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Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Why do I want a show lines pug puppy? I'm only looking for a pet. Experience the ultimate joy of owning a pug puppy from Companion Pups! We go beyond the conventional notion of keeping show-quality pugs exclusively for show homes. We believe that everyone deserves the absolute best when it comes to their furry family members. Pugs were bred to be people's companions, and we are passionate about bringing that exceptional companionship to your home. Purebred doesn't always guarantee superior breeding or adherence to pug standards. That's why our show lines ensure that you not only get a pug with the correct look but also the perfect personality, temperament, and size. Our show line puppies possess a special charm that makes them thrive in a multitude of environments which makes for the best family companions ever —happy, playful, and confident, without being hyper or spastic. They are intelligent, attentive learners, embodying the chunky, wrinkly look and adorable nose roll that pug enthusiasts adore. By choosing a show line puppy from us, you're selecting a well-balanced, fun-loving, and fiercely loyal companion that exceeds all expectations. Experience the beauty and trainability wrapped up in the healthiest pug puppies. Our AKC and International lines are health tested and our pugs are pre-spoiled, ensuring a delightful addition to your family. Welcome to Companion Pups, the home of the Kisses' Line of Pug Puppies, where our pugs literally give you kisses and are eager to shower you with love and affection! We'd also like you to know you can always expect a quick response from us as well so you are never left waiting and wondering when you'll hear back. It's our goal to be here when you need us for the life of your pug. Welcome to the Companion Pups family! Why Is My Dog Shaking? Dogs are known for their loyalty and companionship, but when they start shaking, it can be a cause for concern for pet owners. Shaking in dogs can be a sign of various issues, from dog anxiety and dog fear to dog medical conditions. In this blog post, we will explore the common causes of a dog shaking and what pet owners can do to identify and treat the problem. We will also offer tips for preventing dog shaking and ensuring.By doing regular grooming at home, you can help your dog look its best between visits to the groomer. You also get to bond more closely and build stronger trust with your dog. Routine grooming sessions will keep your dog clean and feeling fresh, but it will also.Their personality is lively, their nature fun-loving, and their disposition affectionate. As even-tempered, sweet, and playful dogs, Pugs make wonderful playmates for kids of all ages and lovely companion pets for couples, singles, and seniors. These little joy bringers love to cuddle and are generous with their Pug love. When it comes to their family, Pugs attach like magnets. They are known to happily shadow their humans in every activity and are just as happy lazing on the couch all day as they are going for a long evening stroll around the neighborhood. November 15, 1 Comment Gorgeous, compact, and slightly clownish, the Pug is a cherished dog bred with unique features and a charming personality. Pugs are a perfect choice for the first time dog owner since they are low maintenance when it comes to exercise, great with kids, and most importantly, they are ready to put that smile on your face with a cuddle on the couch. This guide will give a detailed answer to the first question most individuals have when they have decided to purchase a Pug — how much do Pugs cost? While you will pay much more for such a dog, you will have peace of mind knowing the dog comes from a superior line. Which Factors Affect the Cost of a Pug? Location Location is the primary factor that affects the cost of Pugs — their price can vary vastly based on your country. For instance, prices differ from the U. Quality The cost will vary from low to high based on the quality of the Pug too. There are two primary kinds of Pugs: show quality and pet quality. Show quality Pug puppies are more costly compared to the pet quality ones. Some competent Pug breeders will ensure the puppies are health tested to evaluate possible genetic disorders and diseases. However, even with these health tests, puppies can be susceptible to health issues as they mature. With so many breeders out there, choosing the best breeder to buy a Pug puppy from can be overwhelming. Here are a few tips to help you buy quality dogs. Visit the breeder to check out the conditions the dogs are bred in. Request to see the parent of the puppy. Confirm whether both parents are purebred. Supply and Demand The prices of Pugs change throughout the year, but they are usually higher from late spring to the winter holidays. When the demand is high, the cost of a Pug will also be high. Breeders begin to advertise Pug puppies when they are around weeks old, with a goal of finding suitable homes for them before they reach 9 weeks. Once they are beyond 9 weeks, their cost will gradually drop since potential owners aim to take them home around 8 weeks — when the puppy is ready to be separated from its mother. If those puppies reach 3 to 5 months old without being sold, the breeder may decide to reduce their price significantly or integrate them into the breeding program. What is the Cost of Nourishing a Pug? Weighing about 14 to 18 pounds, the Pug is a small pup with a great appetite. Wrapping up If you are looking for a frisky, loving, and petite companion, a Pug could be the perfect choice for you. Pugs love children and make wonderful pets for families because of their tendency for playtime and adaptability to any living environment. When searching for the best pup, bear in mind that many factors affect the cost of a Pug but in the end, a new playful companion is priceless. We live in Western Wa. Rescue is also an option. Let us kknow if you can be of any help in our search. With special needs I first found out about Grayson from a cryptic message at the end of October. All it said was that there is an extremely sick Frenchie in a shelter scheduled for euthanasia today that we were trying to pull him out and whether I would foster to which I said of course. It was exactly 3 days later when I got a call from the director of the rescue. Grayson made it to our vet and his evaluation was not good. He had a left sided failure caused by a genetic heart issue complicated by heartworms, a completely preventable condition, and he was given a week to live. I felt like there had to be more I could do for this dog and then it hit me — Grayson is dying and he never got to experience anything! We took him to the beach where he tried to chase the seagulls even though he could barely walk, to a ranch where he got kissed by a wild pony, on a convertible ride to get a puppachino, we cooked him steak, he met and peed on a giant tortoise, had a professional photoshoot and visited Bayou Bend Gardens. Before we knew it, a week turned into two, then three and before we knew it he had people overseas reaching out about his story. People were asking about heartworms and he was making a difference. Just as we began hoping Grayson may celebrate New Year with us, an upper respiratory infection hit him with an incredible strength. For two weeks we fought as hard as we could for him hoping his appetite would pick back up knowing well this may be it. And then he finally had a good day, and one after that, he got excited about meal times and I felt like I could breathe again. As of today, Grayson got to eat Turkey on Thanksgiving and Christmas both, he celebrated Mother's and Father's day, he has met endless friends and lived a life he should have had from the start. None of this changes the fact that his condition is terminal. When his symptoms become severe enough and he can no longer enjoy his life, we will be there to hold him as he crosses over. But it will not be today. This is a story of a rescue taking in a dog that will never make it out. A dog that never stood a chance but a dog whose life has been turned around because the rescue stepped in. His story could have ended in that shelter but it did not. Living with Grayson for the past 2 months has taught us more than I would have ever thought a dog could. Grayson was abused and he will pay the ultimate price yet he is not bitter at all, the opposite in fact. He loves people and wants to be loved on all day long. He has learned his new name within days and runs to us as fast as his body allows him to. Having him here has made us to cherish every single day because we are not promised tomorrow. He taught us to let go of our baggage and live in the now. Your donations help not only dogs getting ready for adoptions but also dogs like Grayson, dogs that will live out the rest of their days in rescue. We thank you for your support.

Check out our guides on best dog food for Doodle puppies here. The age at which a Bernedoodle reaches its maximum height is very much dependent on their type. Smaller dogs, such as Tiny Bernedoodles naturally achieve this much earlier at around months, while with Standard Bernedoodles may take up to 14 months to get to their full size. Miniature Bernedoodles will sit somewhere between this at months. When they get to their adult size, they will likely continue to grow outwards as their muscles develop. This means their weight will continue to go up. You can calculate their potential adult weight by taking what they weigh at 18 weeks and multiplying it by two. Medium and Miniature Bernedoodles Medium and Miniature Bernedoodles usually get to half their full weight around 3. You can calculate their potential adult weight at 18 weeks by taking what they weigh at that age and multiplying it by two. Standard Bernedoodles Standard Bernedoodles usually get to half their full weight around 4. You can calculate their potential adult weight at 23 weeks by taking what they weigh at that age and multiplying it by two. While there are no guarantees with hybrid dogs breeds, careful observation of the various types and generations of Bernedoodles now allows us to make some pretty decent predictions on their adult size and weight. Their specific rate of growth, as well as their final size, has a lot to do with the type of parent Poodle used in the original, as well as in any subsequent breeding. This enables us to categorize Bernedoodles in Standard, Miniature and Tiny sizes. Smaller dogs will attain their adult size much sooner than their larger counterparts who may not reach full maturity until well into a year of their lives. Either way, their weight is likely to continue to increase even once their size is fixed. Hopefully, the information included here will allow you to do that with a fair degree of accuracy. It is not intended to be a substitute for qualified professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian or other qualified animal health provider with any questions you may have. You Might Also Like. Is the weight you entered accurate or an estimation? Don't worry, you can opt out at any time. And in case you missed it, our interactive Doodle puppy weight calculator is just above, which predicts how much your Doodle will weigh when full-grown with an interactive growth chart, so be sure to scroll back up and give it a try! Our Doodle weight calculator is above, but you can also use Puppy Weight Calculator for over other dog breeds! This unpredictability might be leaving you feeling worried, anxious, or simply just curious. They generally reach their maximum height by one year old but can spend a little longer gaining girth and weight. They generally finish growing anywhere between years of age. Due to this rapid growth, it is extremely important for your Doodle to get the nourishment he needs through specially formulated food for puppies. Check out our Doodle puppy food review articles here. Our Doodle puppy growth chart calculator references data from this study. This weight range is typically associated with Toy Doodles. A Toy Doodle will then plateau at its full adult weight between 7. This weight range is typically associated with both Mini and Medium Doodles. This weight range is typically associated with Standard size Doodles. A Standard Doodle will then plateau at its full adult weight between .We hope this article gave you good insight into the different growth patterns for each size of Doodle and which formulas you can use to predict their adult weights. If you have a full-grown Doodle, let us know in the comments below if this calculator was accurate for you! Interactive Puppy Growth Chart for Doodles At the very top of this page, enter the type of Doodle, size, current age in weeks, and current weight in lb. It is not intended to be a substitute for qualified professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian or other qualified animal health provider with any questions you may have. You Might Also Like. What kind of diet do we give our pooches for a healthy weight? What you should never overfeed a dog? You should never ever overfeed your dogs too much carbs as they get stored as fat in the body if they are not used. Unfortunately, carbohydrates are much cheaper an ingredient as compared to the other nutrients like protein. Hence, they are often used by major large dog food manufacturers to make up the weight of dog food whilst keeping the prices of the dog food low. This is the main reason why pets all over the United States are getting obese. And, ironically, this became the driving forces behind the rise of these healthy pet food startups , as their founders seek to provide their own proper and much healthier alternatives. The high fiber content will make your dogs feel content faster and thus eat less. And since fiber does not get stored in the body like carbs do, it can be promising measure to keep your pooch's weight under control. Mathematically, eating less will reduce weight gain. However, it can easily lead to malnourishment if your dog is not given the proper nutrition. We are talking about nutrients beyond the common proteins and carbohydrates. They include omega fatty acids, minerals, vitamins, amino acids and many more! The key here is not to eat less. The key here is to maintain a balanced diet. And what constitutes a balanced diet? That requires a deep understanding and a wide study in the field of pet nutrition to truly determine it; so much that it warrants a university degree. To get the most balanced, holistic and healthiest dog foods , it is often better to leave it to the experts. Have you been scheduling your dog's meal time wrongly? And does it really matter? Scheduling your dog's meal time will tune their stomach to become hungry only at their meal times. Combining this with the right amount of dog food given to them, it will keep your dogs from becoming hungry out of meal hours. In turn, this will maintain their metabolism rate and utilize all the food they consume fully and appropriately. As a bonus, regular meal time will also discourage them from scavenging around the house like little vacuum cleaners as they grow accustomed to the amount of food they are given and to be used for the intervals between meal times. These food brands are not your typical corporate pet food manufacturers. These are pet food startups fueled by the passion from their pet enthusiasts founders who only want the best for all dogs under the sky. Each of them have came up with their own unique formula that will surely satisfy your dogs' taste buds without compromising their health. Click here or the button below to learn more about these bespoke food brands. Underweight and undernourishment is as real an issue as obesity among dogs. Underweight dogs appear thin and frail. And before you know it, they will start to lose all the hair on their coat and look like anything but a dog. These cases created a market of specialized dog food that help your dog to gain weight healthily. Here are 7 of the best dog foods for weight gain that can help your underweight dog get back its glory. Read more by clicking the button below. Bernedoodle Puppy Development Stages Birth — 2 Weeks Regardless of Bernedoodle breed size, the puppy development stages are very similar. Newborn Bernedoodle puppies have not developed all senses. They can taste and touch but cannot see or hear. During these initial few weeks, you can expect the pups to be reliant on their mother for milk and warmth, with them reluctant to leave her side. Mothers play a critical role in these first few weeks. They regulate the body temperature and help support the potty needs of puppies at this stage. The pup becomes more independent and curious about the world around them. Bernedoodle pups will start to crawl and wag its tail. By 12 weeks, they will easily stand up and confidently stroll. During this phase, Bernedoodle puppies also develop all their senses so can start to be trained. Simply obedience and social skills training can start to happen to ensure that good habits are learnt early. By 12 weeks, the pup will start to teethe and at that point can start weaning. In this stage you can start to train them with more complex commands to make them into the loving and affectionate pets you crave. Bernedoodles can be potty trained during this phase as they continue learning key life skills to carry them through into adulthood. You can also expect the baby teeth to get replaced with adult teeth and the development of the adult coat. By the end of adolescence, your Bernedoodle will start to resemble the size of an adult and have developed full sexual maturity. However, they are not likely to have developed full mental maturity by this stage. During early adolescence, you should consider getting your pup spayed or neutered as this can prevent