skins, so you must always monitor their nails. Golden Border Retriever Health Problems If the parents of the mixes have disorders, the chances are high that the offspring can inherit the disorder. However, there are cases in which the puppies are healthy even if one of the parents is diagnosed with a disease. It is better to check the pedigree of the crossbreed to verify if it is free from a severe illness. In biology, there is an incident known as hybrid vigor; it means that the offspring is better than its parents in several aspects such as physical characteristics and health. When you adopt a Golden Retriever Border Collie crossbreed, these are the following disorders that can attack your puppy: Skin Allergies Heart Diseases Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Because this breed shed too much, they are vulnerable to skin allergies. Once grooming is not taken care of, allergies can follow. Aside from the allergies that the shedding will bring you, your dog can also be affected by excessive removals of coats. Even though they are medium-sized dogs, bloating is also common to them. When the food matrix is not followed correctly, obesity can happen; it is a prerequisite to severe disorders. The excess weight of your dog can result in heart problems. As mentioned, this breed is highly intelligent, one of the mental diseases that this breed can develop is the Obsessive Compulsive Disorder OCD which can be similar to humans. It will be a nuisance not just for your dog, but to you also. If they have their check-ups regularly, most of these mixes live up to 15 years. Make sure to prioritize their health. Border Collie Mixed with Golden Retriever Food Requirements Researches have proven that the amount of food intake in an individual dog is varying. The nutritional requirement of each dog is dependent on factors like weight, height, and the activities done by your dog. In the case of Border Collie mixed with Golden Retriever puppies, there is also no suggested food servings. For this breed, table foods or the foods consumed by humans cannot be fed to them. They are sensitive regarding the food they are eating. The dog food that you must give to the puppies should contain the necessary amount of vitamins and minerals for their growth. Puppies can be fed thrice in a day. As they grow, their needs for food is decreasing. To prevent obesity in dogs, a meal given twice in a day is recommended. Make a schedule on when to feed them so that they will be used to it; make sure to follow it regularly. In feeding your dogs, make sure to check the suggested amount of servings in the pack of the dog food that you bought. Monitoring the feeding habit of your dogs is essential. Their optimum performance will be achieved if they are given the right amount of food. There are also diets designed for highly skilled dogs. You should consult a veterinarian if you are planning a diet for your dog. Make sure to match their food matrix with their activities. If you want to give your pooch a happy and healthy life, start with nutrition. Avoid food that could be harmful to their health, such as the worst dry dog food. In case you brought a puppy to your home and the little munchkin is just getting used to regular food, take a look at the list of the best puppy food brands. Older dogs should also eat healthy food which is suggested in the best senior dry dog list. Your puppies come from two different parents, which makes them more likely to grow to love dry dog food for small dogs or best large breed dry dog food. They require long hours of exercise. An average of 90 minutes a day is recommended. The hours needed for their exercise is comparably longer to the number of minutes required by some breeds. The reason for this is their highly active lifestyle. Without exercise, the level of their energy can be difficult to match. Even if you are not supervising them, they can exercise on their own. Allocate a place in your home where they can play around. They will eventually stop exercising once they get tired because these dogs know their limits. If you have a backyard at your home, it is the perfect spot for your dog to exercise. Let it run around your yard. With that simple activity, risks of developing serious heart conditions can be reduced. Besides, extra calories can also be burned; therefore, they can be less prone to obesity. As discussed, Golden Collie can make a great exercise companion. You can have them join you in your exercise routines such as: Jogging. Growing families, service, and therapy roles Temperament: Intelligent, eager to please, affectionate, loyal These dogs are hybrids, combining the energy and intuitive energies of Collie and Golden Retriever parents. Dogs that are harder to train will require a bit more patience and practice. Proper exercise, nutrition, and hygiene also play an important role in the lifespan of your pet. More social dogs have a tendency to run up to strangers for pets and scratches, while less social dogs shy away and are more cautious, even potentially aggressive. First, you can choose a reputable breeder who produces quality Gollie puppies. Dogs from these facilities are looking for a second chance. They come with vet checks, necessary vaccines, and spay and neuter surgeries, which actually reduces your startup costs. This hybrid is so intelligent and even-tempered that they would do well in almost any lifestyle. They usually have excellent judgment, but they can be rambunctious at times. You can extensively train these dogs to perform all kinds of tasks—even those related to therapy and service. Because they are responsive and attentive, they can even save lives if trained well enough. These dogs would do exceptionally well on outdoor adventures, too. This breed is energetic, agile, and highly athletic. They are the kind of breed that will mellow out much more as they age, so expect a pretty active puppy period. Are These Dogs Good for Families? They mesh well with children and adults of all ages, providing both parties learn boundaries and respect. These dogs make the perfect playmate, so if your family is full of energetic kids—they could be a match made in heaven. However, a puppy might be a little hard to handle for older adults. A post shared by Mutts with Manners NZ — Training and Adventures muttswithmannersnz Gollies can get along immensely well with other pets, especially if they are raised together. However, as with any dog, socialization is key. The more you expose your pup to new surroundings, the more they will be comfortable in new situations. Many pet owners will decide with their veterinarians what type of diet works best for their specific dog. However, most commonly, your dog will benefit from a bowl of protein-rich dry kibble dog food. Many dog owners use wet dog food as a kibble topper or a standalone diet. There is a bit of controversy since there are many extra calories and preservatives in this food. Instead, you can also use wet food as a savory treat for good behavior. Raw and homemade dog food diets are becoming much more prevalent these days, with recipes flooding the Internet. However, before you try out any of these diets, you need to be sure that the ingredients meet all of the necessary nutritional profiles. That is especially true as they reach full maturity. These dogs need approximately 60 minutes of strenuous exercise per day to stay completely healthy. These dogs will benefit greatly from physically demanding, mentally stimulating, and problem-solving games. The more you can keep their mind occupied, the better your experience will be. A prolonged lack of activity can cause destructive behaviors like excessive chewing, barking, or neuroticism. That can easily be curbed or avoided entirely with routine exercise and proper training. Because of their sharpness and eagerness to please, the Gollie makes an excellent candidate for obedience classes. They will soak in knowledge and learn concepts quickly. If you are too harsh with them, it might lead to nervous behavior or lack of trust. However, always award good behavior, practicing positive reinforcement training. Due to the emotional intuitiveness of this breed, sometimes even a change in tone will get their attention. They will inevitably have longer coats that change in texture between soft and silky to coarse. It removes the dead hairs that stay lodged in the undercoat to reduce shedding on your furniture. These dogs would benefit from a trip to their own personal stylist roughly every six weeks or as needed. Be sure to keep their nails clipped, ears cleaned, and teeth looking pearly white. So, they can be more or less inclined to have certain conditions develop, which early vetting can often detect. Minor Conditions. Bloat Ear infections The best way to avoid these issues from arising is to get your golden collie mix from a reputable breeder. Gollies are considered to be generally healthy and have an average life expectancy of 10 to 15 years. Feeding A Collie Golden Retriever Mix Diet plays a huge role in the life of every dog and is very important for the overall well-being and health of your mix. An adult Golden Collie mix should eat dog food designed for large breed dogs with high energy and have two evenly-spaced meals a day. Since this mix can easily become bloated, you should stick with a consistent feeding schedule and avoid free-feeding your dog. When it comes to puppies, opt for a high-quality puppy food for large breed dogs and feed your mix four times a day until they reach adulthood. Once you bring your new puppy home, continue feeding the same brand of dog food the breeder was using and wait at least a month to transition your pooch to a different formula. They are moderate to heavy shedders, so be prepared to be engulfed in dog hair, particularly during the shedding season. To stay on top of all of that loose hair and remove dirt and dander, you will have to brush your Gollie mix three times a week. During the shedding season, you should brush your dog daily or every other day, depending on how much loose hair he or she is leaving all over your house. When it comes to bathing, you should bathe your Gollie only when necessary, or roughly every couple of months. If you notice anything unusual like redness or swelling, take your dog to the vet as soon as you can to avoid the occurrence of painful ear infections. After learning more about this delightful crossbreed, you might still be wondering whether a golden collie is the right dog for you. Ask yourself the following questions to help decide. Where Do You Live? Golden border retrievers are relatively large dogs, and they also have lots of energy. To be at their happiest and healthiest, these dogs need enough space to gallop around and play on a regular basis. They will do best if they have a bit of outside space to call their own. Also, are there dog parks near you where your dog can get their daily exercise? Living within walking distance of an off-leash dog park is ideal when you have a Gollie. These dogs not only make great companions, but they also need a lot of companionship. If they are left alone for extended periods of time, they are likely to develop depression and anxiety. Not only is this bad for them, but it can also be bad for you, as their restlessness tends to manifest as destructive behavior. If you are going to need to leave your pup home alone for more than six hours at a time on a regular basis, you might need to consider a different breed. One of the things that stands out most about collie golden dogs is how much energy they have. In order to manage their excess energy, they need anywhere from 90 to minutes of exercise per day! They will need to be able to run off-leash and play fetch. Is this consistent with your lifestyle? Do you and your family have the time and energy to give this dog the exercise that they need? Are you up for weekend hiking adventures and swims? Are You Experienced With Dogs? With that said, however, these playful pups also need a firm hand to guide them. How Old Is Your Family? If you have kids in the house as well, you might want to consider the age of your kids. Not only do these dogs tend to have the urge to herd younger children, but their energy and playfulness can be overwhelming for younger family members. Plus, you might not want to be running around caring after both a toddler and a hyperactive collie Golden. They fit in much better with older children who can share in the responsibility of looking after them. Exactly how much you can expect to pay for a collie Golden pup always depends on the supply and demand in your area. How big do Gollies get? Golden border retrievers can grow to be quite large, typically measuring up to 26 inches tall and weighing up to 75 pounds, but they can also be significantly smaller. To get an idea of how big a pup is likely to be as an adult, look at their parents. Remember that the female is always the largest of the two to prevent complications at birth. You can expect female pups to be roughly the same size as the smaller of their parents, while males usually take after the larger parent. However, there are always surprises with mixed-breed dogs. The Verdict On Gollies When you mix a border collie and a golden retriever, you get a friendly and intelligent Gollie that is incredibly eager to please. Golden collies are extremely high energy dogs. They need lots of exercise, lots of mental stimulation, and lots of love. It is a serious long-term commitment to adopt one of these dogs into your life. If you spend extended hours in the office and prefer to spend the weekend on the couch, you might find that you are not a good match for them. Still, while these dogs are certainly a lot of work, they are more than worth the effort. There are few dogs that are more loving and affectionate. The bond that you will form will be transformational, and you might wonder how you managed before they came into your life. Overall, Gollies are: Friendly but not the best watchdogs Highly intelligent and loyal Extremely athletic and high-energy, meaning they need regular, intense exercise Do you have experience raising border collie and golden retriever mix dogs? Share your thoughts with the community in the comments section below. You May Also Like.
They Are Naturally Mouthy Golden Retrievers are a mouthy breed, to begin with, they are naturally inclined to pick up and hold anything and everything in their mouths. While it may seem like there is something wrong with your puppy to cause him or her to bite so much, rest assured, all puppies bite, not just Golden Retriever puppies. Play Behaviour When you see a litter of pups play together, they often nip and bite at one another. It is their way of socializing and initiating play. Your puppy will bite and nip at you during playtime with you because it is a natural behaviour to them. They Are Teething Many people associate puppy biting with teething, however when a puppy is teething they will resort to chewing and mouthing in order to relieve their pain. They may chew or mouth on your hands and fingers, but teething is not the cause of biting that every puppy owner experiences. Puppy biting is most often just play. To summarize, puppy biting is normal and should be expected as a puppy owner. In general, biting will naturally subside in Golden Retriever puppies around the age of months. This is around the time that their adult teeth have come in. Puppies at this age usually already know how to moderate their bite, and will not bite or nip at you as much as they did when they were younger. While biting anything and everything is normal behaviour to your puppy, it is not something that you want your puppy to continue to do. It is up to you to teach your puppy not to bite humans, especially children. Take a look at the common mistakes puppy owners often make, and learn to avoid them. Puppies who are excited bite more. Children often fall victim to the most puppy bites because they get very excited around puppies and this just gets the puppy going which results in biting. Any attention that you give your puppy after they bite you will seem like a reward to your puppy, and the biting will just continue. Yelling at your puppy, pushing them away, talking to your puppy, or even looking at them is giving them the attention that they want. Bite inhibition is when your puppy learns how to control the strength of his bite. Puppies learn this skill when they are with their littermates, which is why they need to stay with them and their mother until they are 8 weeks old. Playing with their littermates teaches puppies that biting too hard hurts and will end playtime. The puppy then learns to bite softer. When your puppy comes home with you, it is up to you to teach your puppy how to control the force of their bite. Biting down on the thick fur coat of his mother or littermates is a lot different than biting down on human skin. By not teaching your puppy bite inhibition, you will risk your puppy turning into a dangerous adult. Puppy bites are a lot different than adult dog bites. Once your puppy learns how to control the strength of his bite, eventually the bites become gentler, and in time, your puppy will learn to stop biting altogether. This is part of teaching your puppy bite inhibition. This is a way to mimic how puppies play together, when one puppy bites another puppy too hard, that puppy yelps in pain, and will walk away. In some cases, puppies could get even more worked up by the noise and keep on biting. This is when you need to walk away. When your puppy has calmed down, you can resume playing with your puppy. When your puppy bites you again, repeat the steps of yelping and walking away. Eventually, your puppy will learn to soften his bite, because biting too hard ends playtime. The following video discusses why puppies bite, how to teach bite inhibition and how to survive puppy biting. It is a good idea to have a few chew toys on hand to offer up as a distraction from your skin. Check out this list of the best teething toys for puppies. This will get your puppy to stop and focus on being obedient. A great way to solve boredom is by going for a walk with your puppy. How much exercise should you give your Golden Retriever puppy? A good rule of thumb is 5 minutes of exercise for every month that your puppy is alive. So a 3-month-old puppy should get 15 minutes of exercise a day, a 5-month-old puppy should get 25 minutes per day, and so on. This is in addition to and not instead of playtime. Bitter Apple Spray can also be used to prevent your puppy from nipping and biting at you. Before you interact with your puppy, spray it on your arms, legs, pant legs, or sleeves, anywhere that your puppy likes to nip at you. Once your puppy bites at you, he will get a bad taste in his mouth and will stop. Bitter Apple Spray may not work on all puppies, some may actually develop a taste for it. I know that when my Golden Retriever Ellie was a pup this stuff worked amazingly well, but as she got older she developed a taste for bitter things such as crab apples which are extremely sour and she once sucked on a vinegar packet that was lying on the ground! Reward Good Behaviour Every time your puppy stops biting and nipping at you, you need to see this as positive behaviour. Good behaviour should be rewarded so that your puppy learns that he did something good. Rewarding good behaviour with affection and praise is great, you can also use treats, or toys, sometimes the best reward for your puppy is just spending time with them. Be Patient and Consistent Owning a puppy requires a lot of patience! It is so easy to lose your patience at times, but you need to know that your puppy is learning what is right and wrong, and that takes time. It might not happen overnight, but as long as you remain consistent and patient, your pup will learn good behaviour. If your puppy is nipping at your pant legs or sleeves, chances are he is loving the tugging feeling and is actually already playing tug-of-war. Instead of using your clothing, redirect his attention to a rope toy. One thing to be careful of is being too rough with tug-of-war, especially when your puppy is going through his teething phase. A game of fetch offers your pup a distraction from biting, and Golden Retriever puppies naturally love to retrieve things. This is a great way to also teach your puppy to drop it, by offering a treat when your puppy drops the ball or rope toy. A well-socialized puppy will be less likely to exhibit any unwanted behaviours later on. Enrolling your pup in puppy kindergarten or arranging some play dates with other dogs who are friendly and vaccinated is a great way for your pup to learn social skills. Other dogs are sometimes the best teachers for a puppy because they will let your puppy know what is okay for play and what is not okay, in terms of biting and nipping. Always supervise your puppy while playing with other dogs. Yelling at your puppy will only make your puppy scared and confused as well as lose trust and respect for you. Common mistakes people make when their puppy is biting are pushing them away, clamping down on their mouths or spraying them in the face with water. All of these are a bad idea! Your puppy could see this behaviour as a form of play and continue biting and nipping at you even harder. If you remain calm and use a firm voice not yelling , your pup will see you as in charge. Puppies and dogs often exhibit the same behaviour as we do, if you get upset and start yelling, your puppy will just get even more excited. As unpleasant as puppy biting is, it is normal behaviour. Your puppy biting and nipping at you with a mouth full of shark teeth may seem aggressive, but it is most often just out of curiosity and play behaviour. Golden Retrievers are known for their calm and gentle demeanour, but there are rare instances where you may have an aggressive puppy on your hands. Puppies who have been taken away from their litter earlier than weeks, bad breeding, being abused, a chemical imbalance, and not being socialized are all reasons for aggression in puppies. Signs of an aggressive puppy include barking, growling, lunging at you or another dog, a stiff posture, and showing teeth. If you think your puppy is aggressive, it is important to work with a professional dog trainer or behaviourist in order to find out the reasons for aggression and work on correcting the behaviour before it gets worse. It is important to keep your calm and work with your puppy to teach him the important skill of bite inhibition, and to redirect his biting to more appropriate behaviour. Socializing your puppy, as well as rewarding good behaviour will all help to turn your puppy into a well-behaved dog. Have you tried any of the tips mentioned above? Do you have any other tips to stop Golden Retriever puppy biting? Share your thoughts and comments below, as well as any questions you may have. I would love to hear from you. Jenny I am the proud owner of a Golden Retriever named Ellie. She keeps me busy, and when she is resting, you can find me working on my blog. She is always close by though. I live in Stirling, ON Canada with my husband, and we both enjoy the never a dull moment life with our Ellie. Spread the love. 