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A post shared by Joey Senft jsenftphotography There are varying reports about the exact history of the King Shepherd. According to the International Shiloh Shepherd Alliance , the King Shepherd began as a Shiloh Shepherd and splintered away when a breeder had a different vision for her dogs. The American King Shepherd Club is less specific. They do not mention the Shiloh as part of their breeding program, nor do they specifically mention the Great Pyrenees or Akitas. They report that the King Shepherd was founded by mixing German Shepherds with flock guardians and then breeding them back to Old German Shepherds from Europe. Either way, it seems evident that the origins of the King Shepherd are entwined with the Shiloh Shepherd. The Shiloh Shepherd began as a breed by Tina Barber, who had grown frustrated with the health and temperament issues in some German Shepherd lines. The King Shepherd split from the Shiloh Shepherd lines when David Turkheimer and Shelly Watts-Cross developed their own vision for the breed and wanted more of a working dog. So today, both breeds have their own association and breed standard. The King Shepherd is significantly larger than the German Shepherd. It also only has two coat types, straight and rough, or long and silky. On the other hand, the German Shepherd can have plush, double, or long-haired. There is also a difference in temperament. King Shepherds are bred to be stable and reliable dogs, but they may also be more independent and have a stubborn streak. Meanwhile, the German Shepherd is generally a highly trainable dog, provided it comes from good lines. Help Dogs In Need Our blog posts aim to provide comprehensive, accurate, and objective information on all types of dogs, helping our readers make informed choices that fit their lifestyle. We don't endorse any specific breeding practices, but advocate for ethical breeding and dog welfare. We encourage exploring adoption first. Countless wonderful dogs, from all breeds, await their forever homes in shelters. Remember, with AdoptDontShop, you can give a deserving rescue a second chance at happiness. What are the Physical Features of the King Shepherd? Originating in the United States in the s, these dogs were originally bred to create a German shepherd mix that had fewer health issues than a purebred German shepherd. American breeders David Turkheimer and Shelley Watts-Cross first bred a German shepherd with a shiloh shepherd a hybrid of German shepherds and Alaskan malamutes to elevate the best qualities of the German shepherd. In order to achieve the long-haired look they wanted, the breeders also incorporated long-haired German shepherds from European lineages. These European lines didn't just give king shepherds their distinctive coats, but they also boosted genetic variation. This was essential to reduce the risk of genetic issues that have become common in longstanding lineages because of inbreeding. Because king shepherds are a relatively new breed—and still fairly rare among American families—they are not yet recognized by the American Kennel Club. Between their grooming and exercise requirements, king shepherds need lots of time, energy, and attention in order to thrive. Exercise King shepherds are a high-energy breed that needs extensive exercise. Strenuous activity for at least one hour per day is a must. These dogs thrive in active, single-family homes with lots of space to run, walk, explore, and play. Because they're also very intelligent, king shepherds benefit from exercise routines that incorporate mental stimulation. Playing games like fetch, tug-of-war, or hide and seek are great ways for owners to keep this breed entertained. These dogs also excel in canine sports like agility training. King shepherds can become bored very easily, so it's vital to keep them engaged—and exercised—to prevent them from becoming destructive. Grooming King shepherds have thick, double coats that shed heavily. Brushing your dog several times per week or even daily can help reduce shedding and keep their coat healthy, clean, and tangle-free. It is very important to have a dog vacuum when owning a king shepherd. When it comes to baths, the king shepherd only requires standard bathing every three to four months. Check your dog's ears and clean its teeth regularly to prevent infections. If your king shepherd is especially active, running and walking can help keep their nails worn down, but trimmings should be performed as necessary. Training King shepherds are highly intelligent dogs, making training relatively simple for owners that are consistent and engaging. Basic obedience lessons can start in puppyhood between eight and 16 weeks of age, while more involved training should continue through the dog's life. Because king shepherds are so eager to please their family members, they can learn simple commands fairly quickly. Begin socializing your dog when you first bring him or her home to ensure they stay friendly and well-mannered with strangers and other animals. Pixabay Common Health Problems While king shepherds are generally healthy dogs, they're still prone to certain health issues like most breeds. Responsible breeders will test parent dogs for inherited diseases to prevent passing problems on to puppies; however, this breed's genetic variation does offer additional protection against genetic disorders. The following are common conditions that king shepherds may experience: Elbow and Hip Dysplasia : This condition causes a malformation in your dog's joints as they grow, which can lead to pain, instability, or weakness. Dysplasia is especially common in large-breed dogs. Von Willebrand Disease : This genetic disorder affects the blood's ability to clot after injury. Hypothyroidism : Affecting the thyroid, this endocrine disease reduces your dog's metabolic rate, which can lead to weight gain and other health problems in the future. Your veterinarian may recommend preventative surgery to tack the stomach down. Eye issues : Specific to the breed issues include pannus, glaucoma, and corneal dystroph. Allergies : King Shepherds are at risk for skin allergies like canine atopic dermatitis. Bloat : Since this breed has a large gastrointestinal tract, they are at risk for gastric dilatation volvulus GDV , which is a life-threatening condition. Diet and Nutrition Feed your king shepherd a high-quality diet with plenty of protein. This breed typically eats between three and four cups of dry food per day, and it's important to split these portions into several smaller meals to help prevent bloat. Since king shepherds are also prone to joint problems, owners should be especially mindful of their dog's weight. Canine obesity or excessive weight gain can put added stress on your dog's joints. To create a meal plan with the proper nutrients and portions, talk to your veterinarian about the best diet based on your specific dog's age, weight, and activity level. Where to Adopt or Buy a King Shepherd Before adding a king shepherd to your family, ensure that your home, schedule, and lifestyle can accommodate this large, energetic breed. These dogs require considerable grooming and daily strenuous exercise. Since king shepherds are still a new dog breed, they're not as likely to be found in shelters as their German shepherd cousins. Visit your local shelter to meet similar dogs in need of forever homes. If you plan to purchase a king s puppy, it's essential to research responsible breeders that readily provide the litter's family medical history. Your breeder should also allow you to meet the litter's parents and see the conditions in which their dogs are kept. To start your search, check out these breeding clubs dedicated to King Shepherds:. King Shepherds will worm their way into your heart with their winning ways. They are extremely loving and steadfastly loyal, as we mentioned earlier. King Shepherds are hard workers which comes from their shepherd instinct. They are eager to please and are quick to grasp what you want them to do. Are King Shepherds child-friendly? Do you want your kids to have memorable experiences with a cherished family pet? King Shepherds are playful and exuberant, yet they are still incredibly gentle with kids. They are also loyal and protective of their little buddies. King Shepherds have a playful, social side around other household pets. They are gentle even though they are large. Cats and other dogs are treated kindly by this giant. What more could you ask for as a guardian of the family? This is not an apartment or condo-sized pet. King Shepherds tend to fill even modest house space. So having a big backyard or a nearby park is a must. They will keep you on your toes, as they get bored quickly and thrive on a genuine challenge. If you look forward to coming home after a busy workday and just chilling out, then forget owning a King Shepherd. These dogs love strenuous exercise and movement. Get ready for long fast walks, jogs or bicycle rides where your King Shepherd can run alongside you. This dog possesses boundless energy. They will run about, jump up, leave muddy paw prints and knock things off shelves and tables with their tails. Under-exercised King Shepherds become bored and look for ways to burn off that energy. If they are not kept busy and exercised, their health and your well-ordered home will suffer the consequences. King Shepherds demand a fair amount of grooming. The bonding that takes place during grooming is an excellent experience for both of you. Daily vacuuming of shed and brushed hair and frequent mopping of paw prints is a reality — but worth the effort in my mind. There are some essential things you should know about feeding your King Shepherd. The dog food you buy for him should not contain artificial ingredients so ask your breeder or your vet for a good brand that they recommend or refer to our feeding guide for German Shepherd A typical serving for your adult dog is three or four cups of dry dog food per day. Divide this into at least two meals. Check with your veterinarian during regular check-ups to see if your King Shepherd in a good weight. We know by now that this is a super smart canine, but despite this, initial training will require a lot of patience, consistency, and persistence, as is with any other dog. However, as King Shepherds are so eager to please you, training will be really fun and your new canine companion will get the hang of it pretty quickly. Once trained, your King Shepherd retains the lessons taught. As long as you also remember and implement what you learned in obedience classes, then you are in for years of loyal companionship. Follow the training progress of this five-and-a-half-month-old King Shepherd 11 Need a Watchdog? This is one of the primary reasons dog owners cite for buying a King Shepherd. They are outstanding watchdogs. He can be counted on to bark if an intruder or a stranger tries to enter your home or accosts you. King Shepherds are courageous and formidable in appearance. But it pays to be informed. Because your King Shepherd is a crossbreed, they may have health problems associated with both of his parents. The good news is that hybrids like King Shepherds have what vets call hybrid vigor. This means they can be delightfully hardy and healthy. They may also inherit allergies and eye diseases, degenerative myelopathy, pancreatic problems and thrombopathia. In the market for a King Shepherd puppy? King Shepherd litters are usually between six and ten King Shepherd puppies. Backyard breeders are people with one or two dogs who breed as a sideline. Their dogs may be well treated but not necessarily looked after medically. On the other hand, puppy mill owners have one thing in mind — making money at all costs. They breed as many dogs as fast as they can and often under abysmal conditions. Inbreeding is rampant, and puppies often have genetic disorders. The American Kennel Club has suggestions for puppy shopping Find a knowledgeable breeder. Make sure you like the way he raises his dogs. Meet at least one of the puppy parents. This is a good indicator of appearance, size, and temperament of your future dog. Check to see if the kennel is clean. Does it look and smell nice? The puppies should look clean, well fed, well groomed, healthy and energetic. How does the breeder interact with the puppies? Does he care about his dogs and their future owners? Find out what has been done to protect your puppy from diseases. Ask for proof of health screenings and certificates. Get to know the breeder. He can be an excellent mentor and resource for you in the future. Good breeders care about the future of their puppies and are happy to provide support. If a breeder is rushing puppies out the door to make way for a new litter, you should beware. They need forever homes. Why not check out the All Shepherd Rescue website. Some of these rescue dogs may have abandonment issues. Some may have health problems due to lack of exercise, improper diet, or lack of medical care. You can turn his life around by offering him a forever home. If a King Shepherd is your wish, be patient and let local shelters know what you want. The next cost is making sure your new family member is healthy. You need to do an initial medical exam which is a brilliant investment. You want to prevent health problems down the road, and you want to ensure your puppy is in excellent health. Some breeders and most animal shelters do this as part of the adoption process. Your vet can help you develop a care routine that will keep your dog healthy. King Shepherds are prone to weight gain. Choose a high quality food and stick to a feeding schedule. Make sure your dog gets at least 60 to 90 minutes of walking or hiking per day, which will help keep them fit. Check their ears for debris and pests daily and clean them as recommended by your vet. They should not be clicking against the floor. Your groomer can help with this. One of the toughest jobs when caring for any animal is maintaining their oral health. You should brush their teeth a minimum of three times per week. Normal play on grass is fine, as is puppy agility with one-inch jumps. King Shepherd Feeding An ideal King Shepherd diet should be formulated for a large-sized breed with moderate energy. Limit their amount of treats, as well. The main coat colors are fawn, red, black, brown, and sable. Their coats are usually a combination of two or more colors. They usually have medium-length, normal density coats, and while they are not a good choice of dog for allergy sufferers, their coats are pretty easy to care for. A good brushing three times a week will probably do the job and bathing is recommended only as needed with a mild shampoo. Too much bathing can strip the coat of its natural oils. Their double coats do shed quite a bit. You will definitely want a vacuum on hand. See if a RoboVac is right for you! That double coat gives them an edge when it comes to extreme weather. Many of these dogs absolutely love to run and play in the snow. Their double coats also help to keep them cool during hot summer months. A gentle giant, they are patient and sweet with kids. As with every breed, you should always teach children how to approach and touch dogs, and always supervise any interactions between dogs and young children to prevent any biting or ear or tail pulling on the part of either party. No dog, no matter how friendly, should ever be left unsupervised with a child. King Shepherds are nice to strangers and can get along well with dogs and other household pets, including cats. Early socialization is an important factor for developing a social dog. King Shepherd Rescue Groups Because the King Shepherd is a somewhat rare hybrid dog breed, it may be difficult to find a breed specific rescue. However, you can always check with your local shelter, and you may want to try a rescue that caters to all kinds of dogs. You can take a look at the following:. The head is in good proportion to the body and moderately wide between the eyes. The forehead, seen from in front and in profile, is only slightly rounded, with or without a medial furrow which is moderately well defined. The cheeks are not too full, are moderately curved, when viewed from the top should be much in the form of a "V," and are well filled in under the eyes. The thick, firm ears are of medium size, moderately wide at the base, set on high and pointed; they are carried erect and slightly forward puppies up to the age of months, and sometimes older, do not carry their ears completely erect. The eyes are medium size and almond-shaped, set somewhat aslant and not protuberant, as nearly as possible matching the surrounding coat in shades of brown, and from very light to dark are acceptable. The chest is deep and broad. Thickly feathered, the tail reaches at least to the hocks. The tail is carried down and slightly curved; when excited or in movement, the dog raises the tail, which becomes more curved, without however, going beyond the vertical. It must not, moreover, lie on or curl up on the back. Docked tails are inadmissible. The paws are round and short with a well-closed, arched. The pads are very hard. The nails are short and strong, generally dark in color. Dewclaws are usually removed. The King Shepherd comes in a wide range of acceptable colors. These are as follows: sable brownish tan with brown or black markings, or grayish silver with black markings ; black saddle with tan, gold, cream, tan or silver markings. Strong, rich colors and pigments are highly preferred. Small white spots on the chest are acceptable. Pale, washed-out colors are serious faults. The undercoat is invariably little colored, except in black dogs. White, blue or liver-colored dogs or a dog with a nose that is not black are not accepted in the show ring. Puppies change color from birth until they get their final coat. There are two coat varieties: coarse-haired, which is straight and longhaired, which is light and wavy. Temperament The King Shepherd is self-confident with a well-balanced nervous system and should not be shy. Extremely intelligent and easy to train. Faithful and eager to please its owner, this breed makes a fine working dog and sheep-herder. A courageous watch and guard dog showing courage and hardiness in his role of protector, it makes a very nice companion. The King Shepherd is full of strength and vigor. Friendly toward strangers, children and other animals. A docile, obedient breed with an easy gait and plenty of stamina. The objective in training this dog is to achieve pack leader status. It is a natural instinct for a dog to have an order in its pack. When we humans live with dogs , we become their pack. The entire pack cooperates under a single leader. Lines are clearly defined and rules are set. Because a dog communicates his displeasure with growling and eventually biting, all other humans MUST be higher up in the order than the dog. The humans must be the ones making the decisions, not the dogs. That is the only way your relationship with your dog can be a complete success. It does best with at least a large yard. Exercise The King Shepherd love strenuous activity, preferably combined with training of some kind, for this dog is very intelligent and craves a good challenge. It needs to be taken on a daily, brisk, long walk , jog or run alongside you when you bicycle. If under-exercised, this breed can become restless and destructive. While out on the walk the dog must be made to heel beside or behind the person holding the lead, as in a dog's mind the leader leads the way, and that leader needs to be the human. Life Expectancy. The King shepherd breed has only been around since the s, which is recent compared to the lengthy history of the German shepherd. The pair is also trying to make the dogs larger. While David and Sally began working on the breed in the early s, the breed did not become officially recognized until .The breed became recognized because a King shepherd breeding club was established. King shepherds share many traits with German shepherds. Therefore, most King shepherds have a similar appearance to German shepherds. Still, there are some variations because King shepherds are a mixed breed. While their coats are similar, the biggest difference can be found in the size of the dogs. While German shepherds are large dogs, King shepherds are typically even larger and thicker. King shepherds were specifically bred this way to prevent some of the health issues that German shepherds face. What Size Is a King Shepherd? King shepherds are between 2. When standing on their back legs, King shepherds can be about as tall as the average human female. This makes King shepherds larger on average than German shepherds. King shepherds also have more mass on them. On average, they weigh between 90 and pounds. There is a lot of variation because of the potential mixed breeds used for breeding. King shepherds have medium-length coats. Their coats are soft to touch and pet, and feel snuggly against your body and hands. King shepherds can also have many color tones in their coats reds, browns, grays, and even black but they do shed often. For this reason, you have to maintain their coat to prevent health problems and discomfort. King shepherds are mellow dogs, but they can get excited, especially as a puppy. That said, King shepherds calm down as they grow older and only bark when provoked. Are King Shepherds Affectionate? King shepherds may be big dogs, but they feel like small dogs on the inside. This is why many King shepherds choose to lay on their owners and sleep in the same bed. King shepherds also love to play and get attention from their owners. King shepherds are good with kids for a few reasons. While they can be aggressive at times, King shepherds and toddlers can become best friends for life. King shepherds are social dogs. King shepherds get along with dogs, cats, and even some smaller pets. That said, we recommend introducing the animals at younger ages and giving them time to socialize. With King shepherds, this can take some patience and even training. Are King Shepherds Aggressive? King shepherds are not aggressive dogs. This is because of their calm temperament and low energy level compared to other breeds. When aggressive, though, King shepherds become dangerous because of their size and build. For this reason, we recommend training your King shepherd well and making sure you treat them appropriately just like you should with any dog! Do King Shepherds Bark a Lot? While King shepherds bark frequently during their puppy years, they grow out of this phase quickly. As they get older, King shepherds begin to bark less. Are King Shepherds Intelligent? King shepherds are intelligent dogs. Because of their intelligence, King shepherds are easy to train and be around. Are King Shepherds Easy to Train? King shepherds are easy to train for a few reasons. This helps them cruise through training with ease. We recommend against overloading them with commands, but you should begin training at a young age. King shepherds are also easy to potty train. Are King Shepherds Energetic? That said, they begin to grow mellow as they age. This occurs because of their calm temperament and larger size. Compared to small dogs that love to bark, King shepherds are quiet and lazy. Still, King shepherds love to play and have plenty of energy to use for outdoor activities. In fact, King shepherds are only mellow around the house. This is what makes them great dogs for first-time owners. King shepherds are not good apartment dogs unless you have a large apartment. Because King shepherds are larger and heavier than German shepherds, they need a lot of space and exercise. This makes King shepherds a bad fit for people who live in urban environments. Their size can also make it challenging for landlords to be okay with allowing you to have a pet on the property, especially if the dog frightens other tenants. Are King Shepherds Good Watchdogs? King shepherds are excellent watchdogs. While they are not aggressive towards their owners, unwanted guests can draw barks and growls out of King shepherds. This can alert owners to potential dangers and other issues. King shepherds can also serve as guard dogs if needed. King shepherds are great service dogs. The breed can be used in ways that German shepherds can be used, which makes them flexible. King shepherds can be used for police work, hunting, tracking, emotional support, therapy, and more. These dogs can also help people with disabilities that make it hard to walk or see things. How to Care for a King Shepherd? Caring for a King shepherd is similar to caring for a German shepherd. German shepherds have a mild temperament unless provoked and are easy to train. Therefore, King shepherds are easy to care for as long as you groom them, brush them, play with them, and provide them with the right food. King shepherds need to be groomed. While you can get away with grooming them less often if you brush them, not grooming a King shepherd leads to problems. This is because of their frequent shedding and soft coat. Without grooming, King shepherds become knotty, dirty, and even unhappy. Therefore, we recommend frequent brushing and grooming to keep your furry friend happy. Do King Shepherds Shed? King shepherds shed as much as German shepherds, which is a lot. There are also some seasons where King shepherds will shed more. You should also let guests know that loose hair will be around to prevent allergic reactions. With a King shepherd, having no hair around is almost impossible. What Should a King Shepherd Eat? While fats and carbs are helpful for King shepherds, carbs can make them hungrier throughout the day. In fact, we recommend replacing carbs with fats instead if possible. For the food, we recommend lean meats like chicken and fish alongside fiber-rich veggies. Many food brands are designed specifically for German shepherds and King shepherds. Remember, King shepherds are larger, so they require more food. King shepherds were bred to be resistant to health problems. While the breed is still a work in progress, King shepherds are less likely to suffer from the same ailments that German shepherds face. That said, the breeds do share some of the same health risks. King Shepherd vs. Many believe the German shepherd dog or GSD is the most majestic of all dog breeds, but his majesty may need to move over — the king shepherd is trying to claim that crown. With a name as regal as its appearance, the king shepherd shares part of its ancestry with the German shepherd. The two dogs look alike and have a lot in common, but they have distinct differences, too. German shepherd — for a head-to-head comparison. Instead, king shepherds are considered hybrid dogs. Because German shepherd and king shepherd breeds were created during different time periods, they were also bred for different reasons. German Shepherds Bred in Germany by Captain Max von Stephanitz, German shepherds were created from a mixture of the best local herding dogs. Rather than being bred for looks, they were bred for their intelligence and excellence in the field. A few generations of breeding eventually lead to a breed standard for both looks and temperament. Plus, their desire to protect their flock and family made this dog a good choice as a family dog, watchdog, or guard dog. They even made it big in Hollywood where Rin Tin Tin became the most famous dog in America in the s. This breed became and remains one of the most popular dog breeds in America. Their popularity led to high demand for German shepherd puppies, which led to overbreeding and a variety of health issues. King Shepherds King shepherds were first bred in the early s. Shiloh shepherds are a mix of American German shepherds, old European lines of German shepherds, and Alaskan malamutes. King shepherds are still suited for a wide variety of jobs, and they can make good police dogs, service dogs, and search and rescue workers. Because of their malamute genes, they also sometimes work in cart pulling. However, the king shepherd is recognized by the American Rare Breed Association and the American King Shepherd Club , which has set a breed standard for its looks and temperament. German Shepherd: Looks The king shepherd looks like a larger German shepherd the opposite of a Belgian Malinois , which looks like a smaller German shepherd. King shepherds have a wider, more square frame, without the sloping back often seen in purebred GSDs. Both king and German shepherds have dense double coats with a rough, weather resistant top coat and a soft, insulating undercoat that sheds heavily twice a year. Both breeds come in a variety of coat colors, including black, black and tan, sable, and bicolor coats. To care for their coats, both breeds will need to be brushed times a week to remove loose hair and distribute their natural oils throughout their coats. And to keep their coat healthy, both breeds benefit from a daily fish oil supplement. German Shepherd: Personality The German shepherd is a high-energy working dog that needs plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. King shepherds were bred to be companion dogs as much as working dogs. They move a little slower than GSDs and are gentle giants that make great family pets. When it comes to German shepherds, different breeders specialize in different traits. Some breeders focus on breeding highly motivated working dogs for police and military operations. Others specifically breed companion dogs. Because of their large sizes, both breeds will be easier to manage with early socialization and obedience training. Their high intelligence makes them quick learners that respond well to consistent training. German Shepherd: Health The king shepherd was bred with health in mind — breeders hoped to create a healthier version of the GSD. Mixed breed dogs are less prone to health issues than purebred dogs. However, king shepherds are also larger, and larger dogs tend to have shorter life expectancies than smaller dogs. Still, in spite of their large size, king shepherds do have longer lifespans years than German shepherds years. So, to an extent, breeders succeeded in their goal. However, because they have such a long line of German shepherd ancestry, King shepherds can still inherit the same genetic health issues that are common in GSDs. These issues include:.