unwanted pregnancy and also calm your puppy down as they experience adolescent hormonal change. Bernedoodles can fully transition to adult food by the age of 10 months. Adult From 18 to 24 months, Bernedoodles will reach physical, emotional, and sexual maturity. They should have developed good behaviors and routines so they can live a fulfilling adult life. By adulthood, Bernedoodles will have reached their maximum height, however, you should keep a close eye on their weight as this can be affected by non-genetic factors such as nutrition and exercise. Continue to visit the vet regularly for check-ups to ensure any health issues are caught early. How Big Do Bernedoodle Get? Four common ways to predict the size of a Bernedoodle are explained below. The information provided will have details on the size and weight of the parents and hopefully grandparents. A DNA test is an alternative to getting genetic information from breeders. Ost vets will offer this as a paid-for service. Observing the paws is another easy method of monitoring growth. If they are larger than the body, further growth is coming. Finally, the Bernedoodle growth chart is a free way of tracking the size and weight of your puppy. The chart is easy to use and is structured by providing monthly height and weight estimates for you to compare against. Bernedoodle Height Chart Combining a Berner with a Poodle, which has four size varieties, means Bernedoodles can range from tiny to large dog breeds. This is something to consider when looking to adopt a Bernedoodle. Also note, that males and females will likely differ in sizes, with males on the larger end and females on the lower end of estimates. Measuring the height of your Bernedoodle is an easy task. Simply grab a tape measure and place your pup straight on a flat surface, then measure from their withers to the ground to get an accurate height measurement. The withers are located between the shoulder blades. Spaying and neutering are common, low-risk procedures, however, you should be careful as to when they are carried out. Neutering removes the testicles from a male dog while spaying removes the ovaries from a female dog. These common procedures prevent your pup from impregnating other dogs or getting pregnant themselves, while also protecting against testicular and ovarian cancer. The procedure reduces aggressive tendencies during adolescence. The procedure is recommended to take place once the physical growth of your Bernedoodle has stopped, so this may be a period between 12 to 18 months. Use the Bernedoodle size chart to help guide you. Goldendoodle vs Bernedoodle Size Goldendoodle and Bernedoodle are both cross breeds which have multiple sizes. The Standard Bernedoodle is larger than the Goldendoodle, with the Standard ranging up to a maximum of 90 pounds, while the maximum weight of a Standard Goldendoodle is 65 pounds. The Medium and Mini breeds of both breeds have similar weight and height ranges, with specific sizes dependent on the breed generation of the parents. In terms of temperament, both Bernedoodle and Goldendoodle are friendly and sociable dogs. Bernedoodles can be calmer, while Goldendoodles are typically friendlier. Both make great loyal companions. Factors That Affect Bernedoodle Growth The section below highlights some known factors affecting the growth trajectory of Bernedoodles. Where possible, find out if there are any hereditary health issues from the breeder so you can be prepared. Gender plays a role too, with male Bernedoodles being larger than females across each breed size. Nutrition While genetics set the overall parameters for growth, nutrition will affect where your pup sits within the estimates. A healthy balanced diet containing a good range of protein, fats, vitamins, and minerals is essential for supporting strong growth. The dog owner controls the nutritional intake of the pup, therefore, you play a critical role. You should take time to research specific foods and reputable food brands. Also, monitor closely each time your pup tries new foods to look out for adverse reactions. Bernedoodles are not particularly energetic so need between 30 to 60 minutes of exercise per day. This will allow them to burn calories but also ensure they are kept happy and stimulated. Exercises may include running, jumping, or climbing. An additional hour of low-intensity exercise such as walking is also recommended. Be careful when exercising during adolescence as their muscles can be strained. The first step to determining the amount to feed your Bernedoodle is finding out approximately what your puppy will weigh when they are adults. Increase the food intake as the pup grows. Young puppies are usually offered 3 meals between 2 two and 6 months of age. After 6 months, offer your puppies two meals per day. The amount of food your puppy needs to maintain their good body condition varies depending on the metabolism rate of each puppy and its activity level. A healthy Bernedoodle will eat cups of food daily. Four months puppy east more than 8 weeks old puppy. Spotting signs of being significantly underweight or overweight is an important role that a dog owner plays. Often, this can be a sign of a serious medical issue or a sign of insufficient care. It is therefore critical that you know how to spot this. As weight gain or loss can be gradual, it may escape the eye of dog owners as to whether your dog is underweight or overweight. There are simple checks all owners can do; these are outlined below. If you cannot feel the ribs because of the fat, then they have excess weight. However, if you can feel the ribs easily, your Bernedoodle is underweight. Feel the spine — the same test of the ribs can be applied to the spine. You should run your hands gently and be able to feel the spinal cord, but the bones should not be protruding. A spine that is pronounced with no or little flesh means your puppy is underweight, but if there is a lot of fat on the spine, your Bernedoodle has extra weight. You are lucky if you own a Bernedoodle because mixed breed generally tends to have fewer health-related issues that can affect their growth. However, there are still chances that your Bernedoodle will develop conditions such as elbow dysplasia, allergies, eye issues, hip dysplasia, and skin eyes. The good thing about these diseases is that they should not affect the lifespan of your Bernedoodle or their growth, hence you should not worry so much. You always seek advice from your vet to ensure that your dog is not safe. Do Bernedoodles Experience Growing Pain? Panosteitis is commonly referred to as Growing pain and is an inflammation of the leg bones which ultimately leads to lameness. It shifts from one location to another and can phase from worsening to improving within a few days to a few weeks. Growing pains usually occur during growth and affect Bernedoodle puppies up to 2 years of age. It is caused by pressure that is created by the growth rate within the bones. Growing pains are a no concern and do not affect the later health life of your Bernedoodle but it is a painful condition and can interrupt the growing experiences of the puppy. Seek vet advice to rule out any possible illnesses such as bone diseases and get insight into how to manage Growing pain in your puppy. It is of great concern to know if your Bernedoodle puppy is the right weight when compared with the growth chart. However, it is normal to have your puppy not perfectly fitting in a growth chart. Not all dogs will fit in the spectrum of the growth chart. They are made up of averages especially for mixed breeds because they can have a lot of variety. It might be time to cut back some food if you find that his tummy is sagging but if you can see the ribs then it is time to increase his food. Consult the vet if there is no reason why your dog is not on the growth chart so that you can rule out any possible illnesses. Some dogs are picky eaters and hence might not like some food. Your dog is overweight because they consume more calories than they burn. Therefore, to achieve good results your dog should be able to eat less and exercise more. Most dogs can achieve a predictable weight loss when they are fed with a constant amount daily but other may require even fewer calories depending on their age and activity level. For weight control, you should be aware of how many calories are in a cup of food. Do not free-feed an overweight dog because it is unnatural and can contribute to unnatural hormonal changes that can make weight loss more challenging. Feed your dog two to four small portions of food daily with the total number of calories and treats being equal to the number of calories desired to lose weight. Weigh yourself first if your dog is light enough to lift. The reason you should weigh yourself first is that small and medium-sized dogs may not weigh much to offset the scale and provide a reliable measurement. Then stand on the scale again while you are holding your dog that is climbing on the scale again with your dog. Ensure that you keep your dog calm and still because too many movements could delay the reading or throw you off the scale. Subtract the reading when not holding the dog from the one when holding your dog. The veterinarian usually recommends weighing your dog every 6 months to ensure they are within the healthy range and to monitor any potential illness. Bloat usually happens when the stomach gets swollen with gas or food. GDV can be prevented by the pet parents undergoing a surgical procedure known as Prophylactic Incisional Gastropexy. Orthopedic injuries— Bernedoodles at any age may suffer from orthopedic issues such as elbow dysplasia, cranial cruciate ligament ruptures, and hip dysplasia. Vets may recommend weight management, joint, and hip supplements with chondroitin, glucosamine, and fish oil to help Bernedoodle suffering from any orthopedic conditions. In some cases, you may need acupuncture, medication, surgery, or physiotherapy. Final Words Hopefully, this article has given you all the essential information you need to know about the Bernedoodle growth chart. Monitoring the size and weight of your Bernedoodle pup is crucial for all dog owners to do. As we have demonstrated, it is easy, simple and cheap to do and will give your pup the best chance of living a long and healthy life. If you ever have concerns about the growth of your Bernedoodle, you should seek the advice of a vet for reassurance. These regular check-ups will also spot any underlying health conditions early. Peter My name is Peter and I am a dog lover. I have two German Shepherd dogs, one of which is called Biscuit because his coat is very light with brown patches. My wife and I moved from the UK to Ohio where we now live with our two daughters. We love squash on weekends and following the English Premier League closely! Previous Article. There will be Bernedoodles or Australian Bernedoodles who will fall outside these averages. Genetic luck and the size of the parent dogs are the greatest influencing factors on the final weight and height for Bernedoodle dogs. There is no strict rule here though, so when considering the averages think slightly lighter for female Bernedoodles but no major difference. Stuck inside? We wrote the ultra fun mega list of 35 Indoor Dog Games and Activities to play with your puppy! Treat that Bernedoodle to some DIY fun indoors at home. So we know now that Bernedoodles can swim , but do they actually enjoy swimming? When Do Bernedoodles Stop Growing? There is no steadfast and definite rule about when a Bernedoodle will stop growing. Much of the growth rate is going to be influenced by the two parent breeds. The Bernese Mountain Dog and a standard Poodle. Because Berners Bernese Mountain Dogs are giant breeds, their Bernedoodle offspring will experience slower, more prolonged growth. Bernese Mountain Dogs are considered fully grown at the very earliest 2 years of age. It can extend to almost 3 years before growth stops completely. Poodles can be at their maximum height and weight by 18 months of age at the earliest. The percentage of each parent breed present in the Bernedoodle will influence the age at which a puppy will stop growing. This means there are different growth rates and growing stop times for the following F1 Bernedoodles F1b Bernedoodles Australian Bernedoodles By chatting with Veterinarians, breeders, and double checking with actual owners — I have calculated the following age at which Bernedoodles stop growing depending on which type of Bernedoodle they are. Genetic makeup is more important than gender or size. At-home grooming is a breeze with the correct tools. Check out the only Bernedoodle brush you will ever need to buy , or our reviews and tests of the 5 Best Shampoos for Bernedoodles and our very favorite choice. An F2bb Bernedoodles enjoy snow just like all Bernedoodles! What exactly is puppy growth? There are two different variables to consider when we are figuring out when a Poodle Mix will stop growing. The height measured to shoulder and weight pounds or kilograms will peak at different times. When do Bernedoodles start growing? They inherit the love for the cold form the Bernese Mountain Dog — a breed originating in the Swiss mountains. Well technically it started before they were born, but we can monitor the incremental increases once they are born. There will be continual addition of weight and height from birth all the way through puppyhood. The most exuberant fast growth occurs around months of age. This is when you will see the most significant increases in height and weight for your Bernedoodle puppy. Full height can be reached after around 12 months of age. Set a line in the sand at 14 months and do not expect any more height increases at that time. Full weight will take longer, as per the table above. Bernedoodle Size Calculator Once you have your Bernedoodle puppy , start to weigh your dog. The easiest way to do this when they are young is to step onto a scale with your dog, and then weight yourself without them. The difference between the two is the current weight of your Bernedoodle puppy. As the giant Poodle Mix breed Bernedoodle gets older it will become more difficult to easily weigh your dog. Most veterinary clinics will have a scale they are happy for you to use though. Give your Vet a phone call and check they are happy for you to do so. Some larger pet stores will also have a scale available for use. In other words: take a Bernedoodle growth chart with a grain of salt. It is not a major issue if your Bernedoodle grows more quickly, or more slowly than the averages. Use the Bernedoodle puppy weight calculator instead to predict the size of your dog. The standard Berendoodle growth chart. As you can see, there is a range. Different Bernedoodles may trigger the exuberant fast growth earlier or later. Consider using the Bernedoodle weight calculator once you have some data from your own dog. As far as we know, this is the only weight prediction calculator that is based on actual scientific growth data specific to individual breeds and the most accurate puppy weight calculator on the internet. Does the smallest puppy in a litter stay the smallest? Until pure-bred puppies are about weeks old, their weight is not yet a prediction of their adult size. As they grow throughout the two months of their life, the biggest pup of the litter might become one of the smaller ones, and the runt might catch up! This might be different for mixed-breed puppies as there can be a lot of size variation within one litter. Is a dog full grown at 6 months? No dog breed is done growing at months old. In general though, small dog breeds mature much faster than large breeds. A lap dog like the Chihuahua will be closer to his adult size at 6 months old than a very large breed. Keep in mind that even though your small dog might look like an adult dog already at 6 months old, they are still very much puppies and need a lot of patience and training. Is a dog full grown at 10 months? Small breeds such as Cavachons or Shorkies are nearly fully grown at 10 months old. Large breeds are not — in fact, some very large dogs such as Mastiffs or King Shepherds can grow and fill out until after their second birthday. At what age does a dog reach its full height? Small dog breeds reach their full height by their first birthday. Large dog breeds can grow in height until they are about 16 months old. Their chest can become wider especially if they have not yet been spayed or neutered and they become more muscular. This might give your dog the appearance of growing considerable, but it is all fluff! Do dogs eat less when they stop growing? Many dogs eat a lot while they are growing, especially giant breeds. Their calorie needs decrease as they reach their final size. Just like a growing teenager eats more than most adults! If you notice that your dog gains weight and becomes chunky somewhere around 18 months of age, the reason is probably that he does not need the amount of food anymore he required as a growing puppy. At what age do puppies grow the most? Puppies grow the fastest during their first week of life. They usually double their birth weight by the time they are 7 days old. While they continue growing rapidly afterwards, they do slow down a bit. The same is true for all other species: The growth rate is the highest when they have just been born. This is because they quickly need to gain weight to be strong and healthy. If a puppy or a whole litter of puppies struggles to gain weight quickly in the first few days, it is crucial to take them to a vet. Perhaps the mother is not producing enough milk, and the pups need some bottle feeding in addition to nursing. At times, puppies can also have congenital defects that cause slow weight gain. Breed-specific growth and weight calculators for puppies Below you can find our breed-specific growth calculators:.