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. Wish your golden retriever puppy would stop biting so much? Puppy nipping is one of the most frustrating things about raising a new puppy—their teeth are razor-sharp, it hurts when they bite, and they can ruin your clothes! But why do puppies bite so much? Puppies bite to learn acquired bite inhibition, or ABI. What exactly is ABI? He might leap up and bite you because you hurt him and scared him. But the important thing is this: how hard will they bite? This is where ABI comes in. So ABI is really important. Now the question is, how do they learn it? The only way for puppies to learn ABI is to bite, and bite often. The best teachers are other dogs. Next time they bite a little less hard and playtime continues. This is how they learn ABI. Obviously, it takes a lot of repetition of this scenario to happen for a puppy to learn not to bite so hard, but this is essentially how it works out. Yes, you will need to help teach your puppy ABI. You can do this two ways: Set up puppy playdates and take them to puppy kindergarten so other puppies can teach them ABI. You actually want them to bite a little bit and learn to control how hard they bite. That being said, letting them go on a biting rampage is not helping the situation, so here are five tips to help you stop your puppy from biting so much: 1. Socialize your puppy Other dogs are the best teachers of ABI so make sure to get your puppy in kindergarten and set up playdates with dogs that you know are vaccinated. Remove yourself from the situation Puppies can often be over-stimulated or over-tired. One thing we did with our puppy, Oliver, when he got in these moods was to go sit at our high-top table in the kitchen and ignore him until he calmed down or distracted himself with a chew toy. Exercise your puppy A tired puppy is a good puppy. Young puppies have weak jaws, so if they had dull teeth, a bite from them would be no big deal. Most adult golden retrievers bite out of fear and a professional can help you properly handle it. Puppy Biting vs. Chewing Puppy biting or nipping is when a dog purposefully bites you. As we already talked about, they need to do this to learn ABI. Puppy chewing, on the other hand, is when puppies chew on things to relieve the pressure in their mouths from their adult teeth coming in. Since puppies bite and chew for different reasons, you need to handle these problems differently. Mentally wear them by out by training them, going for long walks and letting them sniff around, and giving them puzzle toys or frozen kongs. Remember that a tired puppy is a good puppy. A: It can take up to six weeks or more for your puppy to learn ABI and what is appropriate to bite or not. If it takes longer than six weeks, just remember to be consistent with the steps to stop it and have faith that it will slow down soon. Q: Is puppy biting an act of aggression? A: Most puppy biting is a form of play. It helps them learn ABI. If you think your puppy is biting out of aggression, then you should talk to a professional. Q: Why are puppy teeth so sharp? Q: What is ABI? A: ABI is acquired bite inhibition, or the natural ability for a dog to not bite so hard. Q: Do all puppies bite? A: Yes! Instead, they need to learn to control their bite force, then learn to bite less. Have any questions about puppy biting? Let me know in the comments below! Related articles:. Are you a proud new golden retriever puppy parent or considering getting a furry friend? While puppies are adorable and full of energy, they can also be a handful, especially when it comes to biting. This article will cover practical strategies to manage puppy biting and help you and your pup develop a solid and loving relationship. Thus biting is natural. Their bites will become softer as they practice and learn to manage their bite strength. They will eventually stop biting entirely. While biting is a natural part of the learning process, it is essential to train your puppy not to bite excessively. Here are a few tips to get you started: Providing Chew Toys for Redirecting Biting Behavior Providing chew toys is an excellent approach to help your puppy stop biting. When your puppy begins to bite you, remove your hand or foot and replace it with a chew toy. This teaches them that biting is acceptable, but only when done with toys, not people. It is essential to keep an eye on your puppy when they play with chew toys to ensure they do not consume anything toxic. By exposing your puppy to a variety of people, animals, and environments in a controlled and positive manner, you can help them develop proper social skills and reduce biting tendencies. Socialization helps puppies learn appropriate bite inhibition and establishes boundaries for acceptable behavior during interactions. Through well-planned socialization experiences, you can guide your puppy towards becoming a well-behaved and gentle companion. Employing the Time-Out Strategy for Persistent Biting Use the time-out strategy when other methods fail to stop your puppy from biting. If your puppy continues to bite, place him on a time-out for 30 seconds before allowing him to return to play. This teaches your puppy that biting is unacceptable and will result in a loss of playtime or attention. Again, use a gentle tone and avoid shouting or scolding your puppy. When your puppy plays gently with their toys instead of biting you, shower them with praise and perhaps even a tasty gift! This teaches your puppy that good behavior leads to beautiful things. Instead, concentrate on encouraging appropriate behavior and redirecting any inappropriate biting. Your puppy will learn to control their biting and play in a friendly and safe manner with time, patience, and positive reinforcement. This entails repeating the same commands, techniques, and rewards each time you train. When you do this, your puppy learns what is expected of them and how to get rewarded. On the other hand, if you are inconsistent, your puppy may get confused and unsure of what they need to do to please you. This can make training more difficult and frustrating for you and your puppy. So, strive to be consistent in your training. However, they can get nippy during their fun exploration of the world around them. The good news is that this is a natural habit for pups, and there are ways to deal with it. Puppies prefer to bite to initiate play, learn more about their surroundings, and adjust their bite pressure, especially when they are teething. These actions are part of how they play, interact, and learn about their environment. First, however, puppies must be taught how to control their biting pressure and redirect their biting to appropriate toys and chew objects, which we will discuss later. Puppy bites, for example, can become more painful and even harmful as they increase in size. Additionally, it might lead to destructive chewing if you do not divert their biting habit to appropriate chew items. As a result, it is critical to address this habit early on through regular teaching and positive reinforcement. Understand what motivates them and what makes them more likely to engage in biting. Adjust your training methods: Not all puppies respond to the same training techniques. Some may respond better to positive reinforcement, while others may require more redirection and distraction. Consider their energy levels: Golden Retrievers are known for their energy and enthusiasm. Be patient and consistent: Training takes time, and each puppy learns at their own pace. Be patient with your puppy and provide consistent guidance. Remember, every Golden Retriever puppy is an individual, and what works for one may not work for another. With a customized approach, you can effectively address biting behavior and set your unique puppy on the path to becoming a well-behaved and happy companion. So, most puppies begin to bite and mouth less frequently when they are 8 to 10 months old. However, this varies greatly depending on the individual pup. Some may stop sooner, while others may take a little longer. Golden retrievers, for example, love using their tongues. At the same time, herding dogs such as border collies or corgis may continue to nip at ankles as they age. Just keep working with your pet and providing the guidance they require to create positive habits! Conclusion As you begin the joyful road of raising your Golden Retriever puppy, keep in mind that training and socialization are essential for producing a happy and well-behaved dog. You can teach your puppy what is expected of them and create healthy behaviors that will last a lifetime using consistent and positive reinforcement techniques. Remember that each puppy is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. You will be rewarded with a devoted and well-behaved companion if you are patient and committed to the training process. Remember to give your puppy enough exercise and mental stimulation and to continuously reward positive behavior. You can help your puppy grow into a happy and healthy adult dog who will provide you happiness for many years by doing so. By the time your puppy reaches around three months of age, they should start to develop bite inhibition and learn to control the force of their bites during play. As you continue to interact and train with your puppy, you can gradually increase your sensitivity to the level of bites you find acceptable. By the age of four or five months, their play bites should no longer exert any force. Can I use physical punishment to stop my puppy from biting? Certainly not! To stop a puppy from biting, never use physical punishment. It is not only ineffective, but it can also be harmful and cause long-term behavioral issues. Instead, train your puppy using positive reinforcement techniques, including redirection, time-outs, and excellent rewarding behavior. What can I do? Puppies frequently nip and bite while playing with other dogs, but teaching them to control their bite force is essential. My puppy is teething. What can I do to stop them from biting? Teething is a normal developmental stage for puppies , and they naturally want to chew and bite things. Similar to what we discussed earlier. Galen has been connecting quality Golden Retriever breeders with loving families since and is the founder of My Golden Retriever Puppies. He and his wife have four children and love spending time together, traveling lived oversees for 4 years , enjoying the outdoors and connecting Golden families. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved. You are bound to want to know when your biting puppy will grow out of this phase and how you can speed that process up. Biting, as you will have discovered is usually accompanied by lots of noise! Why do puppies bite? So why do puppies bite? My puppy is biting hard Puppies do bite hard and it does hurt. But I want to reassure you that even at 8 weeks old, your puppy has learned to moderate his bite in play. Puppies have powerful jaws designed to tear through flesh and crush bones. Those of you who feed your puppy a raw diet will know that even an 8 week old puppy from a medium sized breed can crush bones the size of your little finger. He is deliberately attempting to be gentle. Puppy Biting — Bite inhibition This ability, that your puppy has, to moderate the power of his jaws in play, is called bite inhibition. It is something that his mother started to teach him when he was just a few weeks old. And now it is your turn to take over and complete the training process. Growling and Puppy biting One thing that often worries people who have a new puppy in the family, is the growling that accompanies puppy biting. It sounds horrific. Great snarls and snaps accompany the biting and the puppy can appear quite demonic as he grabs onto your skin, or clothes. Tugging away with all the strength he can muster. Ninety nine times out of a hundred this is completely normal play biting. Is my puppy biting aggressive? You cannot determine whether or not a puppy is biting aggressively by how hard he bites or by the volume of the noise he makes. Play biting puppies bite hard and growl fiercely. Some puppies do occasionally draw blood. But these are not normally savage or crushing bites and the puppy is clearly enjoying himself. Fierce but fun! The play biting puppy will launch himself at the target of his bite. Whether it is your slippers or your fingers, with equal tail-wagging enthusiasm, hanging on grimly and grabbing repeatedly when the item is removed from him. All this, shocking though it may seem, is normal, and is not a sign that your puppy is going to be an aggressive dog! In fact some of the gentlest and most amiable breeds the labrador for example are the worst and fiercest play biters. The puppy that is a cause for concern is the puppy that is frightened. Because although puppies rarely bite through aggression, the nervous puppy may become aggressive as he matures Is my puppy afraid? A scared puppy may bite and scared puppies can grow into scared adult dogs so this is something you need to address quickly. You will know that your puppy is scared because he will try to avoid whatever it is he is scared of. A really frightened puppy will sometimes give off a distinctive musky smell. This hiding, and retreating, and the scared smell are warning signs that you have scared your puppy badly, or purchased a poorly socialised puppy. In this situation you need to get specialist help right away. Your vet should be able to advise you. For the vast majority of puppy owners then, biting is normal puppy behavior. Will my puppy biting stop naturally? To some extent biting is a phase caused by natural puppy playfulness and teething. Some puppies do stop biting with very little input from their family. Which is great. You may feel he should have grown out of it by now. We can physically prevent puppies from biting and we can train puppies not to bite. Both of these are good strategies. Or when children are getting upset, or visitors are winding your puppy up. Prevention usually involves interrupting the biting behavior, then redirecting the puppy into an alternative and more acceptable behavior, such as chewing on a toy. Or, it may involve temporarily separating him from his playmates. Interrupting the puppy biting In mild cases you may simply be able to put a toy in your biting puppy's mouth and get him tugging on that instead of on your fingers. If you are on the floor with the puppy stand up. And if you are standing up, turn and walk away from the puppy. This is where dog gates come in very handy with small puppies. A standard baby gate works fine for most breeds of dog. Managing the puppy You may have to pick up your biting puppy to remove him from the scene if he is biting your children for example, rather than you If he bites your hands and clothes as you try to restrain him, put him on the other side of a barrier or in his crate or puppy playpen for a short while. Although the puppy does learn from them, these are useful management techniques to enable you to control the situation. They help you to keep your puppy calm, and prevent the biting escalating through over excitement. Over-excited puppies Puppy play biting is directly linked to excitement. The more excited your puppy gets, the more and the harder he will bite. And the harder it will be to interrupt and distract him. Rough play excites puppies and noisy play does too. Children tend to squeal when they play and get very physical with puppies. One of the first rules they need to learn when playing with dogs, especially big dogs, is to stand up and stand still when the game gets too much. Limit such play and call a halt to it if your puppy is biting. With medium to large breed dogs, physical rough and tumble play is not a great idea. It can lead to dogs bowling people over or humping them, neither of which is very pleasant. Stopping play when it gets rough is a good management strategy and it is a form of training too. Over time, your puppy learns that biting and rough play loses him his playmates and that people simply leave if he is being mean. When do puppies stop biting? Many puppies have stopped biting completely by six months of age and biting is usually subsiding by the time that the puppy is heading towards five months old. This is if the puppy has been managed appropriately If people have been exciting him, or rewarding him for attention seeking behavior then biting can persist And it can be much more of a problem in bigger stronger puppies than in little ones. Training Puppies Not To Bite The idea of this exercise is to teach a puppy to accept being stroked and handled in any way, without touching us with his teeth. The event marker is a distinctive sound. Even around his mouth, without him making any attempt to bite you. You can also make it easier for him by starting this training when he is calm and not distracted. But for now, keep things simple. It can be a good way of getting the training started so that you have chance to say YES and give the puppy the opportunity to learn what you want him to do. Over the next few sessions, you can work on getting your hand closer and closer to the puppy. Until you are brushing the sides of his face without him making any attempt to mouth or bite at you Progress to touching and holding his collar, stroking his ears, grooming him, examining his paws and so on, all the time rewarding him for the correct behavior. Anytime the mouthing returns, back up to a point where he can succeed and move forward more slowly again Bite Inhibition Training Some experts feel that puppies should be allowed to mouth and even bite gently for a week or two before being prevented from biting altogether. Simply follow the instructions for managing your puppy above when he bites hard. But allow him to mouth you when he bites gently without much pressure. This is a great way to teach a dog excellent control over his mouth. After a couple of weeks of this, you can progress to the training exercise I outlined in the previous section. Older puppies that bite in play have often learned that this gets them a lot of attention. They have discovered that people squeal and shout and get quite cross. Sometimes these people push and shove the dog around which young dogs quite enjoy when they are playing. For these dogs it is important that you stop all physical play, with all family members If a puppy is biting hard at your hands when you try to interrupt his game. Or an older puppy is getting out of hand biting at clothing, you