Below are some of the frequently asked questions by Poodle lovers! What is the recommended amount of food for a Poodle? It depends on how active your Poodle is. A very busy poodle will require more food than a sedentary poodle. For example, puppies need more calories than adult dogs, and elderly dogs need fewer calories than adult dogs. The best way to determine how much food your dog needs is to feed them a diet based on their age, weight, and activity level. Consult with your veterinarian if you have any questions about how much food to feed your Poodle. Can my Poodle be fed dry dog food kibble instead of wet food? There is no definitive answer to this question. Some people believe that dry food is better for dogs because it helps keep their teeth clean, while others believe that wet food is better because it contains more nutrients. Ultimately, the best diet for your Poodle will depend on his individual needs and preferences. There are pros and cons to both dry dog food kibble and wet dog food. Ultimately, the best food for your Poodle depends on his specific dietary needs and preferences. It can also be easier to portion control because the kibble can be weighed or measured. Wet dog food is usually more nutritious than dry dog food since it contains more fresh ingredients, and it can be a good choice if your Poodle has difficulty chewing or swallowing. Can poodle puppies eat dry dog food? Yes, dry dog food is safe for poodle puppies. As long as the food is specifically meant for puppies, it will provide them with all the necessary nutrients to grow and develop properly. Make sure to choose a food high in protein and low in carbohydrates, as puppies are naturally carnivores and need more protein than adult dogs. The majority of puppies have little trouble chewing dry dog food. However, you can soften the kibble by adding a little water or wetting it if they do. Until then, continue providing whatever diet is appropriate for his age and weight. If my Poodle has difficulty chewing, what should I do? You can do a few things if your Poodle seems to have trouble chewing. One option is to feed your dog softer foods, like canned food or boiled chicken. You can also purchase a special diet for dogs with dental problems. Finally, you can ask your veterinarian about giving your dog prescription toothpaste or chew toys designed to help clean their teeth. Can my Poodle eat grains? Grains are a good source of carbohydrates, proteins, and fiber, but they also contain gluten which can be hard for some dogs to digest. In addition, dogs that are allergic to grains will often have skin problems, digestive issues, and excessive shedding. Can I feed leftovers to my Poodle? Leftovers can make a nutritious meal for your Poodle if they are not too fatty or high in salt. Be sure to avoid giving them any toxic food to dogs, such as chocolate, grapes, or onions. You can also give them cooked meat, rice, and vegetables. A balanced diet is essential for keeping your Poodle healthy and happy. Feeding your poodle leftovers can also be unhealthy, as they may not be getting the balanced diet they need. Instead, try to give your Poodle specifically-made dog food tailored to their nutritional needs. This will help keep them healthy and prevent any weight problems from developing. Do I have any options if my Poodle is a fussy eater? You can do a few things to get your Poodle to eat. One is to try different types of food. Sometimes, all it takes is a change in diet to get a dog to start eating again. You can also try mixing wet and dry food or warming up the food slightly before serving it. If your Poodle is particularly fussy, you may have to resort to hand-feeding her small meals several times a day until she starts eating on her own again. What foods are toxic to poodles? Yes, there are a few foods that are toxic to poodles. Chocolate, raisins, garlic, and the artificial sweetener xylitol pose a threat to poodles. Cavities and gum disease are common problems in dogs, and they can cause a lot of pain and discomfort for your pet. The vet will be able to diagnose the problem and recommend treatment. In many cases, cavities can be treated with antibiotics or surgery, and gum disease can be treated with a special diet or surgery. Your Poodle may be having trouble chewing because its teeth are not clean. You might also want to try giving your poodle rawhide bones or chew toys to help keep its teeth healthy and clean. What other foods should poodles never eat? Yes, there are other foods that poodles should never eat. Other dangerous foods for poodles include grapes, raisins, chocolate, and onions. Why not give my Poodle those treats that look like bacon, hot dogs, and pork chops? Poodles are prone to obesity, and these treats are high in fat and calories. Stick to crunchy treats that are low in fat and calories instead. My dog eats the grass in my yard and other plants. How can I prevent this? However, this has yet to be proven. Is fiber necessary for poodles? Yes, poodles need fiber. A high-fiber diet will help keep their bowels regular and help minimize the risk of constipation. Is a low-fat diet for my Poodle appropriate? Dogs have higher fat, and dietary requirements than humans and do not often suffer from the same obesity-related health issues that humans do. A low-fat diet would be dangerous for your Poodle and could lead to deficiencies in essential fatty acids. Feed your dog a balanced diet appropriate for their breed and age, and make sure they get plenty of exercise. Could I feed my Poodle raw foods? There are pros and cons to a raw foods diet for your Poodle. On the one hand, a raw foods diet can be healthier for your dog because it is more natural and closer to what they eat in the wild. However, on the other hand, it can be more expensive and time-consuming to prepare than a traditional kibble diet. If you consider switching your dog to a raw foods diet, it is important to consult with a veterinarian or animal nutritionist to ensure that your pup is getting all of the nutrients they need. A raw foods diet should always include plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables and high-quality protein sources like meat, poultry, fish, and eggs. Is frozen raw food a good option for poodles? Yes, I do recommend frozen raw foods for poodles. I recommend all dogs eat a diet of at least some frozen raw food. Frozen raw food is the healthiest type of diet you can feed your dog. It contains all the nutrients and enzymes your dog needs to stay healthy and strong. Plus, feeding your dog frozen raw food can help protect them against many common health problems, including allergies, skin problems, weight gain, diabetes, and cancer. Is it okay to feed eggs to my Poodle? How about eggshells? You can feed eggs to your Poodle, but you should take care not to give them too many eggshells. Eggshells are a great source of calcium, but if your dog eats too many, they could end up with an eggshell calcium overdose. A safe dose for a healthy poodle is about 5 grams of eggshells per day. Poodles, do they need supplements? Yes, Poodles do need supplements, and there are a few are particularly beneficial for joint and bone growth. Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate are two of the most popular supplements for joint health, and they can help reduce inflammation and improve joint function. Omega-3 fatty acids are also important for joint health, as they can help reduce stiffness and pain. Vitamin D is another important supplement for Poodles, as it helps to maintain bone health and prevent osteoporosis. What man-made food can Poodles eat? Raw and cooked carrots are safe for your dog, as are cooked eggs, salmon, and blueberries. However, be sure to avoid grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, and anything else that might be harmful to your pup. Conclusion — Final Verdict! Now that you know a little more about the best dog food for Poodles, we hope you feel confident in your ability to choose the right food for your pup. We wish you and your pup all the best in finding the perfect diet! Related Links. If you're looking for the best dog food for Poodles, chances are you're a Poodle parent! In that case—hey there. As a veterinarian, Poodle parents often ask me to recommend the best dog food brands for their furballs. Poodles are one of the most diverse dog breeds out there. However, they're also prone to obesity, especially as they grow older. And while there are many factors to Poodle obesity , giving them an improper amount of food definitely tops the bill. According to Dr. As a result, pet obesity has followed the human obesity trend. Unfortunately, pets are getting high-fat, high-calorie treats, human food, toppers, etc. It's essential to find the best dog food for Poodles to fit your dog's nutritional profile and feed them according to their needs. You should first consider your dog's current activity levels, health conditions, age and life stage, and other variables. You sure wouldn't want to feed your dog with foods that aren't beneficial to them, would you? Below, I will take a closer look at the Poodle breed across all sizes. We'll also discuss their general needs and nutritional requirements before we review some of the best dog foods for Poodles. Did you know that the Poodle was once a duck-retrieving dog? It's true! The Poodle has also been around for over a century and was developed in France and Germany. Over the past years, the breed has been molded into the variations we know today. Each type looks identical to the others except for the size. Toy Poodles tend to weigh under 10 pounds, miniatures fall between pounds, and the standard is large at pounds. They all possess a thick, densely curly coat, floppy ears, a long tail, and expressive dark eyes. The Toy Poodle lives the longest, up to 15 years, while the standard's lifespan is about years. Poodles are fun, energetic dogs that love to be around people. They tend to be very good with children and possess a natural athletic ability. Poodles have never forgotten their heritage. Most are great swimmers and expert retrievers. They are a breed to be considered by avid sportsmen as they make excellent, intelligent duck dogs. Nutritional Needs It's this dynamic nature that makes it challenging to feed a Poodle. No matter what size you own, you must find the best dog food for Poodles to meet the breed's nutritional requirements. And above that, your specific dog's needs. But Dr. Shores, should I feed my toy poodle less because she's small? And is puppy food okay? My advice is: Talk to your veterinarian about the best diet for your Poodle. Your vet is the best place to start. They'll make recommendations based on your Poodle's age, weight, activity level, and any health issues she may have. It will also help if you do your research which is where this article comes into play. I wrote this article based on my and my expert colleagues' recommended dog food brands for Poodles. We will discuss them based on their different life stages and body condition. If this is your purpose in reading this article, I suggest you bookmark this article, start the car, and go to the vet clinic. Continue reading when your vet gives you the advice you need on feeding your Poodle based on her nutritional needs. There are certain factors, even in the best food for poodles, that you must consider before buying one. Here are the important factors to keep you guided: Age The type of poodle dog food you'll buy will depend on her life stage. During the puppy stage and gestation period, too! In this case, you need to buy the best food for poodles that will give them all the vitamins and minerals that a growing puppy or pregnant dog, whichever is the case needs. Breed Size Yes, your poodle dog food will vary depending on your pooch's breed size. Every size of this breed has its respective metabolism. Smaller poodles tend to mature faster, which means they need nutrient-packed poodle dog food. Wet or Dry Feed Most dog owners prefer dry dog food or kibble because it's cost-effective. Nothing wrong with that. However, if your vet recommends having a mixed feed, you might need to combine wet and dry feed for your pooch. Nutrition The golden rule when buying the best food for poodles is to be balanced and complete. This means that the essential nutrients should be present in every serving. Providing a balanced meal for your pooch also means that the nutrients are in the right ratio and suitable for the poodles, depending on their age and breed size. What to Feed a Poodle Puppy Before switching your dog to any new diet, always consult with a veterinarian. Remember that no article on the internet can replace a consultation with a vet, including this one. I always recommend this to new owners of puppy Poodles. They've also done the legwork in developing the most digestible food for Poodle puppies. The unique flat, square kibble of Royal Canin makes it easier for their small mouths to pick up and chew. This food should be given to your dog for up to 10 months. Best Puppy Food for Standard Poodle Standard poodles are less likely to have developmental orthopedic diseases like hip dysplasia than other breeds. However, they are more at risk than their smaller poodle counterparts. While there is a genetic component to these diseases, significant nutritional risk factors play a part during puppyhood. These risk factors are rapid growth and excess dietary calcium intake. Of course, you don't want your Standard Poodle to develop these. This is why feeding your Poodle enough of the right balance of nutrients is crucial. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions from Poodle owners like you. What should I feed a picky Poodle? What should I not feed my Poodle? Human food! You should also avoid toxic foods for dogs like chocolate, garlic, onions, etc. Do Poodle need a special diet? Small-breed dog food is sometimes recommended by vets, but most small breeds can eat regular dog food without an issue. What is the best homemade food for Poodles? Soft dog foods that require little chewing are the best options for Poodles with no teeth. Should I put my Poodle on a diet plan? Unless your Poodle is overweight, suffering from a specific health condition, or has allergies, they should not be put on a diet. Your vet will be able to tell you if your dog requires a new diet, less or more food, or prescription dog food. If your dog needs to lose weight, here are some tips you can try. Sticking with Blue Buffalo, we think that their canned puppy food is a contender for the best dog food for Poodle puppies. What should I look for in a dog food for my Poodle? Look for a dog food that is high in protein, low in carbohydrates, and contains essential nutrients such as vitamins and minerals. Avoid dog foods with artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors. Should I choose wet or dry food for my Poodle? Both wet and dry food can be suitable for Poodles. However, dry food may be better for dental health as it can help scrape off plaque and tartar. Can I feed my Poodle a homemade diet? Yes, you can feed your Poodle a homemade diet, here are some vet-approved recipes. While dog food specifically formulated for Poodles may be beneficial, it is not necessary. What is the best dog food for a Poodle with sensitive stomachs? Look for a dog food that is made with easily digestible ingredients, such as chicken or lamb. Avoid dog foods that contain artificial ingredients or fillers. Can Poodles eat grain-free dog food? Yes, Poodles can eat grain-free dog food, but it is important to make sure that the food still contains essential nutrients and is not lacking in any areas. How much should I feed my Poodle? The amount of food your Poodle needs depends on their size, age, and activity level. Consult with your veterinarian to determine the appropriate amount of food for your Poodle. Should I choose a dog food that is high in fat? No, it is important to choose a dog food that is balanced and does not contain excessive amounts of fat. Too much fat can lead to obesity and other health problems. Is it necessary to feed my Poodle a dog food with added supplements? Can I feed my Poodle a vegetarian diet? Poodles require meat-based protein in their diet and typically cannot thrive on a vegetarian diet unless carefully prepared. Here are some vegetarian and vegan recipes and store-bought foods. Should I avoid dog foods that contain by-products? While by-products are often viewed negatively, they can provide essential nutrients for dogs but not when cooked in with kibble. By-products, such as chicken liver are healthy for dogs. Consistency is important for their digestive health. What is the best dog food for a senior Poodle? Look for a dog food that is lower in calories and fat, higher in protein, and contains joint supplements such as glucosamine and chondroitin. Can I feed my Poodle a raw diet? Yes, a raw diet is a great choice. Feeding a Poodle Overview Ensuring that your Poodle is on a well-balanced diet is one of the most important elements to keeping your canine family member healthy, both now and into the future. This section will cover all Poodle feeding guidelines including how often to feed a Poodle, serving sizes, dry vs wet, grain vs grain-free, and top recommended kibble. Don't need all of the details and just want to know which brands are recommended? New Puppies - The