Breeds The link has been copied! Few dogs are as intelligent and loyal as German Shepherds. With its athletic build and remarkable drive, this working breed makes excellent companions, herding dogs, police K-9s, and therapy animals. How much does a German Shepherd cost? The price of a German Shepherd puppy can vary a lot from one breeder to another. German Shepherds are active and need plenty of stimulation. Flea and tick preventatives are a must-have. You might face additional costs such as pet insurance, training classes, boarding fees, or dog walkers. Puppies tend to cost more due to the high demand. However, professional breeders charge a lot more. Professional breeders usually conduct health testing for the parents. Elbow and hip dysplasia and degenerative myelopathy are the two main tests to look for when adopting a GSD puppy. Prenatal care for the mother can be expensive. These costs can include bloodwork, ultrasounds, and X-rays. Most breeders raise the puppies for the first eight to 12 weeks. They provide nutrition, a living space, socialization, and sometimes early training. Puppies typically receive veterinary care, including a first round of booster shots and a deworming treatment. Colors German Shepherds can come in a few different colors. Black and tan and black and cream are the most common GSD colors. However, there are rarer colors, like black and silver, sable, or black. These colors meet the official breed standards, and a puppy with an unusual color can be worth more. Bloodline and Purity One of the key factors that influences the cost of a GSD puppy is the parents and their pedigrees. A breeder will look at how well the parents match the AKC breed standards. Both parents should be the right height and color. They should have a muscular morphology and the proper head shape. Breeders who are able to trace the ancestry of a litter over several generations and document that all the ancestors are purebred GSDs will charge more. You should also expect to pay more if a breeder can provide health testing information over several generations. Titles are another important factor. Show dogs can receive V, VA, or VA1 titles if they do well at an event and judges determine they meet all the standards of the breed. An IGP3 title indicates that a dog can protect its owner. Parents with IGP or IPO titles produce puppies that are worth more since breeders consider these animals to have excellent potential for training. A breeder who has an excellent reputation and many positive online reviews will attract more prospective dog owners and can afford to charge more. You can protect your dog with a microchip, but there are other steps you can take. The Fi GPS tracking dog collar helps you keep your dog safe. The design is highly resistant and waterproof for durability, and the collar comes with a battery that lasts three months. You can track your pet anywhere and locate them easily if they get lost. There are a few things you should know about this working breed. Personality of the German Shepherd German Shepherds are fiercely loyal. They make excellent guard dogs thanks to their protective instincts. They also make amazing pets who will give you lots of affection. GSDs are reliable and hardworking dogs who thrive if you constantly give them new tasks and challenges. These dogs are extremely versatile. German Shepherds have amazing potential and tend to do extremely well in training thanks to their drive and intelligence. However, they require consistent training and handling since they can be mouthy, chase prey, or become overprotective without the right training. Size and Weight German Shepherds are medium to large dogs. When it comes to weight, a healthy male will weigh 66 to 88 lbs. Lifestyle and Activity Levels German Shepherds are a working breed. Their origin dates back to the 19th century when dog breeder Max Von Stephanitz developed a new dog by breeding different herding dogs. Like all shepherds, GSDs have a strong need to stay active. Due to their athletic build, these dogs need at least two hours of exercise every day. Going for walks might not be sufficient. Your GSD will thrive if you provide plenty of opportunities to use their athletic abilities, including jumping, swimming, or running. Approximate Lifetime Care Costs The total cost of owning a German Shepherd is difficult to estimate since every animal is different. German Shepherds can be expensive. Here are a few tips to help you lower the cost. Look for a breeder who cares about the animals and who does health testing on the parents, but everything else is extra. You should also consider adopting a dog with an unknown lineage. Check local shelters or go online to look at classified ads. Check classified ads to find owners rehoming their pets. If you decide to get a German Shepherd, think about using the Fi GPS dog collar to keep your dog safe, and make sure you can bring your puppy home if she gets lost. Get more expert advice on pet-parenting by visiting the Off Leash blog at TryFi. TryFi's The Fi Dog Collar is a must-have for any pet parent, it's a GPS tracking collar that helps you keep tabs on your dog's location, activity, and sleep patterns, and alerts you if they escape your backyard. Try the Fi Dog Collar today! The link has been copied! You might also like. Apart from recurring costs such as dog food, toys, and grooming essentials, a great chunk of your finances must go to routine veterinary care and pet insurance. Annual check-ups should be done on adult German Shepherds to check their physical condition and ensure they are healthy dogs. This involves listening to the heart and checking the ears and eyes. The typical lifespan of a GSD is 7 to 10 years. Other Potential Expenses Owning a dog is already comparable to parenthood. German Shepherds, much like any other dog breed, have other needs that go beyond food, water, and shelter. Your dog will be watched over, fed, and socialized with other dogs. Grooming Services: For your GSD to have a well-maintained coat and appearance, you should take them to a professional grooming salon. They will be cleaned, trimmed, and pampered as they deserve. Emergency Treatment: Dogs grow up so fast. As your German Shepherd puppy gets older, they are more prone to health issues like hip dysplasia. Sudden injuries can also happen that will require immediate medical attention and treatment. This will allow them to join various dog shows and other competitions. Places to Find German Shepherd Puppies for Sale and Adoption Once you plan everything out financially, you are ready to find places where you can buy your German Shepherd puppy. Cheap German Shepherd dogs can be bought from puppy mills or a backyard breeder. Buying from responsible breeders is the best option to get healthy puppies that will grow up to be strong adult dogs. To help on your quest, here is a list of breeders certified by the American Kennel Club that offer high-quality German Shepherd puppies: Vom Ragnar German Shepherds — This is a small kennel located in Illinois dedicated to breeding show-quality German Shepherds with sound temperament and the best condition because they have their puppies undergo health testing. This breeder strives to match their GSD pups to the most suited families. Mittelwest German Shepherds — As a well-renowned breeder, the owner ensures that they only produce show-quality German Shepherd puppies that can serve as show dogs, guard dogs, K-9, and much more. They also import and ship their dogs worldwide. West Coast German Shepherds — If you are located in California, this breeder can offer you a health-tested German Shepherd puppy coming from the best bloodlines. Buying the cheapest puppies online seems tempting, especially if you are on a budget, but you might spend more in the future due to medical expenses. To easily distinguish a responsible breeder from a puppy mill or backyard breeder, check out our puppy buying guide. Are you considering adopting a German Shepherd instead of buying from a breeder? If you are, this list can help you find the perfect GSD pup for you: German Shepherd Rescue and Adoptions — Based in North Carolina, this non-profit organization was established to protect and promote the German Shepherd breed. German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County — This volunteer organization is all about placing unwanted, neglected, and abused German Shepherds into permanent, loving homes. Applicants are encouraged to meet up with their chosen dog prior to adoption. Matching their rescue dogs to a suitable owner is their top priority, along with the restoration of their health. For more chances of finding your lifelong companion, check out this list of the 10 best German Shepherd rescues. You can surely find one in your location! Adoption is the cheapest alternative to getting a German Shepherd Dog, and this is more suggested than buying from backyard breeders. Buy high-quality items. You will spend more on replacing them rather than having good products that can last for a longer time. Purchase supplies in bulk. When buying food or treats for your pup, make sure to stock up by buying them in bulk. This can save you a lot of money than buying small bags of kibble or cans of wet food. Keep your dog in excellent shape. To avoid expensive veterinary bills, keep your German Shepherd puppy fit and healthy. Do this by feeding them high-quality dog food equipped with the right nutrients. Groom your GSD at home. Instead of going to a professional groomer, learn to groom your German Shepherd puppy at home. All you need to do is buy the basic grooming tools and research how to groom your dog effectively. Plan your finances accordingly so no one will have to suffer in the long run. They are highly intelligent and loyal dogs that will protect you at all costs. Buying one from a reputable breeder is worth the hefty purchase price than purchasing from backyard breeders or puppy mills. On another note, you can adopt from a local rescue organization, but make sure to ask about any current health conditions that the dog may have. Aside from the financial aspect, make sure you are prepared for the full responsibility of being a German Shepherd puppy owner. Now you know how much German Shepherds cost, are you ready to own one? Share your thoughts in the comments below. My passion for animals started at a very young age as I grow up on a farm with several horses, cows, cats, chickens, and dogs on our property. Leave a Comment. In Conclusion How long do German shepherd live? One of the factors for German shepherd cost is life expectancy. You can expect a German shepherd to live anywhere between 12 — 15 years. German shepherds are very active dogs and can be expected to live a long life if provided with the care they need. German shepherd insurance is not required but may benefit those who purchase one of these beautiful creatures because German shepherds have a high risk of injury over their lifetime, it could result in serious costs for you. How much is a puppy vaccination? If you purchase your German shepherd puppy from a reputable breeder it may have already received its vaccinations. Most breeders will leave you to vaccinate your own dog which may raise vet costs early on. German shepherds of all ages may be affected by the following issues: — Canine parvovirus parvo — Distemper — Hepatitis — Kennel cough is a highly infectious respiratory condition that can cause long-term health problems in German Shepherds. Responsible breeders will make sure your German Shepherd puppy has been given its initial vaccinations Pet insurance for German shepherd Puppies Dog owners with a German shepherd puppy should consider purchasing pet insurance to cover German shepherds. German Shepherd puppies can be very expensive if they fall ill or are involved in an accident, and German shepherds usually require several visits to the vet during their lifetimes. Dog insurance for German Shepherds is not only a good idea because of these reasons but also because it allows German Shepherd owners peace of mind that. Is my German shepherd from a puppy farm There are a few way to tell if your German shepherd is from a puppy farm. German Shepherds from puppy farms are often kept in small cages or kennels, and the dogs may be underfed to keep them as small as possible. The German Shepherd puppy cost can be affected by the living conditions you purchase it from. Grooming my German shepherd Dog owners should use a variety of methods when attempting to groom their family dog, you may want to try brushing your German shepherd or bathing your German shepherd. You can keep their coats healthy and shiny by brushing them on a daily basis, this will help to prevent excessive shedding and reduce the number of hairs you find stuck in places around the home such as couches or carpets! A good groomer should be able to do all this and more for you on one appointment. A proper grooming session will keep your German Shephard healthy and happy while keeping the coat looking clean and beautiful! Here are some tips on how to groom your German Shepherd at home: — Always brush before shampooing! This is very important because mats and tangles pull out easily when they are brushed first. People shampoos should never be used on your German Shepherd as the chemicals in it can hurt their skin and coat. Remember to only lather up with warm or cool water. Do no wash them under cold water Exercising my German shepherd German Shepherd dogs are very energetic and often referred to as working dogs. To keep your dog in good health you should make sure to regularly exercise them. Playing a game of fetch or Frisbee is a great way to exercise your German Shepherd without too much of an impact on their joints. German Shepherd can suffer from hip dysplasia which can lead to crippling pain later in life. German Shepherds are very high energy which means a lot of trips to the pet store to cater to their large diets. Germans Shepherds are known for their large appetites, they need around 30 cups of food per day. What colours can a German shepherd be The German Shepherd dog breed can come in many colours including black, blue, brown, and white. German Shepherds have a nice coat that is the dense and medium length which offers great protection from the elements. The German Shepherd dog breed is one of the most popular dog breeds in the world because of its temperament and intelligence. These dogs are not only loving but they also make great working dogs as well with their high levels of endurance. They have a double coat which can help them adapt to almost any climate. The most popular coulour for a German Shepherd is black or tan. Living costs of a German shepherd The lifelong costs of a German Shepherd can vary depending on when you bought it and the money you invest into making it happy and healthy. As a big dog, you will be expected to feed it a lot of dog food. Other pets can also be a cost to consider as some people prefer to have another dog for their German Shepherd to socialise with. Buying German Shepherds as family pets is a good idea providing you have the kind of money to raise it eating high-quality food which will help it to stay strong and decrease likelihood of needing to vet visits for regular health testing. Average cost will also be determined by other small items you will have to buy like most dogs your German Shepherd will require a dog bed, poo bags and you may also be expected to pay for training classes. Common German shepherd health problems German Shepherds are known to develop a few common health problems such as hip dysplasia and bloat. Hip Dysplasia is a problem that can be tested for before buying but if not detected the dog will have problems walking without pain at some point in its life. Bloat happens when the stomach fills up with gas which causes pressure to build on its other organs making them difficult to function. Some health conditions stem from poor breeding practices, this can happen when you get your dog from puppy mills or a backyard breeder. Always make sure you check the history of your dog before purchasing it, this should hopefully lower your lifetime costs as you will more easily be able to raise a healthy dog. Are German shepherd good pets As far as pet quality goes German Shepherd are great family pets, they are very responsive and loving to their owners. German Shepherd are known for being a very family-oriented dog which makes them great with children as long as they were socialised around kids at a young age. Just like other dogs you need to make sure you do your research before purchasing a German Shepherd, you should locate a responsible breeder, some may provide your dog with basic training before you buy it but that can often be a bit more expensive. What is a similar breed to German shepherd If your looking for a similar breed you may consider a Rottweiler, they are great dogs but you need to make sure you know how long the life expectancy is of that breed. Another good one would be a Great Dane as these dogs are very affectionate with their own family members and children once they have been socialised around kids at an early age. When will my German shepherd become an adult A German Shepherd will generally be considered adult dogs by the age of two, this is when their adult teeth will have come through. An adult German Shepherd is a very large dog and is amazing to have as a family dog. In Conclusion The German Shepherd is a large-sized breed that can live 10 to 12 years. They are naturally protective, intelligent, and loyal dogs. These traits make them great pets for many families! You can protect your best friend by purchasing pet insurance from us today to cover the cost of any vet bills should an accident occur in the future. Contact our team now to get started! German Shepherds are considered healthy dogs that can live many years. You must be able to pay for these dogs every month of their lives. For the most part, providing your dog with a lot of exercise and high-quality food will prevent the dog from developing unforeseen health issues. You will need to buy a dog-safe toothpaste, dog-safe shampoo, and certain medications, such as heartworm prevention, to keep your dog healthy its entire life. Not only do you have to feed your German Shepherd a lot of food, but you want to feed your dog food that is high quality and healthy. As long as your dog does not have any known illnesses or issues, you should not have to pay monthly prices. At the minimum, you should take your German Shepherd for an annual visit, assuming it is healthy. You also need to pay for flea, tick, and heartworm prevention. Most of these medications last for 1 to 3 months at a time. It is completely up to you whether or not you decide to get pet insurance. If you are interested in getting health insurance for your new pet, Lemonade offers customizable insurance plans and responsive customer service. If you do not want to pay for pet insurance, you can simply set up a savings account instead. So long as you have a house and a yard for your dog to play, the home environment is generally suitable for dogs. Some environmental maintenance things you will need to buy include doggie bags. You need these if you take your dog for a walk or if you have a yard that you have to maintain. You may also need to pay for carpet cleaner, deodorizer, and other items to keep the house clean, despite your heavy shedding German Shepherd. This means that your German Shepherd can help you out when you are in a pinch, but it also means that you need to provide your German Shepherd ample entertainment, or else your dog could become destructive. At the very minimum, you need to buy heavy-duty toys for your German Shepherd. German Shepherds can be really rough with their toys. So, we recommend some sort of brand specific for rough-playing dogs, such as Kong. These boxes will offer toys, treats, and more for your dog, but these boxes can be pretty expensive too. Additional Costs to Factor In In addition to initial costs and monthly payments, there are some other additional factors you need to think about. For starters, obedience training is really important for dogs of this size. Obedience training can be a bit expensive at first, but it will be worth it in the long run. You need to pay for a pet sitter or kennel whenever you go on vacations and your dog does not come with you. If you are buying a German Shepherd puppy, you may also have to pay to replace or fix items the puppy damages. Think about accidents or unforeseen illnesses too. These can cost a whole lot in vet visits. Owning a German Shepherd on a Budget If you want a German Shepherd but are worried about destroying your budget, there are ways that you can own one of these wonderful dogs without spending a fortune either. Unfortunately, there is little you can change about the price of these dogs up front, but you can save on the monthly expenses. The most important tip for taking care of a German Shepherd on a budget is to know when to splurge. When it comes to dog food, make sure to select high-quality food. This will be more expensive upfront, but it will ensure that your dog is healthy for as long as possible, resulting in fewer bills. Splurging on heavy-duty toys is another great idea. These toys will cost more at first, but they should last much longer than cheap ones. For instance, there are a lot of coupons and promo codes you can use when purchasing toys, food, and other items for your German Shepherd. Even if you find coupons, only spend money on the essentials. Not to mention, buy crates and beds that are suitable for the dog as it grows. Many people make the mistake of buying crates and beds suitable for the puppy, but the puppy soon outgrows them. The initial cost primarily accounts for the dog itself and any other items required when bringing the dog home for the first time. Even after the German Shepherd has made your home its home, you will still have to pay some pretty hefty bills for the remainder of its life. Although the initial and monthly costs for this dog are a bit high, they are required for this dog to live a happy life. If you cannot afford to provide a German Shepherd the sort of life it needs and deserves, simply do not get a German Shepherd. Less - The German Shepherds are medium to large-sized dogs , well-balanced, muscular dog, slightly longer than tall, with a medium length coat, erect ears, and a low-set natural tail that normally reaches to the hock and is carried in a slight curve like a saber. The outline of the German Shepherd Dog is made up of smooth curves rather than angles. The head is in proportion to the size of the body, strong without appearing coarse or fine. Gender differences are readily apparent. The German Shepherd Dog is confident and fearless, willing to be approached, yet a certain level of aloofness towards strangers is acceptable. When working, the German Shepherd is alert and eager, adapting well to new tasks. Lack of confidence is a serious defect in the character of a German Shepherd. The structure of this breed was designed for efficient locomotion, particularly at the trot, so poor movement is another serious fault. History Less - The German Shepherd Dog is a relatively young breed, developed almost single-handedly in the first half of the twentieth century by a German cavalry officer, Max von Stephanitz, president of the Verein far Deutsche Schaferhunde S. Using a variety of German sheepdogs as his foundation stock, von Stephanitz developed a distinctive breed in a very short period of time, due in large part to the authoritarian practices of the German dog fancy at that time. Von Stephanitz emphasized utility and intelligence in his breeding program, enabling the German Shepherd Dog to switch easily from herding duties to other fields of work, particularly military and police work. All things German were shunned and popularity slumped. After the war, however, movie star Rin-tin-tin