need to put your puppy on a harness and house-line a short trailing leash. This will enable you to control your puppy, and take him to a calming place, without handling him. You can just pick up the end of the line and lead him away. Older biting puppies are often bright and bored. And the best approach to avoiding future episodes of bad behavior is a structured programme of training and interesting activities. A professional dog trainer using modern positive training methods will be able to help you with these. Summary So now you know some tips on how to stop your puppy from biting. The first few weeks can be tough with a determined biter in the house, but you will get through this and come out the other side. A few months from now, this difficult period will be a distant memory In the meantime, focus on keeping your biting puppy calm, avoiding too much rough play, and redirecting his biting onto appropriate toys and activities. Spend some time on the training exercise set out above. Read the full disclosure here. Tasty finger! Your golden retriever puppy is as friendly as can be — great with kids, respectful of other dogs, and not overly attentive to your cat. Yes, golden retrievers are known for their good-natured demeanor, but they are still dogs — not so very far removed from their wild cousins, and they can be unpredictable when faced with stressful, disturbing, or frightening situations. One of our jobs as responsible dog owners, of course, is to keep our dogs safe, but we may not always be able to protect them, and we may not always be able to prevent them from biting through fear or when in pain. What is Bite Inhibition? Puppies begin learning this from their mother and siblings as soon as they start to tumble around with each other in play. If they bite too hard, they are scolded by their mother or alerted with a yelp from their siblings. Eventually, they learn how hard is too hard, and they use their teeth more gently in play. Human Sensitive or Advanced Bite Inhibition By the time your puppy moves into your home, they will have been using their bite inhibition skills for weeks. Your puppy needs to learn that human beings are fragile and should be treated with care. There are many professional trainers who recommend that you simply train your puppy not to bite. This seems like a practical course of action, and it does work — in the short term. Teaching a puppy not to bite will give you quick results, but it may mean they never learn how much force is safe to use on people when they are forced to bite in an emergency. So if they do eventually bite, they will know to hold back the pressure safely and will not cause anywhere near as much pain or damage as they otherwise might. Why is Bite Inhibition Important? Believe it or not, even the most gentle dog that has been trained from a young age never to bite, can react to certain triggers. Those triggers are fear and pain. Consider these situations: Your dog has been suffering from chronic ear infections and hates to have his ears handled. The neighbor stops by with her toddler, who immediately runs to your dog and fondles his sensitive ears roughly. What will he do? You and your dog are walking down the road like you do every morning when out of nowhere comes a huge dog who attacks your dog without thinking twice. You manage to pull your dog away, but in the process, your frightened dog bites your arm. Your sweet golden retriever has gotten themself tangled in some barbed wire while hiking. As you loosen the wire from her skin and fur, she snaps at you, biting your hand. You may never experience any of these situations. By teaching bite inhibition while your puppy is young, you will be far safer and ready for any of these situations should they occur. Teaching Advanced Bite Inhibition Following is a general guide to the bite inhibition skills your puppy learns and when, as well as where you should aim for their skills to be at certain ages. She will start the puppies off by teaching them how rough is too rough during nursing and play. These lessons begin when the puppies start nursing day 1 and continue until the day you pick your puppy up from the breeder. This works for some puppies, but for others, it just seems to arouse the pup and make matters worse. You will have to experiment to find out what works for you and your pup. You should withdraw all of your attention from your puppy for very hard bites. Do not over-correct your puppy so they become afraid of biting. After your puppy has calmed down, use a chew toy as a reward and let them chew it in your lap or lying by your side. This teaches you puppy that there are other ways to keep their mouths and teeth busy. By four or five months, all force behind play bites should be eliminated. Kids tend to play rough with puppies, and puppies will get rough right back. Your puppy needs to know that every human being is sensitive to their bites, not just you. It is a process that sometimes lasts months, depending on your puppy. Be prepared for this, and remember that long-term results in your adult dog are more important than curtailing puppy bites as painful as they may be. Supervise your puppy around children — If you have young children at home, you will have to think carefully about how you will protect them and your puppy. Little puppy teeth can cause a lot of pain, especially when your pup is still learning to control those urges. Young children can also cause a lot of pain to small puppies. Always supervise very carefully when your pup and children are together. A tired puppy is a happy puppy — It will be much easier to teach bite inhibition if your puppy is not bouncing off the walls. Make sure they get enough exercise every day. Not only will this help with training, but it will also help prevent all kinds of other destructive behavior. Conclusion Teaching bite inhibition to your golden retriever puppy is a gift you give to your pup that will last forever.
We never want our puppies or customers to go through that experience. This is why we take the extra step in microchipping all of our puppies before they go to their fur-ever homes! We are here for you throughout the lifetime of your puppy to ensure a long life of love, licks, and loyalty. Shortly after marriage, our love for animals led to starting a dairy farm where farm animals often became pets and Christian values were taught. After raising six children, we soon began a new adventure. In we started raising puppies on the same farm we raised our children. With lots of room to play, our 12 grandkids and counting love playing and working with the puppies on the large open land. Our family is still growing with every puppy and customer that comes into the Shoal Creek Family, and we would love to have you join us too. Louis, Springfield, and other surrounding areas, as well as areas across the United States Get in Touch Before contacting us, be sure to view our FAQs and puppy application page, where we have answers to many common questions. Click the icons above bottom of page. Our family farm is located just west of Columbia, Missouri on 35 acres of beautiful farm land. We pride ourselves on providing our customers with healthy and happy pets. Our farm and facilities have plenty of room for the dogs to play and live in a comfortable, family-friendly environment. Our dogs and puppies all receive lots of love and play time from our family and friends, and have lots of personality and love to give to their new families and homes. Our Story Our adventure into breeding began when we adopted two mini goldendoodles in June of .We lost our previous dog, Sadie, to old age. The house was too quiet so we decided to begin searching for a furry family member. We fell in love with two mini goldendoodles. We loved that the breed is virtually non-shedding and hypoallergenic. We have a son with allergies so this characteristic was appealing to us. We fell in love with everything about our puppies and as we took them to baseball games, we were asked constantly about the type of breed and recommendations on a breeder. Well here we are, sharing the love. If you are interested in a forever friend, a furry family member, a loving, smart, non-shedding, hypoallergenic dog then contact us. We would love to find great homes for our furry friends. About the Breed A Mini Goldendoodle can be a cross breed between a Golden Retriever mom and a Miniature Poodle dad F1 , mini goldendoodle mom and a mini poodle dad f1b , a mini goldendoodle mom and a mini goldendoodle dad f2. Poodle hybrids have become very popular recently. Here at the Golden Doodle Pad we breed for hybrid vigor, the improved or increased function of any biological quality in a hybrid offspring. Therefore, we only breed f1 and f1b mini goldendoodles. The Mini Goldendoodle, like the Labradoodle and many other Poodle cross breeds is bred to produce a very low shedding dog for individuals who want a dog, but who suffer from allergies to shedding hair or have other problems with excessive shedding. While the Mini Goldendoodle is typically a low-shedding dog, it may shed some. The Mini Goldendoodle works well for many allergy sufferers. Appearance There are currently no size classifications for a full grown Mini Goldendoodle dog. Mini Goldendoodle sizes can vary. Some Mini Golden doodles adults dogs may grow beyond their intended size. The mini Goldendoodles usually grow to be about inches tall. They average between pounds full grown depending on whether it is an f1, f1b, f2 or multi-generation. Some may stay smaller than their average and some may grow to be larger than their average. There is no way to guarantee the size of a full grown Miniature Goldendoodle. A variety of colors can come from the same litter. Temperament The Goldendoodle mini is a loving, loyal dog and has a keen sense of smell. They can be taught to enjoy swimming, as both the Golden Retrievers and Poodles normally enjoy water. Mini Goldendoodles are intelligent, friendly, and great with kids. They are easily trained, highly social, and by nature are easy with strangers and other dogs. They love to play, and retain the strong retrieving instincts of the Golden Retriever. Mini Goldendoodle standard is an F1 first generation pairing between purebred Miniature Poodle and Golden Retriever parents. There are also other classifications of Mini Goldendoodles. These dogs result from a union of Mini Goldendoodle plus Mini Poodle parents. Interested in adoption? Email us at puppies goldendoodlepad. Take me to Golden Doodle Pad Homepage. Situated on beautiful acreage, our home is located about 35 miles north of Springfield, Missouri. Breeders that aren't serious come and go but our passion for raising quality puppies with a distinctive look and excellent temperaments has been a dedicated journey since .A clear vision and outline of socialization and a team of experienced trainers develop puppies that will be a joy to your home, not to mention the star of your little one's obedience classes! We have had the privilege of raising and keeping back our best puppies from champion sired parents since to develop healthy puppies with correct coat, body type, excellent temperaments, specialty colors and adorable looks that you can enjoy and be proud of. Our team knows that you have probably done a lot of research and may still have questions. Feel free to reach out to us to talk about what you are looking for in your new family member. We look forward to meeting you and helping you choose a quality puppy that will bring joy to your home for many years to come! We specialize in breeding Mini Goldendoodles as well as a few other breeds. We also have partnered up with several other high quality breeders that raise mini goldendoodle pups that meet our strict genetic criteria and testing. So we usually have a good selection of very high quality puppies. View Our Available Puppies! Not all mini Goldendoodles are equal, there are a few different versions to choose from each having a little different genetic background based on the pups parents. We will explain all the differences in Mini Goldendoodle puppies and how they are bred below. We raise all versions of the mini goldendoodle breed. F1 Mini Goldendoodle Pups. A F1 puppy is also known as a First Generation puppy. The puppies mother is a Golden Retriever and the pups dad is a Mini Poodle. This version of mini goldendoodle usually has soft wavy or curly puppy fur. They will shed until they lose their puppy fur, after shedding they will shed a lot less, but will shed. This version is partially hypoallergenic and usually requires low maintenance. F1 mini goldendoodles usually need to be groomed every 6 months along with daily brushing to keep their curly hair from matting and getting tangled. The dogs usually grow up having great temperaments similar to golden retrievers. They usually get about inches high at the shoulder and range in weight from pounds. F1b Mini Goldendoodle Pups. An F1b is known as a second-generation mini goldendoodle with the pups mother being already an F1 Goldendoodle and the pups dad being a mini poodle also. So the difference between F1 and F1b is that the mom is not a golden retriever but an actual F1 Goldendoodle. They also have very soft curly hair but with almost no shedding. This F1b version is semi-hypoallergenic and a better choice for anyone who has pet allergies. The F1b also should be brushed on a daily basis but will need to be groomed more frequently then a F1. A 6 to 8 week grooming schedule is recommended to keep their coat in perfect condition. F1b Mini goldendoodles get around 18 to 20 inches tall at the shoulders and range between pounds in weight. F1bb Mini Goldendoodle Pups. An F1bb goldendoodle is also known as a third-generation mini goldendoodle. This mini goldendoodle version has a coat more similar to a poodle than of a golden retriever. This is because the pup is more of a poodle than a retriever. Making it the very best version for anyone with pet allergies. A 6 to 8 week grooming schedule is required to help prevent knots or matting. This version is super intelligent and loving, and usually seems to have more energy than the other versions of Mini goldendoodles. This version is usually smaller in size, weighing around pounds and only getting inches tall at the shoulders. The smaller size makes them a great size for smaller homes and apartments. So if you live near Lake Saint Louis Missouri and are looking for a healthy and beautiful Mini Goldendoodle puppy then checkout our available pups now by Clicking Here. Below are some Mini Goldendoodle Pups that have been adopted!
View more available dogs Pug Rescue of Austin typically has more than fifty available dogs at any given time. Not all available dogs are listed on our website and new dogs come in often. Once you have been approved to adopt, an adoption coordinator will review all available dogs with you to help you find the best new addition to your family. We Save Lives Our goal is to never say no to a pug or pug mix in need. Most of the pugs we rescue have been in abusive, neglectful situations. Here are some of their stories: Aug 22, Help Cole Heal Aug 22, Cole, a survivor of a car accident, needs your help to recover. He's facing major pelvic fractures and requires surgery. With feeling in his lower extremities and continence, Cole's determined to walk again. Join us in supporting his journey to healing. She was found starved, covered in infections, infested with parasites, and suffering from various health issues. We are providing her with intensive care at Westlake Animal Hospital, but her recovery will be a long and slow process. We need your support to give Pillsbury the chance to heal and live a pain-free life. Jun 26, .Why Is My Dog Shaking? Dogs are known for their loyalty and companionship, but when they start shaking, it can be a cause for concern for pet owners. Shaking in dogs can be a sign of various issues, from dog anxiety and dog fear to dog medical conditions. In this blog post, we will explore the common causes of a dog shaking and what pet owners can do to identify and treat the problem. We will also offer tips for preventing dog shaking and ensuring.By doing regular grooming at home, you can help your dog look its best between visits to the groomer. You also get to bond more closely and build stronger trust with your dog. Routine grooming sessions will keep your dog clean and feeling fresh, but it will also.Their personality is lively, their nature fun-loving, and their disposition affectionate. As even-tempered, sweet, and playful dogs, Pugs make wonderful playmates for kids of all ages and lovely companion pets for couples, singles, and seniors. These little joy bringers love to cuddle and are generous with their Pug love. When it comes to their family, Pugs attach like magnets. They are known to happily shadow their humans in every activity and are just as happy lazing on the couch all day as they are going for a long evening stroll around the neighborhood. A sweet, gentle, mellow lady. She is currently in a foster home with another senior dog and they get along wonderfully. Moxy is house trained and has no problem being home alone, while her foster is out and about. She is very well-mannered, not destructive and just likes to rest when she's on her own. Moxy is smart and quickly learned some basic obedience skills in her foster home. She walks nicely on a leash, enjoying all the sights and smells on her daily stroll. She is somewhat timid and needs time to acclimate to new surroundings and people. But with a slow introduction, she's happy to make new friends. Moxy is also very affectionate, and loves having her head scratched and belly rubbed! Her foster describes her as loving, sweet, giddy, playful, curious but shy, gentle and calm. She loves running around the backyard, laying in the sun, rolling around in the grass and enjoying the fresh air. Moxy snorts when she eats and snores when she sleeps. It's adorable! She will nudge and lick you for affection and will take all the love she can get. Moxy is looking for a calm home to spend her golden years in. Do you have room in your home and a place in your heart for this sweet, gentle lady? Come meet Moxy today! Questions about Pug puppies for sale in Austin TX? We have answers. How much are Pug puppies for sale in Austin TX? Pugs are great for small houses, apartments or condominiums. While a Pug may not require as much exercise as a Husky or a Dalmation, they do have a tendency to gain weight without bi-weekly or weekly exercise. What if there are no Pug puppies nearby? Before the popularity of the internet, dog lovers were forced to find a puppy offered by a local breeder only. Luckily, the Pug breeders in Austin associated with the Uptown Puppies Network have extensive experience arranging travel for their dogs to major airports around the US which can make your experience a breeze. How does Uptown Puppies screen breeders? How much is the average Pug? Pugs for sale Austin are priced based on several different factors, factors including color, size, personality and the experience of the breeder who is selling the puppy. No matter your price range, through the Uptown Puppies network of vetted and screened breeders you are sure to find the perfect puppy in your ideal price range! Why is Uptown Puppies different from finding a dog online? Why are they so bad? You are much more likely to come across a puppy mill or a backyard breeder. Puppy mill is a term used to describe any business that is breeding puppies for profit and not prioritizng the health and safety of the dogs. Are there any Pug uniquely colored puppies available? Like many breeds, Pugs are available in a large variety. For example, Pug puppies in Austin are available in black, tan, white and more. What kind of dog is a Pug? Pugs are a time of toy breed that was popularized by the Dutch royal family, and recently began to explode in popularity in the United States and the rest of Europe. What is a backyard breeder? Backyard breeder is a term that has been given to a puppy raiser or breeder who does not take the proper precautions and safety measures into account when breeding new puppies. What is a puppy mill? How does Uptown Puppies discourage puppy mills? When you purchase a Pug from one of the Pug breeders Austin who has been vetted by Uptown Puppies you are ensuring that the puppy was raised by a responsible breeder!