Importance of Gradually Switching Foods Before you even bring your Poodle home, it is very important to discuss with the breeder or shelter worker if you are adopting a rescue exactly which brand of food they have been feeding to your Poodle. A fast change in food can cause upset stomach and digestive problems. Breeders and shelters are buying food in bulk and have to feed many dogs which is a factor in which brand they choose; so there is a good chance that you will want to offer your Poodle something different. Have both the current food and the new food on hand and make a gradual switch over the course of 3 weeks. Though you will be leaving food out at all times, it is important that the food is fresh. Do not just top it off throughout the day, rinse and clean the bowl as necessary so that old food is not stuck at the bottom of the dish. Puppy: Starting at just about the 3 month mark, Poodles of all varieties should be eating 3 meals per day, plus snacks. Adult: When a pup matures into an adult, this does not necessarily mean that they should suddenly be given only one meal a day. Smaller dogs such as Toy Poodles and Miniatures often do best with 2 or even 3 meals per day. Standards have a bit more tolerance to a single dinnertime feeding, however many can also benefit from having food split up into two servings. Several snacks can be given in between meals and this is particularly helpful is a Poodle is a fast eater. How Much to Feed a Poodle Exact serving size varies quite a bit depending on the type of food. There is a big difference in calories between wet vs dry and low quality vs high quality. And, the amount of food that a Poodle should be eating depends on the dog's age, activity level, individual metabolism, and health status. Even the weather can play a role since dogs tend to eat a bit more in the winter and a bit less in the summer. In regard to calorie requirements, puppies need more calories per pound than their adult counterparts, approximately 40 to 55 calories per pound, daily, compared to adult dogs that need about 35 to 45 calories per pound, daily. S enior Poodles typically have slower metabolisms and reduced mobility and therefore usually require slightly fewer calories, in the 40 calorie per pound range. If you are feeding your Poodle a commercial food, follow the suggested feeding guidelines. These are usually pretty spot-on. Since these are based on both age and weight, do not estimate how much your Poodle weighs but rather know what this is within a pound or two. If you are feeding your Poodle homemade food, a rough guideline for serving size is 1 ounce of food for each 1 pound of body weight, daily. As you can imagine, this can vary quite a bit depending on the exact ingredients. Using the 1 to 1 rule as a starting point, what your Poodle consumes within 15 minutes is usually a good amount for each meal. Wet vs Dry If a Poodle had their way, most would opt for wet food. However, dry food is recommended since this is much better for the gums and teeth. In addition, dry kibble tends to be easier on the stomach and intestines and a diet of all wet canned food can lead to runny stools. Grain vs Grain-free Until relatively recently, there was not much debate on this subject; if a dog tended to have gastrointestinal or allergy issues when on a diet with grains, they were switched to a grain-free recipe. However, this changed when it was discovered that several dogs that were breeds not prone to dilated cardiomyopathy developed that particular heart disease and also happened to be fed grain-free kibble. Lots of pet parents immediately thought that they needed to change their dogs back to grains; however, many more studies need to be done. In fact, the most recent update from the Veterinary Medical Center at Tufts University suggests that 'grain-free' alone may not be the issue at play. For now, it is theorized that a certain diet dubbed a BEG diet may be to blame. This stands for boutique small local brands with exotic meats non-traditional meats like alligator, bison, ostrich, venison, and kangaroo and grain-free along with peas, legumes, or potatoes as one of the top 5 ingredients. Currently there are no recalls of grain-free dog food brands and the FDA is still investigating any possible links including the BEG theory. If your Poodle does not do well with any grains at all, you may wish to stick to a brand that has traditional meats like chicken, turkey, or beef or a fish-based recipes. And, if you are not sure about which grains your Poodle may do okay with, you may wish to opt for wholesome non-wheat and non-gluten grains like rice brown or white , oatmeal, quinoa which is technically a seed. Exact recommendations for the best foods include both grain and grain-free options. Elements to Keep in Mind When Choosing Food for Your Poodle What to avoid: It's no wonder that pet parents have a difficult time navigating the many choices of dog foods in their quest to find the best brand to give their Poodle, there are a lot of ingredients to avoid: Artificial flavoring like MSG which can cause terrible allergic reactions. Artificial coloring. Some of the worst are Yellow 5, Red 40, Blue 2, and Yellow 6 which are linked to very serious issues including neurological and behavioral issues like insomnia and hyperactivity and serious health issues including some cancers. Chemical preservatives. This can be tricky to avoid since these do not always need to be labeled; if these are added to protect 'protein meals' in low levels, you'll never see it listed as an ingredient. These are meats and animal parts deemed unfit for human consumption. Examples are lungs, spleen, spinal tissue, genitals, hooves, beaks, intestines, and more. Generic meats or oils. This can, by law, be any species of animal whatsoever and are usually 4-D animal parts: Sourced from dead, diseased, dying, or disabled zoo animals, farm animals, or even roadkill. These are very common in cheaper subpar brands and are inexpensive ingredients that are added only to plump up the food but offer little to no nutritional value. Examples of fillers include corn, soy, wheat middlings, peanut hulls, oat husks, and cereal grains. Ingestion of fillers is a contributing factor in coprophagia eating feces and is linked to malnutrition. High grain count. Though some wholesome grains may be desired next section , high levels of wheat or gluten can cause upset stomach issues and allergies. What to look for: Knowing what to avoid can help you identify some of the better brands though exact recommendations are below. This means zero artificial additives. Natural preservatives. Wholesome ingredients. For meats and proteins this includes chicken, turkey, duck, lamb, rabbit, beef, and many types of fish including whitefish, haddock, salmon, and cod. You'll also want your Poodle to have some vegetables and fruits which provide vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Zero fillers. Every ingredient should serve the purpose of providing nutrients and never added simply to bulk up the recipe. The right balance of healthy grains. Though some Poodles will need to avoid all grains, most do very well with select non-wheat, non-gluten options including oatmeal, quinoa, and rice. Added extras. Next, we'll cover exact recommendations that fit all of the above criteria. Best Food for Poodles: Recommended Brands Please note that if you have not yet read ' Grain vs Grain-free ' section, you may wish to do so before continuing. Top recommend food with grains: 1. Wellness Complete Health Natural Dry. For larger miniatures and standards, you'll want to opt for their regular Complete Health. There are also puppy, adult, and senior formulas. All of these have no wheat, corn or other fillers, artificial coloring or flavoring, soy, meat by-products, or chemical preservatives, so you can feel very confident that your filling your Poodle's bowl with truly wholesome, healthy food. These recipes also have excellent levels of omega-3 fatty acids. And, this is made in the USA. Halo Natural Holisitc Dog Food. This top brand has found its niche by offering a purely holistic, organic recipe with non-GMO veggies and fruits and meats with no antibiotics, no hormones, and no factory farming. The protein base is chicken and liver, the two grains in this are oats and barley, and vegetables and fruits include peas, blueberries, cranberries, carrots, and sweet potato. All other ingredients are to naturally preserve the kibble or are vitamins and minerals. This particular recipe is for small breeds, however there is also an original for larger dogs. Halo is made in the USA. Top recommended food without grains: 1. Merrick is a great brand which offers this recipe for small breeds, like toy Poodles and another option for larger dogs which would include miniatures and standards. Protein bases include Texas beef, lamb, chicken, and salmon. There is no corn or other fillers, wheat, gluten, artificial additives, or chemical preservatives. And, there are excellent levels of omega-3 and both pre and probiotics. Merrick is also made in the USA. The CORE formula from Wellness is, by far, one of the very best grain-free foods on the market today. It hits very single checkbox of what you are ideally looking for in a food for your Poodle and it has some superior extras. There are excellent levels of glucosamine and chondroitin, omega fatty acids, and antioxidants. There is both a small breed formula and an original formula for minis and standards as well as puppy recipes and a reduced fat option. Wellness is made in the USA. What to Feed Your Poodle if Home Cooking You will want to have a mix of protein, healthy grains, vegetables and fruits. Proteins can include beef, chicken, turkey, lamb, veal, and fish cod, flounder, salmon, whitefish. Vegetables can include sugar snap peas, green beans, lima beans, spinach, peas, zucchini, carrots, sweet potato, and regular potato. Fruits can include blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, apple, and pear. Extras can include eggs, salmon oil, extra virgin olive oil, certain cheese with low levels of lactose Colby, Monterey Jack, Swiss cheese, and cottage cheese and plain whole white yogurt. Note that if you home cook, you will want to include a daily vitamin and mineral since it is near impossible for any combination of foods to offer a dog every nutrient that they need. Snacks Snacks and treats are also an important part of a dog's diet. Dry treats often labeled as baked or crunchy are best to tide over the appetite in between meals. Moist or chewy treats are best when used as training rewards and to reinforce good behavior. Rapid ingestion of food can lead to gas, vomiting, or upset stomach and is linked to killer bloat. Types of Nuts that a Poodle Can Eat - If you are snacking away on some nuts and want to share them with your Poodle, see which ones are safe and which are not. Poodle Begging Behavior - Giving into begging for table scraps or extra snacks contributes to this bad habit. See how to react if your Poodle won't stop begging. Overly Picky Poodles - Read how to address finicky eaters to make mealtime less stressful for both of you. All rights reserved. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon. Share Us. Dairy products like milk, yogurt, and cheese Grapes and raisins Sweets and desserts Avocados Dogs can have dried cranberries as a treat, as these berries are good for digestive and bladder health. However, raisins and grapes are toxic to dogs and can lead to significant kidney failure. If you fear your dog has eaten raisins or grapes, reach out to your veterinarian as soon as possible. Dry Food Vs. Wet Food Dogs should rely on dry food as opposed to wet food. However, wet food should be a consistent portion of their diet. Although most dogs would eat only wet food if they could, too much wet food can cause digestive problems and make dogs sick. Dry food offers fibrous content that dogs need for a healthy bowel movement. Wet food offers food rife with vitamins and minerals — alongside an appealing taste for most dogs. However, dry food can help with tooth health and fight gum disease. A healthy combination of dry and wet food can lead to a well-balanced meal and a happy dog. The best possible dog food varieties include those that offer your Poodle only the healthiest and high-quality ingredients available. Although some of these dog food choices may be expensive, they also offer lean proteins like duck and sweet potato, so you know your Poodle is getting only the best from their diet. Although the first ingredient is a chicken by-product, this dog food option is rife with protein, vitamins, and minerals that will help your Poodle feel at the top of its game. The kibbles included in this dog food choice are enriched with omega-3 fatty acids and contain vitamins that will assist in healthy coat formation and healthy gums. Not only is this brand recommended by vets around the world, but it also includes a flavor that dogs seem to love and ingredients that pet owners can feel good about. While the cost for this dog food option is a touch high, it offers the security of knowing that your dog will have all the nutrients and vitamins needed to live a long and healthy life. Each variety contains the exclusive Nutrivantage, and no filler or meat bi-product. Chicken meal and rice flavor. No Corn, no wheat, no soy, no meat bi-products. We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. Alongside lean protein and quality sources of fat, this dog food option also offers tons of vitamins and minerals. Although this dog food choice is expensive, it is also ideal for dogs who are currently training or need a boost in their performance. Contains one 1 30 lb. Blue Buffalo is notorious for making only the best dog food with real meat as the first ingredient. This is rife with protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants that will help your Poodle thrive. Additionally, this dog food is also enhanced with vitamins and minerals specifically for immune system support. ALL NATURAL: Created by nutritionists, veterinarians and animal lovers, our recipes provide an ideal balance of nature's finest ingredients, carefully selected to nourish and sustain your dog's.However, the calorie content of this food is a little high, which can cause weight gain. Additionally, this dog food brand is more expensive than the average, although it does have everything your Poodle will need to keep them healthy and happy. Larger Poodles may not get all the nutrients and vitamins they need from this dog food option, as it is meant for smaller breeds. This choice may be the least expensive choice for dog food while maintaining high-quality ingredients and food rife with minerals and vitamins. There are no artificial ingredients, and there is plenty of protein in this food option. This brand prides itself on not including any animal by-products or fillers. This product is rife with vitamins and minerals necessary for healthy gums and a full coat. Poodles Require Special Nutrients Poodles need more protein than other dogs because of their lean shape, meaning that Poodles may require a unique brand of dog food that can offer enhanced vitamins, minerals, and protein content. Whether you are looking for the best Poodle dog food available on the market or preparing for adoption, these top seven dog food options stand apart from other dog food options because they offer more essential nutrients for your Poodle. Although some options are expensive, these brands can help your Poodle avoid harsh and destructive ingredients like artificial dyes linked with cancer in animals, fillers, and empty calories. Instead, they boast quality and put healthy dog food ahead of profit. Small Poodles may be less than 40 pounds, meaning they may need even more nutrient-dense food to accommodate their small stature — something these dog food brands are passionate about providing. With the best dog food for Poodles on this list, you can be sure that your Poodle is getting everything they need from its diet. Similar Posts. Life Stage The first thing you need to consider is what stage of life your Poodle is in. We have quite a few choices on our list that should work well, whichever life stage your Poodle is in at the moment. You want a blend that has essential vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, and more to ensure your pooch has everything they need in the nutrition department for a healthy, happy life. For years, it was thought that any dog food that was grain-free should be good for your pooch, now it might not be. The FDA warns that it is possible that grain-free foods can lead to cardiomyopathy in pets , Poodles included. These are a few of the things that you need to consider when choosing the right food for your standard Poodle. Final Thoughts This concludes our reviews of the eight best dog foods for standard Poodles. Human-grade ingredients including USDA turkey delivered straight to your door: what more could you want? Featured Image Credit: everydoghasastory, Shutterstock Written by Patricia Dickson Author Patricia is an experienced pet writer and lifelong animal lover. Mystery and Link have been with her since birth. Binx was found under her house as a kitten and promptly welcomed into the family. Patricia enjoys volunteering at her local rescue shelter and sharing her extensive knowledge of pets.