stimulated interest in the breed again. The striking good looks of this breed, combined with its remarkable intelligence and loyalty, have made it a favorite working and companion dog. If your breeder had not run these genetic tests on your dog—or if you adopt a German Shepherd from a rescue or shelter, you can run the Embark Dog DNA Test using a simple saliva test you can perform at home. Dogs with CLAD, type III typically exhibit symptoms such as recurrent ear infections, skin infections, pneumonia, and other respiratory infections. Dogs with DM first lose coordination in their hind legs, then they lose muscle mass and eventually the ability to walk. It is caused by a lack of one of the proteins needed for blood to clot properly. Dogs with hemophilia A will often suffer from uncontrolled bleeding, most commonly into the joints. Uric acid is a waste product that is normally eliminated from the body through the kidneys. When the kidneys are not able to remove enough uric acid, it builds up in the blood and can cause health problems. Dogs with hyperuricosuria are at risk for developing bladder stones, kidney stones, and other health problems. P-glycoprotein is involved in the transport of drugs and other molecules across cell membranes. Drugs that are known to cause adverse reactions in MDR1 dogs include digoxin, ivermectin, loperamide, and milbemycin. There are several different types of MPS, each caused by a deficiency in a specific enzyme needed to break down mucopolysaccharides. It is caused by a genetic mutation that impairs the ability of the blood to clot properly. This can lead to frequent and sometimes severe bleeding events which can be difficult to control, even with the help of medications. Dogs with this condition are at an increased risk for bleeding and may require lifelong monitoring and medical management. Symptoms include weight loss, decreased appetite, vomiting, and increased water consumption. Affected dogs have problems with the development of their skin, hair, nails, and teeth. They may also have problems with sweating and the function of their tears and salivary glands. Dogs with this disorder usually have a very thin coat of hair, often with areas that are bald or have very thin hair. Their skin may be dry and cracked, and they may develop sores on their skin. Nails may be abnormally shaped or missing altogether, and teeth may be missing or poorly developed. Dogs with X-linked ectodermal dysplasia often experience overheating. Attend a sanctioned dog show and talk with breeders and competitors for recommendations. Ask your veterinarian for recommendations regarding reputable breeders. Check the Facebook page of the breeder and read through the comments. Remember, however, that comments can be deleted by the page owner. The breeder should be happy to share the name and contact information for customers. Ask questions. Lots of questions. The breeder should be glad to share the test results from the health tests and screenings and should be happy to let you meet at least the mother if not the sire as well of the German Shepherd Dog puppies. Ask how often the dogs are bred. Ask to tour the kennels. Are they well maintained? Do the dogs look healthy? Beware of operations that will not let you tour the kennels and breeders that want to meet you in a parking lot to hand over the puppy. Be prepared for questions. The breeder should ask YOU questions as well; be suspicious if the breeder has no questions about your past history with pets, your living situation, etc. The breeder should want to know how much experience you have with herding breeds, what your training plans are and your plans for exercising the dog. Ask if the breeder will take the German Shepherd puppy—or adult dog—back if necessary. Ask for a contract. If medical problems are diagnosed, the breeder should readily take the pup back and provide a full refund. German Shepherd breeders may adopt out of the area but, nonetheless, you will want to go to the breeder to meet the parents, view the kennels and bring home your puppy in person. This will add to your expenses—but breeders that transport a puppy by air are putting the dog at risk. If you want to buy a German Shepherd Dog from an online breeder, please think again. There are numerous scams; people spend thousands of dollars for a dog and never receive a puppy. AKC warns potential pet parents to be wary of any seller asking for payment by Venmo, in gift cards or as a wire transfer. Dogs purchased from puppy mills can mean years of heartache and expensive veterinary care—and perpetuation of a cruel industry. The pros of purchasing from a German Shepherd breeder: You may be able to select a puppy—including a choice of gender. A reputable breeder will be passionate about German Shepherds and will a resource for years to come. The cons of purchasing from a German Shepherd breeder You will pay far more for a cattle dog from a breeder than a rescue or shelter. If you find a breeder who has German Shepherd puppies for sale at prices much lower than you are seeing from other breeders, you must suspect you are dealing with a backyard breeder who has not done health screening, with an online seller who is operating a puppy mill or with someone who is running a scam. You will need to wait until puppies are available. You will need to do your own due diligence to select a reputable breeder. German Shepherd Dogs in rescues are far less expensive that those at a breeder. Puppies under a year old will be the most costly. This group provides funding to a network of GSD rescues — they do not have dogs themselves for adoption. They have a list of affiliated rescues that can help located adoptable GSDs in your region. A breed rescue is, like the name suggests, a pet rescue that is specifically for one breed of dog. These are generally small non-profit groups that operate through a foster system of volunteers who love the breed. German Shepherd rescues specialize in German Shepherds of all ages; some have primarily purebred German Shepherds while others may also have adoptable Belgian Malinois and Dutch Shepherds. How to Find Breed Rescues Along with the list mentioned above, many breed rescues list their adoptable dogs on large adoption sites such as:. If a breeder tries to tell you that his puppies are healthy because their parents never had any issues — do not believe him! It is impossible to diagnose e. Where can you find cheap German Shepherd Dogs? The question is — do you want to purchase a dog with questionable health and temperament? These dogs often are not purebred German Shepherd puppies, but are mixed with e. Labradors, Pitbulls or Golden Retrievers. If you end up with a dog with genetically based health conditions however, be prepared to spend a multiple of the original purchase price on vet costs! Temperament and behavior While a lot of good manners can be taught through consistent training, temperament is genetic to a certain level. When you buy an extra cheap German Shepherd puppy, you not only get a dog with questionable health, but also with unpredictable temperament! Even aggression can be genetic and can be passed on from the mom and dad to the offspring. You can save yourself a lot of time, nerves and money spent on future behavioral training by getting a well-bred and more expensive dog. What is the most expensive type of German Shepherd? Like in many dog breeds, certain rare German Shepherd colors are much more expensive than the most common colors and patterns. It is much more important that your puppy has a sound temperament and fits in well with your family and lifestyle than that he has a certain rare look. These dogs are mutts German Shepherds mixed with Miniature Poodles, Shelties or other smaller breeds. Once more, be certain to not decide on your future dog based on looks alone. A stable temperament and good health is much more integral than a certain size or weight. Working lines vs show lines The German Shepherd was originally bred as a working dog. Since his original use as a shepherd dog however, he has filled many different roles — from guarding properties over being used in the show ring to participating in Schutzhund and IPO trails. Depending on which lines your German Shepherd Dog comes from, the prices can vary a lot! Show line German Shepherds are the dogs that are bred for conformation shows. These are the type of dogs you should decide on if you would like a shepherd puppy as a pet and companion animal. If you are interested in using your German Shepherd as a protection dog and to participate in IPO trials, you should pick one from working lines. There are a lot of highly successful working line breeders both in North America and Europe. For this price, you get an absolutely flawless dog with extensive skills and perfect obedience. Some US dog owners interested in Schutzhund choose to import a puppy from old European working lines. While this might sound insanely high for a pet dog owner, for Schutzhund enthusiasts it is a typical price for a pedigreed German Shepherd pup. How much does it cost a month to own a German Shepherd? This will cover the basics: high-quality food and regular vet checks. Some German Shepherd owners spend considerably more money. Professional grooming is necessary for many German Shepherd owners, as these dogs shed heavily. This breeds tends to exhibit several behavioral issues that can be difficult to fix for first-time dog owners, including: Separation anxiety.

If you notice any changes in activity levels, eating habits, mood, or any other element of their lifestyle, make sure to inform your vet immediately. The sooner the issue is identified, the faster it can be treated. Your vet may be able to advise you on a good brand for them, especially if your dog has been diagnosed with certain dietary or health issues. In general, opt for a high-quality dog food that utilizes quality food sources for protein, fats, and especially carbs. Stay away from brands that use fillers, preservatives, or other ingredients that can compromise the nutrient content of the dog food. It is important to always follow the feeding instructions provided for each food. This ensures that your dog gets the right amount of calories according to its size and activity levels. When in doubt, ask your vet how much your dog should be eating each day. Some German Shepherds tend to grow quickly within a short time as a puppy. This may be a trait that your German Shepherd Elkhound may inherit as well. This can cause various joint issues later on. You should always speak to your diet before making any changes to your diet, however. Norwegian Elkhounds have a higher propensity than German Shepherds to gain weight. Due to this, it is best to limit treats and snacks and stick to a set number of meals per day. Make sure the snacks and treats are of the same high quality as their dog food. This mixed breed is usually high-energy and does need quite a bit of exercise. Depending on what parent your pup takes after, your dog may need between an hour to two hours of exercise a day. Remember to never let your dog off its leash, however, especially around wide-open spaces or wooded areas. Elkhounds tend to roam and this instinct may be strong in your pup as well. If your dog appears to have lots of energy after your daily walks, it may be time to increase how much exercise they get. Do this in minute increments and monitor your dog closely afterward. If they still seem to be hyper, they probably need more exercise. If they are calm, you have found the right time stretch. In case your German Shepherd Elkhound is tired after your workouts, you may be overdoing it and need to cut back. You can play fetch with your dog and throw a Frisbee around too. You will also find that this mixed breed responds well to swimming and water sports. As this mixed breed has a double coat, you can expect a fair amount of shedding. If your pup takes after their German Shepherd parent, you will have to contend with a lot of shedding. Your dog may also blow their coat a few times a year. At this point, the shedding will increase for a short time. Then, your dog will grow a new coat for the new season. Despite all this, the grooming techniques for a German Shepherd Elkhound are rather simple. Regular brushing is key here. Normally, brushing your dog three times a week or so should help to keep the shedding under control. When your German Shepherd Elkhound blows their coat, try to brush them every day. There will be less of a mess around their house. For the best results, use three different types of brushes. A slicker brush helps to get rid of matting and most of the loose fur. This can be used for each brushing session. An undercoat rake works to get rid of loose hair in the coat closet to the skin — this can be used more occasionally. A de-shedding brush is a great tool to have during the shedding season. It makes it easier to get rid of large amounts of loose hair in a shorter time. If your pup takes after their Elkhound parent, you will find that their fur is highly resistant to dirt and grit. As a result, you will only have to bathe a German Shepherd Elkhound every few months or when they have become very dirty. Use a gentle dog shampoo to keep them clean. A German Shepherd Elkhound can live in an apartment or a smaller home as long as they get their daily exercise. If you live in a small space, it is important to take your dog out for as long as is necessary or they may begin to exhibit destructive behaviors. See also Czech German Shepherds In general, though, these dogs function best in homes where there is a yard. This will allow them to run around several times a day and may not require as much exercise. You should also be mindful of the fact that these dogs can be quite vocal, particularly when they are left alone. There is a limit to how much you can train your German Shepherd Elkhound out of this habit. It may not be something your apartment neighbors will appreciate. As for weather and climate, these dogs thrive in moderate or cool to cold climates. They can even be kept outside for short periods when it is snowing. Only ever take them out for exercise early in the morning or later in the evening. These dogs are highly trainable. Not only do they take great pleasure in having a job to do, but mental stimulation also makes the German Shepherd Elkhound satisfied. This dog will also be eager to please its owner. Due to this, giving them positive reinforcement can go a long way in helping commands and lessons stick with your German Shepherd Elkhound. Never use punishment, however. Also, be aware that these dogs have an independent streak. Your dog may be more likely to listen to you this way. Remember to always choose a reputable breeder. They will do extensive genetic testing on both parents to reduce the likelihood of genetic issues cropping up in the puppies. It is unlikely to find this dog in a shelter as they are an expensive designer breed. You may want to focus your attention on shelters that only handle German Shepherds or Norwegian Elkhounds to improve your chances. These dogs are loving and loyal and even protective of their family. They may not always be the best choice for households with very small children, though. These dogs may be as large as German Shepherds, but it is also likely that they will only be slightly bigger than the medium-sized Elkhound. Both these breeds have some excellent traits that they can pass on to their puppies. As such, it is a good mix to have. We hope you learned something new about the unique and interesting German Shepherd Norwegian Elkhound. Now that you know what to expect from this mixed breed, you can determine whether they will be the right addition to your family. Peter My name is Peter and I am a dog lover. I have two German Shepherd dogs, one of which is called Biscuit because his coat is very light with brown patches. My wife and I moved from the UK to Ohio where we now live with our two daughters. We love squash on weekends and following the English Premier League closely! Previous Article. They usually come in a medium gray color accented with black-tipped guard hairs and light silver accents. The origins of the Norwegian Elkhound German Shepherd dog are heavily influenced by their parent breeds; however, there is no exact date or location where the hybrid was born. One theory is that it was the result of a mating between German Shepherds and Norwegian Elkhounds by breeders who wanted to create a dog that has the hunting skills of the Elkhound and the work ethic of the German Shepherd. However, some dog experts believe that the creation of this hybrid breed was not intentional. Rather, they say it was an accident due to both breeds having similar characteristics and appearing to be very similar physically. He wanted to create a working dog that would have intelligence and loyalty like no other to herd livestock and protect them. So he crossbred various working sheepdogs from rural Germany eventually came up with his favorite type. It is from this organization that the breed got their name. The German Shepherd Breed Standard was also established in , which describes a dog that is very athletic and muscular, has a keen intellect, is able to work hard for hours on end without getting tired, and possesses high energy levels. Since then, they have only become more popular with time! If you need a great family dog, then yes, a German Shepherd is definitely one of the best options. Usually, they get along well with children and some smaller pets while being wary of strangers. Compared to other dogs, they can also be trained relatively easily. Although it will take some effort on your part, you will eventually find that a German Shepherd is a big dog capable of doing many things — from hunting to herding your children to sleeping by your feet at night. Norwegian Elkhound History A Norwegian Elkhound was originally bred in Norway in after the Norwegian Hunters Association held its first dog show, and it is believed that these dogs existed long before then. Furthermore, based on historical records, it is believed that the Norwegian Elkhound has been used in war since at least years ago! Because of their skills when defending and hunting, which makes them an excellent guard dog. These ancient working dogs are a very intelligent and loyal breed that loves to work hard with their owner. The Norwegian Elkhound German Shepherd is a medium-sized dog with a body that is on the slim side but has a muscular build. Their coloring is usually medium gray, and they have black-tipped guard hairs and light silver accents. Their ear tips and tail tip are usually black as well. Their eyes are normally dark brown, while the forehead usually comes in a lighter gray color. They also have medium-sized ears which need to be carried up and close to their head, pointing slightly forward with rounded tips towards the top of their skull. Their head is broad and wedge-shaped with a strong muzzle, a defined stop, and a black nose. Their tail is moderate in length and is tightly curled. It has strong bones and a well-muscled body that gives them great speed while running but also makes them agile enough to make sharp turns while doing so. Key Characteristics of Norwegian Elkhound and German Shepherd Mix Dog lovers who are interested in getting a Norwegian Elkhound German Shepherd dog should know that there are many defining characteristics of both the parent breeds. Here are some of the key differences: Size Their height and weight can vary greatly since there is no breed standard for this Norwegian Elkhound mix. Based on the parent dogs, the Norwegian Elkhound German Shepherd is a medium to large-sized dog that typically weighs around 48 to 90 pounds. Their height usually ranges from 20 to 26 inches at the shoulder. Size can also vary depending on whether you are talking about a male or female in the Norwegian Elkhound German Shepherd. Female dogs are always smaller than their male counterparts, and this can also be determined based on genetics. Temparement and Personality The Norwegian Elkhound German Shepherds are a loyal and intelligent breed that has a zest for life. They are an agile, playful, and active dog who can do everything from hunting to herding your children. Generally, they are a very friendly dog and tend to get along with all people, other dogs, and even cats. They can be protective of their family or property if need be; however, once they realize you are a friend, they will welcome you with open paws! Although this dog is usually friendly, they can also have moments where aggression is displayed. Thus dog owners need to understand that this is a very protective breed of dog, and they need to be socialized from an early age to avoid problems later on down the road. Their temperament is affected by many factors, such as their upbringing, how they were trained, and the experiences they have had in life. Norwegian Elkhound German Shepherd puppies with nice temperaments will be eager to meet new people, and their tails will likely wag after meeting someone. You should also have an opportunity to visit the home environment so you can see how the puppies are raised and how they interact with both people and other animals. They can be solid black, gray, white, silver, and tan. Both parent breeds have a thick, double coat, so you can expect the same thing from this mixed breed. Providing your Norwegian Elkhound German Shepherd does come with a double coat; know that they shed twice a year heavily when their coats grow in and out. As for their bathing needs, this dog does not need to be bathed more than once a month. Trim nails when they start to get too long. Also, be careful about their ears. Their ears should be cleaned and checked ideally once a week for redness or bad odor. Using cotton balls, clean the inside of the ears and wipe away any excess dirt. As you groom, check for sores, rashes, or signs of infection such as redness, tenderness, or inflammation on the skin, in the nose, mouth, and eyes, and on the feet. However, this mixed breed should be monitored closely because they are prone to weight gain when not fed properly. The amount of calories depends on the size of your dog. It may also depend on whether you have a male or female, but either way, most Norwegian Elkhound German Shepherds need about 25 to 30 calories per pound per day to maintain their ideal weight. The good news is that there are a lot of resources out there on the best dog food for medium to large dog breeds like Norwegian Elkhound German Shepherd mixes. Health There are many known health problems that come with this dog mix. One of the most common conditions is hip dysplasia. This condition is something they share with their parent dogs. This condition can be painful and make it difficult for your dog to walk properly. It is imperative that you feed your dog food formulated for larger dogs as well as monitor their weight because this can minimize the impact of joint disease. In addition to hip dysplasia, you also need to watch out for elbow dysplasia, allergies, digestive problems, renal problems, progressive retinal atrophy, degenerative myelopathy, progressive retinal atrophy, thyroid problems, and osteochondritis. Training and Exercise Needs Descending from both famous hunting and herding dogs, Norwegian Elkhound German Shepherd mixes have a lot of energy and endurance. They require daily exercise not only because they need to expel their energy but also to keep them from getting bored. If they have nothing to occupy their time, they will likely find something like digging or chewing on furniture. There are many different ways to exercise your dog, from digging, fetching balls, rolling in leaves and sticks, going on walks as a family or with other pets. When taking your dog for an exercise session outside of the home, you must keep them on a leash and always be careful about potential dangers. They are well known for being intelligent