Our mission is to improve the breed standard, produce stable, clear headed puppies and prepare them for bonding with their new humans. Come and see the difference. Whatever task you may have - a canine from West German Shepherds. Welcome to West German Shepherds. Our mission: to improve the breed standard, to produce stable, clear headed puppies and prepare them for bonding with their new humans. Committed to producing exceptional canines with 14 years of hard-earned expertise and insight; here, you will glean insider information on selecting a German Shepherd pup and why West German Shepherds. She passed away in my arms on Monday September 16th at AM. Brownie was our reigning queen, an alpha female who earned her stripes the hard way; as a result she never flaunted her position but rather ruled with a strong bark and gentle paw. Great with families, working bloodlines, very protective. When the AKC American Kennel Club or CKC either of the 2 following entities Canadian Kennel Club or the Continental Kennel Club registers a new puppy, it does so sight unseen - without ever having evaluated the appearance, health or quality of the parents of the litter. In fact only a minuscule fraction of the tens of thousands of breeding dogs all across America have ever been evaluated. While registration is a great place to start, there is more to consider than whether the dog is registered. Sadly, the marketplace is chock full of puppies with bad genetics and these are from officially registered canine parents. A puppy born with a slight genetic abnormality might come from purebred parents, and can still be registered. An inexperienced or unscrupulous breeder may not recognize the uneven hips on a puppy and sell it to someone who will later breed the puppy. The final outcome will be a new line of registered dogs that are genetically inferior. None of these statements are made to be derogatory of the AKC or CKC, these registration organizations do many wonderful things to improve the health, welfare, training and advocacy of ALL canines. Yes, AKC registration is an important factor that should not be overlooked, but there is much more to contemplate. The pedigree of both parents should be considered as part of your quest for a puppy, the pedigree will list all of the ancestors historically for 3 or 4 generations back up the family tree. All of the canines listed in the pedigree impact the genetics and thereby the health of the offspring. The pedigree itself does nothing to convey the health of a puppy, but it tells the dogs lineage, their titles and country of origin. By searching, you can find a breeder offering puppies from parents with exceptional pedigrees, that have correct body structure, a superior visual appearance, plus the temperament to match your expectations. What is an exceptional pedigree? The more champions in a pedigree, the better. Here is a quick run down of German Shepherd championship titles. The German Sieger beats hundreds of other Champions to be selected this coveted title. The only higher title accomplishment attainable is the World Sieger. It is the same as the Sieger - but is for the female winner of the German National Championship Conformation show. Not many people are familiar with the word Sieger but even less are familiar with the word Siegerin outside of German Shepherd professionals. The Sieger show is held annually in Germany. VA-2 is the Vice- Sieger, etc. The best genetics possible are found in Sieger show winning adult German Shepherds. The puppies born from these bloodlines will be the absolute best in quality and appearance when compared to the average German Shepherd you see on the street. An analogy would be like comparing a shiny Ferrari against a rusted out Ford Pinto. The top bloodlines are found in the VA titled dogs and filtered down into their offspring, but be prepared to pay a significantly premium price for that level of parenthood and prestige. You will hear of dogs described as being from show lines, herding lines or working lines. Show lines refers to canines that are used to compete in conformation shows, herding lines means canines used to herd sheep, working lines denotes canines used to work in protection, Schutzhund or other disciplines. Primarily there are 3 main types of German Shepherd Dogs. Czech Shepherds are longer and leaner in body frame, more narrow across the chest and have taller rear hindquarters. Typical coat colors are black and tan, black and creme, black and silver, brown sable, silver sable and brindled. The coat patterns of a Czech Shepherd run from blanket-back to saddleback and brindled but most are blanket backed. We do not produce Czech Shepherd pups. Yes, Dutch Shepherds still fall under the umbrella of German Shepherds. Dutch Shepherds originated in the Netherlands and are very similar to Czech Shepherds in body form however they are typically more solid, weighty and sturdy than Czech Shepherds. Dutch Shepherds are not very commonly found outside of police or military use. They also present as a harder dog meaning they require an experienced trainer, handler or owner. Obviously there are exceptions to these generalized statements. Dutch Shepherds are brindled in coat color, brindled simply means a mottled and multi-colored un-patterned coat appearance. We do not produce Dutch Shepherd pups. West German Shepherds come from the democratic capitalist state of West Germany. West German Shepherds have shorter more compact torsos, thicker across the chest and have the squatted or lowered hindquarters. It is not that the dogs are stacked or posed for pictures, their rear bone structure is genetically encoded to be positioned more angular than that of a Czech Shepherd. The coat colors of a West German Shepherd are black and red set in a saddleback pattern. While interesting, we do not own or breed for these types, nor am I going to invest any time delving into them further. Over the past 25 years I have owned and bred different types of German Shepherd dogs. I keep track of the litters being sold in our geographic region. The West German type German Shepherd dog is the most sought after type. This is the number one variety of German Shepherd dog that previous GSD owners, consumers, enthusiast and new first time owners are actively seeking. You might assume that the cheap dogs are not as healthy or desirable, and the more expensive ones are a better, safer choice. Breeders know this. Many breeders will put a higher price on their low quality dog to look professional and make their dogs appear more valuable. Some breeders import very expensive dogs so they can breed them to sell puppies at a higher price bracket. An experienced breeder can evaluate a dog by comparing the conformation or show quality, health, physical performance and the ability to work; but can only do so after having studied the breed and being immersed in these canines for many years. One factor that has impacted price structure is the difference between Czech Shepherds and West Germans Shepherds based on an over-inflated value. Many first time German Shepherd buyers are ignorant of this fact. The new buyer will look at a few breeder websites, see the price tag, then sticker shock sets in; so they search again based on a lower initial purchase price and soon find a breeder that sells at lower price tiers. It never was a bargain. Czechoslovakian Shepherds sell for less money for a number of reasons. The market is diluted with them, it seems they are on every street corner. If you want the best German Shepherd for your money you will need to hit the perfect trifecta: choose breeder, bloodline and puppy very wisely. Breed level dogs or dogs used for breeding purposes should be exceptionally beautiful, it should be like a day versus night comparison. Its time for a really bad analogy, but it should be like comparing the cute girl you saw at BurgerDoodle against the hot supermodel on TV. Or for the lady readers, it would be like comparing an overweight plumber to a ripped fitness instructor. There should be an impressive difference between the quality of a German Shepherd breed dog when compared to the German Shepherd you just saw on the street corner. Both parents should have correct body type, not be excessively underweight or overweight, they should have dark eye colors, the coat should be exceedingly beautiful with vivid color pigmentation. The body should be proportional to the animals overall size, the body should not be too short nor should it be too long. The dog should not be a giant massive pound beast, nor should it be a petite 55 pounds worth of dog. The withers should be the high point and the back line or top line should gracefully slope to the hind quarters from there. The torso should appear rugged with powerful legs, the angulation should be correct and the stance when viewed from the side should look as if the German Shepherd were ready or capable of striking in a nanosecond. The West German Shepherd is a herding type breed and should weigh between 70 to 90 lbs and be 22 to 26 inches tall. That is 22 to 24 inches for a female and 24 to 26 inches for a male Toss a ball and observe the adults as they run, their movement should be easy, graceful as if to announce - yep, I can do this all day long! Look to see if the movement is fluid or constrained. Check the eyes, ear and teeth. Eyes should have dark pupil colors, teeth properly aligned, ears should be set close and stand erect, they should be reasonably clean and not coated with goo inside. Do the adult dogs track you as you move around? Are they agitated or nervous at your presence there? Pet them, handle them and look for their response. Nearly every German Shepherd breeder in America will tell you that they have champion bloodlines. Immerse yourself by studying, looking at pictures, making comparisons, asking questions via phone, text or email and then going to visit several of the top contenders. Go visit, meet them in person, ask questions, make notes etc. Choosing a breeder does not sound like a complicated task, however you should visit with several individuals and keep a skeptical eye open. Just because this breeder has nice looking German Shepherds - does not make them an ethical or honest person. Nearly everyone has heard the term puppy-mill. This refers to a large breeding operation that mass produces puppies to sell in a variety of retail outlets. Some of the puppies go to pet stores and boutiques, others are sold on-line and shipped in crates via carrier or air-freight, still others are to be sold at events like dog shows, local flea markets, farmers markets, outdoor festivals or from the back of a pick-up truck. Please beware of purchasing from the aforementioned venues, a large portion of these animals also come with very serious life threatening diseases. The puppy mills are known for over-crowding, unsanitary conditions and harsh treatment of animals since they often operate in secrecy in a warehouse or very remote type location. Another type of breeder is the novice, money driven or back yard breeder. These types are largely copy cats. They read websites of professional breeders and the on-line ads, familiarize themselves with the terminology, soon enough they begin executing their forgery. They position themselves as professional breeders but on a smaller scale, offering puppies that are hand raised etc. If you were to look around their property - they place looks like a normal home, there is no footprint or significant investment to indicate that they have created a top-notch, professional environment for their canines. See the selecting a breeder section for more information on how to identify unsavory breeder types and more specifically what to look out for. The canine breeder should be a walking encyclopedia about the overall health, housing, care, nutrition, exercise and training necessary for the type of canines they are breeding. They should have built up a considerable amount of knowledge, expertise and experience around their breed, they should also be proficient at mating and whelping too. Their kennels and property should reflect careful consideration about every decision that impacts the housing, health and environment for their canines. I highly recommend you visit with a few breeders, there is no substitute for this step. This is an opportunity for you to evaluate the breeder, to observe the adult canine animals and also the time to examine the relationship between the breeder and their animals. If the breeder is a professional - then there should be compelling evidence that they have made a significant investment in providing great facilities for the animals. What is the condition of the fencing, the shelter, the dog house, the whelping area etc? How does the breeder talk, do you feel extremely comfortable with their knowledge, character, speech and demeanor? This is the precise moment in time where you need to follow your gut. I have visited other breeders and seen unbelievable things, such as: When the puppies eat, play, then take a nap; mice scurried out from under the shed and begin scarfing crumbs of food dropped by the puppies. Another breeder had a koi pond with long strands of green slime pond scum, the puppies were using this as a water source; the issue was every time that it rained, the runoff rainwater drained back into the koi pond carrying with it the germs and bacteria from the waste products generated by the puppies. I have met a few great breeders and many really bad ones. In the final analysis - you are not just buying a puppy, but you are buying into the combined genetics of both parents, you are buying into the kennel, the breeder person, their level of knowledge and expertise, lastly whether or not that person is honest and ethical. Believe me - there are some real unsavory characters out there breeding dogs, selling puppies and offering stud service. For more info please read - Selecting a Breeder. The health of the animal is determined by genetics as passed down from both parents. Each pup has 2 parents, 4 grandparents, 8 great grandparents 16 great great grandparents all of these ancestor impact the offspring. Inquire of the breeder if there are any known genetic problems. Inquire about the frequency of those genetic problems occurring. If a breeder proudly says there have never had a problem with any of their animals then you should consider 1 of 2 possibilities. The very best kennels in the country have encountered genetic problems, but because of strict quality control protocols they move to a different pairing of adults to eliminate the genetic problem or they stop breeding that line altogether. A sincere breeder should offer a health guarantee to protect the customers investment. Always read the contract and ask questions long before making a deposit. A genuine breeder should want to stand behind their puppies, they should want to protect their reputation and provide detailed records. Furthermore a breeder should encourage open communication and build a relationship with their customers, how else will the breeder stay abreast of the health, wellness and genetic factors that are happening within their bloodline? An experienced breeder should have insight as to the traits of each puppy in the litter. The breeder should be able to help show you which puppy best suits your needs based on the criteria you have stated. What is the singular most important trait to you? Do you travel frequently and want a protective dog for your family? Are you seeking a dog for companionship? Is your situation that you have a big family, a lot of friends, neighbors and relatives who visit often and want a family dog? Were you planning on working the dog? Share this information with your breeder and ask them to help steer you towards a puppy that exhibits traits that are well suited for your primary intended purpose. Many clients want to actively choose a puppy, while others are more comfortable with a passive approach, spend time with the litter and allow the choice to be more organic and mutually made by the puppy that is attracted to them. There is nothing wrong with either method but I will offer this - If you want to ensure that you get the puppy with the traits that most closely match your needs, then for optimum results take an active role in making the selection. In each litter there will be certain trait variations the pups have inherited from their parents. Any German Shepherd puppy born in the litter can be trained to serve or work in any type of role that you desire, however some pups are more naturally suited to be self starters and do the task with minimal input from you. A German Shepherd is not naturally a mean or vicious dog, however they are alert, aware and protective. These traits have been locked into them from the start by the nature of the breed, these animals were coded to be discerning from the start. A Golden Retriever is a great congenial dog, it loves everyone it encounters right down to the burglar who is prying open the back window of your home with a crowbar. The Golden Retriever will hold the door open and wag its tail as the contents of the home are being ransacked and loaded into a truck. Now flip the script and try that with the German Shepherd dog. The German Shepherd dog has already been eyeballing everyone long before they set foot on the property. Even if the dog was inside and did not see someone coming - it is always listening for sounds that are non typical for its environment. Go ahead and pry the window open with the crowbar - lets see how that works out for you. Someone may actually get inside but I am pretty confident they will be encouraged to leave hastily by the canine with intense actions of fierce barking, deep growling, hackles up, ears on high alert and eyes laser focused on the intruder. The uninvited guest will drop everything - run out the door with empty arms, a chewed up backside, a renewed fear of God Almighty and total respect for the German Shepherd Dog… Again, the German Shepherd is not a mean dog, it is not a vicious dog, but it is a vigilant dog. It is a watch dog - it is a dog that closely looks after the people that it is bonded to and the place where they live together. All things considered - a German Shepherd is a very practical investment for peace of mind regardless whether you are young or old, single or have a large family. On pickup day I will spend a minimum of an hour and a half with each new owner going over paperwork and the best practices for feeding, health, training, tips on care, etc. With West German Shepherds. You are buying into the tremendous wealth of bloodlines we have selectively cultivated and created, you are buying the expertise we have accumulated in 14 years of running a top notch breeding program. I am passionate about this breed and ensuring that everyone who wants a German Shepherd - has an amazing experience. Please contact me if I can be of service to you. Thank you for visiting West German Shepherds. The original quote was intended for every breed of dog; as German Shepherd owners already know - these canines are far superior to any other breed on the planet! I often repeat - some days you are the dog, some days you are the fire hydrant. More quotes can be found at the bottom of each page. I have three pets at home which answer the same purpose as a husband. I have a dog which growls every morning, a parrot which swears all afternoon, and a cat that comes home late at night. Do you get the difference? The man will be there to feed the dog. The dog will be there to keep the man from touching the equipment. Contact Us for Details on Our Puppies! The joy of owning a working line bred German Shepherd is immeasurable — but a companion and workmate that gives itself over to you so completely requires a significant reciprocal commitment. Do you have a fenced yard? Are you able to devote at least 30 minutes per day to exercising your dog? Will your puppy be raised inside of your home as a part of your family? Do you have small children, infants or other animals in your home currently and if not do you plan to in the future? Do you plan to crate train your puppy in addition to housebreaking? Are you prepared to feed a high quality food to your dog such as a grain-free or holistic food as a regular diet throughout its lifetime? Do you know the difference between the temperaments and character of a Working Line German Shepherd Dog over a show line or an American bred German Shepherd? Have you already consulted with a private trainer or know of obedience classes that are offered in your area that may be more specific to working dogs over an average Pet Store style all breed pet training class? Do you plan to spay or neuter your puppy when he or she is old enough? Are you financially prepared to provide care for your dog and seek veterinary care in the event of an emergency that may require hospitalization of your dog? If you are planning on breeding, do you have at least 5 years minimum experience as a Breeder? Are you educated in canine reproduction and development, have the basic knowledge and understanding of genetics as well as proper care for newborn pups, neonatal intensive care and experience in identifying reproductive complications or emergencies should they arise? Our breeding stock come from show rated and titled West German Sieger show lines. All of our dogs