Our puppy Price is for limited registration non breeding rights. Deposit are non-refundable. Full AKC Registration breeding and show rights contact us for an additional fee. Place a Deposit Standard Poodle Size Standard poodles have a shoulder height of over 15 inches or taller. There are 3 size varieties of poodles. The smallest is known as a toy poodle and their height is 10 inches or shorter, Miniatures are 15 inches or shorter and then the Standards are more than 15 inches in height. The standard is sometimes broken down into more sizes. The smallest of the Standard poodles is sometimes called a Moyen. The Moyen standard poodle is usually anything over a shoulder height of 15 inches and no more than 20 inches. Then some also classify a Royal Standard poodle to be any shoulder height of 25 inches or more and weighing more than 60 pounds at adult size. We classify our black and brown standard poodles for sale to be average size, usually ranging inches tall to the shoulder, and weighing lbs. Personality and Character traits for our Brown standard poodle puppies in Michigan The Brown Standard Poodle is extremely intelligent and easy to train, as are all poodles. They are also graceful and elegant and aim to please. Our Brown poodle puppies for sale are very people-oriented and bond closely with their humans and make great companions. Also our Brown Standard Poodle puppies in Michigan gets along well with other animals and dogs, as well as children and are friendly toward everyone making them ideal family pets. Do Poodles have to be foo-foo dogs? At dog shows, Poodles are usually seen in the elaborate foo-foo Continental Clip. Most pet owners however, prefer the simpler Sports Clip, in which the coat is shown to follow the outline of the squarely built, smoothly muscled body. Poodles are not sissy dogs. Standard Poodles are athletic, eager to learn and please, are over the top smart and remarkably versatile. The Standard, with his greater size is one of the best all-around dogs for the family. Conformation indicates what the animal appears to be. But performance indicates what the animal actually is. We are passionate about demonstrating the versatility of the Poodle. Our dogs excel in a wide variety of performance sports, conformation, and service work. Our program has produced many titles in obedience, conformation, rally, dock diving, Fast CAT, lure coursing, nose work, disc dog, trick dog, etc. The Poodle is one of the most versatile breeds of dogs. Athletic and energetic, they make a wonderful outdoor friend. Calm and intelligent, they make the perfect indoor companion. Their warm, loving nature makes them excellent with children. Poodles are recommended by the AKC for allergy sufferers because they do not shed and have very low dander. We are also passionate about bettering the brown Standard Poodle as there is a limited gene pool of quality dogs compared to other Poodle colors. We love their fun personalities! We have been certified as an AKC Breeder of Merit because of our dedication to the Standard Poodle breed, performance show achievements, and commitment to fully health certifying all breeding dogs. We are a member of the Better Bred breeder community that works toward maintaining diversity while decreasing complex genetic disorders within the Poodle breed. All our dogs are fully health certified by the OFA and CHIC for numerous orthopedic and genetic diseases by a multitude of genetic tests and physical examinations so our puppies come from a healthy background. As a member of the Better Bred community, all our dogs have also been tested at the Veterinary Genetics Laboratory as part of the Canine Genetic Diversity project which helps breeders to improve the health of breeding programs. An increase in genetic diversity decreases the likelihood complex autoimmune disorders and other complex diseases. We fully support this research which helps reduce complex genetic disorders within the Poodle breed. All our puppies come with a written 2-year genetic health guarantee. Bloom Standard Poodles Happy, healthy puppies. We are a small, home based kennel producing litters of black and brown standard poodles each year. Our poodles live in our home and are a part of our every day lives. My poodles bring so much joy to my everyday life and I want to bring this joy to your family with the breed I love and could not live without. Not only do they resemble their parents, we do everything in our power to socialize them as much as possible from the time they are born until they join their new family. Our litters are raised in our home, underfoot socialized with all the sights and sounds they will encounter with their forever families. We use Puppy Culture in the raising of our litters and begin introducing them to grooming no later than 3 weeks old. Sound in temperament and structure we are proud to say that all of our parents are carefully chosen, health tested and shown to their CKC Championships before producing their first litter. Poodles are such a versatile breed and we truly believe at Bloom Standard Poodles that our dogs can face any challenge and succeed. From conformation titles to service dog prospects, our dogs certainly fit the bill for any family. Please see Picking a Reputable Breeder below for more information on what this entails. Their purpose was to retrieve waterfowl out of bodies of water for their hunters. They have a wooly water resistant coat and webbed feet to help with swimming! This is the trim hunters would use on their dogs. The hair left on the legs is to protect their joints from the cold water, their jacket and poms on the hips to protect their kidneys, hip bones and vital organs! The rest of the body is shaved short so the dog would move faster in the water without getting tired. Poodles can be described in many ways. Intelligent, gregarious, goofy, playful, willing to learn and hilarious! These dogs are typically more active physically and mentally. Because they are so smart they require a family who is prepared to meet their physical and mental demands through training, remaining active and keeping their brains busy! They will so easily outsmart you if they are given the chance! My dogs will go on 20km hikes if I want, or lay on the couch all day. Poodles are so versatile! They can hunt, compete in the conformation ring, do agility, lure coursing, obedience, herding, scent detection. Poodles are a great breed choice for a service or therapy dog because of their willingness to learn and please their humans. Norman, Vienna and Echo racing to get the ball in the pool! They LOVE to get dirty! They require professional and regular grooming to keep their coat, skin, ears and nails happy and healthy. Poodles have a single coat, meaning they grow hair like humans do and do not produce undercoat. They do not shed undercoat and produce less dander than some other breeds however their saliva can affect people with allergies. They can even be groomed to look like other breeds of dogs like Bichon, Schnauzers, Bedlington Terriers and more! If you can imagine it, you just have to find a groomer who can do it! Below are some examples of colours and hairstyles! If you are interested in a poodle that is NOT black or brown, please contact us so we can help you locate a reputable breeder who may have a puppy in your favourite colour! Here is Anna, an Apricot poodle sporting an adorable teddy bear face! This is a totally acceptable trim for those with active lifestyles or a lower grooming budget. While brown poodles are always born very dark, they typically fade to a lighter colour. Echo is the typical happy go lucky boy that I always dreamed of. He is the household favourite by so many visitors, if you scratch his bum he will be your best friend forever. His favourite pastime is naps on the couch and swimming in the pool. Echo is not a part of the breeding program, rather just a part of my family. Vienna loves chasing her ball, giving hugs and being picked up like a baby. She is my sidekick, anything I throw at her, she is totally game! Vienna is our first Canadian Champion. She attained her Canadian Kennel Club Championship at a young .She also achieved her Canine Good Neighbour title at 11 months old. We have other sporting titles in progress! Vienna is 41lbs and .She truly brightens my day. She is as sweet as she looks and will do anything she is asked. Vida loves running on the farm with her best buddy Norman, visiting and playing tug with her littermate Kohl and kissing her mommy Vienna. Vida has taken the show world by surprise. A petite brown female who has won Multiple 6 Best Puppy in Shows, 4 Group 1st and many other group placements by various judges across Canada and North America. I really cannot brag enough about her accomplishments, the compliments from the judges and everyone who adores her. I never expected this much from my first homebred puppy. We are currently training to be an agility star! Norman loves every human, baby, dog, puppy, cat, really everything. Norman is 2 points away from his Canadian Championship title having only been shown 3 weekends! Norman is co-owned by myself and Becky Godbey of Magic Hour. Norman pictured with his handler Allison Hardie winning a Best Puppy in Group at his first show under a judge from Brazil! Norman and Vida - two peas in a pod! Carter lives in St Catherines, Ontario with a close friend Christina. Christina and Carter do everything together. Carter will be available at stud to approved bitches when he is of age with clear health testing. Carter is black and carries for brown. Carter showing off his new Canine Good Neighbour certificate! Carter is a natural at lure coursing AND agility! Not sure a standard poodle is for you? That is FINE! However, this is a very important topic. Many people chose to rescue an adult dog or puppy, or shop for a breeder. Whatever you decide PLEASE do your research on a breed that would suit your individual lifestyle and family, not just what you think looks cute! Each breed has different instincts and natural tendencies that may not be suited for homes with small children, overly active or underly active families. For example, border collies are bred to herd sheep. It is absolutely possible to bring a dog with herding instincts into a home with children, but it takes a lot of training to ensure that the dog is not going to try and herd or nip at children. This is their instinct, to herd small animals. So whatever breed you choose please ensure you are prepared to deal with their natural tendencies. Each breed may require a higher or lower need for grooming. Every breed needs their nails trimmed and ears cleaned regularly! Please do your research and even contact a local groomer to see what type and frequency of grooming your breed requires. Every breed requires regular vaccinations and visits to a trusted veterinarian to ensure they are kept in good health. All purebred breeds and mixed breeds are prone to a certain amount of health issues, whether they be genetic or not. If you have any questions about other breeds, or breeders please contact us to we can do our best to steer you in the right direction! Check out this article! Standard Poodles, along with all other breeds can reproduce genetic problems that can affect the puppies they produce. We only breed our dogs who have these same credentials. Backyard breeders simply breed for profit, not for the betterment of the breed. Breeders do this in dogs, cattle, chickens, sheep, cats etc. Purebred dogs have a written out Breed Standard which judges will evaluate against the animal you are presenting them. Dogs who are a good example of this breed standard in both their structure and temperament are awarded in conformation. Titles and Qualifications are available in many sporting events such as field trials hunting , agility, herding, obedience, and more! Mom and littermates teach puppies manners and proper social interaction. There is a higher risk of puppies developing poor social manners and separation anxiety if they are removed from their mom and littermates before 8 weeks of age. Our puppies typically go to their new forever homes from weeks of age. Dogs under 2 years old are not physically and sexually mature. If they breed the same mom and dad time and time again, this has no goal but profit. Many people believe that mixed breed dogs are healthier due to their genetic diversity. This is simply not true. Yes, mixed breed dogs are not as closely related as purebred dogs, but without health testing there is absolutely no way of ensuring both parents and puppies will end up healthy. So many NON health tested purebred and mixed breeds are unfortunately riddled with genetic and structural issues both parents may have passed along to their puppies. Two breeds often means double the potential health problems. If you are searching for a mixed breed we highly recommend a reputable rescue organization. Our studs are not available to people who want to breed poodle mixes. Puppies Our promise to you… We carefully pair our mom and dad to produce beautiful, happy and healthy puppies that would suit any family and adapt to a variety of lifestyles. We produce and show quality black and brown standard poodles. We focus on health, temperament and structural soundness. Our males typically mature between lbs and our females lbs. We currently have no puppies available. We would love for you to fill out our puppy application. Send us an email at groomtobloompetsalon gmail. We will send you a Puppy Application and a copy of our Puppy Contract so we can get to know you a little bit better, and you know what we would expect for the absolute best care of your new family member. Please fill out your answers with some thought, this will help me choose which pup in the litter would be best suited for your family. This deposit is non-refundable if you change your mind or buy from another breeder. If you are approved you are more then welcome to schedule a meeting to come meet our pack! We have puppy socials around 6 weeks old where you and your family will be invited to come meet the litter! All puppies have their tails docked and dewclaws removed within 72 hours of birth unless there is a specific request not to in which full payment to secure this specific puppy will be required before birth. Puppies will have started crate training and house training. They will be microchipped, have their first set of vaccinations and a Health Certificate from our veterinarian and come with a trial of Pets Plus Us pet insurance. We deworm our puppies at 3, 5 and 7 weeks old. Specializing in Lovely Chocolate Browns "Once you have a poodle everything else is a dog" Frannie Need a hunting partner? How about a chocolate standard poodle for hunting? We do specialize in chocolate but have other colors available also. We know that you will enjoy getting to know this intelligent versatile breed who also has retrieving skills as well. That is why we have successfully placed our poodle pups in 42 states and France in a variety of homes such as hunting, obedience, therapy dog, conformation, service dogs, Canine Good Citizens CGC , and cuddly couch potatoes too! We look forward to speaking to you about your next canine companion to partner with you as you make new memories together. Please note we do specialize in the chocolate standard poodle puppies, but we at times are blessed with black, blue, cafe au lait and cream poodle pups as well. Our new contact information can be found easily on each page that you click to as we have relocated to Minnesota after 30 odd years in Alaska where Ben-Cher's started our chocolate poodle breeding program. Although retired from my grooming salon and doggie bed and breakfast, I now concentrate full-time on raising our high quality chocolate poodle puppies. There is a litter available now, so please do give us a call or fill out the Puppy Home Questionnaire.I may just have your standard poodle pup here waiting for you! Or phone Cheryl Ann personally at .Our Browns tend to be more "muscular" than what you would typically see at a dog show and for sure have loads more boning than the average chicken boned poodle you may meet. This is because our Browns are Working Dogs, and must be physically capable to work. This is very difficult to have achieved and took years to develop. Our pups "may" get a sprinkle of grey hairs through their coat as they mature, and may even lighten on their muzzle or tail area when they age. There really is no guarantee on colour. We do have the darkest browns, with substance, that you will find in the "world". Temperament : Our Browns are sweet natured and calm. All our poodles have calm laid back temperament. NO anxious, hyper pacing or barking. Our Browns love to be with you in the same room or on the couch beside you cuddling during a movie. I use my browns as my jogging partners as they are taller and able to do 6km with a good pace with me without any stress or strain and they actually look forward to it and enjoy the activity. Browns and all poodles will actually do any activity that pleases you as that is just the breed's nature. Our Browns are the darkest browns you will find in the world!! Well we don't, and thanks to our Foster homes, helping us out you don't have to either! Our Quest for brown was a long one. We bought and re-homed many in our search for a dark brown that was calm and laid back, that would produce puppies we would be proud of, and know that we could in good faith, place in pet, obedience and therapy homes. There was no way I would produce unhealthy, or hyper brown poodles, so our standards were very high. This cost us financially, emotionally, and took many years. I could not find browns like what I wanted to own, or produce so I waited and kept searching for over 5 years. I can also only house "3" Standard Poodles, so it made the journey even more difficult. Our Story A house is not a home without a Standard Poodle. As you already know, my name is Wendy. My older sister Holley and I were born in the sand hills of North Carolina and have lived here all our lives. Most of the time when we were children, it was just Cindy my Mom, and the two of us. My mama accepted Christ as a young teenager. Holley and I were blessed to have accepted Christ as our personal Savior at a young age. We also attended and graduated from Christian schools which was another way my mom wanted to assure us of a happy future, with Christ at the center of our lives. Mama saw to it we had every type pet we wanted from parakeets and ferrets to horses. She also made sure we learned the huge responsibility of taking care of them. We learned at a very young age the importance of good cleaning practices, feeding habits and medical care to assure that our pets were all happy and healthy. When Holley was a young teenager and I was about ten we raised and sold rabbits, hamster and mice to local pet stores. We did this to help mama support our horse-showing hobby. The miracle of birth and the sadness of death was a part of our everyday lives. Although things were not perfect in some areas of our lives, this was an amazing, blessed way to grow up. This allowed her to have the biggest desire of her heart, which was to stay at home with Holley and me. This decision allowed her to have a very successful career with an ample income to provide for us. Into the shop one day walked a beautiful pair of black Standard Poodles. It was a mother and her son. Venus, the mother, was a gorgeous, loving, elegant, and petite Standard Poodle. Her son, Keegan, on the other hand, still just a puppy, was a huge combination of fun, personality, intelligence and striking good looks. We were surprised that we fell in love with the Standard Poodle and the Westie, because our favorite breeds had always been the Collie and Sheltie mini collie. Mama groomed Keegan and Venus every few weeks and also trained Keegan. As a result the two were in the shop and in our home on a regular basis. Keegan would come and stay just because we loved him. We grew to love their more confident, protective nature and large size, in comparison to the Shelties. A huge plus in comparing the breed to the Collie, was no shedding or odor. These qualities and the intelligence and loyalty of Keegan and Venus, convinced us this was a breed worth sharing with everyone. This was not always easy for my mom, as a single parent, or for us, as two young girls. But we had lots of support and help from our family, friends, and great employees. We drew most of our strength and wisdom from our Lord and Savior. He was a tall, slender, gentle giant with green eyes and dark hair and was only 16 and Holley only .He became our right hand man and we depended on him during some difficult and trying times. They would become husband and wife after Holley graduated from high school in .Mom met a wonderful man, David! He soon became her husband and the spiritual leader of our family. What a blessing he was then and continues to be. He loved babies of any type, preferably, human, but also loved the horses and puppies. With his amazing sense of humor rubbing off on all of us, work sometimes felt like play. I started flying lessons and thinking about my future. I started praying that God would let me soon meet my husband to be. While taking flying lessons God answered my prayers. I met the man of my dream…Blake. He had blue eyes and dark hair. He was handsome and soft spoken.