dogs and will be able to learn how to listen to commands quickly. Crate training and house training are two basic training that you would want to begin with. Keep in mind they are barkers, so take that into consideration when you are going to adopt them. You may want to reconsider your decision if you live in an apartment complex or a neighborhood with a lot of close-by neighbors. Children And Other Pets If they are well-socialized and have had plenty of exposure to kids, Norwegian Elkhound German Shepherd mixes have no problem getting along with children. As with every dog, you should teach your children how to approach and interact with dogs in a safe way. However, introducing an adult Norwegian Elkhound German Shepherd is another story as it can possess its own challenge. Norwegian Elkhound German Shepherds are perfect for experienced owners who can handle the challenges of owning a large and active breed. Also, consider whether you can commit to the exercise, grooming, and feeding needs. Thank you for reading this article. I hope you found it helpful and useful as you raise and train your German Shepherd. Here are some of my favorite reviews for German Shepherd supplies that I personally use and recommend. Here is my recommendation for the best dog food for German Shepherds. Leash: A leash is a must-have for any German Shepherd owner. With a good leash, you can give your dog the freedom they need while keeping them safe and under control. Here are my top picks for the best leashes for German Shepherds. A harness that is improperly fitted or used can cause serious injury to your dog. Read my review of the best harnesses for German Shepherds here. Different bowls serve different purposes, and the bowl that you need will depend on a number of factors. See my recommendation for the best dog bowl for German Shepherds here. There are a ton of different factors to consider when choosing a crate. Beds: German Shepherds need a bed that is comfortable, supportive, and durable. This breed is known for being high energy, so you need a bed that can withstand a lot of wear and tear. House: It can be tough to find the best dog house for German Shepherds. Shampoo: You want to find a shampoo that is specifically designed for German Shepherds. This breed has a lot of furs, and you need a shampoo that will be gentle on their skin and coat. Shock Collar: A shock collar is a training tool that can be used on German Shepherds. It delivers an electric shock to the dog when they exhibit certain behaviors. While some people are against the use of shock collars, I believe that they can be helpful in certain situations. Read my review of the best shock collar for German Shepherds here. Vacuum: If you have a German Shepherd, you need a vacuum that is specifically designed to deal with all of the furs they shed. Shedding is a natural process for dogs, but it can be hard to keep up with. The right vacuum will make your life much easier. Related posts:. Intelligent, quick-learners, loyal, energetic, alert, and friendly Shedding Moderate to high; requires moderate grooming Common coat colors Black, gray, tan, red, silver, white Activity level High; requires up to minutes of exercise daily Suitable for families Yes, for active families that can meet the exercise requirements Dietary needs High-protein diet; adults require approximately cups of high-quality food per day depending on activity level Potential health issues Hip dysplasia, bloating, thyroid problems, allergies, digestive problems, dwarfism, cardiac issues, and cataracts About Norwegian Elkhound The Norwegian Elkhound is an old dog breed that has been around for centuries. They are thought to have originated in Scandinavia and were used as hunting dogs. These dogs are known for their strength, agility, and intelligence. They are also very loyal and make great family pets. They are known for their intelligence, strength, and agility. They are also very loyal and make excellent family pets. Appearance The German Elkhound is a medium to large dog that has a thick, double coat. The coat can be black and tan, gray and tan, or all white. They have a long muzzle, bushy tail, and pointy ears. They are agile dogs that is both strong and fast. They need plenty of exercises and enjoy playing fetch or going on long walks. They are also good with children and make great family pets. With the proper training, they can be excellent guard dogs. Some dogs will be larger than others, and some may be smaller. However, on average, these dogs will weigh in at around pounds. Because of their size, they are also relatively easy to transport and take on walks. Some Norwegian Elkhound hybrid may have a thicker coat than others, which can cause them to weigh more. This mix is known for its friendly temperament and high intelligence. They are perfect for families with children and make great watchdogs. Feeding Norwegian Elkhound German Shepherd Mix are not as common as some of the other mixes out there. But, when you see one, it is definitely a beautiful sight. These dogs are a mix of two very different breeds, but they somehow manage to make the perfect dog. One thing that people worry about when getting a German Shepherd Norwegian Elkhound is feeding. What kind of food should they give their dog? Will the dog be able to eat the same food as the other dogs in the house? In general, Elkhound German Shepherd Mix can eat most types of food. They are not as particular as some breeds might be. However, you will want to avoid giving them too much protein, as this can be bad for their kidneys. If you are unsure about what to feed your German Elkhound, it is always best to check with your veterinarian. They will be able to tell you exactly what your dog needs and how much they should eat each day. They are considered a medium-sized dog and will weigh between 50 and 90 pounds when fully grown. This mix breed is known for being loyal, protective, and intelligent. They make great family dogs and are really good with children. Grooming One of the many things that make an Elkhound German Shepherd Mix so great is their easy to groom coat. All you need to do is brush them once or twice a week and give them a bath when they get dirty. If you want to keep their coat looking shiny and healthy, you can also give them a light misting of water once a day. Norwegian Elkhound hybrid are also known for their strong, healthy teeth, so be sure to brush them at least once a day. They are one of the best dog breeds around. Exercise The Norwegian Elkhound cross German Shepherd is a great breed for people looking for an active dog. They need lots of exercises to stay healthy and happy. Without it, they can become destructive and restless. Owners should be prepared to take their dogs on long walks or hikes or enroll them in a good obedience class. A Norwegian Elkhound Shepherd Mix is a great choice for an active family. They will keep everyone on their toes with their playful antics. This mix is known for being smart and easy to train, making it the perfect companion for athletes or active people. Fortunately, this breed is known for being eager to please and quick to learn, so training should be relatively easy. Some of the exercises that you can do with your German Shepherd Norwegian Elkhound Mix include basic obedience commands, agility drills, and retrieving games. Be sure to keep your training sessions short and positive, and always end on a positive note. When you mix the two together, you create a dog that is even more prone to these diseases. Some of the most common conditions seen in Norwegian Elkhound and German Shepherd Mix include: — Hip dysplasia — Eye diseases such as progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts, and glaucoma — Autoimmune diseases such as diabetes and lupus erythematosus — Skin allergies and skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis and seborrhea — Ear infections — Digestive problems such as pancreatitis, inflammatory bowel disease, and bloat — Joint problems such as arthritis All of these diseases can cause a great deal of pain and suffering for your dog, and many of them can also be quite expensive to treat. It is important to be aware of the potential health risks associated with this mix before you decide to bring one into your home. With proper care, most of these diseases can be managed effectively. Elkhound German Shepherd Mix can be great with children if they are properly socialized and trained. It is important to remember that any dog can become aggressive if provoked, so always supervise any interactions between your child and your dog. Is Elkhound Shepherd mix a good guard dog? Some people might think that the German Shepherd cross Norwegian Elkhound is not a good guard dog because of its size. However, this mix has a lot of energy and is very protective of its family. It will bark and alert you when there is danger. This mix is also agile and can easily chase away intruders. If you are looking for a good guard dog, the Norwegian Elkhound German is a great choice. Some breeders may charge more or less depending on the bloodlines and other factors. It is important to do your research before buying German Shepherd Elkhound mix puppies to make sure you are getting a healthy dog from a reputable breeder. Norwegian Elkhound German Shepherd mix puppies for sale When considering adding a Norwegian Elkhound and German Shepherd Mix to your family, keep in mind that this is a large breed dog and will need plenty of exercise and room to run. They can make great companions for active families who are willing to commit to providing the necessary care for this wonderful breed. You can buy a Norwegian Elkhound mix at most pet stores. Both organizations have directories of breeders who are members in good standing. Puppies should be healthy and well-socialized, and the breeder should be willing to provide a health guarantee. These dogs are known for being loyal and protective, making them great companions for active families. They require plenty of exercise and can get along well with children and other pets. However, they may be too much dog for some people or homes. If you think a German Elkhound is right for you, be sure to research the breed and find a responsible breeder. If you have space and time for your dog, then you can go ahead and buy or adopt a Norwegian Elk hound mix. Take good care of them and they will prove amazing companions to you. Sergey Uhanov, a certified veterinarian, has authored all of the content here. With over 20 years of experience in dog care and breeding three dogs of his own, he has a deep passion for these furry friends. Sergey owns a pet clinic in Israel where he provides care and treatment to dogs. He enjoys sharing his expertise and knowledge to assist others in caring for their dogs. All content on this site is written by Sergey Uhanov who is an experienced veterinarian. For more information about Sergey, click here. As Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. FAQ What are the characteristics of a moose dog-shepherd mix? This mixed breed has both the keen intelligence of the German Shepherd and the friendliness and courage of the Norwegian Elkhound. They are very lively, but usually take new situations calmly and are very loyal to their owners. How big will such a mixture? The size varies according to the dominant characteristics of the two breeds. What is the coat color of a moose-dog-shepherd mix? This mixed breed in many cases has a gray coat with a darker gray undercoat. How much exercise does a moose dog-shepherd mix need? This mixed breed needs at least 45 minutes of exercise daily and should participate in a play or activity program at least once a week to stay mentally and physically fit. Is it possible to keep this mongrel as a pet? Yes, the Elkhound-Sheepdog mix makes a wonderful pet as it is intelligent, loyal, loving and friendly. Author Sissi Author Sissi is a blogger since , came on the dog .Since then she struts daily her steps with Loki through the world. The Beagdor Labrador-Beagle mix is a therapy dog for children and also accompanies her to schools. Secretly she fancies a French Bulldog as a second dog. Sissi is a blogger since , came on the dog .Useful Articles. Lifespan Sociability Finding one of these pups may be difficult due to the rarity of Norwegian Elkhounds in most areas. There are not currently any major breeding programs creating these breed hybrids. In fact, the remains of a skeleton resembling a Norwegian Elkhound was found among the stone age tools in a cave in Norway. These dogs were companions of the Vikings and were often spoken of in myths and legends. They historically have served as hunting dogs to track large animals like elk, moose, and deer. They have also been used as herding dogs and livestock guardians, defending flocks against large predators like bears. They are highly versatile dogs that can do just about any job you throw at them, but they have been bred far away from their original herding roots. Some people use them as farm guardian dogs because of their protective and loyal nature, but there are many dogs that are far better options for herding. One Breed is a Westminster Champ German Shepherds have taken the coveted Best in Show title at the annual Westminster Dog Show multiple times in the over years the show has been occurring. The most recent German Shepherd win was in .A Norwegian Elkhound has not taken the top prize yet, but in , a Norwegian Elkhound was in the top seven finishers. German Shepherds and Norwegian Elkhounds are both breeds that love to be with their family and usually bond strongly to the whole family. While German Shepherds are typically good with children, Norwegian Elkhounds are less tolerant of children. These dogs would likely do well in a home with older children that understand proper dog etiquette and when to give the dog its space. Keep in mind that the levels of protection and wariness these breeds exhibit may make them wary of strangers, including family and friends, so be prepared for visitors with high-value rewards and praise. Proper socialization at an early age and positive encounters with other animals will help give you the best chance of your dog accepting other animals. When it comes to small animals, these dogs may play too rough or see the animals as prey, making them a poor fit for homes with small animals like rabbits and guinea pigs. However, with proper supervision and introductions, they may be able to live harmoniously. Early introductions and proper socialization seem to be key when it comes to successfully keeping these dogs with other animals. Norwegian Elkhound German Shepherd Puppies for Sale The decision to rescue a dog or to go through a breeder requires a lot of research. Fortunately, there are numerous resources available to help you find a good rescue or a reputable breeder who provides healthy Norwegian Elkhound German Shepherd Mix puppies for sale or adoption. Most animal shelters and rescue centers report that most rescue dogs in their premises are a result of a lifestyle change or an unexpected incompatibility with the breed. This means that there may be good Norwegian Elkhound German Shepherd Mix puppies or adult dogs who are in need of a new forever home. Finding a reliable Elkhound German Shepherd rescue or shelter may be as easy as browsing the internet. Check out local Elkhound and German Shepherd rescues to see if there are any of these dogs available for adoption. Unfortunately, there are numerous pet stores and puppy mills masquerading as reputable breeders. Take caution, and check out different online forums for discussions about where to find your future puppy. Make sure to ask a few questions, and visit the parent dogs or at least the mother. At the end of the day, use your due diligence. Whether you intend to adopt or to work with an ethical breeder, be ready for a brave and friendly companion. The Furhaven Orthopedic dog bed is an excellent choice since it has medical-grade memory foam along with soothing gel foam. This dog bed actually looks and feels like a therapeutic mattress. It also features an elevated headrest that your Norwegian Elkhound German Shepherd Mix will enjoy using. They praise its lightweight and durable construction, size and affordable price tag. We recommend this crate as it has a divider feature so it can suit your Elkhound German Shepherd as he grows. This implies that this crate will be the only one that your dog will ever need. Barking could be a major issue with these dogs. For individuals looking for a watchdog or guard dog to protect their property, this might be a good trait. Fortunately, you can train your dog out of it. German Shepherds are known to be quite aggressive, but this reputation is actually not deserved. They are watchdogs in nature and reserved towards strangers. However, they are not naturally aggressive dogs that will always attack. They are also highly intelligent and very easy to train. This makes them very easy to control. This makes the mix very unlikely to be an aggressive dog. Due to their high intelligence, Norwegian Elkhound German Shepherds are moderately easy to train. They will master instructions and commands quickly, but they might not always obey them. Conclusion Norwegian Elkhound German Shepherds are adorable dogs that make excellent companions, but they require a lot of exercise, care and attention. They are best suited to active families or individuals who can offer them the love and attention they need. This includes training them properly, and exercising them both physically and mentally. However, these loyal, brave and protective pups will repay you with love and affection for a long time to come. Checkout Our Favorite Dog Products 1. Also provides sustained energy for sporting dogs and dogs with high physical demands. The Outward Hound Hide-a-Squirrel Puzzle Toy gives your dog the same feeling as though he was outdoors chasing live squirrels. With features and tools that dig out dirt, hair and allergens everywhere your pet gets. Norwegian Elkhound German Shepherd Mix As with all hybrid dog breeding projects, it can be challenging to predict in advance what types of traits a puppy might inherit. However, what we can say for sure is that the Norwegian Elkhound GSD hybrid dog will grow up to have a working dog temperament, a thick double-layer working dog coat, and a very bright, brave, loyal personality. This is a good example of how unpredictable hybrid dog breeding can be. Some puppies may look much more like one parent dog than another, especially in the earliest F1, F1b litters of puppies. So that is what we will do in this section — learn a bit more about the Norwegian Elkhound dog and the German Shepherd dog parents. In terms of their lineage, the Norwegian Elkhound is descended from the truly ancient line of Arctic spitz-type dogs — herding, sledding, hunting, and hauling dogs that often appear fox-like in their facial features and sport a thick working-dog coat. The breed history states that these dogs are perhaps one of the oldest breeds on the planet with more than six millennia under their belts. German Shepherd history The German Shepherd dog actually does hail from Germany, where the breed was originally developed to herd livestock and was later conscripted for military K-9 and police dog work. Captain Von Stephanitz expertly repurposed the breed to keep it from becoming irrelevant when the rise of technology meant livestock herding dogs were no longer in high demand. Norwegian Elkhound German Shepherd mix history From this overview, you can discern that your Norwegian Elkhound German Shepherd dog is going to inherit a strong dose of the energetic, active working dog temperament from both parent dogs as well as the thick, double-layer coat. In fact, the concept of a companion canine is actually a relatively new idea! In this section, we take a look at how the temperament and personality traits of each parent dog might combine in a hybrid puppy. Norwegian Elkhound personality and temperament The purebred Norwegian Elkhound dog is incredibly smart. But when it comes to choosing a pet dog, this is not always a good thing. These dogs are quick learners and get bored very easily. They can do it all — run, swim, jump, herd, hunt — and are well known for standing their ground against predators three or four times their size. German Shepherd personality and temperament The famous GSD personality and temperament have been immortalized time and again in famous films like Rin Tin Tin and Strongheart. German Shepherds are actually extremely people-centric and tend to want to be with their people all day, every day. A lonely or bored German Shepherd is going to be a destructive German Shepherd, unfortunately. These dogs are known to be vocal and talkative, something first-time GSD owners often have to get used to. They are also incredibly brave and loyal and have a decorated history serving in the military, police force, search and rescue, and many K-9 roles. This hybrid dog breed will not fare well if expected to be self-entertaining for hours most days. Norwegian Elkhound size, height, and weight The Norwegian Elkhound typically weighs just 48 to 55 pounds and stands .There typically is not much difference in size, height, and weight between females and males. German Shepherd size, height, and weight The German Shepherd typically weighs between 50 and 90 pounds and stands 22 to 26 inches tall paw pads to shoulder girdles. With the GSD, there can be up to a pound weight difference and a two-inch height difference between adult males and females. Norwegian Elkhound German Shepherd size, height, and weight Where you will see the greatest height and weight variance in Norwegian Elkhound German Shepherd puppies is in early F1, F1b litters, since the German Shepherd dog can be quite a bit taller and bigger than the Norwegian Elkhound. If you really need a smaller adult dog, the best way to reduce the risk of having your little puppy grow up to be 90 pounds is to work with a hybrid breeder that specializes in later-generation hybrid breeding F2, F2b, or later generations. With later hybrid generation breeding, you will see a lot more consistency in every trait between puppies within a single litter. Norwegian Elkhound training and exercise needs The Norwegian Elkhound is a Spitz-type dog breed that is classified as a hound. Hounds are known for their strong ability to follow a trail and to track and hold prey for their human hunting partners. These dogs have such an irresistible desire to explore and run and track that they can very easily become lost or come to harm. The independent spirit of the Norwegian Elkhound can also make training and socialization challenges. Yet these dogs need it to learn how to tell the difference between friends, neutral situations, and genuine threats. German Shepherd training and exercise needs The German Shepherd dog is also high energy, a high activity dog breed that has an incredible athletic ability. These dogs love to run and jump and play and typically excel at the entire spectrum of canine athletics. German Shepherds, like Norwegian Elkhounds, need early and ongoing socialization and training and should not be let off-leash in an open area. They need help learning when to welcome a new friend and when to guard or protect against a threat. Norwegian Elkhound German Shepherd training and exercise needs Training and exercising a Norwegian Elkhound German Shepherd dog mix will mean devoting at least one hour per day to your dog. This can be a significant time commitment and it is worth considering in advance whether your schedule can accommodate this commitment. But what you will have is a lot of shedding — a LOT. Norwegian Elkhound longevity and health issues According to the Canine Health Information Center CHIC database, the Norwegian Elkhound breed has the following known possible genetic health issues you need to be aware of: Hip dysplasia.