tested negative for all 11 German Shepherd specific genetic conditions including DM Degenerative Mylopathy and all additional genetic conditions. We breed for sound tempermants, character, structure, along with dark black and red pigmentation. All of our puppies are hand raised from birth in the home. References Dear Walter and Joanne Robert is a wonderful dog! He has fit in nicely here at the house and loves to go to the beach. He sleeps in our bed room and is never anxious to go out in the night. In between walks and the beach we go to for car rides to the office and the parks. We walk at least 3 miles a day and take lots of car trips. Hotels are no problem. I bring food, water, and a dog bed for him to sleep on. Thank you so much for getting us this great dog. My baby boy is just so curious about her and she is so gentle with him. My older dog is in heaven to have a playmate again. Hope all is well with you and your beautiful dogs. When I walk into the training class with her, people just stop and stare. She really is a beautiful dog. Talk to you soon. She has turned out to be a beautiful family dog and I have worked very hard to socialize her with people, children, cats and horses. We have 11 horses and my daughter, Rebecca, is a licensed riding instructor and Olga is very good with her students. I have been very busy running my business in North Attleboro, helping with the farm and all. When that is complete I would like to breed Olga as I did not spay her. I would like your advice when it comes to that. Thank you, Polly Schaefer. We are number 1 out of 50 Top rated breeders in America!!! Rated by happydoggo. There are scams out there who use our brand. Their website may look exact the same since they duplicate our website or their domains look similar. Our website is vomragnar. We take payments only over the phone by a credit card or with quick pay Zelle. Our brand name is patented. We are licensed breeders in Illinois. These phone numbers has Chicago Illinois area code. Please do not trust scammers and beware. We are the top rated German Shepherd licensed breeder located in the Northwestern suburb near Chicago, Illinois. We show and train our dogs with known World Champion trainers. We offer German Shepherd puppies for sale as well as trained adult German Shepherd dogs. Our German Shepherd puppies range from 8 weeks old to young males and females. We ship dogs within United States and Worldwide. Please contact us about pet transport information. Owned and operated since by Natalya Babenko. Not interested in award-winning show dogs? No Puppy Mills Our puppies are our babies. All of our puppies have plenty of wide open spaces to get all of the physical exercise their growing bodies need Puppy Power We work hard to match the perfect pup for you and your family. Give us your preferred puppy specifications and expectations and we will do our best to surpass them Breeding purebred West German Showline German Shepherds are our passion. If you share our passion and is looking for a German Shepherd breeder that specializes in providing the highest quality show dogs, protection dogs, working dogs, service dogs or family companions, your search just ended. You can reserve the puppy over the phone and pick up the puppy at 8 weeks old. Our Chicago kennel has several litters each year. However, we strive to breed healthy dogs with best bloodlines in mind. We breed dogs with good temperament and character. We breed to the established SV Standard. They are black and red, solid black, and red sable in color. Our dogs are raised and socialized in a home environment with children and other dogs. We are proud of our achievements! Take a look at the latest show results. Why To Choose Us.
german shepherd white puppy - While some people do not agree with this procedure, it is common with Boxer dogs. Boxer dogs originally had their ears cropped to help protect them from injury when they were hunting, working, or fighting. Now, the ears are cropped for cosmetic purposes, to improve hearing, or to make care easier. Ear cropping is not required by the breed standard, and many feel it is unnecessary. Does Ear Cropping Hurt Dogs? Ear cropping is a surgical procedure. While dogs are put under for the actual procedure, they can experience pain when they wake up and while the ears are healing. It can also cause ear problems that can be painful throughout their life. Boxers: Benefits of Ear Cropping There are a few benefits of ear cropping. It can help improve their hearing as the ear canals are not covered and sounds can easily pass through them. It can also make the ears easier to clean and help reduce buildup and ear infections. Boxers: Disadvantages of Ear Cropping Ear cropping can be painful and may cause emotional trauma to your dog. Ear cropping also makes the ears very thin, so they can rip easily. Sometimes the ears do not heal properly and can lead to deformities that can affect hearing and cause other ear problems. Most veterinarians who are willing to do ear cropping will only do it if your dog meets the age requirements. Some may prefer to wait until the dog is at least 10 weeks old to do the procedure. The earlier you do it, the better the results. This is the safest and best option. You may also find some breeders or groomers who are able to do ear cropping. No matter whom you choose to do it, make sure they are reputable and experienced with Boxer ears. Boxer Ear Crop Styles There are different styles of ear crops for boxers. Some people have a preference, and other people just allow the person cropping the ears to choose the best option. Short Crop — This is a short crop where the ears stand and are very short. There is some ear noticeable, but the ears are very small. Show Crop — This crop is the most common and preferred. The length is in between the short and long crop, and this is the most common for dogs that are cropped for cosmetic reasons. Long Crop — This is the longest style of crop. The ears still stand, but they are much longer than other cropped styles. Battle Crop — This is the shortest style of crop and leaves hardly any of the ear intact. It was created to prevent the ears from being grabbed by other dogs in a fight. Boxer Ear Cropping Price The price of ear cropping can vary based on the style and the person doing the cropping. Boxer Ear Cropping Procedure During the procedure, the dog is put under, and the surgeon removes a small section of the ear. This allows the ears to stand. The ears are then sewed up the sides and bandaged. When the dog wakes up, they are able to go home with the owner, but care is required for many weeks to ensure the ears heal properly. Boxer Ear Cropping Aftercare It is important to keep the ears clean and allow them to heal. There are kits that include tape and supports, but some people make their own supports using tampons or plastic sticks wrapped in gauze. The incisions heal fairly quickly, usually within two weeks. It can take a while for the ears to be trained to stand, so many people keep the ears taped and supported even after the stitches are out or dissolved and the incision has healed. Most of the time, the ears will start to stand on their own around three to four weeks after the procedure. Sometimes it can take up to nine weeks. Most owners have to remove the support and tape every few days to check the ears to see if they are standing and if they will stand on their own. If the ears do not remain standing, they can be supported and taped again until they do. Boxer Ear Cropping Infection Ear cropping infections can occur. It is important to clean the ears and allow them to get air to scab over and heal. An antibiotic may be needed to help treat the infection. Boxer Ear Taping Ear taping is a way of training the ears to stay in a certain position. This is commonly done with ears that have been cropped, and some people tape the ears with supports to help them stand. The ears are positioned and then taped to hold that position. The tape can be removed every few days so the ears can be cleaned and then taped again. Taping After Cropping Ear taping is done after cropping to help the ears stand. The ears are gently put into the desired position, and the tape is wrapped around the base of the ear to hold them up. The ears are not completely wrapped and are never wrapped tightly. Another method is to use tampons and insert them alongside the outside portion of the ear and then tape the ears around them. This also prevents the ears from flapping as much and can give them a shorter appearance. They are taped to hold their position. Tape is removed every few days so the ears can be cleaned, and then they are taped again until they stay folded forward on their own. Conclusion While ear cropping is a controversial procedure, it is still very common and popular with certain dog breeds. Proper care and the right taping technique will ensure the ears heal properly and look good. Related Posts:. The AVMA encourages the elimination of ear cropping and tail docking from breed standards. Ear cropping in Boxer dogs is widely believed to reduce the risk of ear infections. It also improves their sense of hearing, as sound passes straight to the eardrums with no ear flap falling forward and preventing it. Dogs with cropped ears are less likely to suffer from ear canal infections than natural eared dogs since the development of related severe conditions is linked to having a heavy-hanging ear. According to them, ear infection susceptibility is commonly dictated by breed. Naturally, Boxers have floppy ears that tend to fold over. It prevents adequate airflow and traps a lot of moisture in the ears. As a result, ear infections are increasingly common in Boxer dogs with unclipped ears. Many believe ear cropping allows for better ventilation in the ears, keeping bacteria at bay. The practice of ear clipping, however, does not appear to prevent or successfully treat these infections. Many consider it an alteration that goes against nature or a pointless cosmetic operation with no concrete health benefits. Generally, ear clipping in dogs is a painful procedure. Even if the puppy is sedated, healing will trigger a great deal of anxiety. Cropping is also carried out under total anesthesia, which has associated risks, according to a study. Hence, many of those against the practice see the procedure as a threat to animal welfare. After surgery, Boxers will also experience discomfort as they recover, stretch, re-tape, bandage, and undergo other manipulations. Some Boxer dogs might need bandaging or taping to keep their ears upright, which lasts for days to months. During this time, they are separated from other dogs, and isolation makes a dog prone to loneliness. Clipped ears, like every incision, may become infected. It may also fail to stand or have a skewed form or distorted position, potentially requiring subsequent surgery. Meanwhile, many of those in favor argue that the breed is known for cropped ears for decades. Ear cropping is usually performed on Boxer puppies aged 8 to 12 weeks. The process takes about 30 to 45 minutes, but the healing stage will last for several weeks if there are no post-surgery complications. In most cases, a pre-anesthetic sedative-analgesic drug will help your Boxer relax. The vet or vet assistant will wash the ears. They ensure the ears are sterile before the surgery. The vet will mark the area where the ear will be cut. Based on the selected crop style, measurements and the areas that will be affected are marked accordingly. It will help make the surgery as precise as possible. Only a triangular piece of the ear will remain. It is stitched in such a way the ear does not flap over. Instead, it will stand straight. The same procedure is performed on the other ear afterward. If your dog is sutured, it needs to be removed after 10 to 14 days. Ideally, it would be best if you allotted ample time to take care of your Boxer after the operation. Prepare to spend a lot of time bandaging, posting, and going to the vet for numerous routine check-ups. You need to follow the proper aftercare precisely because if not, scarring can likely occur. Your household must also be a conducive healing environment for your Boxer to ensure your pup will recover well. Remember that a healing animal can feel pain from time to time, so expect grumpiness. Unfortunately, not every procedure turns out to be successful as Boxers have differences in their ears. Luckily, I have a short but precise pros and cons list to help you make the best decision if ear cropping is right for your Boxer. Pros On a Boxer, cropped ears look fantastic. Though floppy, natural ears are lovely on their own, the trimmed ear style complements their square-shaped head and blunt snout. Having cropped or trimmed ears is considered the breed standard in many dogs, including Boxers. It gives them a clean and sharp breed intended look. For many dog breeders and owners, cropped ears turned into a long-standing tradition. The practice is observed in many dogs, and they may even look different or look unrecognizable without cropped ears, as controversial as it may be. Your Boxer dog ears will remain clean. Ear infections caused by yeast or bacteria, ear mites, or ticks that tend to line the underside of the ear would almost certainly never be a problem for a dog with clipped ears. You will need to deal with the solid social stigma connected to ear cropping. As previously discussed, the painful procedure is deemed as animal cruelty by many animal rights advocates and dog owners. For the Boxer, the procedure can be excruciating and stressful. Even during the healing process, your Boxer will be forced to wear an uncomfortable Elizabethan collar. The ears need to be taped in a particular manner to ensure that it results in erect ears. While it is rare, some owners have lost their Boxer puppies due to reported postoperative complications. As a Boxer owner, it is your responsibility to understand the benefits and drawbacks of cosmetic surgical procedures like ear cropping. Ensure that your dog will generally benefit from the surgery before making a final decision. No, ear cropping is not necessary for your Boxers to compete in various dog shows even though it is preferred by the American Boxer Club. A clipped ear does not give a dog the winning edge in the show ring. If anything, that belief is a popular misconception. When it comes to ear cropping or Otoplasty, there is no strict age limit. It can be performed on Boxers of any age. However, a Boxer puppy should ideally have their ears cropped between the ages of 10 and 12 weeks old. Having your Boxer go under the knife at this age will avoid unnecessary damage and discomfort. Hence the operation can cause an older dog more pain and discomfort than it would to a puppy. Included in this estimate are anesthesia, the operation, aftercare medicine, and follow-up visits. However, I strongly discourage you from doing so. For starters, having your Boxer puppy anesthetized is needed to avoid excruciating pain during the procedure. In some cases, it may take a little longer. During the healing period, your Boxer needs to wear an ear rack or tape to hold the ears upright in place and erect. Keep a close eye on the tape or bandages to keep the wounds clean and free of infection. Realistically, it will take about a full 4 to 5 months until your Boxer is fully healed from the ear cropping surgery. The question remains: to crop or not to crop? Other things to consider are the number of pets at home, children, time restraints, financial constraints, and the pain your dog may experience during the procedure. If anything, it can be a painful procedure that requires careful aftercare and frequent veterinarian visits. My passion for animals started at a very young age as I grow up on a farm with several horses, cows, cats, chickens, and dogs on our property. Leave a Comment. Some people are passionately in favor of ear cropping, and their top argument is that the traditional breed standard prescribed this look. What Is Ear Cropping? Some dogs have naturally floppy ears. There are around 20 breeds of dogs that have traditionally been subjected to ear cropping so that their ears stand up. It creates an alert look as if the dog is constantly ready for action. In fairness, we have to agree that the look is pretty good, but it comes at a price. But sedation wears off and then the pain kicks in. The fact that pain medications are prescribed after ear cropping should make that point clear. And, as with all forms of surgery, there are risks, both during the procedure and during the recovery process. A bad reaction to anesthesia could be life-threatening, for example. And post-operative infections can occur. Animal welfare organizations are generally against ear cropping and apart from pain and risk, they have some pretty compelling reasons why it places a dog at a lifelong disadvantage. Besides this, they point out that dogs communicate with body language. With cropped ears, dogs are less able to communicate with other animals or with their owners. But cropped ears make it more difficult to understand your pet. According to the American Veterinary Association , there are no real medical advantages in store for a Boxer with cropped ears. Finally, back when Boxers were hunting dogs, it was thought that cropping their ears meant less chance of injury if the prey were to fight back. So, what is that breed standard? If uncropped, the ears should be of moderate size, thin, lying flat and close to the cheeks in repose, but falling forward with a definite crease when alert. So there you have it. Natural ears can conform to the breed standard. There are no proven benefits for Boxers with cropped ears. The only valid reason for the Boxer ear crop is that you like the look. Despite controversy, ear cropping still has its adherents, and as long as you live in a country where ear cropping is still legal, it remains your choice. Sold On Boxer Ear Cropping? Finding The Right Veterinarian Your first step will be to find a vet who is willing to perform the procedure and who has a good track record with ear cropping. Try asking local Boxer dog breeders if they can recommend a veterinary professional for the task. It takes time to recover from anesthesia. This usually takes two or three days. Try to keep your Boxer puppy calm and quiet for at least two weeks after the procedure — this is going to be a tough task. Look out for pressure sores and keep the taping clean and dry. Allow a veterinarian to retape and post support ears until you and they are confident you can do it correctly yourself. Expect additional charges for return visits. Thirty-seven or more countries have bans on ear cropping in all breeds including Boxers. The motivation for banning ear cropping is straightforward. The American Veterinary Association has issued a statement saying that it opposes ear cropping when there is no medical reason for the procedure. Will the USA ultimately ban ear cropping? People have been pushing back. Imagine how people would react if it were suggested that human babies should have their ears cropped? Finally, just what is the problem with natural ears? We think that floppy Boxer ears are part of the package and those natural ears are too cute for words. I fell in love with the breed around ten years ago after seeing some of my friends adopt a Bully. I love the combination of the muscular physique and calm, loyal companionship that the American Bully breed has to offer. My enthusiasm for the breed has led me to train as a dog behavioralist and trainer. Over the last ten years, I have supported many households in raising their American Bully and maximizing the potential of the breed. Recent Posts. UK What Exactly is Cropping? When a Boxer has their ears cropped, in countries in which it is legal, it is considered to be cosmetic surgery. When does a Boxer have their ears cropped? The general rule is to do so when the Boxer puppy is 10 - 12 weeks old. Although a dog of any age can have it done, a young puppy's ears are small and soft thus making the healing process smoother. The dog is sedated during the surgery. The animal surgeon will mark the area of where the ear will be cut. Just as the name suggests, part of the ear is literally cut off. It is then stitched in such a way so that the ear does not flap over; it will stand straight up. It is the act of cutting the ear that causes many people opt against having this done. However, it must be noted that the dog will not experience pain during the surgery. A dog will have discomfort for up to 3 weeks afterwards while the ears heal. Small paper cones are usually placed on the ears to protect them in this sensitive stage. An owner is given disinfectant from the veterinarian to careful put on the healing ears twice per day. When an owner decides to have their Boxer's ears cropped they must