At their core, a German shepherd chihuahua mix will be a generally spunky companion. With a wide range of sizes, from 8—60 pounds, this mix is obviously not at all standardized. Before you look into one of these pooches, be sure to do your homework! While you may find responsibly bred German shepherd chihuahua mixes, these dogs are extremely uncommon! They can come about in one of two ways A male Chihuahua mates with a female German Shepherd. A female Chihuahua goes through artificial insemination, since letting it happen the natural way is, well, complicated. The female may even need a cesarean since the pups may be too big for her to deliver naturally. As with most mixes, a German shepherd mixed chihuahua is going to inherit traits from both parents. In particular, most of these pooches gain the athleticism and intelligence of a German shepherd as well as the tenacity and size of a chihuahua. Both of its parents, the German shepherd, and chihuahua, have some negative traits, which can translate to behavioral problems for your prospective pooch. A little dude with a big life, known as Chip. Chipthegermanchihuahua Always do your homework before you purchase or adopt a new pooch. Here are some hashtags you can use to identify other people with this mix. If you find a German Shepherd Chihuahua mix at a shelter, fantastic, you lucked out. But if you want one bred just for you there ARE easier ways to get a dog then to make it go through artificial insemination and possibly a c-section surgery with all of the associated risks. There are miniature German Shepherds, although this is another hybrid dog, usually mixing a Shepherd with a collie or a poodle. Or what about a Aussie German Shepherd mix? What is the best food to feed a German Shepherd? We have an entire article about that, that details several brands that are biologically the best choices for a German Shepherd. Read it here. What is the best food to feed a Chihuahua? You can find the six best foods for picky chihuahuas in this article I wrote here. What is the best food for your dog? The three foods that are super healthy and that almost every dog loves, even the pickiest dogs, are: 1. There are a number of fresh frozen dog foods available on the market and I tested them all. You can see the fresh frozen food test here. Shep-Chi Origins The Chihuahua Chihuahuas are the smallest dogs in the world, and they are known for their large ears and big personalities. Despite their small size, Chihuahuas are fiercely loyal and protective of their owners. They are also intelligent and quick to learn tricks. While they can be independent, they also enjoy spending time with their people and being a part of the family. Chihuahuas are active dogs, and they need daily exercise to stay healthy. They are also good watchdogs, as they will bark to alert their owners to any strangers who come near. If you are looking for a small but mighty companion, a Chihuahua might be the perfect dog for you. German Shepherd The German Shepherd is a popular breed that is known for its loyalty and intelligence. The breed originated in Germany, where it was used as a working dog on farms and in law enforcement. German Shepherds are large dogs, with males averaging about 30 inches tall and females averaging about 28 inches tall. They have a muscular build and a thick coat of fur that can be either black, brown, or tan in color. German Shepherds are intelligent and easy to train, making them excellent pets for families with children. They are also loyal and protective, making them good guard dogs. However, German Shepherds can be aggressive if not properly trained, so it is important to socialize them from an early age. This is due to the fact that these two breeds are very different in size and therefore can't mate naturally. The process of breeding them would involve artificial insemination, which is complicated and expensive. When making a hybrid between two different dog breeds, it is important to consider the size difference. In general, the female should be of the larger breed, as she needs to have the capacity to carry the litter. This is particularly important when there is a noticeable size difference between the two breeds, as is the case with a Chihuahua and a German Shepherd. The German Shepherd is typically nearly twice the size of a Chihuahua, meaning that the Chihuahua simply doesn't have the ability to carry a litter of German Shepherd hybrids. As a result, breeders need to be sure to use a German Shepherd female when creating this particular mix. The German Shepherd Chihuahua mix is not recognized by the A. Shep-Chi Appearance The resulting offspring will inherit a random selection of characteristics from both parents. This means that it is impossible to predict exactly how a Chihuahua German Shepherd mix will look. However, there are some general trends that can be observed in most cases. For instance, a German shepherd Chihuahua mix will typically be larger than a pure Chihuahua but way bigger than a German shepherd. German Shepherd Chihuahua mixes are a mix of two very different-looking breeds, so they can take on the physical characteristics of either parent. They can have short or long coats that are either straight or wavy. They can be any color, but the most common colors are black and tan, black and white, chocolate and white, or blue and tan. Shepchi dogs are usually between 8 and 60 pounds, and they stand 8 to 26 inches tall at the shoulder. They have long faces with triangular ears, and their tails can be long or short. They are very loyal and protective of their family and make great guard dogs. They are also intelligent and easily trained. However, they can be very stubborn and willful at times. They need firm, consistent training and socialization from an early age to prevent behavioral problems from developing. The Chihuahua German Shepherd mix is a versatile dog that can do well in a variety of homes, as long as adequate exercise and training are provided. A post shared by Dogs Humans Luv dogshumansluv Shep-Chi and other pets When it comes to getting along with other pets, it really depends on the individual dog's personality. Some Chihuahua German Shepherd mixes are very social and enjoy being around other animals, while others may be more aloof or even aggressive. Generally speaking, however, Chihuahua German Shepherd mixes tend to get along well with other animals if they are introduced and socialized from a young age. It's important to remember that all dogs, regardless of breed, should be supervised around other animals until you are confident that they can play nice. Photo by brownie. Moreover, they are not always naturally produced. Currently, no known breeders specialize in producing German Shepherd Chihuahua mixes, only their German Shepherd and Chihuahua parents. The following places may offer German Shepherd Chihuahua mix puppies: Ridgewood Kennels — This kennel has been placing Chihuahua mixes for sale for over 40 years with a lifetime written warranty. You might want to check their website from time to time to see if a German Shepherd Chihuahua mix is available. Greenfield Puppies — Since , Greenfield has connected puppies to loving homes. They have German Shepherd mixes and Chihuahua mixes on their list. Keystone Puppies — Many German Shepherd or Chihuahua mixes are available on this advertising website. They also come with transparent health records and health guarantees. Aside from purchasing from a breeder, a good option is to rescue or adopt a dog. It can save you money, plus you can give another chance for a pup to have a better life. This dog breed can be rare in rescue homes, but if you find one in a shelter, you can ensure that they undergo medical examinations and are rehabilitated before they get cleared to be in a new home. Here are some places where you may rescue a Chihuahua German Shepherd mix: Chihuahua Rescue and Transport — They have been responsible for placing thousands of Chihuahua mixes in loving homes since .They also raise awareness and educate the public about animal abuse, abandonment, and neglect. You may want to check them out to know if they have any available Chihuahua German Shepherd mix. They may be dedicated to German Shepherds, but they also cater to mixed breeds. Visit their website for more details. Enchantment Chihuahua Rescue, LTD — This is a non-profit organization that focuses on providing safe homes and medical care for Chihuahua and Chihuahua mixes. Their adoption program is promising, and you may want to browse their site for a Chihuahua Shepherd mix. Aside from the places and tips mentioned above, you may want to check out our guides on the best Chihuahua rescues and German Shepherd rescues. It requires a lot of pondering, preparation, and consideration. Having a crossbreed is a lot of work, and there will always be cons. Still, there are also a lot of advantages. Here are the pros of owning a Chihuahua Shepherd mix: Long lifespan: Because of their hybrid vigor , they are much healthier than pure breeds, and they tend to have long life expectancies. They can be great buddies as they grow old and experience life with you. Compact size: Since they are small to medium dogs, they are excellent in average homes. They do not need large backyards to run around and play. This can also save you money when buying their beds, accessories, and crates. Unique looks: This hybrid is considered rare because its breeding process is not straightforward. Their looks are also one of a kind, and only a few people own a Chihuahua Shepherd mix. Highly Intelligent: This dog is easy to train, and they respond well to obedience exercises and command activities. Accomplishing tasks with their owners is something they enjoy. In contrast, here are the cons of having a German Shepherd Chihuahua mix: Unpredictable full-grown size: This dog breed is dependent on the dominant genes of its parent breeds. A full-grown Chihuahua and a full-grown German Shepherd are highly contradicting in size. So determining its adult size is quite challenging. It takes a lot of time and patience before you can get one into your home. Needs to be trained: This hybrid is vocal and distrusting to strangers. They are also prone to chasing small kids and animals. With this, they need a dedicated and firm owner to socialize and train them to temper their aggressive tendencies. Knowing the pros and cons is necessary before deciding to own a pet to avoid neglect and abandonment issues. This can also help you analyze if a Chihuahua Shepherd mix is the right dog for you. And that can be very difficult to do. German Shepherd Chihuahua mixed breeds run the gamut on the entire personality spectrum. In essence, your training will be the key to molding your pup into a desirable dog. However, there are still inherited traits that will have a major effect on how your mixed pup will behave. Also, this breed is a very strange occurrence even in nature. So, the probability of this breed being conceived is very low. However, due to their size and temperament, the German Shepherd was quickly trained by the military and law enforcement to be a working dog. Every single one of these dogs is completely unique. Each pup will inherit traits from both parent lineages, and some exhibit more traits from one parent than the other. For example, a hybrid leaning more towards the German Shepherd side may be more apt to follow commands and remain calm under pressure. Are These Dogs Good for Families? This mixed breed may not get along too well with others. Both parent breeds are fiercely loyal to their masters. Putting another pet into the mix may complicate things, especially if your German Shepherd Chihuahua has the feistiness of the Chihuahua parent. A post shared by Chip chipthegermanchihuahua Things to Know When Owning a Chihuahua German Shepherd Mix: While there are many unknown variables when it comes to raising a German Shepherd Chihuahua mix, there are plenty of things we do know. This will provide them with the nutrition they need in a bite-sized package they can easily handle. Larger dogs will need between cups of food each day. In this case, opt for something with higher protein content and larger kibble such as American Journey Beef and Sweet Potato. But how much is enough? Typically, a smaller German Shepherd Chihuahua pup will require less exercise. Thirty minutes of daily exercise should be more than enough to suffice. However, if your pup is on the larger size of the cross, they may require up to 90 minutes every day. Your dog will be very easily trained. However, if they inherit the lovable yet wildly independent attitude of the Chihuahua, you might have a bit of a chore on your hands. They just like doing things their way. Even though Chihuahuas can come in short-hair varieties, their long-hair gene when combined with the genes of the German Shepherd will produce a longer coat. Your Chihuahua German Shepherd Mix will need a solid brushing at least once a week to help keep their coat shiny and healthy. Plus, a weekly brushing will cut down dramatically on the amount of shedding that will happen. German Shepherds are notorious shedders due to their extremely dense double coats. However, due to genetic wizardry, the probability of actually developing these goes way down. Therefore, the German Shepherd Chihuahua is a relatively healthy dog. The main conditions that can affect this breed are patella luxation—or floating kneecap—and hip dysplasia. These two conditions can be very painful and difficult to manage, but they are treatable. More serious conditions that affect the German Shepherd Chihuahua are congenital heart defects. These are heart conditions inherited at birth including aortic and pulmonic stenosis, mitral valve dysplasia, and endocardial fibroelastosis. However, these conditions are exceedingly rare. The most common ailments your mixed breed will experience are easily treated and preventable such as heartworms, fleas, or other parasites. Also, your German Shepherd Chihuahua may be prone to obesity. Minor Conditions. Any puppies that qualify as a German Shepherd Mix are a cross between a German Shepherd and another dog breed. In a mixed breed, you can get any mix of characteristics in the parent breeds. German Shepherds tend to be strong-willed, intelligent, playful, and loyal. To get a full idea of what to expect in your puppy, be sure to ask the breeder about the other dog breed in the cross and check out the mother dog in-person to get a general idea about size and temperament. On the German Shepherd side, you have an independent dog with high intelligence and a playful spirit. German Shepherds make great family pets and are born protectors. Because of their protective instinct, they can be suspicious of strangers. Socialization early and often can help curb this suspicion and make them more open to new people and situations. German Shepherds also tend to be loving and have a lively personality. The German Shepherd Mix can have any or all of these characteristics plus any characteristics from the other parent breed in the mix. Before buying a German Shepherd Mix puppy and bringing them home, be sure to talk to the breeder about the other parent breed. If the puppies are being family-raised around children, you should be able to get an idea of how they will do in a family setting that includes children. The German Shepherd is a moderately adaptable working dog that was bred to guard, work, and herd. They do not tend to do well in apartments and are best-suited for houses with yards. GSDs prefer to be with their families and do not like to be alone. They also tend to prefer cooler climates as they are sensitive to heat. With a German Shepherd Mix, you could get a moderately adaptable dog that is just like a purebred German Shepherd. You could also end up with a dog that is more like the other parent breed. Talking with the breeder about the other parent breed can give you a good idea of what to expect. German Shepherds can be prone to elbow and hip dysplasia. You will need to ask the breeder about the other parent breed in the cross to get an idea of any other health concerns to be aware of in your German Shepherd Mix. Health screenings, clearances, and the genetic history of the parents can help allay concerns about potential health conditions. On the German Shepherd side, training and obedience classes are highly recommended for novice dog owners. Although GSDs are highly intelligent, pick up on things quickly, and train fairly easily, they can be stubborn with an independent streak. Regardless of the other parent breed in the cross, you should be prepared to enroll in obedience and training classes with your German Shepherd Mix. The experience will be beneficial to both you and your puppy and will also offer some opportunities for socialization. You will still want to ask the breeder about the other parent breed in the cross to get an understanding of what to expect during the training process. Professional grooming a few times a year and the occasional bath is also recommended. Regardless of the coat type, your German Shepherd Mix will need to have their nails trimmed monthly and their teeth brushed regularly. Not every dog will allow you to do this, so try to get a tooth brushing session in at least a few times a week to reduce tartar buildup. This will help prevent dental problems like tooth decay and gum disease. Plus, it will help cut down on bad breath! German Shepherds tend to have a high activity level. They were bred to run, herd, guard, and protect, so they are used to working and having a job to do. They are definitely not a lazy dog breed! Be sure to talk to the breeder about the other parent breed in the mix. You will still want to go in prepared for a high energy dog with the understanding that your German Shepherd Mix puppy may have an activity level closer to the other breed in the cross. If both are high energy dogs breeds, expect to end up with a high energy dog. A German Shepherd is a large dog breed that generally weighs between 55 and 90 pounds. They also usually stand between 22 and 26 inches tall at the shoulders. The other dog breed in the cross could result in a smaller or larger German Shepherd Mix. A German Shepherd generally lives for years. You should be able to expect a similar range in your German Shepherd Mix, but the other dog breed in the cross could affect this range. Featured German Shepherd Mix Article. However, German Shepherd Chihuahua Mixes could still inherit diseases that affect either parent, such as: 1. Patellar luxation Patellar luxation is common among small breeds like the Chihuahua. This disease causes the patella, or kneecap, to dislocate randomly. The condition can be mildly irritating to severely painful, and it can require corrective surgery. It can cause abdominal pain and vomiting, as well as abnormal breathing patterns. The affected dog can have severe trouble moving around, and the condition can lead to paralysis. Degenerative myelopathy is a heredity defect, and it worsens with age. Hydrocephalus Hydrocephalus is the accumulation of excess cerebral fluid in the brain. Baby Chihuahuas have a natural opening in their skulls which sometimes fails to close as they age and allows the cerebral fluid to leak in. The canine may suffer from headaches, seizures, or even mental disabilities. Hip Dysplasia Hip Dysplasia is improper development of the hip joints. The puppy may suffer from arthritis and pain when walking or running. Hip dysplasia is frequent among large canines such as the German Shepherd. Although hybrid pups have a healthier life than their parents, there are so many variables that affect how long a pooch will live. Your puppy needs to learn to listen and obey your commands and to behave around other dogs. The best way to take your German Shepherd Mixed with Chihuahua puppies out is to carry them in a backpack. This practice will prevent them from choking on the leash or getting caught up between your legs. As the pup becomes more confident, you may introduce the leash gradually. German Shepherd Chihuahua Mix puppies mature quickly and would need high-quality food to nourish their growing bodies. Go for a dog food specifically designed to meet their nutritional needs. Keep vet visits regular and vaccinate them for various illnesses and viruses during their first few months. Their mix should cost less than both purebred parents. However, their price usually depends on the breeder and how they market these pups. Even though the actual price of this pup should be less than that of the GSD and the Chihuahua, you may find a breeder selling them for a much higher price. So, how can you find these furry pets up for adoption? You can also contact a local shelter. Most people simply search for a canine pal with the best potential to match their lifestyle and personality and go from there. If you want a four-legged friend that matches your taste, consider purchasing from a licensed breeder. Be aware that hybrid dogs are not always easy to get your hands on. German Shepherd Chihuahua Mixes are hard to come by, and due to their rarity, they may command a hefty price tag. However, avoid puppy mills and backyard breeders. Regardless of where you find Chihuahua German Shepherd Mix puppies for sale, you should ensure that the place is reputable before deciding. Most importantly, you should be able to check their living conditions. Is the German Shepherd Chihuahua Mix right for me? The Chihuahua parent tends to be hostile toward other canines. When deciding whether to purchase a German Shepherd Chihuahua Mix, consider the pros and cons. With some work and training, your German Shepherd Chihuahua mix could be a delightful addition to the family. A German Shepherd Chihuahua Mix can be 26 inches tall at the shoulders and weigh about 60 pounds. Can a German Shepherd mate with a Chihuahua? Not naturally, but they can breed together through artificial insemination. What is the smallest German Shepherd mix? The smallest German Shepherd mix is one made by crossing them with Chihuahuas. What is the best breed to mix with a German shepherd? These breeds combine really well with GSDs. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. It is important to keep the Chihuahua German Shepherd mixed socially. Although the two breeds are not directly related, there is a connection between them. Listed below are the traits that make it a great addition to the family. While they are generally friendly and gentle, Chihuahuas can be dangerous, especially to young children. So, a German Shepherd-Chihuahua mix may be a better fit for families with young children. Despite their size, these dogs can still be dangerous around small children. These dogs are known for being protective and obedient. These dogs are great with children, but they may be aggressive towards strangers. The best way to socialize your Chihuahua German Shepherd mix is to start early with a puppy training program. This is a great way to introduce your new pup to a family. The price of a Chihuahua German Shepherd mix will depend on its bloodline. You can expect the price to be less expensive than a GSD if you buy it from a reputable breeder. A Chihuahua German Shepherd mix has a unique personality. The male is a bit more aggressive than a typical German shepherd, but he will not attack other dogs. This breed of dog is very intelligent and loyal but needs daily attention. Because the breed is so unusual and rare, it can be difficult to find a suitable dog for sale. Because most shelter dogs are already fully grown, it can be tricky to find a puppy. There are many breeders of Chihuahua German Shepherd mix for sale, and it can be difficult to choose a suitable puppy. But a great dog can help you achieve your goals. A German shepherd is known to be a highly intelligent and loyal dog, but it is a small dog. As such, it can be an excellent choice for an apartment or small home. Because of their small size, Chihuahua German Shepherd mix puppies need to be social with other people. This is not an ideal breed for first-time dog owners. This can be a good choice for a new family, but make sure you do your research before buying. The German Shepherd Chihuahua mix is a relatively new crossbreed. A German shepherd is a large dog, while a Chihuahua is a smaller dog. A Chihuahua is not an ideal dog for small houses. It is not suitable for apartment dwellers. It should be socialized with other animals. This breed will be a good companion to a family. Share this:.