Try to look for breeders that specialize in German Shepherds. When you bring home a plush coat German Shepherd, be ready to have a high-energy dog with you at all times. They can live for up to 15 years so take your time to research the dog breed that best fits your lifestyle since this is not a short-term commitment. Their nickname is the German Shedder. German Shepherds all shed and they shed frequently. The Plush Coat German Shepherd will shed longer hair. A recessive gene causes the Plush Coat length, so finding this breed is a little difficult. Die-hard German Shepherd breeders tend to dislike this coat, so if puppies are produced with Plush Coats, it means each parent is carrying the recessive gene. Image Credit: Jumpstory 4. Medium-haired German Shepherds still have the intelligence, courage, and work ethic to be military and police dogs. They can also be personal service dogs. Their ears stand up on their own. Their bite is super strong. While the dog might be 90 pounds, they can deliver a bite with a force of over pounds. Image Credit: Jumpstory 7. The name was changed. The name was changed back in .The Plush Coat German Shepherd is an extremely smart dog. Their ability to be trained so easily combined with their loving natures make them popular choices for family pets. With the same personality and traits, this dog has a strong work ethic and is a wonderful companion. Regular brushing can help with the shedding, but this dog is going to shed frequently no matter what. As family dogs, Plush Coat German Shepherds are great with kids and make loyal and loving pets. That is because a dog with a medium coat would still be disqualified from the show ring if his color is considered a fault. German Shepherd color , therefore, interferes with the price , so a short-haired type might command a higher price for being a rarer, more valuable color. Because medium coats have the best of both worlds in terms of fur length and undercoat, they also shed the most of both kinds. Medium vs. In nature, medium coat German Shepherds have the same social temperament as other varieties, but they get treated more positively because they are cuter to the masses. This reinforces friendliness and keeps them from seeing every human as a threat. Of course, social experience is a prerequisite for this, and poorly socialized or untrained medium coat dogs do not develop this trait. Medium Coats Are Admired by the Show Crowd The dog show crowd is quite different in that it admires dogs not for their mass appeal but for specific traits. Often dogs loved by the public for their beautiful colors are dismissed by the show circuit because of an arbitrary breed standard. The plushness of the medium-haired German Shepherd is one of the rare traits admired by the public at large and the dog show niche. A trait admired by these circles gets intentionally bred into the working line in a matter of years. They so fiercely admire the plushness of medium-haired German Shepherds that they have not just come up with a name for it but have made that name stick. The reason is the looseness factor. If you have read my post about long-haired German Shepherds , you would know that most of them cannot participate in conformation events. They have a wolf-like appearance but with a hint of cuddliness. Upon looking at a medium-coated GSD, you cannot help but pet it. In contrast, female plush-coated dogs stand 22 to 24 inches tall and weigh 49 to 71 lbs. Temperament of the Medium-Haired German Shepherd The temperament of the medium-haired German Shepherd is the same as other varieties, no matter their coat type, color, or pattern. They are affectionate and caring towards their owners and form an intense bond that you can never break. They are also friendly with the surrounding community because they grow up being admired by people. Their fluffiness ensures that they have positive social experiences with people, making them open to human interaction. A medium coat German Shepherd sees you as his parent and friend, which is why he extends his loyalty to your family. Their social nature, alongside their curiosity, makes them great dogs, and their protective instincts and loyalty make them even better family members. However, their fur is replaced almost as soon as it is lost. Generally, a long coat will shed less than a plush coat dog purely because of coat volume and having an open coat. The short hair German Shepherd has two coats, but because of the shorter guard coat, the overall trapped loose fur is less than with a plush coat. You should brush them around twice a week and more in the heavy shedding season. Stainless steel deShedding edge reaches through topcoat to safely and easily remove loose hair and undercoat FURejector button releases hair with ease Ergonomic handle for comfort and easy use Remove loose hair without damaging the coat or cutting the skin when used as directed Deshedding tool for large lbs dogs with long h Buy on Amazon Health and Lifespan Health is essential, and your medium coat friend is likely to stay healthy as long as you take care of his fitness, give him the proper diet , and visit the vet at least once a year. That said, you must know the potential health complications your dog might have. The following health issues have nothing to do with the coat itself, but here are the problems many German Shepherds face. Elbow dysplasia — Ask for confirmation of parental joint health as normal grade or above. Degenerative myelopathy — Ask the breeder to show a SOD-1 gene-mutation test indicating both parents have normal genes. Bloat GDV — To prevent this, avoid big meals and give small, more frequent meals. Provided you take care of the above, your German Shepherd can live up to 13 years. However, once the dog is beyond seven years, his metabolism will slow down, and his appetite will not adjust to match it. Making sure your dog stays active is the best way to make sure he lives a happy and healthy life. FAQs Plush Coat vs. Stock Coat German Shepherd A short stock coat German Shepherd has a topcoat with hair no longer than one inch in length, whereas a plush coat has hair between 1 to 2 inches. The hair on the plush coat stands taller from the root but hangs a little towards the end, giving the coat a worthy look worth caressing. A stock coat German Shepherd has fur that stands more erect, albeit shorter. The surface area of this fur is still significant. Among the things that plush and stock coats have in common is a chance at dog shows. Most plush coats are admired by the show crowd, while stock coats can come from both the working line and the show line, with only the latter preferred by the dog pageant circuit. Plush Coat German Shepherd vs. Long Coat A plush coat German Shepherd has topcoat hair between 1 to 2 inches, a length crossed by long coats that have over 2 inches of fur. However, plush coats have an undercoat, which is often missing from long coats. The greatest consequence of this is that the extreme admiration received by plush coats is contrasted by the complete dismissal of long coats in the show circuit. This difference in treatment is also reflected in the prices of the two dogs, with long coat GSDs being among the lowest priced dogs and plush coats commanding one of the highest dollar values for a German Shepherd. German Shepherds have a double coat that consists of a thick, soft undercoat and a coarser outer coat. The outer coat can vary in texture from dog to dog, but it is generally considered to be coarse. Final Thoughts German Shepherd is a term that encompasses dogs of various looks, which is why knowing as much as you can about their different coat types will help you articulate the kind of dog you actually want. Moreover, you should know if you are okay with the drawbacks of a long coat German Shepherd, mainly their irrelevance in the show ring. The best compromise is a medium-haired German Shepherd who can be workers and show dogs alike. Related Posts You May Like:. A rich diversity of lengths, colors and pigment—combined with a number of varying body types—make the German Shepherd one of the more structurally diverse of all dog breeds. From the short stock coat of the East German working line dogs to the extreme long stock coat of some West German show-line dogs—there is a shape, style and color tailored to you and your lifestyle. There are three main types of hair on German Shepherd Dogs: ground hair undercoat , guard hair topcoat and whiskers. Dogs with both an undercoat and a topcoat are called double coated. The first layer, or undercoat, functions primarily as insulation and is soft and usually of a lighter color. The second layer, or topcoat, consists of thick-shafted, coarse hair. It also has weatherproofing qualities ideal for working and playing outdoors. With rare exception, most German Shepherds have double coats—though the degree of undercoat can vary widely. German Shepherds can have little to almost no undercoat or have massively dense, woolly undercoats that require daily maintenance. Double coats are ideal for maintaining warmth in colder months, but also provide cooling in the summer by keeping heat away from the surface of the skin. For this reason, the shaving of double-coated dogs is not recommended if they have prolonged exposure to the elements. Their coat helps regulate body temperature and protects their skin from harmful UV rays. Shedding German Shepherds, aka German Shedders, shed and shed a lot. Working dogs are required to do their jobs regardless of weather or terrain. To keep their coats in optimum condition—daily, excessive shedding is needed. Unfortunately for us, this means additional brushing and bathing. If you do not own a good vacuum cleaner or sweeper, you will need to purchase one if you have one or more German Shepherds inside your home. In the spring, their thick winter undercoat is shed and replaced with a thinner, cooler undercoat. In the fall, their summer undercoat is shed and replaced by a thicker, warmer undercoat. Care and Grooming Daily brushing and frequent bathing are your best defenses against excessive shedding. Bathe and groom puppies frequently so they learn to enjoy—or at least tolerate—the experience. Most German Shepherds enjoy a good grooming and since most love water in any form , bathing can also be a pleasurable experience for them. Daily brushing and frequent bathing are your best defenses against excessive shedding. Brushing Most double-coated breeds like German Shepherds need to be brushed regularly—especially if they have a thick undercoat. In the spring and fall when their coats are being blown, daily brushing is important. This helps reduce the amount of hair inside your home and removes their undercoat more quickly. While regular brushing is great for removing loose and dying hair, it also gets rid of mats and tangles—which are common with long- and medium-length coats. Mats are not only unsightly, but they can be painful due to their closeness and tightness to the skin. In southern parts of the country where humidity is high, mats can also lead to skin irritations as the dampness can encourage the growth of skin irritants and other microbes. Check your German Shepherd often for mats—paying special attention to areas behind the ears, between the legs and along the back of the thighs. If your dog is a short stock coat with little undercoat, occasional brushing and bathing is all that is required to keep their coats looking great. Click HERE to learn about elbow hygromas and options for treating and prevent them. Keep your German Shepherd's elbows soft and free of calluses and hygromas. Calming bed for dogs who suffer from anxiety. Water resistant and tear resistant cover. Non-skid bottom. Replacement covers available separately. This short coat, with a thin undercoat, is easy to maintain and can require little or infrequent grooming. Bathing is a breeze as their coats are designed for waterproofing and dry quickly. Water generally rolls off of the guard hairs of German Shepherd Dogs. For all of these reasons and more, short stock coats are the preferred coat type for service dogs, police dogs and military dogs. The dog pictured to the right is an excellent example of a very nice, healthy coated, short stock coat—with minimal undercoat. Medium stock coats have longer, thicker hair on the neck, underbelly and along the back of the thighs. Their undercoat tends to be more dense than that seen in the short stock coats of West and East German working lines. Medium stock coats require additional grooming to keep their coats in optimum condition. Note also that medium- and long-coated dogs do not shed more than their short stock-coat counterparts—the hair shed is just longer. Hair around the face, ears, chest, bottom line and back of thigh panties can exceed four inches in length. This coat requires regular care and grooming. Hair, especially behind the ears and between their rear legs, is prone to matting, and requires daily brushing. The American Kennel Club AKC is one of the few show organizations that still considers a long stock coat to be faulty. Long stock-coat dogs are not only accepted by most German Shepherd Club organizations, including the German SV, but they have become valuable and sought after in recent years—and compete at the highest levels in Germany and world wide. Note also that these coats often continue to grow in length and density with age, so older dogs require additional daily care and grooming. All coat colors and lengths mentioned above are attributes of purebred German Shepherds. However, some breed organizations consider certain characteristics to be breed faults and can be penalized or even disqualifying in the show ring. However, if you plan to show your dog, you will need to study the standard and requirements of your desired show organization s to ensure your dog is eligible to compete and title in the show ring. But the German Shepherd of today actually comes in a variety of colors and patterns as pictured above. The color of their coat is determined by genetic makeup. Genes that are dominant are more common, while those that are recessive are more rare. Black and Tan This is the most common color pattern—which is usually black all over, with tan or cream-colored chest, shoulders, legs and thighs. There are many color variations to this pattern, most commonly—black and red, black and cream and black and silver. Bicolor Another variation to the traditional black-and-tan colored dog are bicolored dogs. Their bodies are predominantly black with a secondary accent color on the lower legs that can be tan, cream, gray or silver. All of these black areas, also called points, on the legs and toes should be richly pigmented. A dog is not considered to be bicolored unless it has these distinctive black markings and they can appear on both dual- and sable-patterned dogs. Sable The word sable means the color of black. The definition of a sable pattern refers to guard hairs being tipped with black. The more guard hairs and the longer the tipping, the darker the dog. Black sables are dogs with heavy tipping and less ground color. Agouti is a term that refers to the banding or grizzling of hair coloration that can be seen in varying amounts in the neck, shoulder, tail, croup and border markings in saddle-marked dogs. Some German Shepherds have so much grizzling in the black blanket or so much undercoat showing, that they are hard to distinguish from sables, and some sables that carry the partially-hidden, saddle-pattern recessive gene have so much of that recessive showing through that they look like washed-out saddles. Melanistic is another term associated with black coloring. Melanistic refers to the amount and density of melanin black pigment found within the hair shaft. Melanistic coloring refers to the masking of a color or pattern with black. Sable-colored German Shepherds are infamous for changing colors multiple times before reaching maturity. Adult dogs can have a completely different coloring and pattern then what was present as a puppy. No good dog is a bad color. Black is uncommon due to being a recessive gene but still prevalent within the breed. Typically, they are completely black with no other colors on the body. Solid White Solid white German Shepherds are not albinos. Their color is the result of a recessive gene that can be carried by any colored dog. When learning about pigment and color patterns, understand that white is not a color. There is no solid-color gene for white. The more pure white a dog, the lighter the color of its masked color underneath. Every white German Shepherd is really a traditional color and pattern covered by a white mask. The blue colors in these dogs replace the black areas of their more common black-and-tan counterparts. Blue dogs often appear as a dusty or somewhat light gray with a gray leather nose. Sometimes puppies are born with very light eyes as well. This, too, is a rare recessive gene and considered by the AKC to be a faulty eye color. Isabella An Isabella German Shepherd, aka lilac or mouse-gray German Shepherd, is the result of a recessive gene dilution giving them a washed-out silvery-blue color. The color is not technically a blue, however. The color is most widely recognized within the Weimaraner breed. Because Isabella German Shepherds are less common and considered faulty for showing purposes, there are fewer reputable and responsible breeders. Select your Isabella GSD breeder carefully and insist on thorough health testing information and lineage information. Liver Liver is another recessive gene leading to liver-colored offspring. In a liver-colored dog, all the black parts are a brown or liver color, ranging from light to dark shades. They might also have light eyes—which typically changes into a darker color with maturity. Panda The Panda German Shepherd is a piebold-colored dog meaning no more than 35 percent of its body is white with mixed patches of black and brown. Research confirms that this pattern is not the result of crossbreeding—but rather a genetic mutation. Ticking vs. Roan vs. Blue Merle Ticking is flecks or spots of color on white areas. Most ticked dogs are born white and develop ticking as they