make a commitment to following the very precise aftercare that is needed; if not, scarring will occur. It should also be noted that not all cropped ears will stand up. Why Are Boxer's Ears Cropped? In many countries, the Boxer is known for having cropped ears, something that has been done since the breed was introduced and owners feel that they should maintain the breed standard. The argument being that the Boxer breed does not have controlled ears.Some believe that long, floppy ears can trap moisture which can lead to ear mites and yeast infections. However, this can also happen with smaller, cropped ears. In countries such as the U. However, recent trends have many breeders keeping ears natural. A large number of owners choose this and those that do not can opt to have the procedure done to their Boxer once they obtain the puppy. We urge anyone who is considering to have this done to their dog to choose an experienced veterinarian, as a bad cropping can lead to infection and aesthetic issues such as too much of the flap being removed, etc. Please check with a veterinarian to see if he or she has experience not only with cropping but specifically with the Boxer breed since each breed that does traditionally have the ears clipped has different shaping and size. Some refer to this clipping as a "show crop" and by that, it is meant that per AKC conformation standards, the Boxer's ears should not be an outstanding feature or focal point. Rather, the size , set and shape should flatter the facial features, adding balance and lending to the overall appearance of the head. A couple of issues that can occur are often due to the thickness of the ear flap. Boxer ears with very thick leather may be too heavy too stand and a good veterinarian will be able to let an owner know in advance. In some cases, not wanting to take off too much of the flap, a vet will err on the side of caution, which can lead to needing a 2nd cropping down the road to gain the desired appearance. In some locations, the cost for this procedure is tiered based on the dog's weight. The answer is no. While some may say that the Boxer standard is cropped ears, just about every recognized dog club, including the AKC accepts Boxers with or without cropped ears. This is most certainly a personal decision. Cropping is not clinically proven to reduce ear infections or reduce the chance of a dog getting ear mites. Dog shows allow Boxers with their natural ears. The only valid reason an owner would have is that they prefer their dog to look a certain way. It is a myth that puppies do not feel pain.Is that worth the discomfort that a Boxer puppy will need to endure? While we must stay neutral on this subject, we suggest that an owner carefully think about this issue before deciding. If Ears are Not Standing Correctly Even with cropping, precise symmetrical ears does not always happen. It is not uncommon for one ear to stand a bit more erect than another, or even both may not stand as desired. The experience of the veterinarian has a part in this. But also the muscles at the base of the ears may not be strong enough. In some cases, this can improve with age and improvement may be seen in 1 or 2 months. Owners may have heard about taping ears, which is what it sounds like: a method of using tape to hold ears in a desired position with the hope that this will cause them to stay as so once the tape has been removed. Though this sounds like a great idea, it rarely ever works. Some simply like the look of upright ears in our Boxer friends and want to adhere to these traditional characteristics. In the past some believe cropped ears prevent ear infections in our canine friends, but the majority of dog owners simply like the look. At the end of the day, it just comes down to owner preference. Additionally, in the past when boxers were used to hunt and fight, ear cropping would be done to minimise the chances of injury. Not all Boxers will have their ears cropped. However, there are still breeders and show dog owners that believe in ear cropping to meet the breed standard. Ear cropping is considered elective and cosmetic surgery, and there are not any medical benefits that make this procedure essential. If you see a Boxer pup with cropped ears, it is always due to the personal choice of the owner or breeder. So when did we start cropping Boxer ears anyway? Though there is not a set date recorded, many believe the first ear cropping in Boxers began in Germany in the early s. This seems to be where the breed standard was developed, leading to the practice of ear cropping in other parts of the world. While there will always be a debate, most have come to the conclusion that ear cropping in Boxers was always done for cosmetic purposes. Waiting too long can increase the risk of complications, often due to an increased risk of pain and difficulty keeping your pup calm. Not only will your Boxer puppy have to undergo the ear cropping procedure itself, but they will also have their ears taped for an extended period of time. The surgery is not an overnight fix, so most professionals suggest starting this process as early as possible. The more the Boxer weighs, the more their anesthesia and medication costs will rise. A portion of their ears will be removed based on your preference once they are sedated, giving the ear the shape you are looking for. The ears will be stitched before your Boxer wakes up, and your vet will likely place a temporary bandage around the ears. Every clinic will vary in their preference, but they may have you return anywhere from 72 hours to a week later to have the bandage removed. Your pup will be asked to return to your vet again in 14 days to have the sutures removed. Once the sutures are removed and the incision areas have healed, your vet will begin the ear taping process. Though every vet follows a different procedure, most will inform you on the details of a 3 day on, 1 day off ear training schedule. This is where things get a little complicated when discussing ear cropping in Boxers. Those who advocate for ear cropping in Boxers claim that there are a few benefits to the procedure, but this is highly debated in the veterinary realm. First, some in favor of ear cropping state that dogs with cropped ears are less prone to developing ear infections. Though some dogs with floppy ears do struggle with chronic ear infections, there is no proof that ear cropping actually decreases this risk. The next potential benefit thrown around is that ear cropping in Boxers can save them from future ear injuries. Ear cropping in dogs comes with a list of risks that far outweigh any potential benefits. No matter how healthy your pup is and how skilled your veterinary team is, there are always risks associated with anesthesia. Dogs can experience irritation from tape on the pinna, damage due to scratching their ears, and exposure to bacteria throughout the healing process. Though most infections can be resolved, it is still an uncomfortable process for a dog to endure. If you do choose to go forward with the procedure, we simply ask that you find a vet in your area that is known for offering quality service. The AVMA has also listed ear cropping and tail docking as unnecessary cosmetic procedures, and this is one of the most respected veterinary organizations out there. The best way to make this decision for your pup is by speaking with your veterinarian. They can offer you their opinion on the procedure for your pup, and help you choose the safest route for your canine friend. The Puppy Mag makes an active effort to search for plagiarized content using plagiarism detection software. If plagiarized content is found, action will be taken. The ears will permanently remain in the rolled back, goofy, flying out position that they go through as a puppy if they are not properly and persistently addressed by taping. .Any sort of fold or twist back is an indication that your puppy should have her ears taped down flat to assure that they grow appropriately. Taping is done comfortably so that the ears will lay flat when the puppy is finished teething. Then cut these two strips in half lengthwise. This will help you later when you need to take the tape off of the puppy. Late afternoon when she has had a real good nap and is hungry for dinner may not be the best time to sit down with scissors and a puppy. After dinner, following playtime when the puppy is at her most exhausted time, THAT sounds like a time where two people can calmly convince a young puppy that putting tape on her ears will result in a fantastic bone to chew on, saved just for her! Offer the puppy something to occupy her attention a nylabone, empty paper towel roll or favorite toy. Once everyone is comfortable and quiet, attach the first strip of duct tape to the outside of the ear flap. Press the tape firmly to the ear to assure that the tape will stick. Strips of tape stick to the front and back of the ear flap, then to each other Attach a second strip of tape to the same ear, on the inside of the ear flap. The first piece of tape on the outside of the ear and the second piece of tape on the inside of the ear should stick to each other where they both hang past the bottom of the ear flap. Press the strips of tape firmly to assure that they stick to both the ear flap and to each other. Repeat the same process on the other ear: attach one strip of tape to the outside of the ear flap and attach a second strip to the inside of the ear flap then stick them to each other at the bottom of the ear. Furgie with both ears taped. Now the two strips will be taped together under her chin This extra flap of duct tape the part that hangs past the bottom of the ear flap will be pulled under her chin and taped to the other side. Cut about a 3 inch piece of duct tape for attaching the chin strap. Leave this piece the full width of natural duct tape. Taping completed under the chin Use the new piece of tape and stick the two sides together under her chin. Press the piece firmly and roll it around the two strips so that no sticky parts remain exposed. Be certain that you leave enough space to fit your fingers in between the tape and her throat but not so much that a paw can get stuck between there. Your puppy will want to rub or scratch the tape off her ears at first. You can play a training game, go for a walk, offer a marrow bone or whatever else will help take her mind off of the taped ears. I prefer to give a nice new bone. The perfect Bullmastiff sit. .It will only take a few corrections… remember to HUGELY reward good behavior and offer an replacement behavior such as a treat or a bone. Spend a half an hour watching television or petting the puppy. Keep a close eye on the inside of her ears during the time her ears are taped. Use an ear wipe to clean the inside of the ears as often as possible by moving the ear flap enough aside to wipe out the ear. Any redness or odor is a sign of irritation and the tape should gently be removed. I use Avon Skin So Soft bath oil on the ear to loosen the glue of the tape for easier removal. You will leave the tape in place for days. .You may have to reapply the tape the next day and want clean ears to start with!! If you need assistance, just ask… taping the ears is a task that requires patience and persistence. Share this:. Because of this, judges may be less likely to choose a dog with uncropped ears over a dog with cropped ears, even if they meet the breed standard in every other way. Even uncropped ears can bring home the blue ribbons. Just take a look at this natural-eared Boxer winning Best of Group at Crufts in as proof! Safety The Boxer was originally bred to hunt bulls and for bull-baiting a now-banned sport in which the Boxer was, essentially, fighting the bull. Bulls are strong animals that well-outweigh even the most sturdy Boxer. During these hunts and fights, dogs were at risk of having their ears shredded or even torn off by the bull. Cropping the ears was intended to give their opponent less to grab on to in the event of an altercation with a bull. Cropping them keeps the otherwise naturally floppy Boxer ears from falling forward toward the bull or other opponent. This decreases the chances of their ears getting torn or grabbed during a fight. Looks As Boxers evolved from hunting dogs to guard dogs , their cropped ears continued to play a role in their appearance. However, the ear cropping shifted from functionality to aesthetics. The cropped ears sit at the highest point of the skull and have a long, tapered look that makes the Boxer look more alert. Health It has been suggested that dogs with cropped ears may be less susceptible to ear infections. When the ears stand straight, the ear canals are exposed to the air, and moisture is less likely to get trapped. However, the natural drop-ear creates a flap over the ear canal, which could prevent the ear canal from drying out. That trapped moisture could lead to bacterial infections. Hearing Uncropped, natural ears have a flap that drops down over the ear canal while cropped ears stand straight up, leaving the ear canal more open and exposed. Optimal ear positioning certainly plays a key role. What is Ear Cropping? Typically, the end goal is to have the newly reshaped ear stand up straight. This is a surgical procedure and, therefore, is performed by a licensed veterinarian while the dog is under general anesthesia. This includes taping or posting the ears upright until they can stand on their own. Is Ear Cropping Illegal? In some countries, yes. In the United States, the practice is still legal but the American Veterinary Medical Association AVMA , which helps develop and maintain veterinary educational standards, opposes ear cropping for cosmetic purposes. Surgical Risks While it is a relatively common procedure in the United States, it is still a surgery which means it carries some risks. Even with every precaution, there is the potential for complications from the anesthesia and post-surgical infections. Ear cropping also does not end with the procedure itself. Aftercare can include cleaning the surgical site, administering topical or oral medications, and taping the ears until they stand on their own. This can take time and patience after all, happy, goofy Boxer puppies are moving targets who might not want to sit still long enough to have their ears taped. One of those communication methods is ear movement. Similarly, they might flatten their ears to show anger or aggression. A boxer with cropped ears loses the ability to do either of these motions because the ears are in a permanently upright position, making it more difficult for them to demonstrate their emotions. Cost As with any surgical procedure, ear cropping costs money. Cropping is also typically done before the puppies go to their new homes while the puppies are still under the care of the breeder. Imagine taking the cost of ear cropping and multiplying it by the number of puppies in the litter. And the cost of that will likely be reflected in the price of the puppies. Even if a puppy with uncropped ears costs the same as a puppy with cropped ears, the breeder themselves is saving money and postoperative-care time by foregoing ear crops for their litters. Conclusion While the breed has, historically, had cropped ears, there is now less of a functional need for it. Decide what you want from your Boxer and how cropped or uncropped ears play a role in those expectations. Now working as a veterinary technician in Oregon, Sophia loves working with and writing about our canine companions! We go to great lengths to help users better understand their pets; however, the content on this blog is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. Additionally, NotABully. What You Need to Know About Ear Cropping Many people have questions about various aspects of ear cropping, and we hope this information will help. It explains the decisions you will need to make before your pet's upcoming surgery, and gives you some information about our practice in general. Should I have my puppy's ears cropped? This is a personal decision. Ear cropping is not right for every dog, and it is not right for every person who owns a dog. We recommend a consult appointment with our veterinarian if you are unsure about whether or not to crop. There is a tremendous amount of aftercare involved to make sure the ears stand properly, and an owner who is not committed to being diligent about the aftercare, should probably not crop their pet. A consult appointment will give you the opportunity to discuss the pros and cons of ear cropping with our doctor, and help you to make the best decision for your new puppy. In general, if a client has reservations about ear cropping, we recommend not cropping the puppy and leaving the ears natural. At what age should I crop my puppy? The answer to this question will depend very much on the breed of the dog. In general, however, with few exceptions, no puppy will ever be cropped at our office after 5 months of age. In general, Dobermans and Great Danes are cropped between 8 and 10 weeks of age. Boxers are cropped between 10 and 12 weeks. American Bullies, Pit bulls, and AmStaffs are done around 3 months of age. Smaller breeds like Miniature Pinschers and Miniature Schnauzers are cropped older -- around 3 or 4 months of age. For all other breeds, you will need to contact our office directly. These age estimations are based on the average size of the puppy and the average ear size for that breed at that age. Individuals can vary, and we prefer for pet owners to call us so we can help determine the optimum age for surgery for each individual puppy. How soon after the surgery will I have to come back for a recheck? The ears are secured to a cup after cropping -- until the edges are healed completely. You will need to come back to our office for suture and cup removal and the first ear posting days after the surgery. We ask that clients call our office one week after surgery for a progress report and to schedule the suture and cup removal. How long will it take for the ears to stand? A perfect crop can be a flop if the aftercare is not handled correctly. Other breeds like Dobermans, Danes, and Boxers may require months of proper taping after surgery until the ears will stand. The length of the time for ear posting varies based on breed, ear crop length, and genetics which can influence ear leather and shape on individual dogs. We prefer that clients return to us for all the posting. It is important to us that the aftercare is handled properly -- so that the outcome of the cropping is successful. I like the way my old dog was cropped -- can you do a "custom crop" to make it look the way I want? If you are looking for a particular look, we would recommend an ear crop consultation appointment. Each crop is done to compliment an individual dog's look. We will not do a crop that we would consider unflattering to your dog, so if you ask us to do something that we don't like, the answer would be "no. What are the Hospital Hours? Our office hours are always by appointment only. Our hours can vary from week to week, but in general, our hospital is open Monday thru Friday from am to pm. On some Saturdays, we are open from am until pm. The clinic is closed on Sunday. Do I need to have an appointment to get my puppy's ears cropped? Yes, office hours are by appointment only. Surgery appointments are made only on certain days of the week, and not typically scheduled on Saturday. We require a consult or office visit prior to scheduling the ear crop surgery -- this allows the Doctor to meet the client and their pet, and it also allows the client to ask any questions they may have. When should I schedule an appointment? To help ensure that you get an appointment, it is better to call our office early when you first purchase your puppy or when you are thinking about purchasing your puppy to get information about scheduling. Upon arrival at your home, we recommend that your pup should be taken immediately to your own local veterinarian for a checkup and fecal analysis. Have your vet review the vaccination records from the breeder to insure that the puppy is current on vaccines prior to your consult appointment. Try to schedule a consult with us as soon as possible after you see your regular veterinarian. What forms of payment do you accept? Can I make partial payments? We do not accept partial payments; full payment is required when your pet is ready to go home. What are the pre-surgery requirements at Millstone Animal Hospital? Prior to your scheduled appointment you should have a copy of your pet's "up-to-date" vaccination records, a copy of a negative fecal analysis from your vet including coccidia and giardia , and a copy of all medical records on the puppy from your local vet. Your pet should be clear of any parasites or infections for a full two weeks prior to surgery. You will need to inform us -- when you schedule the appointment -- of any previous or current health problems in your pet. Do you board pets? Unfortunately, we do not have the facility to board multiple pets in our office. Ear crop patients will always go home the same day as surgery. The only pets that are kept here overnight are recovering from surgery or have an existing medical condition that requires medical boarding services.