You will save on the expenses of shots and getting spayed. Contact them and ask why! Buy, Sell or Adopt Pets in Beaumont. All About Me! Nothing written about me yet. He is red and white and will be small, Lb range. Pomeranian puppies for sale in Beaumont, TX from trusted breeders. The Maltese can serve as a lapdog but it loves to play with humans of all ages. If you are unable to find your puppy in our Puppy for Sale or Dog for Sale sections, please consider looking thru thousands of Dogs for Adoption. Golden Retriever puppies for sale in Beaumont, TX from trusted …. Browse thru our ID Verified puppy for sale listings to find your perfect puppy in your area. Partnered with the nation's most trusted and reputable breeders, we aim to deliver the cutest, happiest, and finest Yorkies to our Premier family members. These adorable pups are available for adoption in Beaumont, Texas. The typical price for Pomeranian puppies for sale in Beaumont, TX may vary based on. They need plenty of exercise but thrive indoors as well. Search for dogs for adoption at shelters near Beaumont, TX. Golden Retriever puppies for sale in Beaumont, TX from trusted breeders. Find your Chihuahua puppy for sale in Beaumont, TX. Halloween Sale starts today! She is full of puppy energy, including the typical nipping, Puppies for Sale in Beaumont Texas. Pomeranian puppies for sale in Beaumont, TX from trusted …. You've come to the right place! Learn more 69 puppies available certified breeders Transportation Location Color. Dachshunds for Sale in Beaumont. Goldens are very loyal, and need a whole lot of time to run around and play. Schipperke puppies for sale in Beaumont, TX from trusted. Three Litters to choose from, Full Registration, the most adorable little babies , they will be very well socialized and all will have appropriate vaccinations, dewormed and already Microchips will , I am accepting a deposit. I will happily FaceTime if you like, I am accepting deposits for reservation. Find and adopt a pet on Petfinder today. They're compact and muscular but good-natured and adjust well to different kinds of homes. Maltese puppies for sale in Beaumont, TX from trusted breeders. Find Pomeranian puppies for sale Near Beaumont, TX Descendent of large sled dogs, the Pomeranian is a sociable dog with a lush coat of hair. Save this search and we'll notify you when they are. Standard Poodles are typically around 40 to 70 pounds. Shih Tzus for Sale in Beaumont. Join millions of people using Oodle to find puppies for adoption, dog and puppy listings, Premier Pups is committed to providing four-legged dog lovers with happy, healthy Yorkshire Terrier puppies for sale near Beaumont, Texas. We've connected loving homes to reputable breeders since and we want to help you find the puppy your whole family will love. Poodle puppies for sale in Beaumont, TX from trusted breeders. Learn more puppies available certified breeders Transportation. Beaumont, Texas Puppies For Sale. Your puppy will come with a year health guarantee, and, if you are located out of state, we will deliver your new fur baby to your door through one of our nationwide delivery options. Neapolitan Mastiff Puppies for Sale. Because all breeding programs are different, you may find dogs for sale outside that price range. Miniature Poodles are typically around 10 to 15 pounds. Have had first set of shots and worming. Anastasia's Tiny Pupps .Three Litters to choose from, Full Registration, the most adorable little babies , they will be very well socialized and all will have appropriate vaccinations, dewormed and already Microchips will , I am accepting a deposit for reservation of your precious little one. Learn more puppies available certified breeders Transportation Location Color. Adopt yours from Premier Pups in the Beaumont, Texas area. Only selling because I have too. Poodle puppies in Beaumont, TX may span multiple sizes, which range from: Toy Poodles are typically around 6 to 9 pounds. Join millions of people using Oodle to find puppies for adoption, dog and puppy listings, and other pets adoption. Moyen Poodles are typically around 25 to 35 pounds. Small in home hobby breeder, only 1 or 2 litters per year. Their brains, size, and loyalty make them ideal police and service dogs, but they also make great friends. The Humane Society of Southeast Texas is dedicated to enriching the lives of pets and people through advocacy, education, and forever homes for our companion animals. He already has such a wonderful personality and will make someone a very loyal and special companion. Chihuahua Puppies For Sale. German Shepherd puppies for sale in Beaumont, TX from trusted …. Dogs for Sale in Beaumont, Texas. Dogs for Sale in Beaumont. To learn more about each adoptable dog, click on the "i" icon for some fast facts, or click on their name or photo for full details. Find German Shepherd puppies for sale Near Beaumont, TX German Shepherds are renowned for their incredible trainability, work ethic, and physical grace. Get directions Photo Gallery Social Contact Us Our babies are adopted quickly, so reach out to reserve your furever friend or to ask any questions. Please text, or email anytime for more information on this great boy! They began as a mix of Retrievers, Spaniels, and Red Setter. Boston Terrier puppies for sale in Beaumont, TX from trusted breeders. French Bulldog puppies for sale in Beaumont, TX from trusted breeders. Shih-Tzu and Pekingese puppies Females .This litter has at least one dog. Also, be sure to check the Poodle. Teacup Morkie Puppies For Sale. Learn more 1, puppies available 1, certified breeders Transportation Location Color. We strive to produce the best overall pets and family members. Pug puppies for sale in Beaumont, TX from trusted breeders. Prices for Pug puppies for sale in Beaumont, TX vary by breeder and individual puppy. Don't miss what's happening in your neighborhood. Why buy a Pointer puppy for sale if you can adopt and save a life? Look at pictures of. Ultra-petite, the Pomeranian is active, easy to train and enjoys the outdoors, but also loves to curl up on the couch. Next » by mudrun on 10 May - I am looking for a red and black puppy. Primarily for a pet. I am leaning toward the German lines. I like the way they look and like they try to preserve what a GSD is suppose to act like. I am new to this so I am slightly overwhelmed trying to find a reputable breeder. It goes against everything I've known to purchase sight unseen. But I have searched the internet and there doesn't seem to be many breeders near me with what I am looking for. We are near Houston Tx. I have found some breeders but they mainly have the sable looking dogs. I am not looking for a dog for any competition just want a healthy, confident puppy. I don't mind getting a puppy shipped just want to be able to trust the breeder. Any info would be greatly appreciated!!! She is a Vet tech and breeder for over 30 years. Shirley has sold me 3 of my dog's and I love each and every one. Good luck! I will investigate what your recommendations have available. Does anyone have knowledge of Mittelwest? I like the look of those dogs. Have read negative and positive reviews. I think she is near Houston, TX. I made the drive and it was totally worth it. Ryan is a stand up guy that truly does it for the love of the breed and his kennel produces some incredible puppies. All were very beautiful and even temperament. I was exteremely fond of the one young male who took both group and private obedience classes with me. He was an amazing dog. I have never met the owners of Mittelwest, but they have a good reputation and their website is impressive. I have considered an adult female they owned but just couldnt see the cost for a dog that was out of state sight unseen though her lines, paper work, age and training were what I was looking for. Someday i would like to go up and see their operation. Got him as a ten week old as a pet quality, but turned out to be show quality not my thing and good in schH. Is eight years old now, and sweet boy.

To create this article, 17 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. This article has been viewed , times. You're interested in drawing? If you love dogs, this will be great practice. From the flat face and curly tail to the wrinkles throughout his blocky body, you will find this pug irresistible! So, what are you waiting for? Erase the top half. Curve the sides out and put a straight line at the top of the curves. Round the edges. This will be the head, so make it large. Draw two rounded intersecting lines as the top wrinkles. Erase the tops so they don't touch. There should now be two curves facing the top. Do two more curvy lines, facing the opposite direction. You should have a wavy diamond-like shape, but with no lines touching. Put two more curvy lines next to the diamond bottom, above the curves you just drew but a little shorter. None of the curves should touch the sides of the head. Do two curvy lines don't worry, these are your last ones! They should look like two candy canes facing opposite each other, curving up just a little bit. There should be a space in between. Put a short line halfway in between. Put some circles in between. Put a circle inside the circle, taking up most of the space, and a circle inside the circle you just drew. Broaden the mustache lines on the right side of the shoe-shape. Draw an upside down rainbow directly under the rounded mustache and then a curve sticking out. Draw a line where the curve cuts in half. One of the most extraordinary, cheerful and friendly decorative dogs is the pug. The animal is strongly tied to the owner, so do not fall in love with a small pet can not. The ancestors of pugs from ancient China, because in the past such a dog could be found only among the nobility. How to draw a pug, what you need to know? The animal has a large round head without grooves on the skull, while the muzzle is not sharp, but square, dull. A characteristic feature is wrinkled, which should form a perfectly symmetrical pattern. The eyes of the pug are dark, and they are planted on the nose line. Ears should fit the head. Usually, they are soft and thin, set high on the skull. Drawing a pug step by step in a pencil is not so difficult to make the main thing to follow our recommendations! Would you like to draw a pug? This simple, step-by-step drawing lesson is here to assist. All you will require is a pencil, an eraser, and a sheet of paper. You may also wish to color your finished images! Learning to draw a pug for kids 1 option Learn to draw pugs for kids and draw two ground balls for the head and body of the dog. In this step, draw the eyes, then the nose and mouth for the pug. All you need to do here is to draw a large figure with a short neck, then a chest and front legs. Now the rest of the body, which consists of the hind legs and the tail rolled into a ring. Drawing a pug 2 option First, we will make the border of the future head and body. To do this, draw a circle and hook it to the corner of the rectangle. On the circle draw the sides of the triangles — ears. At the center of a round figure at a great distance we have large and round eyes. In the middle of the pupil make a concentric circle and sketching the pupil, leaving a small bright point. This will make the game alive. At the same level with the eyes, we draw a broad nose, on the sides of which we place the cheeks. Outline the design of the curve, delineating the area of wrinkles. Wrinkles above the eyes and on the forehead will help look at grief. We make the back and end up with a small tail up. From it, we go down and draw a little paw. It remains to finish the lower part of the belly and legs. We delimit the plane of the earth. Work with hatching — sketched ears pug. Do the same with the area of the nose and pupil. We give the picture volume with a few strokes on the paws and tail, near the head. Make a shadow under the dog. Drawing a face pug On one line we make 2 points. Then we circle them. We restrict the circles to oblong figures. Fill the remaining space with black. These are the eyes. Circle them with a curve. We draw a nose. Leaving two oblong lines, paint over the nose with black. Circle it and go down. This will be the cheeks, which draw on 3 points. Under the nose, you need to make a tongue, circle the mouth. Now make out the lower part of the head. For the top set 2 points above the eyes. We carry smooth lines to the eye. We connect on the forehead. On the sides, we draw ears. Focus on the shape of the head, the position of the ears, the length of the legs, and the overall body structure. Follow the steps illustrated in the below collage, and soon you will be able to draw a realistic pug. Step 1: Draw the Body of Your Dog Drawing Begin your easy dog drawing by drawing a tilted oval shape to represent the main body of the dog. Step 2: Draw the Head Attached to the main body, draw a circle to represent the head of the pug. Step 3: Add the Ears Attached to either side of the head, draw the overlapping oval shapes to represent the ears. Within the center of the head, draw a narrow oval shape to represent the nostrils. Step 4: Draw the Legs of Your Easy Dog Drawing Again, overlapping the body, draw two narrow vertical oval shapes to represent the front legs. Continue to draw a larger oval shape to represent the rear leg of your dog drawing. Step 5: Add the Paws Beneath the previously drawn leg shapes, draw the construction lines of the paws underneath each leg. These can be represented by small ovals. Continue to draw two horizontal lines across the center line and an additional two shorter horizontal lines at the bottom of the center line. Between the two horizontal center guidelines, draw a circle on each end to represent the eyes of the pug. Use the previously drawn construction lines to aid you in outlining the top and bottom neckline of the pug leading onto the oval shape of the body. Step Outline the Paws of Your Easy Dog Drawing Begin to outline a more realistic paw shape for each leg, using the previously drawn ovals in step five. Step Continue to Outline Your Simple Dog Drawing In this step, you are going to outline more realistic-looking dog ears in your simple dog drawing. Continue the step by drawing the connecting line between both ears which represents the top of the head. Finish this step by drawing the final bottom neckline. Step Outline the Eyes Use the previously drawn circles to aid you in outlining more curved and realistically shaped eyes. Within each eye, draw a half-moon shape to represent the iris. Once you have completed this step, you can erase any construction lines that are still visible. Step Draw the Mouth and Nostrils Within the face, draw the triangular-shaped mouth on the bottom area of the center guideline. Finish the step by drawing the curving nostril shape on the center axis. Make sure these lines curve around the eyes, nostrils, and mouth. Once you have completed this step, you may now erase the visible guidelines. Step Apply the First Color Coat Select a regular brush and light brown paint, and evenly coat the pug, however, leave the ears blank. Step Continue to Color Your Simple Dog Drawing With a fine, sharp brush and dark gray paint, paint the ears, eyes, and the bottom area of each paw. Step Highlight the Body Begin by lightening the first color coat throughout the body and face area of the pug, using a soft brush and white paint. Repeat using a fine, sharp brush for finer and sharper highlight lines. Switch to a blending brush to spread and fade the white paint over the first color coat. Step Contour Your Dog Drawing With a soft brush and dark bronze paint, begin to enhance the first color coat. To do this, simply follow or trace the guidelines added in step .Switch to a blending brush to soften and fade the contouring. Step Shade Your Easy Dog Drawing In this step, add shading around the facial and body contouring lines with a soft brush and black paint. Use a blending brush to soften and spread the shading between the existing color coats. Complete the step with a fine, sharp brush and black paint, and add fine brushstrokes along the bottom neckline area. Step Texture Your Simple Dog Drawing Select a fine, sharp brush and a combination of black, white, and bronze paint, and add fine brushstrokes creating a furry texture along the body of your pug. Step Continue to Texture Your Drawing Continue onto the nostril and mouth area, using a thin brush and a combination of black and white paint, and create a furry texture. Surround the eye patches with fine brushstrokes. Follow this by tracing the structure lines on the face and head with fine brushstrokes and black paint. Finish this off using white paint to enhance the fur coat. Continue onto the ears, and add fine brushstrokes using a thin brush and black paint. Repeat once more using white paint to add a fine highlighted coat within each ear. Step Color the Eyes With a fine, sharp brush and black paint, fill in both eyes. Continue onto the iris and outline it using brown paint. Finish off using white paint, and add fine brushstrokes within each paw. Step Highlight the Eyes Continue with the eyes by adding a subtle highlight within each iris using a thin brush and white paint. Complete the step using white paint to add fine whiskers to your dog drawing. Step Add a Furry Outline In this step, extend the fur coat beyond the solid outline of your dog drawing, using a fine, sharp brush and the corresponding colors. Step Apply a Ground Shadow Add shading underneath each of the paws with a small, soft brush and black paint. Switch to a blending brush to spread and soften the ground shadow. Step Finalize Our How to Draw a Dog Tutorial To achieve a realistic final result of a pug drawing, select a fine, sharp brush and matching colors and trace any harsh outlines. Congratulations on learning how to draw a dog step-by-step! Try drawing dogs in action, like running or jumping, to bring your drawings to life. Experiment with different textures and shading techniques to give your drawings depth and dimension. Remember, each artist has their unique style, and your dog drawings are a reflection of your creativity and imagination. Pinterest Email Have you ever wanted to learn how to draw a dog? Some of you may have abandoned artistic pursuits, assuming them to be a pastime of childhood, while others may protest that you lack the ability or talent. This is all errant nonsense. The only real question is what kind of dog we should draw. I started with these two stock photos for reference. I boiled them down to their most basic components and devised simple step-by-step approaches. Step 1: Start your dog drawing with simple shapes The hardest part of any drawing exercise is putting pencil to paper. Our step-by-step approach to drawing a Pug starts with very simple figures. Try one dog or the other and see which method you like the best! Look below each image for the instructions for the right-hand Pug. Our first dog drawing the Pug on the left begins with a square and a rectangle. Step 1: Drawing starts with simple shapes. Did you select the dog on the right? Start by sketching a fig, tear drop, or foil-wrapped chocolate treat. If someone is, ask them to join you! Step 2: Add and subtract lines from your art The next steps in our quest to draw a Pug are easy as well. Lucky for us, a Pug is a nice and blocky breed of dog. All you have to do is add three diagonal lines. You can erase the corners or leave them. Step 2: Eventually, our drawings will look like Pugs. The next step is just as easy for the second Pug drawing. Step 3: Puppy legs for one Pug, a crown for the other dog Our left-hand Pug needs some little legs. The legs closest to us extend right out of body, and the others come out of the chest and stomach. The legs and feet are just modified triangles. This is accomplished by drawing three lines. This is the most complicated step for our first Pug. Start with the eyes and eyebrow ridges. Draw two lemon shapes on the same level as the spine. One is above the front leg, the other split by the outside of the square. Next is the nose, which is a little oval or rectangle just below and between the eyes. Now for the tongue, an arch leaning right underneath the nose. Draw a under the tongue for a mouth, and the chin is below that. The muzzle is like a little tent wrapped around the nose. Step 4: Drawing the Pug faces. Our other Pug drawing needs cheekbones and jowls. These are nothing more than two sets of curved lines connecting the top of the head with the muzzle. I started next to the eyes on either side of the face. The more squiggly your lines, the more character your Pug drawing will have. I needed to condense both Pug drawing lessons into six steps, so this one ended up being the most complex. I broke it down further for your convenience! For the right cheek, draw a line connecting the eye and muzzle. The right ear is a little triangular shape between the eyebrow ridge and the tongue. Draw the left ear triangle. Finish with the jaw line. I tried to draw triangles for the ears on this Pug sketch. The left ear worked out fairly well, but as you can see, the right ear is more of an awkward quadrilateral. Your ear-triangle quality may vary! Draw a curly line, or the best part of a number six, from the base of the spine to the top of the rear leg. Two tiny circles for irises complete the eyes! If you desire a fawn-coated Pug, color in the muzzle and the ears. Color in the whole thing if you prefer a black-coated Pug! Step 6: Adding the final details to our dog drawings. Little circles in the eyes for the irises. Put them wherever you like! Draw half an oval into the top of the mouth triangle for a tongue! Sketch squiggly lines at the top of the head and at the base of the eyes for a nice wrinkly Pug. Color in the ears and muzzle for a fawn-coated Pug, or the whole thing for a black-coated Pug. See, anyone can draw a dog! There are tons of step-by-step lessons to be found online, and plenty of books to buy or checkout at your local library. These books are marvelous guides for people of all ages and skill levels. I hope you found these to be fun distractions from your normal routine. Let us know if you enjoyed drawing one or both dogs; if you clamor for it, maybe we can try another dog breed in the near future! Which Pug did you try to draw? How did it come out? Share pictures of your dog drawings in the comments. He enjoys making art, hiking, and concert-going, as well as dazzling crowds with operatic karaoke performances. He has a one-year-old female Bluetick Coonhound mix named Idris, and his online life is conveniently encapsulated here. Also, work on a solid surface. An H pencil has hard graphite, and it will keep a sharp point for fine lines and writing. A soft graphite or B pencil will give you nice, dark lines, but the point will wear down or dull easily. The higher the number before the H or B, the lighter or darker the lead. If you do have a budget, Blackwing pencils are what I use. Blackwing pencils have special Japanese graphite that lets you do everything from sharp lines to deep, dark shading, all with one pencil. Whatever you have on hand, pick it up and try a sketch. It is the best way to learn as you go. If you want something a little better quality, Strathmore is a great economical option with lots of different weights and sizes to choose from. For pencil drawing, you want to go with smooth paper as opposed to textured. Any paper will do to get you started. Tortillion Shading techniques. A tortillion is the fancy name for a blending stump. This makes shading so easy and fun! You can even use it to shade other areas, as you will see in the video. So, stay with me! Eraser An eraser is a very versatile tool! There are all kinds of erasers you can try. Kneadable erasers can be molded like playdoh depending on what you need. You can add texture to a kneadable eraser, like this one by Faber Castell , and roll it across your shaded areas to create inverse texture. Try an eraser pen, like the Mono Zero by Tombow , for fine areas like whiskers on a cat or those tiny highlights. This model comes with a couple extra replacements erasers. The stiff rubber nibs are great