mature. Generally, ticking is heaviest on the legs and muzzle. Roan is a pattern of white and colored hairs evenly mixed over the white areas of the body. Roaning creates a near-solid pattern over a white coat causing a dog to appear dusted with white. If the predominant color of the dog is black, then the roaning can appear bluish in color. People sometimes confuse merle dogs with roan or ticked dogs. Merle dogs do not have a white base coat of color, however, some merle dogs are ticked. The genes responsible for ticking, roaning and merle are dominant so a purebred German Shepherd cannot produce these patterns without being crossed with a dog breed that carries the genes. As we can see from the images above, German Shepherds come in an array of coat colors and patterns—including saddle, blanket, bicolor, sable and solid colors. The organization does not, however, allow dogs of these colors to be shown in the conformation ring as these characteristics are faults according to the German Shepherd breed standard. Dogs carrying the liver gene or the recessive dilution gene that produces either Isabella or blue dogs also carry serious penalties in the show ring. Liver, blue and Isabella are not recognized because of the color of their leathers; and the solid whites are omitted due to the absence of black in the hairs on top of their backs. If you wish to campaign and show your dog in the conformation ring however, you will need to keep with animals with traditionally accepted colors and patterns. Dogs that are liver, blue or Isabella are severely penalized. Reverse Mask and Maskless German Shepherds The reverse mask aka wolf mask German shepherd is not a mix or hybrid, but rather a dog presenting a pattern that appears when both parents carry the gene for this coloring. These patterns date back to some of the earliest German Shepherd foundation dogs and still appear in certain lines, today. Rin-Tin-Tin was another reverse-mask without the stripe German Shepherd. The reverse mask can also present with or without the wolf stripe running down the nose. Some dogs are born with the wolf stripe but it fades with maturity—while others maintain the stripe. Maskless German Shepherds are dogs born with no mask, meaning their face coloring is the same as that of their body. Maskless dogs most commonly present as solid cream, tan, gray or silver. Both reverse mask and maskless German Shepherds are considered faulty lacking pigment for conformation purposes. Impression and Expression Impression — an idea, feeling, or opinion about a dog formed without conscious thought—or formed on the basis of little information. It is well balanced, with harmonious development of the forequarter and hindquarter. It looks substantial, giving the impression—both at rest and in motion—of muscular fitness and nimbleness. The ideal dog is stamped with a look of quality and nobility—difficult to define, but unmistakable when present. Aside from overall outline, size and strength of body, the head is the most prominent feature of a German Shepherd. It is here that we find expression. The head should convey strength of character, intelligence, confidence and nobility—even in the very young. In recent years, some show lines have developed a black-face mask in which the entire mantle and muzzle of the dog is predominately black. Any feature that detracts from the overall impression or expression of a dog can be less desirable. Black-faced German Shepherds have become very popular, but some traditionalists believe this pattern can in fact, change the expression of the dog—giving it an intimidating or less approachable expression. Most of the top VA dogs in Germany still carry the traditional mask pattern, but there are many up-and-coming black-faced dogs vying for the top spots. Another example of how color can impact expression is eye color. Light eyes on a German Shepherd overpower other aspects of the dog and change its expression from that of a traditional, loyal shepherd to that of a more elusive, mystic wolf. For this reason, the breed standard calls for the eyes of German Shepherds to be as dark as possible. In the show ring, light eye color—especially yellow hues—are penalized. Become a part of the GSDLiving experience. Upload a photo, pay tribute to your best friend

However, don't fret, with a little daily TLC you can easily troubleshoot all of the grooming issues that French bulldogs are prone to. Your pup does not like temperature extremes, so use lukewarm or slightly warm water. Be sure to get the water into all of your doggy's wrinkly crevices. Step 2 Lather your dog's coat with the puppy, baby or horse shampoo. These shampoos are formulated to be extra-moisturizing -- normal dog shampoos and grown-up human shampoos are a bit too harsh for acne and yeast-prone Frenchies. Work the lather into your pup's adorable wrinkles, beginning at the top of the neck and proceeding all the way to the tip of the tail, and from the top of the back down to the belly and over each leg. Step 3 Rinse your pup thoroughly from neck to tail, from back to belly, and down each leg. Towel dry if necessary. Step 4 Squeeze the ear-cleaning solution into each of your doggy's ears. You can use a commercial dog ear-cleaning solution, or a couple of teaspoons of hydrogen peroxide per ear, or you can make your own ear cleaner by mixing equal parts isopropyl rubbing alcohol, white vinegar and water. Allow your baby to shake the solution out, then wipe any remaining solution and debris off with a cotton pad. Step 5 Wipe your doggy's face with a baby wipe or damp washcloth, being sure to clean each wrinkle all the way down to the bottom. Pay particular attention to the areas around your pooch's eyes and lips. Interim Grooming Step 1 Wipe down all of your doggy's wrinkles each day with baby wipes or a damp washcloth. French bulldogs are prone to yeast and bacterial infections, especially around the eyes which cause tearstaining , muzzle drool staining and private parts. Step 2 Brush your pup thoroughly twice per week with a short-bristled brush, or clean those loose hairs out of her pelt with a small shedding blade and grooming chamois "shammy". French bulldogs are heavy shedders, so this step is a labor of love for your furniture and clothes, as well as for your dog. Step 3 Check your furbaby's nose for pale, dry spots "scale nose" or "winter nose". Use udder balm-style lotion to treat as necessary. Step 4 Investigate each of your pup's wrinkles, including "armpit" areas, for reddish, yeasty growths, scaly skin, acne and fur loss. Clean any problem areas with a cotton pad soaked in hydrogen peroxide, then cover the area with a zinc-based diaper cream. You may want to give recurrent problem areas a daily treatment with udder balm lotion. More Articles. My dogs are groomed and checked for ticks and fleas every day. I have always been a firm believer in regular brushing and bathing - every couple weeks for the dogs, and about once a month for my cats. If not, click on the highlighted link to order. Here are some photos, enjoy. My line of pet shampoos and conditioners on Amazon is completely natural, hypoallergenic and gentle enough for regular bathing. The formulas are also paraben and sulfate free. My collection includes an all-purpose formula, an itch relief formula, a special moisturizing formula and a two-in-one tearless shampoo and conditioner formula for puppies. Bath time for my small dogs and cats takes place in the big laundry room in my Winter House basement. I have two large, deep enameled sinks there, which are good for soaping and rinsing. He also adds a small amount of shampoo to the water, so it is diluted before the dog is placed into the sink. Creme Brulee is first. These Frenchies are just the right size for these large sinks. My Chow Chows are much bigger, especially Han — they get bathed in the tub. My dogs are very accustomed to being bathed. Apply the shampoo from the back of the neck to the tail and always be very careful around the face, ears, and eyes. Once she feels the lukewarm water, Creme Brulee starts to relax. Enma uses a massage brush to lather up the shampoo. My shampoo formulas are all pH balanced for dogs and great for pets with sensitive skin. She also makes sure to clean her mouth and flews, or lips. These areas can often trap dirt or food. After applying the shampoo, rubbing it in, and letting it soak into the coat a few minutes, rinse well with clean, lukewarm water. The important thing is to get any traces of soap out of the coat. And then Carlos dries Creme Brulee very, very well. Here she is all wrapped up in a large terry towel. Once Creme Brulee is on the grooming table, which is also located in the basement across the room from the sinks, Creme Brulee gets brushed with a soft bristle brush. Carlos blow dries her short coat while Enma wipes her ears. Enma also carefully wipes her face, and the creases on either side of her nose. Next is Bete Noire. Always use shampoos specifically designed for pets. Shampoos formulated for humans are much more acidic than those for dogs. The pH of dog skin is very different from that of human skin. While human skin has a pH of around 5. Carlos pours about a quarter-sized amount into his hand and then into the warm water. Bete Noire is soaped from neck to tail and under the body. Bath time is also a good time to check for any abnormalities in the skin. After shampooing, Enma gives her a thorough rinse all over the top of her body. Carlos then rinses her back side and underbelly. Despite this expression, Bete Noire is not frightened or upset at all. The French Bulldog is known to be comical, entertaining, and dependably amiable. My Frenchies make everyone laugh here at the farm. The two Frenchies are now clean and comfy. Who wants to go first? In this post I will share how to properly bathe a French Bulldog. Bathing your Frenchie too frequently will cause the skin and coat to lose its protective coating. This can make him more susceptible to disease and other skin issues like dry skin. You are better off frequently brushing your little Frenchie instead. This is more supportive to a healthy coat. Use common sense; if your French Bulldog has been suffering from stomach upset and smells bad, increase the bathing frequency. Preventing infections is a primary motivation for bathing your French Bulldog. This can help to prevent water and soap from entering his ear canals which could lead to inflammation. I would recommend using a mild and soft doggy shampoo for your Frenchie. Your French Bulldog deserves the best, so take the time to make bathing an enjoyable experience for him. Use lukewarm water, and follow the following tips: Ease them into it. When we got our Frenchie puppy we started easing him into the bathtub by putting him into the tub with no water for a couple minutes. We gave him some treats, made it fun, and then took him out. We did this a couple times before we put any water in the tub. The first time we just had about an inch of water and had him stand in it with no bath. We slowly eased him into his first actual bath so that he was acclimated to water. Now he loves bath time! We use all natural oatmeal dog shampoo for out little guy. Pick a sunny day. If possible, pick a sunny day to bath your Frenchie! I like to give my Frenchie a bath on a warm, sunny morning so that he can lay in the sun and dry off. We have a big bay window at our house and his favorite thing is drying off in the sun after a nice bath. Shoulders back. Be sure to rinse his coat well and dry with a towel. Break out the dog brush. You want to protect your fur-baby from getting water and soap in his eyes, nose, and ears. Make bath time fun! French Bulldogs are especially social creatures, so talk to them during bath time. Our little Augie loves playing with some toys during bath time. Conclusion Bath time for your Frenchie should be a fun and enjoyable experience for you and your dog. Hopefully these Frenchie bathing tips will help you safely and effectively wash your French Bulldog. Share on facebook. Baths are a part of life for furry friends, just like for humans. How often you wash your Frenchie depends primarily on the coat type. You do not have to wash your French Bulldog regularly if it has healthy skin and coat. But daily activity also plays a major role. Why Wash Your French Bulldog? The purpose of a wash is to prevent grease and dirt from building up in the fur and to prevent skin pores from becoming clogged. Of course, regular baths with also give your Frenchie a fresh and shiny coat to keep them looking nice. While brushing your French bulldog can remove some dirt from the coat, a thorough wash from time to time is necessary for proper coat care. It is important to choose the right shampoo tailored to the type of coat and skin that your dog has. When brushing, you remove loose hair, dirt, and parasites. Brushing also stimulates proper blood flow. This will help maintain a healthy, shiny coat for your Frenchie. And, of course, the dreaded shedding — Frenchies are fabulous, but they do shed some. Regular brushing can help decrease this. Make sure you use a brush for short hair dogs since French bulldogs have short, thick, or silky hair. Then, you could use anti-tangling spray during the brushing session. Special tip: brush against the direction of hair growth while spraying some anti-tangling spray over the fur for optimum results. Regardless of which breed or type of dog, brushing should be done much more often than washing. Both short-haired and long-haired dogs must be brushed from time to time. Really, the more you do it, the better. Too much washing is not good because the skin can become dry and irritated, but a wash every three months is a good number never less than this. Bath frequencies also depend on daily activity. Does your Frenchie play outside regularly? If so, you should wash your pup more often. It is not harmful to wash your dog as much as every few weeks if they need it, but be sure to use a gentle shampoo. French bulldogs with white or light-colored coats will probably need to be washed more often than darker-colored coats. The choice below is another excellent natural, gentle shampoo. Okay, just kidding! After your dog is brushed, set up the bathing area to keep it as comfortable and clean as possible. A bathtub is typically a good place to bathe your Frenchie. Wear comfy and casual clothes, of course. Have a cup for pouring water onto your dog, shampoo, and a couple of absorbent towels Fill your bath with lukewarm not too hot or cold water just a bit. Maybe give them a treat to feel a little happier about bathtime. Put your dog into lukewarm bathwater. Ensure that the water is not too high, of course. Put some shampoo into your hand and gently rub his fur, massaging shampoo well into the coat, just like your stylist does at the salon. Let the shampoo work in for a couple of minutes, and then rinse everything thoroughly. Make sure that all remains of the shampoo are washed out and that nothing is left behind. Shampoo residue can cause skin irritation. Let him shake his coat well. Most dogs will gladly do this. Good thing you have your casual clothes on! Thoroughly dry your freshly washed baby with an absorbent towel or two if needed. Comb while using a hairdryer. Drying your dog off well is very important. Comb your dog using the anti-tangling spray if needed. Burt's Bees dog spray conditioner helps loosen tangles and is an excellent leave-in curly coat dog hair conditioner that is as easy as spraying down your pooch daily No. We aim to be your favorite natural dog company We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. You may notice your Frenchie quickly starts zooming around full of energy after bathtime. Well, this is completely normal and actually has a scientific name. FRAPs is frenetic random activity periods. After being contained to a bath, your pup has built up energy to get out, so they may act a little crazy for a bit after bathtime. Puppy Bathtime To get your Frenchie used to bathtime and to ensure healthy skin and coat from the start, begin by bathing your puppy soon after bringing them home. Again, this should be done at least 4 times a year and more if needed. Use a special puppy shampoo as they are more gentle and tear-free, ensuring that their eyes will not be irritated. It can be tricky to wash a dog if your dog hates bathtime. A few tricks can help make bathtime a little less dreadful for your Frenchie. Bath grip: Put a bath grip down in the tub to prevent them from sliding and to make it more comfortable. Tire them out: Take your dog on a walk before bath time, so that they have less energy to put up a fight. More on walks here. Be efficient: If you use the steps above to prepare for bathtime, then the process should be quicker. Treats: Treats make everything better! Life is busy, and bathing a dog is very time-consuming. No rinse is needed. This can be done between baths. A bath with shampoo and water is still needed 4 times a year at a minimum. Fresh and Clean There you have it- the scoop on maintaining clean and healthy skin and fur for your Frenchie. When you wash a dog, it very well may feel like a chore. But remember, your furry family member deserves to feel fresh and clean just like you do. Disclosure HappyFrenchBulldog. The content on this blog is not a substitute for veterinary advice. Always seek advice from a certified veterinarian in a case of emergency. Contact Have questions about our content? Contact us at info [at] happyfrenchbulldog. Footer Nav. Pin 0 Shares We live near a forest, and it gets very muddy! That means that we have to give our Frenchie a bath or shower a couple of times a month after we get back from a long walk. In this guide we will show you how to bathe a French Bulldog, but using the shower for cleaning, rather than an actual bath with water filled into it. You can also watch the showering process in our French Bulldog bath video shown further down the page. How to bathe a French bulldog video Watch the video first which shows you how to shower and wash a French Bulldog puppy in your bath, then see some photos and additional tips further down the page. How to wash a French Bulldog in a bath and