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german shepherd white puppy - How often you should feed a German Shepherd puppy depends on their age and their activity level. Many owners also want to know when they can switch to adult food formulas for their German Shepherd puppies. Switch your GSD puppy to adult food when they are around 12 to 18 months old. Puppies can begin adult kibble when they are approximately 80 percent of their adult weight. This usually occurs around 8 to 10 months of age, but you can safely feed puppy food up to 18 months old as long as they are not putting on excess weight too quickly. If you want to know what to feed a German Shepherd puppy, keep reading. Finding the best food to feed your German Shepherd puppy is overwhelming at times. This means choosing what to feed a German Shepherd puppy is even more serious and intimidating! Follow this feeding guide when you need to know what to feed German Shepherd puppies. I understand! The following dog foods are all recommended for large breed puppies and meet and exceed regulated nutritional standards. Feeding a high-quality kibble from a name-brand company that uses feeding trials ensures the best quality and nutrition. Here are some of the best German Shepherd puppy foods that are research-backed. Packed with nutrients to help limit inflammation of the joints and uses fresh ingredients. Easily digestible formula for puppies prone to allergies and sensitive stomachs. Rich aroma with DHA fish oil to entice puppies to finish every last bite while giving shine to their coats. The better the food, the healthier your pup will be inside and out. Cheaper GSD puppy food lacks quality proteins that are essential for your working breed dog. Adding too much weight to your German Shepherd too soon can cause lifelong joint issues that are painful to your pet and expensive on your wallet. Most GSDs are healthy and fit on commercial dog foods that are high quality. These balanced formulas keep their bones and muscles strong throughout their growing periods and can ward off later joint issues, a common breed problem, as they mature. There is a greater demand for quality nutrition during the early growth stage. For these reasons, you must feed high-quality food. Now, consider what to feed a German Shepherd puppy based on their age. These feeding charts and guides will help keep your new companion growing strong and athletic. Tiny portions of canned, wet foods are introduced. Meals per day: 4 or more Puppies should stay with their mom for to keep them healthy. Nutrition Warning! At 8-weeks-old a GSD pup is eating more solid foods and develops a better appetite for kibble and other foods. Add in only a couple of small spoonfuls of canned plain pumpkin, unsweetened Greek yogurt, or cooked oatmeal to entice your pup to eat. Meals per day: 4 Week-Old Puppy Continue feeding the same as the 8-week-old diet. Treats are not only enjoyable for your German Shepherd, but help you to eneterain and build a positive relationship with him. Be sure to keep their zoomies under control by playing plenty of fun German Shepherd games for puppies. Meals per day: 4 Week-Old Puppy Continue to feed the kibble. Watch for excessive weight gain during this growth time as their bones cannot take extra weight! Too much weight gain too quickly can cause joint issues as an adult and prevent healthy development. Use their mental energy to help keep them more relaxed throughout the day by playing brain-boosting mind games for German Shepherd puppies. Meals per day: 3 to 4 Week-Old Puppy Keep your puppy trim and athletic by monitoring how much you feed your puppy and their body condition. You can write how much they eat and track this over time, and adjust how much your feed your German Shepherd puppy to keep them at a healthy weight. Try using fresh, raw, cut-up pieces of carrots as healthy treats or small, deseeded cubes of fresh apple as part of their training treats. Keep your eyes open for a growth spurt about to begin! Meals per day: 3 Week-Old Puppy Around 4 months old, you might notice your puppy finish their meal quickly and look for more food. Be sure to watch how many treats you give them throughout the day. You can do this by holding them safely in your arms and weighing them with you on the scale. Then, place them on the floor and step onto the scale without them to weigh yourself. Remember, around 16 to weeks old your German Shepherd puppy begins to rapidly grow. Instead, when looking overhead at your puppy their waist should look trim and not rounded outwards. German Shepherd puppies should appear sleek in their waistline. Meals per day: 3 Week And Older Puppy Continue to feed your German Shepherd puppy dry kibble with a small amount of healthy foods mixed in. You can lessen the healthy food you mix in gradually if you prefer. But, even as adults, German Shepherds love a bit of tasty toppers on their kibble. Around a year old, begin feeding your German Shepherd puppy 2 meals a day. Two meals, one in the morning and evening, are not only safer but also provide your German Shepherd with sustained energy to fuel their high-energy lifestyle. You can create a positive meal time by using the following tips: Always offer fresh water during their meal times. Keep the area where they eat their food in calm and out of the way of the family hustle and bustle. I found sitting with a book reading, just keeping my GSD puppy company, encouraged my dog to eat their meals while giving us time to quietly bond. Feed your German Shepherd at the same time everyday. The best time to feed a German Shepherd puppy is in the morning, before you leave for the day, and in the evening, about 2 hours before you put your dog to bed. Allow them to potty after eating to ensure their comfort. Your dog also needs to eat at other times of the day for their health and growth. How much you should feed a German Shepherd puppy really depends on a number of factors. Your GSD pup should eat enough to maintain their growth and energy, while not carrying any extra fat. Every dog is different. Keep in mind the number of calories in the kibble, which varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. Each puppy food company has a different amount of calories and size of the kibble. Here are a few things that might affect how much your German Shepherd puppy should eat. The more active a German Shepherd puppy is, the more calories he needs to eat to replace lost energy. For example, puppies need nearly twice the amount of calories as compared to adults. And older or senior German Shepherds who are less active need less food. Health Maintaining a healthy weight is essential to feeding your German Shepherd. Simply put, you can prevent some medical conditions and health problems by monitoring their waistlines. Instead follow the healthy way to bulk up a German Shepherd. To see if your German Shepherd is at the right weight you can find the average weight depending on their age. Shares German Shepherds are graceful, obedient, and loyal dogs with specific nutritional needs. Following a German Shepherd puppy feeding chart will enable you to track the amount of food your puppy is eating as they grow. There are varieties of foods available in the market and most of them come with guidelines at the back of the packaging showing you how much to feed a German Shepherd puppy. This article will cover different types of diets available and the specific nutritional needs of your German shepherd. It will also help you know what to do to ensure that your GSD gets nutritious and balanced food for every stage of their life. German Shepherd Puppy Feeding Chart There are three aspects of this German Shepherd puppy feeding chart, namely the German shepherd feeding amount, feeding frequency, and mealtime lengths. It is important to find out the appropriate feeding amount, frequency, and length for your German shepherd without leaving out one of them. That way, you can accurately find out the best way to feed your dog. Overall, there are four ranges that you need to keep in mind. An active dog may require a bit more than the numbers in this list, and an inactive dog will need a slightly less amount. But this guide can act as a solid benchmark. A puppy will need to eat more because they are growing very quickly. Talk to your vet about how much exactly so you keep them healthy and happy. Make sure your German Shepherd has access to fresh, clean water all day. When you take your dog for a walk make sure to bring along some extra water in a collapsible bowl. If they get tired on the way or it gets very hot, this can save their life. So for example, if your dog is 60lbs they should eat between lbs of food in one day. If you notice your dog is losing weight, add more calories to its meal size. However, there are other considerations on how much to feed a German shepherd puppy per day. You might want to consider avoiding meals right before bedtime. Let them digest their food first before they go to sleep. Understanding German Shepherd Puppy Nutritional Needs All dogs require nutritious, satisfying, and healthy food and every breed have their special diet. For maximum energy and health, there are factors to consider when deciding what to feed your German Shepherd: Size considerations- the AKC breed standard says that a German Shepherd can go to 26 inches tall at the shoulder. Females can be around 49 to 71 pounds while Males can be around 66 to 88 pounds. This means that they have a big appetite hence it is good to find quality food for them. They grow pretty fast hence they need specific nutrients for specific stages. Activity level- German shepherds are muscular, active, and agile which contributes to higher caloric needs to be complemented by feeding them a high-quality diet. Health consideration- GSDs are prone to many diseases hence a healthy diet will prevent problems. For example, arthritis that is caused by hip and elbow dysplasia can be mitigated through an excellent diet. Ensure that your GSD diet contains proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. How long does it take for your dog to be full? Is your dog still hungry after eating his portion? German shepherds normally take anywhere from 10 minutes to 15 minutes to finish the meal, given that you followed the proper feeding guidelines properly. If your dog shows signs of slow eating, we recommend sending them to your vet. If you think your dog is already full before finishing his portion, there is no problem. However, if your dog is still hungry after finishing the meal, consider sending him to your vet. This is because this can be a sign of a serious health issue involving their digestive system. They encourage the puppy to chew hence preventing periodontal diseases or tartar. Kibble is less expensive to buy and can stay fresh for longer. See also German Shepherd Gestation Period And Pregnancy Wet food is also essential for puppies because they allow puppies to feel fuller with less food. If your GSD need to shed a few pounds, wet food is a good way to reduce their caloric intake. Wet food is easier to digest, hence they are good for German shepherds with sensitive stomachs. Wet food is appetizing and keeps the puppy hydrated. You need to understand why your puppy cannot eat because it will help you determine the way to deal with the issue. There is no need to worry if the puppy lost appetite shortly and goes back to normal eating without any sign of illness. If the puppy loses appetite and takes a few days without improvement, take your puppy to the vet to find the problem because your dog might be sick. If the vet finds that the puppy is sick, they may suggest a special diet that will boost their immunity and give them extra nutrients to better their recovery. The puppy may have stopped eating because of behavioral issues; therefore, you may need to feed them same time to get a routine. Treats and human food that is given to the puppy may need to be reduced and also you can try different kinds of food. The German shepherd is a medium dog breed according to the AKC. Therefore, free-feeding is not a good idea. For the German shepherds, feeding schedules work better. If the puppies are free-fed the puppy may eat the leftover at any time even when they are not hungry. Sticking to a feeding routine help the puppy to stay healthy and prevent obesity. When you have a schedule, managing their weight and house training will improve. The puppy usually relieves themselves around 15 minutes after eating or drinking, therefore, when they feed at the same time every day and are taken outside after a while, accidents will be minimized. A raw diet is good for German shepherds. A raw diet help improves vitality and energy. The puppy gets healthy white teeth with an increased lifespan and reduced shedding as well as a stronger immune system. Raw meat is a great source of protein and an optimal diet. It is like keto to humans because it allows the puppy to reach their total capacity and good health. Dogs are naturally carnivorous, hence raw diet aligns with their natural needs. However, you should speak to your vet before putting your puppy on a raw food diet. The majority of commercially available kibble food is balanced and complete, and of high quality for your German shepherd puppy. Human supplements often contain harmful substances to animals and are unregulated or minimally effective. Therefore, never give human supplements to your German shepherd puppy. But they can eat small amounts of cooked chicken or turkey, plain cooked sweet potatoes or carrots, plain yogurt, and small amounts of fruits like apples or bananas without getting sick. Talk to a vet for advice on how to feed your German Shepherd puppy a healthy and balanced diet. These include chocolate, fatty foods, coffee, alcohol, chives, avocado, onions, nuts, grapes and raisins, garlic, raw or undercooked meat, and bones. These foods can cause a wide range of health problems, from stomachaches to more serious problems like pancreatitis or kidney failure. Some foods that people eat may have a lot of sodium or sugar, which can also be bad for dogs. How much food to give an older German Shepherd will depend on their needs and how much they move around. But as dogs get older, they tend to slow down and may need less food to stay at a healthy weight. As a general rule, an older German Shepherd needs about 2 to 3 cups of food per day, which should be divided between two meals. A German Shepherd that is getting older should eat high-quality senior dog food that is made for their age and size. Senior dogs might also benefit from getting smaller meals more often. If your German Shepherd puppy seems to always be hungry, you should look at what they eat and how often they eat. Make sure they eat enough for their age, weight, and level of activity. Puppies grow quickly and need more calories than adult dogs, so it is possible that they are not getting enough food. Also, make sure you feed them high-quality puppy food that is right for their age and size. If you are worried about how hungry they are or how much they weigh, you should talk to a vet to rule out any health problems and make a plan for feeding them. The amount of dry food you should feed your German Shepherd will depend on several factors, including their age, weight, and activity level. Puppies: Feed times the recommended amount on the food label. Adult dogs: Feed times the recommended amount on the food label. Active dogs: Feed times the recommended amount on the food label. Senior dogs: Feed times the recommended amount on the food label. If the dog is obviously overweight or underweight, adjust accordingly. If you can feel most of the ribs without squeezing your fingers in between them — try 1 cup per day. This is a decent starting point for a growing large breed puppy that needs the extra calories to grow big and strong. If you can feel most of the ribs AND see its waist — try 3 cups per day. This is perfect for an adult German Shepherd which needs extra calories due to being very active. With this amount, it will be able to maintain its weight, but not gain any extra fat. If you can feel all the ribs and see their waist — try 3. This is a good amount for a very active German Shepherd which needs extra calories to maintain a healthy weight. This should be sufficient for an adult German Shepherd which is quite active. If you can feel all the ribs and see their waist — try 5 cups per day. This is a good amount for an extremely active German Shepherd which needs extra calories to maintain lean muscle mass. For example, when my dog was a puppy, he would feel all ribs and see his waist when eating 2 cups of food per day. However, as he got older and larger, I had to increase the amount — even though I could still feel most of the ribs! He maintained around .Although there are lots of opinions on how much food your shepherds needs, these guidelines work for me and my German Shepherds. Everyone is different though, so you will have to adjust accordingly if necessary — this guide should help you until you find the ideal amount. If your dog is a very active one it may need more food depending on its activity level. Always be sure to give plenty of water since dry kibble can dehydrate the animal over time. However, this amount will vary depending on the size, age, and activity level of your dog. Puppies and young dogs, for example, generally need more water than adult German Shepherds. And working dogs or those who exercise frequently may require even more. This is because they can easily hydrate themselves if given free access to water. However, you still need to remember some things. For example, take note that your dog will need to drink 6 ounces of water per day for every 3. Depending on the temperature and activeness, this amount can increase. Lastly, make sure you take extra care in providing water access to your German shepherd. The most preferable way is to fill a bowl with a moderate amount of water, not too much. The feeding amount, frequency, length, and water requirements can always be changed. If you have no time to visit your vet, the following topic may help you. How Much Should A 1-year-old German Shepherd Eat A 1-year-old German Shepherd should eat about two and a half to three cups of food each day, broken up into two or three meals. Pointers for Feeding German Shepherds Improper feeding practices can lead to serious health problems for German shepherds. An owner is responsible for taking into consideration the age and weight of a German shepherd before feeding them. When feeding a german shepherd puppy that is four to six months old, you must give them two meals a day that comprises around eight ounces and five ounces. When feeding a German shepherd puppy that is between seven and twelve months old, the meal amounts should be increased to ten ounces for each meal. This amount should be split into three smaller meals. This is regardless of whether they are active or not. Yep, German shepherds can gain weight regardless of whether they exercise or not. If you think your dog is gaining too much weight, you can split their daily calories into four or five smaller meals. Some people prefer using dry dog food, while others would choose canned dog food. Whatever you choose for your German shepherd is usually okay, but canned food tends to contain more moisture than dry food which may lead to bladder stones in certain dogs. However, when it comes to the amount of dog food you feed your German shepherd, canned food leads to more obesity than dry food. If your German shepherds are over five years old, you must give them an extra meal. This additional meal should comprise around four ounces of food so they can easily digest it during their older age. When feeding a German shepherd puppy, you must know how to correctly measure their food amount. Be accurate when following the proper measurements; otherwise, it could lead to your dog gaining too much weight. Use measuring cups that are specifically made for dry food. If you use any other type of measuring device, it might lead to your dog eating too much or too little food. You must not feed your German shepherd until they are full, but allow them to eat until they are slightly satiated. Do not serve unlimited food; give them about two to three cups of food per day. If you are unsure whether or not your German shepherd is obese, check its waistline. If they have a thick waist and their stomach looks like