for clean outlines and sharp highlights. Also, if you have a latex allergy, polymer erasers may give you the same results without the skin reaction! Even if an artist draws from a picture or photo, they will inevitably put their own stamp on any piece of art they produce. Like a fingerprint that is unique to each human being, every artist has their own signature style. Unless they are asleep. For me, the easiest solution is to draw from a reference. That way, I still get creative, and I have good references to capture unique features. So, I say pick a photo or many and go from there. Either way, have fun! And, just as a side note — this is also my first art step-tutorial ever! How to Draw A Pug Step 1 — Outline Video: — For our pug drawing, we are going to start with an outline using very light strokes. I learned drawing pretty much on my own, so I have a method that works for me. You can find every kind of drawing tutorial out there, and learn really cool techniques from different artists, so try as many as possible. The first step is to find the center of your page. You can also draw light guidelines. Now, find the center of your subject. Symmetrical Features Next, I like to begin with the face. If you can visualize a line down the middle of that pug dog face, start there. Since this will be a quick sketch of the details, you can eyeball the distance from this centerline to each…eyeball. Almost too easy. Keep in mind that an eyeball is a sphere and not a flat circle. That means each highlight on the surface of the eye will also be curved. Remember to sketch lightly so you can erase if you have to. From the eyes, you can move down to the nose, folds of the chin, up to the forehead, and out to the ears. Measure the space between each new object or shape as you go. Outline Shade Variations Video: I also find it helpful to outline the differently shaded areas. The video might do a better job of explaining this. The forehead wrinkles, for example, are really just fine lines with a darker background. Outline those areas in preparation for shading them. We are about to turn a simple line drawing into a 3-dimensional fur baby so, stay with me. Time for some details! Begin by darkening the outline of each eye. Remember to keep referring to your photo for details. The eyes are the most important creature feature. If one eye seems a little bigger or smaller, let it be! Those quirky details make each living thing unique and are very important if you want to capture them well. That means the light reflected in them will also not be reflected symmetrically. Capturing that will give you those characteristic pug dog eyes. Do you see a circular dark area? Shade a circle in that spot. If you see two tiny triangles for nostrils, shade those in with the depth of color you see. The filling in and shading is kind of like a foundation color layer that we are adding underneath. This will help make the details pop! If your portrait now looks a little like a cute dog emoji pug, you are doing great! If you decide you need to go darker, shade another layer and blend until you get the tone you want. Natural Shadows Video: A good thing to keep in mind as you shade is where the natural shadows are. They are important! At this point in the video, I started shading in the torso, and the difference in shade between the forelegs and the hind legs helped to place them at the right distance. The darker hind legs look further away. Also, note that each paw is different in terms of the direction the toes are facing. Pay attention to those details as well. It might look weird at first, but it will all come together as you shade and fill. A bit of tissue or regular paper will give you similar results. The only difference is blending stumps can be sharpened to blend tiny areas as well. Work In Sections Video: It helps to work in small sections. Repeat steps in small areas, darkening, shading, and blending until your background is shaded. A Little Free Therapy On a personal note: art is therapy. I actually did this project at a really low point. That worried little face materializing over chipper and upbeat music made me realize that maybe I take life too seriously sometimes. The answer might be much simpler than we think — like focusing on doing what you love. This might be why I prefer pencil drawing. You can erase if you make a mistake! As Norah took shape, there was something a little off about her hind leg. This is why the outlines should be drawn lightly. They are very forgiving and easy to erase and redraw. Erasers also come in handy for adding a highlight here and there. Okay, maybe I enjoy adding detail a little too much, but those tiny, painstaking details are what bring the entire drawing to life! That said, the thousands of little hairs on this velvety pug lady looked daunting at first! BUT, I just started at one spot and went for it. If I did it, you can do this! The end result will be so worth it. Keep in mind the direction the hairs are facing refer to your photos. How long are they, how thick, and how close together are they? As unimportant as it might seem, these little unique and almost invisible details decide the final outcome. Details make something one-dimensional come alive! Yes, I said that again for effect. And there you have it! You drew a pug! If this was your first time drawing something, I am so proud of you! Keep going! Like any other skill, learning to draw will just get better the more you practice. As always, I like sharing something about the process that inspired me. But that painstaking process gave me a new understanding of the God who created all creatures, great and small. He not only designed and created every hair, but He has also numbered every hair on every head! No wonder He is jealous of His creation. I would be pretty jealous if someone tried to claim my artwork as their own after all that work! Every time you look in the mirror, learn to love those unique details He included in your design. You are one of a kind created for a beautiful purpose! I hope you enjoyed my first-ever art tutorial. I loved having you along on the journey! Stay tuned for more art videos and tutorials. Looking for a unique gift or home decor? See below for a few of our favorite picks. It almost looks like a smaller version of a bulldog! They may be mischievous and stubborn, but they can also be affectionate and loving. Because of its adorable and distinct physical features , the pug is not only one of the top choices when choosing a pet dog, it is also an appealing subject to draw. We created a step-by-step process on how to draw a pug, made easier with 9 basic steps and simple illustrations. Have fun drawing a charming and playful pug! Emphasize the chubby cheeks of the pug by making it a bit wider than the rest of the face, as shown in the illustration. Avoid pressing down too hard with your pencil when drawing the outline. It is crucial to draw with a light hand so you can easily erase any lines from the outline that you no longer need later on. Remember, when drawing a rough sketch or outline, draw with light strokes. Simply draw an uneven shape with a tapered top and wide bottom to form the right ear that is fully visible. Then, draw a similar shape halfway through on the opposite side to create the left ear. Step 3 — Then, Outline the Body of the Pug Draw an elongated shape with a round bottom right underneath the head to create the body. As you can see in the illustration, the body of the pug is relatively smaller than its head. This forms both front legs of the pug. This creates the appearance of a folded hind leg. Afterwards, draw the foot with three paws at the bottom of the hind leg. Since the pug is facing sideways, only its left hind leg is visible. In the illustration shown above, the tail is simply raised upwards. However, you can also draw it in a spiral form if you like! Create the snout by drawing a sideways oval shape at the bottom middle inside the face of the pug. This is where you will be drawing the nose and the mouth of the pug later in the following steps. Starting from the top to the bottom, proceed by drawing a curved eyebrow above each eye. Then, draw a sideways oval shape with a slightly pointed bottom paired with a W-shaped curved line inside the snout. It all depends on the glimmer of the eyes. Inside the outline of the eyes, draw a circle shape on either side depending on which direction you want the pug to be looking at. In this case, we drew the pupil on the right side. Afterwards, draw a smaller circle inside the pupil to create the iris. Then, draw two more tiny circles inside the iris. Now, shade the entire iris except for the two tiny circles. In this step, we will now be adding colors on our drawing—so exciting! Pugs come in four primary colors: black, fawn, silver fawn, and apricot. Any other color is a variation of any of these or a combination of two. Have fun playing with colors until the pug ultimately comes to life! For this pug drawing, we created such a cute cartoon version of this famous dog breed. We love the style it is drawn in, but if you want to create your own take then you could change the design a bit. You might want to make the pug look a little more realistic or maybe even simplify the design even more! Everyone knows that pugs are super cute. The only thing cuter than a pug is more pugs! You know how to do it after finishing this guide, so it should be easy enough to do. You could create all kinds of fun and cute scenarios for the pugs to be involved in, too! What kinds of pug adventures would you like to create. Some people like to dress up their cute pups in clothing. This can help keep them warm in cold weather or just make them look even cuter. We think it would look so adorable if you added some clothing to this pug sketch! Maybe it could be wearing a fluffy beanie or even a nice sweater. These are just a few ideas, but you could create any kind of doggy outfit you like! How would you like to dress up a cute pug? Once you have chosen which of these tips you would like to try out, you can finish it all off with a background. If you were to do this, you could create any kind of setting you can imagine! It could be as simple as having the pug sitting in a living room next to a fire. Or you could create a pug party with lots of treats and balloons! What kind of setting would you like for this pug drawing? Your Pug Drawing is Complete! Which dog breed would you like to learn how to draw next? Take a picture of your artwork and flaunt it on various social media channels.

Easiest Dog to Take Care of: Top 10 Breeds for a Happy Home Do you ever dream about having a furry best friend who loves to play fetch, gives the warmest cuddles, and greets you with the happiest tail wags every time you come home? A friend who is not just any dog, but the easiest dog to take care of? We know, it sounds like a dream come true, right? But we also understand that bringing a new puppy home is a big step. It's like adding a new member to your family, a little brother or sister.Top 30 Smartest Dog Breeds In The World If you're a dog lover, you've probably heard the age-old debate: which dog breeds are the smartest? While all dogs have their own unique intelligence and personality, some breeds have proven to be consistently brilliant over time. In this guide, we'll explore the top 30 smartest dog breeds ranked, from problem-solving whizzes to trainable and intuitive pups. We've done our research to provide you with an updated and informative.These pooches are joyful, lively, eager to please dogs. They are adventurous, kind, family-oriented pups who love hiking, swimming, canine games, sports and any, and all, family activities. These puppies are merry and bouncy little marshmallows. They are cuddly and sweet pups who love running around, playing, making friends and are very enthusiastic learners. The breed is divided into 3 recognized categories: Toy Poodle; Mini; Standard. Although they differ in size, one thing is for sure: they are glamorous companion pets. She is a dedicated breeder and treats all her puppies with the utmost care. She is very healthy, good temperament, smart and beautiful! Connie also continues to check in with us from time to time to see how Daisy is doing. If I ever get another poodle, it will be a Valencia Poodle. He is a very healthy and loving puppy! You can tell that he was treated with so much love. Even after getting Archie I would message Connie and she continues to respond to my messages very quickly! Our family will be going back to Valencia Doodles for new additions!! Thank you so much for everything you do and for loving these puppies so much. Connie is an amazing breeder! Our poodle was even potty trained!! Connie always communicated well with us, gave us updates on our pup and she absolutely produced the best clean, healthy, good quality, best temperament pup ever! Keep up the great work!! She offered to FaceTime and I quickly knew she was the real deal. She has been the best therapy pup for my daughter as well. Nursing school is no joke We love Piper so much that we are adopting another!! Connie is a wonderful breeder who cares for her pups and she totally focuses on quality!

If you are letting your Labrador puppy climb up and down the stairs, pause it immediately. Yes, luckily, Labrador puppies can climb stairs at some specific age of their life. Even at the age of 4 to 5 months old, your Labrador puppy will be strong enough to climb stairs. They will navigate up and down without falling and asking for your help. However, allowing your young Labrador puppy to climb stairs is not recommended. As mentioned above, before the age of 12 months old, your puppy may harm itself by frequently climbing stairs. Can a Labrador puppy go up and downstairs? Puppies are curious about their environment. As a dog parent, you will always find your puppy exploring everywhere. This activity is actually not safe for your puppy, and the experts do not recommend it. If you are not willing to stop your puppy from climbing up and down stairs, you must provide the proper training. The chances of falling from stairs or dislocating a hip bone are less in a well-trained puppy than in others. Is going up and down stairs bad for dogs? Yes, it is bad for a puppy to go up and down stairs. It is highly recommended to stop your puppy from climbing up and down stairs if they do it frequently. When you are not supervising If you do not have enough time to supervise your puppy when learning to climb upstairs, you should not allow them to do this. In your absence, your puppy may fall and break its hip bone along with some other injuries. Safety precautions to make stairs safe for puppies Work on these tasks to make stairs safe for your puppy. Supervise your puppy Experts recommend that dog parents keep an eye on puppies when they are learning to climb up or downstairs. You can prevent your dog from falling and getting some serious injury. Also, you can notice if your puppy is climbing up properly or not. Improve the visibility Improving visibility is always a good approach when your puppy is climbing up the stairs. You can turn on the lights and open up the curtains so that all of the stairs will be clear for your puppy. Keep the stairs clean Keep your house and stairs clean so that your puppy will not fall when learning new skills. The surface should have a grip If you believe that the surface of stairs is too slippery and there are chances of your puppy falling, you should build up some grip. You can place pieces of rubber carpet to increase the level of resistance. Installation of dog ramp For outdoor stairs, you can consider installing a ramp. It may require some training to make your puppy confident enough to use the ramp. Your local veterinarian is your best resource when determining the proper exercise regimen for your specific dog. So many health problems in Labradoodles have obesity as a cause or contributing factor such as cancer, kidney disease, arthritis, and heart disease. Behavioral issues like jumping, barking, and destructive behavior are often made worse by lack of physical activity. Labradoodles tend to be an easy breed for trainability. Keep in mind, sometimes too much of a good thing can be bad. Until your dog reaches their full height and weight, their joints are still developing. Too much exercise or too vigorous of activities can mean life-long bone and joint problems for your Labradoodle. Getting your Labradoodle the proper amount of exercise for their size and age may decrease their risk of many health issues, but there are no guarantees! Puppies are curious, energetic, and love to play. However, their joints and bones are still just beginning to develop. Vigorous or extended periods of physical activity can permanently damage their development. One thing puppies and older dogs both have in common is that they require lots of rest throughout the day for their bodies to recover. Larger dog breeds, such as the Standard Labradoodle, tend to need more physical activity than their smaller counterparts. On the other hand, smaller dogs like the Teacup, Toy, or Mini Labradoodle sizes may need less exercise as adults, but they finish developing quicker. A Teacup Labradoodle, for example, may be done growing as early as months in age. At that point, more strenuous activities like jogging and hiking can be incorporated in addition to longer exercise sessions! Have a question to ask a veterinarian? Click here to be connected via live chat to a real, verified veterinarian! As always, keep watch for signs of injury, heat exhaustion, or fatigue no matter how old your dog is. Be on the lookout for signs like excessive panting , drooling, or laying down. Personality While Labradoodles tend to be an active breed in general, each dog has a unique and individual personality. Some dogs are naturally couch potatoes while others are born to be athletes! Genetics play a role in this and as a result which generation of Labradoodle your dog can make a difference. In general, the closer in DNA your puppy is to a Labrador Retriever, the more high-energy they will be. That being said, you should expect and be prepared for a Labradoodle of ANY generation to be high-energy. Labradoodles that are over-exercised may show physical symptoms like sickness, limping, or avoiding going outside. While walking, they may pant excessively and choose to lie down instead of continuing. On the other side of the coin, if your Labradoodle is being destructive or unusually naughty, more exercise may be a good way to calm them down. Exercise combined with mental stimulation does wonders for obedience training! Still unsure about how much exercise your Labradoodle puppy should be getting? However, they grow quickly to their full size so they can ramp up their physical activity early on. When you bring home your Toy Labradoodle puppy at around 8 weeks, start them off with 10 minute play sessions or short potty-break walks times per day. Each month older they get, you can add 5 additional minutes to their daily exercise sessions. Still have them occur times per day as needed. When they reach a full year old, they can start their adult exercise requirements of minute sessions, once or twice every day. For example, two 45 minute walks would be great. An hour walk and a 15 minute game of fetch in the backyard would do as well! When they reach their golden years, scale back the exercise a little to minute sessions once or twice per day. Mini Labradoodle Puppy Exercise Requirements Mini Labradoodles still can have a lot of energy despite their small statures! For the first 3 months, exercise your Miniature Labradoodle in 10 minute sessions times per day. When they reach 4 months in age, you can add 5 minutes to their maximum session time. When they reach their first birthday, you can ramp up their exercise to minute sessions occurring once or twice per day. At 18 months in age, a Mini Labradoodle is likely full-grown and you can increase their exercise to the adult level of minute sessions, one or two times each day. At years old when they start to slow down a bit, ease up their exercise routine to minute sessions, once or twice a day. Remember, getting plenty of rest is key for the health and happiness of older dogs. Standard Labradoodle Puppy Exercise Requirements Standard Labradoodles are large, active dogs and need a lot of exercise. However, due to their growing joints, they need to be eased into this exercise very slowly. Have multiple, short timeframes for walks or play each day to use up their puppy energy! From months in age, 20 minute exercise sessions are appropriate times per day. From months old, increase that to 25 minutes, once or twice a day. When your Standard Labradoodle reaches 18 months in age, they can have minute exercise sessions once or twice a day. Plan for around hours once or twice a day. Combine walking with other activities and games for best results! As your Standard Labradoodles ages and becomes a senior, reduce their exercise to minute sessions, times per day. Remember, the lifespan of a Standard Labradoodle is shorter than the Toy and Mini versions of this breed. While walking is by far the most common way to exercise your puppy, there are so many more options to consider! What type of exercise your Labradoodle puppy partakes in is just as important as how long they spend doing it. Opt for lifting or carrying your pup when possible. Keep your games of fetch low-impact. Long Hikes — Hikes are normally fairly lengthy. Safe Exercise Ideas for Labradoodle Puppies Play Dates with Other Puppies — This not only provides a great opportunity for physical activity, but socialization as well! Slow Walks on a Leash — Going slow allows your Labradoodle to sniff , which is great mental stimulation! Obedience Training — Training wears your puppy out both physically and mentally. Keep sessions short and fun! Keep games of fetch short and in-control. Avoid lots of jumping or other high-impact movements if possible. Here are a handful of creative ways to sneak in some fun physical and mental activity for your pup! Snuffle Mat or Ball Instead of feeding your Labradoodle out of a bowl, try using a snuffle mat or ball on some days! This makes them use their sense of smell and creativity to find it and get to it! It may not seem like it uses a lot of energy, but mental stimulation can be just as tiring as physical activity! There are lots of wonderful snuffle toy options available on Amazon and Etsy. However, if you prefer to make one yourself, we have a simple DIY snuffle ball tutorial here! Hide and Seek This is an easy, fun game for both you and your dog! Start with some easy locations and watch your pup search until they find you. Once they understand the game, start hiding in harder spots to give them a challenge! Tug of War This is a time-tested game that most dogs naturally love! It also does a great job of helping them reach their Labradoodle exercise needs! They also do an amazing job of incorporating obedience training concepts that will make your dog naturally better-behaved. How Far Can a Labradoodle Walk? When your Labradoodle reaches their adult weight and height, they can walk miles comfortably as long as their stamina is built up. Particularly as a puppy, it can be a real balancing act getting them enough exercise while not overdoing it. More About Labradoodles…. You most likely guard him against bolting out the front door and running toward traffic in the street. But you may not have thought about the stairs in your house and how soon your puppy can safely begin to climb those stairs. Depending upon who you talk to, a puppy should not go up and down stairs from the age of 3 months to a full year. For small dogs, carrying a puppy up and down the stairs may work for several months. So, this can present a dilemma for owners of larger dogs. Fortunately, most veterinarians agree that the majority of puppies can begin climbing stairs when they are 3 months old. However, puppies should be supervised for several weeks to ensure their safety. And some dogs who are prone to hip dysplasia should use the stairs as little as possible. They should not be allowed to jump or bound up and down stairs in a way that could be hard on their joints. Climbing stairs for a young pup can be very hazardous due to injury or physical developmental risks. Most young pups are usually a little frightened of stairs and rightly so! Just think about how daunting it would be for us to run down a flight of stairs head first! Young pups are still developing muscles, bones, and cartilage until they are about a year old. However, this depends on size and breed. Larger dogs mature faster than smaller dogs. Additionally, puppies are still learning how to balance and coordinate their growing body and legs and can be a little clumsy in the beginning. So, stairs present a special challenge. Falling The most obvious danger when puppies try to navigate stairs for the first time is that they may fall. Hardwood stairs with no carpet or any type of traction can be very slippery and challenging for your pup to get a foothold. Even more dangerous are outside stairs that may be wider apart and made of stone, cement, or metal. Therefore, the risk of injury can be higher on outdoor stairs. Inclement weather such as rain, ice, or snow produces even greater challenges. If your puppy or young dog does try the stairs on his own and falls, be sure to take him to a vet immediately if you think he has been injured. Joint Damage Puppies are still developing their muscles and bones and undue stress at an early age can cause some joint damage. This can turn into osteoarthritis as they age, which can lead to an unsteady gait, pain, weakness, and limping. Be sure to see my post about how chiropractic care can help prevent some of this damage. This is why trainers discourage agility training for dogs under a year old, to give them time to fully develop strong muscle tone and bones. Any activity that includes intensive jumping or rigorous running or stair climbing is usually discouraged for puppies until they reach full maturation. When this happens it wears away the cartilage and eventually causes bone-on-bone rubbing and friction. This leads to pain, weakness, gait problems, and lameness. The hip joint is a ball and socket joint. During growth, both the ball the head of the femur, or thighbone and the socket in the pelvis acetabulum must grow at equal rates. In hip dysplasia, this uniform growth during puppyhood does not occur. Additionally, it can be caused by too little exercise that does not allow for muscle development, being overweight, and sometimes hormonal changes and neutering are thought to be possible causes. Dogs who are raised in cages at puppy mills with little to no exercise can be just as susceptible to hip dysplasia. This is true for dogs who are allowed or trained to jump and run too much before they are 3 or 4 months old. Breeds that are most susceptible to hip dysplasia include: Golden and Labrador Retrievers. There is obviously a place and a time when a puppy should start climbing and descending stairs. Is your Doodle large enough to even climb the stairs? For a small puppy, a set of stairs in a new home might as well be as looking at Mt. Everest for an adult, that would also be a bit daunting to us. Another thing you should take into consideration is the energy level of your dog. Is your dog patient enough to be able to take the stairs at a slow pace? Your Labradoodle puppy should be allowed to go up and down the stairs when they are large enough and thoughtful enough to be able to follow your lead and do it slowly. Hip dysplasia is a hereditary disease. Exercise will only make an already existing condition worse. And pretty much every response agreed with me and my vet Dr. For the exact post, I specifically asked about a Labradoodle puppy at 4 months old. If your dog seems really ready for it, everything will be fine Yes. Try to keep him from jumping up or down from anything. Just spend some time with him. If you are there to coach and guide him, he will be a pro at using the stairs in no time. But there was also one interesting response that talked about the hips. How are Stairs Dangerous for Labradoodle Puppies? One of the more common issues is that a puppy can take a serious fall down a set of stairs. My dog Monty is exactly like that. How to Teach a Labradoodle Puppy to Climb the Stairs The best approach in this situation is, in my opinion, to teach your puppy to behave while using a leash. Start by approaching the stairs and make him sit down at the bottom of the stairs. You can quite easily get your puppy accustomed to sitting at the bottom and top of any stairs. The point of this is to get your puppy to either climb or descend the stairs at a slow and steady pace. Walk to the edge of the stairs with your puppy and use the SIT command. Repeat this motion numerous times. Now walk the stairs but without giving the command this time, just wait. He will probably stare at you for a while before eventually sitting down. As soon as he sits down, you should give him a treat. Try repeating this silent approach many times. And this is related to not only Labradoodle or Goldendoodles but also other big breed pups. This can cause joint pain later on in life and perhaps even require surgeries to repair the damage. This can also be said for jumping off a tall balcony or flying himself down the last three stairs. This is also why dogs are required to be one-year-old before being allowed to participate in most dog sports such as agility courses or dock jumping. Having stronger joints allows them to endure the stress of constantly jumping better than developing and immature joints. I have seen some of the studies that are used to support the idea that climbing stairs too soon will lead to hip dysplasia. But there is an important difference between something that is directly causing hip dysplasia and something just being correlated with it. All these studies only show a correlation and never causation. These links are affiliate links, so if you do end up using the links, I will earn a commission. Dog Food: Every dog needs to eat correctly, and finding the best food for your dog can be challenging, as the market is absolutely flooded with products. Some dog breeds are too small or have hip issues which make climbing stairs difficult. But what is almost guaranteed is that puppies will struggle to climb stairs, whether in an upwards or down direction. Their size combined with a fear and unsteady balance will make stairs a potential hazard for them. When can puppies climb stairs? Puppies can usually climb stairs safely at the ages of 12 to 16 weeks. However, this is very much breed and size dependent, as some puppies will still not be big enough at the point to successfully navigate a staircase. Keep reading so you can let your puppy do stairs safely at the right age. Are puppies allowed to go up and downstairs? Puppies are allowed to go up and down stairs, but when they are too small, you should supervise behind them. I would suggest also carrying them downstairs if they cannot go down one step without jumping — that means they are too small and run the risk of tumbling. But in most cases, the age that puppies can do stairs is around 3 to 4 months. Is it bad for puppies to climb stairs? It can also be bad for certain breeds of dog to climb stairs. For example, stairs can be bad for puppies from the French Bulldog breed where the risk of hip dysplasia is higher. Young puppies will be naturally cautious of stairs during their formative months. More about puppies and stairs By and far the biggest challenge that puppies are faced in your home is how to overcome stairs. For young puppies, stairs can almost resemble mountains, continuing upwards for what seems like forever. Just one step at a time can prove a massive undertaking for a puppy, regardless of its age, and it can take many months until they begin to finally master the art of scaling them successfully. Unfortunately, it is not that unusual for older canines to never quite get the hang of climbing stairs, with many choosing to avoid traversing them later in life. For this reason, you must teach your puppy how to do this while they are still young. Without this skill, older dogs can quickly develop extreme anxiety towards climbing stairs, refusing to follow their owner upstairs, or enter properties where steps are abundant. However, there is one question that many dog owners fail to ask themselves before attempting this task, a question that when left unanswered can commonly result in many younger dogs developing long-lasting injuries. At what age can puppies climb stairs? In general, it is not advisable to introduce a puppy to stairs until they are at least 12 to 16 weeks old and fully confident on their legs meaning no clumsiness or wobbliness. That being said, it is not uncommon for younger pups to take on smaller steps from time to time, especially if they are very confident or boisterous. If you find your puppy can climb areas with small sets of steps in the home, do not immediately panic as this is completely normal behavior. Likewise, you should not chastise your pup as this could cause them to develop a negative association with the activity. If your pup is regularly climbing one or two steps, such as those found on a porch or patio, allow them to do so as this is unlikely to have any negative impacts on their health and will, instead, help them build confidence in tackling stairs for the first time. However, that being said, always deter your pooch from climbing larger sets of stairs such as those leading to a higher floor in the house , until they are of an appropriate age to minimize the chance of injury. Furthermore, this advice is especially relevant when it comes to larger breeds such as Labradors and Golden Retrievers, which we will explore in further depth later in the article. If you own one of these breeds or a similar-sized dog, make sure to keep them well away from stairs until they are at least 16 weeks old. In fact, failure to do this could be disastrous in the long run. Additionally, you should also realize that it takes time for smaller breeds, such as Yorkshire Terriers, West Highland Terriers, Chihuahuas, Mini Poodles, and Jack Russel Terriers, to grow to a size in which they can easily manage steps without any trouble. This is due to their diminutive size and overall shorter legs compared to medium and larger breeds. Furthermore, owners of small dogs should be careful not to force their pups into climbing stairs when they are very young, as doing so could lead to nasty injuries as a result of a fall or tumble. Although we may not realize it, stairs can be extremely high for small breeds. Unfortunately, many large breeds of dogs are prone to hip conditions, namely Hip Dysplasia, which can plague them throughout both their puppyhood and adult lives. Dogs suffering from this mainly inherited genetic condition develop issues with the ball and socket mechanism that allows their hip joint to move smoothly. Instead, the ball and socket will constantly rub and grind, causing canines significant amounts of pain. Over time, this abnormal motion will result in deterioration in the joint, with some dogs completely losing maneuverability after a few years have passed. Although not conclusive, there is some evidence that puppies can increase their risk of developing Hip Dysplasia by climbing stairs before their limbs have properly developed and strengthened. Despite being primarily hereditary in origin, some dogs can develop this condition solely through experiencing excessive stress on their joints or by suffering injuries. Once they reach a certain age, puppies will be bounding up stairs at will. Therefore, before introducing your pup to stairs, try and ascertain whether they are at risk of developing Hip Dysplasia. If they fall into this category, then prevent them from climbing stairs until they are at least 12 months old. However, it is worth mentioning that Hip Dysplasia can appear in medium or smaller-sized canines from time to time, although this is rare. If you find yourself worried about Hip Dysplasia occurring in your puppy, discuss this with your local veterinarian. Often, they will be able to inform you whether your breed of dog is at a higher risk of developing this issue in the future. With proper care and early treatment, dogs can easily live a relatively healthy and pain-free life. Is it safe to allow your puppy to climb stairs on its own? Alongside the risk of Hip Dysplasia, young puppies who regularly climb the stairs unsupervised are naturally at a greater risk of injury. Therefore, you should make sure to keep a close eye on your pup when they are attempting to navigate stairs, even if they have successfully done so before. Despite many dog owners feeling this is excessive or unnecessary, all it takes is one nasty tumble for a puppy to seriously injure itself. To minimize the chance of this happening you should always block the stairs when leaving the home, even if you are only gone for a short time. Alternatively, if you are unable to block access you can ask a friend or family member to keep an eye on your pup. In the case of older puppies 9 months plus , it is normally okay to allow them to climb stairs on their own. At this stage, they will have developed all the functions and skills to climb stairs without any problem. That being said, be careful not to leave any objects on the steps to limit the chance of your pup tripping and falling. Likewise, you should discourage your pup from playing or running up the stairs, as this can also increase the risk of an accident. Furthermore, this behavior is not only dangerous for dogs but can also result in owners being seriously hurt as well. How do you teach a puppy to use stairs? Teaching a puppy how to climb stairs is a relatively straightforward task. For example, one popular method used by dog owners is placing treats on the stairs. To start, grab some treats and place them on the first 2 or 3 steps, slowly encouraging your pup to climb each one. After they have done this successfully, place a few more treats higher up and repeat the process, continuing this until they have completely climbed to the top of the stairs. Make sure that you reward your puppy for any steps they have cleared successfully as this will reinforce their belief that they have nothing to fear. Additionally, you should remember to remain patient as it could take multiple tries before they feel comfortable. All puppies are different, and some may take weeks before they can climb the stairs without getting stuck or feeling frightened. Similarly, try to project confidence towards your puppy, regardless of whether you are nervous on the inside. They will quickly pick up on your positive attitude and feel less fearful when attempting to climb stairs for the first time. Conclusion Although home environments are mostly a safe and comfortable place for puppies to grow up, there are often several areas that can provide a challenge for even the most adventurous of pups — along with balconies , stairs are up there with the worst of them. With puppies and stairs you need to keep a close eye on them until they are older, more agile, and big enough to climb up or down. You might also like…. This is not true and can lead to owners pushing their puppies to dangerous and inappropriate levels of exercise. Strong Minds in Strong Bodies Appropriate exercise helps build puppies minds as well as their bodies. Exercise has a very particular and important role in brain growth and improves learning, memory and emotional response. But, exercise that is not age and development appropriate can cause significant and irreversible damage. Understanding Puppy Bodies Let's consider growth plates. Growth plates are the soft areas that sit at the ends of the long bones in puppies and young dogs. They contain rapidly dividing cells that allow bones to become longer. Growth plates gradually close and calcify and this closure is normally completed by 18 months. Until this time the growth plates are soft and vulnerable to injury. Puppy's muscles, ligaments and tendons are stronger than his growth plates which makes the growth plates liable to be injured. Injuries to growth plates may not heal properly or not heal in time for puppy to grow up straight and strong. Puppy Exercise Self directed play is an overriding rule for any young puppy. The majority of exercise can be free play, exploring, digging and noodling around. Climbing stairs are not the best for young pups. There have been studies that have found that puppies who climbed 'flights' of stairs daily before they were 3 months of age had an increase risk of developing hip dysplasia. Although the labradoodle is not prone to hip dysplasia it indicates that stairs represent a strain on any puppy's joints. Exercise Guidelines There are lots of guidelines for many types of exercise, but the most common questions are regarding running, walking and agility. Continuous Walking - sustained or continuous walking to be slowly built up. At around 6 months - 30 minutes walk is acceptable. Increase gradually and if puppy appears tired or reluctant you should back off. Running - No directed running going for a run with puppy's human except for short spurts in play until puppy has reached maturity approx 18 months. Puppy can run as much as he likes on his own. Running and endurance training can gradually be introduced around 18 months of age. Agility - Usually starting at 18 months of age. Learn more here or other smaller breeds. You can always check with your breeder and vet, but as tracheal collapse can happen in miniature poodles, for miniature Labradoodles this is a preferred collar type. Lack of mental stimulation can result in destructive behaviors from your pup. To learn more about this and the added benefits of mental exercise, we put together our favorite games and tips for Labradoodles. All puppies need a good foundation to start from. When born, a puppy needs to get used to handling and contact with their human friends. Holding their paws, touching their muzzle, tail, ears… all go towards the goal of getting them used to experiences with people. Letting puppies get used to sounds and sights is encouraged, and starting at a few weeks old you can let her explore. This is just the beginning of the process known as socialization, which you can learn more about in our detailed guide. Attention and contact are great stimulation, as well as playtime. Just be mindful they are still very young and developing! Still have questions or concerns? We covered everything from obtaining your puppy to surviving puppyhood in one piece to caring for adult dogs. A loose leash walk is the ability to walk your dog at your pace without him pulling you along. The dog is accustomed to staying near you and letting you take the lead. This takes some training and practice. There are a few ways to train a dog to do this. Among them are working with no leash and rewarding them for staying nearby. Other methods include gently encouraging them to stay at your pace with the leash. For example, if they pull forward you can stop, cheerfully call them, and take a few steps back. It will not happen immediately in most cases. In the end, she will naturally follow you along and at your pace. Smaller Doodles might be easier to keep near you, while larger ones might tend to pull a bit more. Each dog is unique though! If you struggle with it, try and find a professional early on. How much exercise should I expect when my Labradoodle is full-grown? Labradoodles, in particular, can be high-energy dogs, so as they grow you should be sure they get enough attention and activity. We have an entire guide covering exercise from puppy to adult, including our favorite activities, which you can read here. Ample room both indoors and outdoors are ideal for this breed. They are athletic, active and agile. Like people, they will work their way up to more strenuous activity. At full grown, they will be active and playful! They typically love the water and are natural swimmers. As a retriever breed, a nice game of fetch is always a good idea! Remember that each puppy is an individual. Regardless of his size, parents, and breed, each puppy will have his own personality. How long do Labradoodles live? Some studies have shown that mixed-breed dogs have a greater life expectancy than pure breeds. Your Doodle might surpass either of its parents in age. Smaller Poodles tend to live longer and Poodle mixes from a small Poodle may do likewise. So again, talk to your breeder, and see what the lineage of your puppy is. How healthy are her parents; how old were her grandparents? You can have at least a good idea of what you might expect from that information. A trip to your vet can confirm her health and of course, get her any needed shots. Ideally, your Labradoodle will have a lifespan of 12 years or more! Providing your dog a safe and nurturing home can only help her. Proper nutrition, care, socialization, and exercise will all help your Doodle live a long, happy life. Hungry for more? Check out all of our Labradoodle articles to become an expert on the breed. Food We feed our puppies 3 times a day until they reach approximately 19 weeks old. Then we switch to 2 meals per day, one in the morning and one in the evening. We will send you home with a sample package of the dog food that they were on while in our home. If you plan on switching, please do so gradually as to not upset their stomachs. Click Here for a great site that rates the different dog foods. Whole Dog Journal is an informative monthly newsletter packed with wonderful stuff. They also do a dog food review that is invaluable. To check it out Click Here. Clean, fresh water should always be freely available. Apple Cider Vinegar is said to have a large number of benefits for them. For more information: Click Here Sleeping Your new Australian Labradoodle puppy will be missing its mother and litter mates and the comfort of cuddling with them to sleep. It may help to rumple up the bedding and roll up some towels for puppy to snuggle up to. Each pup will go home with a cloth that has been rubbed against their mom and will retain her smell. Put this with your puppy so the familiar smell will help puppy settle in for the night. Some soft music or a ticking clock can also be helpful. Your presence will be reassuring. Your puppy will need to go out in the middle of the night, so wear your warm PJs. House Training Your Australian Labradoodle puppy will come to you already familiar with the crate. House training is more about your vigilance than it is about the puppy. Restrict the area your puppy can be while indoors. Watch your puppy like a hawk. If they show signs like circling or sniffing, carry them outside. When puppy goes in the right place, have a little party and then go back inside. Puppy should be able to hold it for an hour, then let puppy out and go directly outside to the potty spot. Once puppy goes, have a party and then take puppy back inside for some free time with you. As puppy succeeds with the free time, you can lengthen the time. Soon puppy will be spending a few hours with you, an hour in the crate and then pottying outside. This routine will take time and lots of commitment. Once puppy understands that outside is the place to go, you can give puppy more free space in the house. Remember, puppies need to go to the toilet at some predictable times such as after waking up from a sleep, after eating or drinking, after anything exciting…. Exercise Australian Labradoodle puppies under 1 year old should have restricted time on the leash. Jogging for miles or going on very long walks on the leash forces the puppy to perform the same mechanical movement at the same pace for long periods of time. This is not natural for puppies. Puppies are used to changing pace frequently, galloping one minute and then trotting the next. If puppies are forced to maintain a pace for a long time, it can damage ligaments and immature joints. Playing outside and short periods on leash will provide puppy a safe amount of exercise. Leash Times: 10 wks-4 months: Puppies could safely do a 15 minute walk on leash. Puppies should not be allowed to do any of the above. Failure to observe these things can induce hip dysplasia and other joint problems even in a healthy puppy.