a sphere, then that is a clear sign that your German shepherd is obese. Never let them finish their meal if they are still hungry; otherwise, you will encourage them to gorge on their food. Your German shepherd must always have access to fresh clean water, so you should ensure they can drink it whenever necessary. Feeding Guidelines by Age Before proceeding with the following points, remember that age is not the only determining factor in a German shepherd feeding chart. Make sure to consider all the content in this blog post as well. It is recommended that you slowly let them adapt first. This can be their regular food from now on. This includes fruits, bones, and more. You should also avoid giving them your leftovers. However, they will need time to adapt. You should also consider feeding your German shepherd foods that can be gnawed and chewed. This is so they can develop their jaws, teeth, and gums. This will result in less feeding amount and frequency. Feeding Guidelines by Weight German shepherds can be of different weight ranges. An average weighted German shepherd 35 kilograms will then need calories per day. This only applies to German shepherds that do not exercise or are inactive. Active German Shepherds: In the case of active German shepherds that exercise regularly, every 1 kilogram equals 55 calories per day. So an average weighted German shepherd will require calories per day to be able to function properly. Take note, however, that this calculation may be affected if the German shepherd has a health disorder concerned with metabolism or digestion. German Shepherd Puppies vs. Adults Guidelines Our last topic involves the difference between a puppy and an adult. The following are some of the facts that recent studies have proven: Puppies have higher energy levels than adults. This means they need to eat more than adult German shepherds. German shepherds will need higher protein and fat content at an early age. The amount of fat and protein will decrease as they grow older. Puppies cannot tolerate too many nutrients. Ingesting extra minerals and vitamins may lead to serious health disorders. Meanwhile, adults are only risking being overweight when taking in more than intended. German Shepherds usually have a good appetite and can eat a lot, especially when they are young and growing. But their food intake should be balanced and right for their age, weight, and level of activity to keep them from getting too much food and getting fat. As they age, they should usually eat less quickly. Most of the time, bones that have been cooked and ground up completely may be safe to eat. Instead, give them dog-made chew toys or treats. Can German Shepherds Be Vegetarians? Since German Shepherds consume meat, it follows that they must consume a significant amount of animal protein in order to get all of the necessary nutrients. Although while it is feasible to offer a dog a vegetarian or vegan diet, owners of German Shepherds should avoid doing so since it increases the likelihood that their dogs will not get all of the nutrients that they need. After talking about the feeding amount, frequency, and lengths of a German shepherd, you can now easily plan how much, how many times, and how long you feed your dog. You even learned how to hydrate your German shepherd the proper way. Lastly, we talked about the difference between a puppy and an adult in terms of feeding. 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. The two most obvious goals of feeding your German Shepherd are for health and growth. How fast do German Shepherds grow? German Shepherds are medium-large dogs and therefore grow at a fast rate over the first six to seven months leading up to adolescence. Adult German Shepherds are 22 to 26 inches tall and weigh 50 to 95 pounds. Reputable weight charts suggest your German Shepherd puppy will have attained three-quarters of their final weight over these first six to seven months. This is A LOT of growing to do in a short amount of time — when you brought your puppy home, it was probably only eight inches tall and weighed around 15 pounds. By 12 to 15 months old, a German Shepherd is within an inch or less of their adult height. Therefore, your male German Shepherd will be 23 to 25 inches tall and weigh 59 to 93 pounds by his first birthday. How does diet affect the health of growing Shepherds? Recently it has come to light that a proper diet for puppies does more than prevent malnutrition. As part of this proper diet, there are many things that should never be fed to German Shepherds. Orthopedic Problems Many orthopedic problems such as hip and elbow dysplasia have a strong hereditary component. However, people often discount the role of diet in bone developmental issues. Merely creating an oversized puppy, as is often the case for show animals and people fixated on large dogs, can lead to several painful disorders: Hip dysplasia Elbow dysplasia Panosteitis — Generalized inflammation of the long bones in puppies; common in German Shepherds. Overnutrition and over-supplementation of certain vitamins and minerals lead to paradoxical malnutrition of the bone, and subsequently improper development. Nutritional experts have modified their recommendations regarding the diets of large-breed dogs. Many nutritionists and veterinarians advocate feeding German Shepherds and other large-breed puppies an adult or professionally-formulated homemade diet to limit the occurrence and severity of developmental problems. Pet food manufacturers have caught onto the concept of overnutrition in puppies, and most carry special diets for large-breed puppies. Also, do not supplement your puppy with vitamins, minerals, or proteins without veterinarian direction — their excessive use will disrupt bone and cartilage growth and harm the growth plates. Many people use the food bag as a starting point to decide how much to feed their dogs. However, a label on commercial food is one of the easiest ways to overfeed your growing puppy. Feeding your puppy involves regularly evaluating and tracking their weight. You should be able to assess how close your pup is to their ideal weight just by looking at them. Silhouette from the side — a slight tuck. Pat the ribcage where the abdomen slightly lifts towards the hips. From above — Clear waist; should see an hourglass shape from rib cage to hips When you palpate — You should feel the ribs under a thin layer of fat without having to prod very hard. Puppies will vary in their body scores and may change rapidly within a few days. Pups often lose their abdominal tuck right after a meal. Puppies under 16 weeks old commonly have a pot-bellied appearance without much abdominal tuck. Thin dogs will show more visibility of ribs, waist, and pelvis without appearing emaciated or unhealthy. If your puppy eats well but fails to grow or gain sufficient weight, consult a medical professional. German Shepherds can be susceptible to rare cases of pituitary gland dwarfism or a deficiency of enzyme production from the pancreas. Volume The easiest way to determine how much food to give your Shepherd pup is to figure out how many cups they need in a day and divide it by the number of feedings. German Shepherds eat about four cups of food daily from 16 weeks of age to nine months or a year regardless of weight. The volume accounts for the relatively high caloric requirements of the young growing animal. German Shepherds over a year old may need as much as five to eight cups of dog food. Other references, however, use weight rather than age. Pups eat one cup of food daily per 15 to 20 pounds. Dogs over pounds receive five cups of kibble plus an additional half a cup for every extra 20 pounds. Like all models, more active dogs need to eat more food — make adjustments up or down based on body scoring. You can estimate the volume to feed your German Shepherd pup once you find the conversion rate. Dry dog food bags and wet food cans usually have the kilocalorie equivalence of each cup of the product. The number of calories you feed your Shepherd depends on how close to the adult weight they are. Once your puppy reaches six weeks old, you may still have to feed it a mash but can decrease meals to four per day. German Shepherd puppies between the ages of 12 and 16 weeks can eat three to four times daily, while most dogs over four months of age decrease to a frequency of two to three times daily. Centering a few potty breaks around meals that stimulate their intestinal tracts helps develop consistent habits. GDV Your German Shepherd puppy will begin to develop a deeper chest combined with significant size by four to six months of age. Both physical characteristics put your puppy at additional risk of gastric dilatation and volvulus compared to smaller breeds. Four months is the age at which most pups will see a significant increase in their meal sizes. Studies have linked large meals with GDV , or bloat, life-threatening distension, and rotation of the stomach. Increasing the number of feedings greatly reduces the incidence of GDV. We recommend at least two meals a day for your dog, even as your Shepherd approaches adulthood. How much to feed a German Shepherd puppy is part of a broader equation that includes avoiding overfeeding, calculating portion sizes, and scheduling appropriate mealtimes. However, a fat or pudgy puppy is not a look anyone should encourage. The puppy may appear to be in good shape, but you need to feel the ribs to be certain. Four Months You can really start to see the amount the pup has grown compared to the eight-week-old puppy! To get a better idea of what to expect with a young GSD, feel free to watch this video! It illustrates the rapid growth rate of the German Shepherd and touches on diets as well. Recommended reading. Split that daily amount up between all meals. For example, if your 3-month-old GSD puppy is a male and weighs 30 pounds, you should feed him approximately 2 cups per day. Since she no longer needs the extra calories to help support her fast growth period, you can safely reduce her feedings to 2 or 3 meals per day. While she should still be eating puppy food at this point, you may consider purchasing a bag of her eventual adult formula. You can use individual kibbles from the adult formula for treats or training rewards. This will help her get used to the new flavor and texture. Around 9 months of age, you can begin slowly adding a small amount of the adult formula into her puppy food, though she should still be eating primarily puppy chow. Only your vet will be able to tell you when your dog has reached maturity and can be safely moved to adult food. So, make sure you are in close contact with your vet to be sure that your feeding plan is individualized for your specific dog. Adult dog food will have a different ratio of calcium, protein, phosphorus, and other nutrients than puppy food does. Feeding an adult dog a puppy formula can cause obesity as well as put too much strain on kidneys and other vital organs. Long term use of inappropriate food for an adult dog can have catastrophic consequences. That said, there is no need to panic if your adult GSD eats a bowl of puppy food now and then. Adult German Shepherds should be fed twice a day. Again, bloat is a real problem for large breed dogs, and large meals seem to be a big cause of this. I feed my adult dogs this particular blend for a number of reasons. The blend is designed specifically with German Shepherds in mind, as it uses high-quality, animal-based nutrients to counter the extra stress put on the joints of GSDs and to help the development strong lean muscle to keep your dog in peak physical condition. You really can see the difference. This is evident by the fast decline in health, joint flexibility, and energy in older large breed dogs compared to same-age smaller breeds. When your GSD moves from the adult life stage to senior, you need to adjust her diet. Large breeds reach the older stage not quite senior, but close around half of their assumed life expectancy. Inevitably, your GSD will need to switch over to a senior diet. Older large breed dogs have lower energy needs. Older dogs also tend to slow down their digestion, so an increase in fiber might be a good choice for your senior GSD. Do be sure to confirm this with your vet, however. Not all foods are created equal. For treats, senior dogs should avoid calorie-dense milk bones and high-salt or fatty treats. Opt for healthy, whole-food treats such as apple slices or carrots. Some senior dogs begin to develop health conditions that will require special care. This is often a result of poor nutrition early in life, but can sometimes simply be genetics and old age catching up with them. But for GSDs with health issues such as kidney disease and joint pain, diet can play an even bigger role in the quality of their lives. Getting a personalized recommendation from your veterinarian is worth the time, expense, and effort. These charts can seem pretty straightforward at first glance. Instead, use them as a starting point. Observe your dog, see how he looks and feels, and note any changes in his bathroom habits, weight, or energy level. Adjust his meals accordingly. Generally speaking, they talk about daily intake, not per meal. It means to split that 3 cups total over the entire day. If your dog eats 3 times per day, that would be 1 cup at each meal for a total daily intake of 3 cups. To further confuse dog parents, some manufacturers do list per-meal serving sizes, not the total daily intake! In these cases, if you read it incorrectly, you would end up underfeeding your dog. To help mitigate some of this confusion, it may be helpful to ask your vet how many calories your dog should be consuming each day. Then you can check the calorie content in the dog food and measure things from there. Raw Diets, Cooking for Dogs, and Other Alternative Feeding This article has been focusing mainly on commercially available dry kibble since that is what most pet parents ultimately choose for their dogs. However, there are many dog owners that choose to feed alternative diets. These include raw diets and cooking regular people food for dogs. There are many viable options for feeding your healthy German Shepherd, but there are just as many harmful fads, too. As with commercial foods, be sure to speak with your vet before starting your dog on a raw diet or home-cooking her meals. Human supplements are often unregulated, minimally effective, and often contain substances harmful to animals. Never use a human supplement for your German Shepherd. Final Thoughts What you feed your German Shepherd is just as important as how much you feed them. Pay special attention to the first 4 or 5 ingredients listed on the back of the packaging. Choose high-quality, safety-tested foods with clear ingredient and nutrition labels. The best food for German Shepherd puppies in their first two to four months of life is milk from their mother. This specialised care is usually left to German Shepherd breeders or veterinarians, who are knowledgeable in caring for pups with no mother to nurse from. If you have recently brought a German Shepherd puppy into your family, they are most likely older than 8 weeks, and so have started to eat solid foods. Before the four month mark, it is advised to include some dry food in their diet. You can do this in a few simple steps: Mix some dry food with specially formulated puppy milk to form a soft mixture. You can feed your puppy this mixture three to four times a day. Over time, reduce the amount of milk you include in this mixture, until they are at the point where they are happily eating dry foods. Read on to learn how much you should feed your German Shepherd puppy as they get older. With this rapid growth can come some risks. German Shepherds are susceptible to bone growth disorders, like hip dysplasia, that can start in puppyhood. They will be very active in their adolescent years, and so should be fed with this in mind. The transition from puppy food to adult food should happen between 12 and 24 months of age. This is because, being a larger breed who grows very quickly, you want to ensure that you are feeding them according to their large breed needs. Remember that the more active the pup, the more food they require. While following feeding guidelines is important to avoid over and underfeeding, you can adjust the amounts of food you provide to your dog based on level of activity. If you are unsure, it is always best to ask your vet for guidance. You need to take special care when considering what you should feed your German Shepherd puppy, as they require different nutrients compared to their adult counterparts. For puppies, this amount will often be two of three times higher, as they are more active and growing quickly. German Shepherd puppies need to eat food that is high in proteins and fats. Carbohydrates are also essential for supporting your active pup. Aside from nutritionally complete dry puppy food, German Shepherd puppies can benefit from the extra protein that raw meat can provide them with, such as lean beef, turkey, chicken, or fish. However, they can also be at risk of gastric dilatation or volvulus, or GDV. Certain dog breeds can be more susceptible to GDV; particularly deep chested breeds including German Shepherds. GDV can occur when a dog bloats a few hours after eating a meal. Though the exact causes of GDV are not known, grains and cereals are suspected to be contributors. The amount of food you give your German Shepherd is determined by their weight, energy levels, and age. For most adult German Shepherds, between 1, to 2, calories per day from high quality food sources is ideal. Female German Shepherds, which tend to be about 8 kilos lighter than males, may need less food, as will less active dogs. Dogs who need less food, whether they are less active or simply older, will usually still need around 1, and 1, per day. You may want to alter the amount of food you are feeding your German Shepherd based on how calorically dense their food is. German Shepherds should be fed twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. Their daily allotment of food should be split evenly between these two meals. For most dogs, it is recommended that you exercise your dog before meal times to assist with potty training. However, some dogs who are at risk of GDV may benefit from exercise after eating, to aid with digestion. You should also try to give your German Shepherd a high quality food that is specially designed for larger or working breeds, especially if they are very active. For example, less active senior dogs will need to eat less food as they will not be burning calories as quickly as a lively little puppy will. Senior dogs may benefit from a higher fibre and lower calorie diet. Your dog may also develop chronic or short term medical conditions that require specially formulated food. German Shepherds can be particularly susceptible to skin disease or allergies, including canine atopic dermatitis, bacterial skin infections, flea allergy dermatitis, forms of contact dermatitis, or scabies. If your dog develops a skin issue, it is often a sign that they may be suffering from a form of food sensitivity. If you are unsure about what you should feed your German Shepherd, you should always consult your vet as they will be able to determine if your dog is suffering from any allergies or chronic health issues: creating a nutritional plan to help keep your dog healthy and happy for years to come. Part of figuring out what you should feed your German Shepherd includes deciding between wet, dry, or a raw food diet. Wet food for German Shepherds is often high in protein and fat, and is better at keeping your dog hydrated than other food sources. A raw diet can be a good option for your German Shepherd as you have more control over the kinds of food and amount of nutrients your pup is consuming. For this reason, raw diets require a lot more work on your part as an owner. Whatever you decide to feed your German Shepherd, all dogs need a similar ratio of nutrients in their diets. The amount of food you feed your dog should be determined by their activity levels, age, weight, breed, and size. Any meals prepared for your dog need to contain the right balance of nutrients. You should also be extra careful not to introduce your dog to foods that are harmful to their health. While we might enjoy the taste of nuts, artificial sweeteners, alcohol and onions, these can be toxic for dogs and can cause serious illness and even death. German Shepherds in particular need plenty of exercise as they are a large working breed with a lot of energy. No matter how old your German Shepherd is, it is important to keep to a consistent feeding schedule. A feeding schedule can help you keep track of any changes in behaviour around food that might signal illness or physiological stress.