shower Before I show you how we do it, take a look at the photo below. This is Claude out in the forest where he loves to go and play. He is a typical Frenchie and loves rolling around in mud. He thinks getting filthy is hilarious. We will get him home and he will then make a huge mess of our house. As you can see, he will definitely need a bath after this! After a day in the forest, Claude the Frenchie needs a very good bath and shower! Place your French Bulldog in the bath This was the part that we initially struggled with when he was a younger puppy. After a few baths, your Frenchie should get used to it and not be too scared. He would try to leap out of the bath as soon as the shower was turned on, which made a lot of mess. By about the third time our Frenchie puppy was bathed and showered, he trusted us and no longer panicked. Place your puppy or Frenchie in the bath gently and take things really slowly at first until they are used to it. Rinse him down with warm water Before we even get the special doggy shampoo out, we will give him a quick rinse down. We will rinse our Frenchie down with warm water to get the majority of dirt off him. Most of the time Claude has caked on dry mud which we will have to loosen up with the warm water and shower head. We get rid of the bulk of the dirt before the shampooing. Use a special dog calming shampoo Since day one, we bathed our French Bulldog puppy with a special calming shampoo. This is the best shampoo for a French Bulldog that we have managed to find in the UK. Most of these dog calming shampoos are very similar, and I recently found a dog shampoo on Amazon that appears to have good reviews. Rinse out the shampoo and repeat Claude is usually so dirty that we need to give him one or two more applications of doggy shampoo. We find that his underbelly and under his neck is where most of the dirt is due to the way in which he gets into mud, so give that an extra rub through and rinse with the shampoo and warm water. Our Frenchie hates getting water in his face, and if we do accidentally get the water and shampoo in his eye this did happen once! Dry your Frenchie off after his bath with the second towel you have. Remember I said earlier we had two towels? You can now use the second to wrap him and town him down, getting him as dry as your possibly can. Handy Hint: You are probably going to need to use the other towel to protect you, as once he gets out of the bath he will give himself a really good shake, and the water goes everywhere! Dry your Frenchie with a hair dryer optional The strange thing about showering a French Bulldog is that they seem to smell worse once they have been bathed. Use a dry clean spray shampoo optional To really get him smelling better, try using a dry clean shampoo spray. You can see a photo of the one we use, and there are similar products available. You can see the latest prices for the dry shampoo on Amazon. This spray can be used after your bathe your French Bulldog or be taken on trips for a quick non-shower clean up. You simply give them a few sprays with it over their body. In our experience, it gets rid of the wet dog smell. Handy Hint: Despite your best efforts, he might still have slightly wet paws. This leaves a mess around the house, so for 20 minutes we will often put his blanket in his old puppy training crate, and put him in there until his paws are completely dry. Do French Bulldogs like baths? If you have a Frenchie who is scared of the bath, the best thing to do is take it very slowly with baby steps and keep calm. How often should you bath French Bulldogs? Bathing your Frenchie more than 5 times a year can mean that the oils in their skin can dry out. For smaller clean-up operations we will use unscented wet wipes and a combination of the dry clean shampoo I spoke about earlier. Conclusion If you own this breed then will need to know how to give a French Bulldog a bath or shower at some point. Frenchies are notorious for rolling around in mud, poo, and even dead animal carcasses — we once stopped Claude rolling around on a dead rat… disgusting! If you shower your French Bulldog daily or even more than a few times a week, you can dry out the essential natural oils they have in the skin. However, like us, you might have to give yours a shower more often that you might think! If you do, I hope our little French Bulldog bath video and guide to showering a Frenchie has given you some help. For the best dog bath, bring treats and toys to show them they have nothing to worry about. If they behave in a good way while in the bath reward them with a treat to show bath time can be fun. A cotton ball fits perfectly to block any water and you can use them at the end to wipe up any dirt that might be in their ears. If your dog sheds a lot this is also great to get any excess hair off — especially for French Bulldogs! I use this cool sponge that grabs hair. You can use it on wet or dry fur. Avoid the face. You can wash their face with a damp towel and really get into the creases and corners. I like this one from True Blue which has the least amount of ingredients compared to others and natural. Starting at the neck, gently massage your fingertips into their fur going all the way to their tail. Rinse and make sure all soap is off. So, take a towel and gently dry off your pooch and carefully place them out of the bath. I use these Pura Naturals Pet fur drying gloves sometimes for extra measure. They absorb moisture and are eco-friendly. I usually give them baths every four weeks which ends up being perfect as I can apply their monthly flea topical right after they dry. All pups will vary! How often should I bathe my French Bulldog puppy and what are their grooming needs? French Bulldogs sport a short and smooth coat that should be relatively fine to the touch. You do not want to over wash your Frenchie and dry out natural skin oils. We bathe our Frenchies on an as needed basis which is generally once a month , but we regularly spot clean them with wet washcloths or wet wipes unscented and for sensitive skin. Their behinds occasional need to be wiped clean as well, as does any other breed. The bottom line is that they should be washed as needed, and if your acceptance level of what is appropriate cleanliness is different than ours, it should not be a problem. There is quite a range of latitude in bathing frequency. There are many good dog shampoos on the market and it is really just a matter of personal preference. They can be purchased at any pet store, Walmart, etc. Years ago, when we owned a Yorkie, our vet recommended using baby shampoo because Yorkies tend to frequently get goop around the eyes; and, the baby shampoo allowed us to clean the area around their eyes without irritating them. We still use baby shampoo with our Frenchies since they have lots of folds on their faces that require regular cleaning. If you decide to go with a dog shampoo, choose a mild formulated shampoo for sensitive skin; your vet may have some good recommendations. French Bulldogs are short-haired and have a single coat; so, fortunately, they do not shed as much as most breeds. Brushing their coat regularly with a rubber brush will remove any dead or loose hair — which in turn, will reduce the amount of shedding. The are prone to becoming damp and this is where infection can result. They also can collect dirt and food causing infections also. Utah has a very dry climate, so for us it is sufficient to regularly clean their folds with baby shampoo and then thoroughly dry them with a dry cloth. The frequency of maintenance varies from Frenchie to Frenchie, as well as climatic conditions. Frenchies with large, ropey wrinkling in a hot, humid environment would require the most attention; whereas, a lightly wrinkled Frenchie in a cool, dry environment would require the least. It is recommended that you clean the wrinkles out at least once a week initially and then vary your schedule based on the requirements of each Frenchie. Tear stains appear more prevalent on the lighter color Frenchies. There are many products on the market which claim to remove and or prevent tear stain removal, but the most commonly referred to method is the use of Desitin yes, the same ointment used for the treatment of baby rash. The ointment is spread along the length of the stain and after two or three weeks of application the stains should have disappeared. Care must be taken in both cases to assure that neither gets into the dogs eyes. The nose can be susceptible to drying out. The best way to remedy this is to regularly apply a smear of petroleum jelly Vaseline to the nose. This keeps the nose dark and moist. Our vet also recommended vitamin E just squeeze a little of the capsule , which we have found to work very well. Some people do not feel comfortable clipping their dogs nails and will take them to a groomer or vet. However, if you want to save time and money, it is a fairly simple task that takes only a few minutes. There are two types of of clippers: a guillotine or a scissor type. The guillotine is the easiest to use. The instructions that come with the clippers will guide you on how to use the instrument. Light claws are easier to cut than dark claws as the blood vessels and nerves that supply the toenail, called the quick, is easier to see. Cut the toenail to within approximately 2 mm of the quick. If you cut into the quick, the toenail will bleed and the dog will experience pain — nothing serious, but they might not sit too still the next time you undertake this task. When cutting dark toenails, it is better to cut just a little off at a time. Some Frenchie owners, who have dogs with dark toenails, cut them once every week or two so that they only have to cut off a little at a time, avoiding any fear of cutting into the quick. If you do accidentally cut into the quick, no harm done. Bleeding generally stops within a few minutes it helps to apply pressure with a paper towel. Have More Questions?

As a Premier Labrador Breeder of AKC and UKC registered, yellow, black, and chocolate Labrador retriever for over 41 years, nothing brings us more joy than providing a family with a happy, healthy, Labrador Retriever Puppies that we know will grow up in a loving home and provide its owners with years of joy. One of the greatest things about our labs is the versatility of the breed. Also, our focus has always been on producing champion Gun dogs. Furthermore, our labs have gone on to be: Water dogs, flushing dogs, pointing dogs, retrieving dogs, upland hunting dogs, waterfowl hunting dogs, dock jumpers, blood trackers, shed finders, deer dogs, therapy dogs, Wounded Warrior dogs, drug detection dogs, bomb detection dogs, family pets and dependable service dog prospects. Our goal is simple: We love our labs and strive to perfect the Labrador Retriever breed. Our process to accomplish our goal is as follows: Sound premier breeding practices of our Labs, careful pedigree selection, hip screening, elbow screening, eye screening, extensive DNA screening. In addition, we screen our Labrador parents for specific traits, intelligent, temperament, drive, adaptability, scenting ability, etc. .Finally, we exceed the Labrador Retriever bred standards. Furthermore, to protect our carefully selected premium labrador retriever lines, we sell our puppies with limited registrations. For those whom we allow to have full registration, they must agree to the same breeding practices and screening. We truly welcome the opportunity to discuss our available and up coming puppies, and adult dogs with you. For more information about our black, yellow and chocolate Labrador Retrievers for sale, please contact Punk Hollow Labrador Retriever, Today. .Print Looking for a new gun dog or duck dog? Many people start their search with good intentions. They want to find a good quality pup that will serve as a hunting companion as well as a family dog. However, somewhere along the way they end up just picking up a cute puppy that the family could not resist. Maybe, but it is a needle-in-the-haystack approach. While there is no guarantee that any puppy you bring home is going to grow into a well-mannered hunting partner, there are ways to stack the odds in your favor. Today, we are going to discuss the process I go through when looking for a new puppy. These are my opinions, so take it for what it is worth, but I do have extensive experience buying Labrador puppies. I have been doing this for over 30 years and I rarely have a puppy that does not work out. Research puppy litters I buy my puppies based on pedigree. I want proven working parents. This means that I want to see that either the mom or dad, preferably both, have AKC retriever field trial titles , AKC retriever hunting test titles or UKC retriever hunting test titles behind their names on an official pedigree. Be sure you see field trial or hunt test titles. Sometimes you will see AKC show titles or other titles like agility. These are NOT the same as field trial or hunt test titles and are generally not something you want to see on the pedigree of a hunting or competition dog. There are many places to search for litters on the internet. And many sites offer the ability to limit your search by state. However, do not be afraid to look for puppies further away from you. If the litter has a great pedigree and is exactly what you are looking for, you can always have the puppy flown or shipped to you. Some of the sites that are good for looking for litters are: retrievertraining. Again, I am not saying that great dogs cannot come out of these places but rather that the odds are not in your favor. Why are hunting titles important? Hunting titles tell you that the dog has proven its ability to perform at a certain level. It also tells you that the genetics are there. If the parents can perform at a Field Champion or Master Hunter level, there is a good chance the puppies will also have that ability. Do all your research prior to going to look at the puppies Everybody loves puppies. They are cute, cuddly and so lovable. That is why I recommend that you do not ever go look at a litter that does not already meet your standards regarding pedigree. It is just too easy to end up bringing one home. And if you have kids or a spouse involved, I guarantee that any litter you go look at you are most certainly going to end up bringing home a puppy. Does color make a difference? Well-bred puppies are available in each of these colors, and we have trained excellent hunting dogs in each color. However, you may now see litters advertised as fox red or white. These colors are not recognized by the AKC and you should beware of purchasing a dog based solely on color. In addition, there are now Labs being sold as silver, charcoal and champaign. These litters are technically not pure Labrador Retrievers. They are often referred to as dilutes because the genetics have been diluted to produce these colors. Many trainers will not train dilutes because of the many health problems and genetic issues that go along with these breeds. There are, unfortunately, people breeding pups specifically to produce a specific color without regard for temperament and the betterment of the breed. We prefer to stay away from litters that do not have a proven pedigree and have been breed specifically for color. In addition, our experience training dogs from these types of litters has proven to be a struggle. How much does a good puppy cost? For many people this is a defining question. So, a new hunting partner can be a significant investment. But for us it is worth it to stack the odds in our favor. Find a great retriever breeder Unfortunately, not all breeders are equal. Over the years, some breeders have stood out to us as exceptional. They go over and beyond just taking good care of the puppies. You can tell they really want their puppies to turn out great and they take steps, while the pups are very young, to help ensure their puppies have a good strong foundation that will help them succeed in the future. Beyond the breeding of quality dogs, the difference is in the socialization of the puppies. As I talk extensively about in Raising a Lab puppy to be a duck or gun dog , socialization is an essential key component in training a retriever puppy. Breeders that go out of their way to socialize young pups are worth their weight in gold. The truth is that raising puppies, done the right way, takes a lot of time and commitment. We specialize in training and prefer to let others specialize in doing a great job raising litters. Ask prospective breeder the right questions When you call and talk to a breeder about an upcoming litter, it is important to get answers to some important questions. If the pedigrees are not available online, be sure and request one from the breeder. How often do you breed? How often has this mother been bred? When looking for a great hunting dog puppy, you want to avoid puppy mills. Puppy mills are breeders that are just pumping out puppies for money and without concern to the overall health and betterment of the breed. Responsible breeders have a plan for the litters they are producing and will be able to talk to you about why the litter is worth the money they are asking. What breeds do you breed? Look for a breeder that specializes in Labrador Retrievers or whatever breed you are looking to purchase. What does your health guarantee cover? Responsible breeders will offer you a health guarantee for the puppy. While what this guarantee covers may vary, with Labrador Retrievers some of the things you want to make sure the health guarantee covers includes: Hip dysplasia Eye issues In addition, you may want to make sure that the parents have been genetically tested for other genetic diseases such as Exercise Induced Collapse EIC and Centronuclear Myopathy CNM. What do you do to socialize the puppies? Asking this open-ended question can give breeders a chance to tell you about the work they do socializing the young pups before they are ready to go home. Or, you may want to follow up with more specific questions such as: Are the pups exposed to children at all? Do you take the pups to different locations during the day? Do the puppies get outside time, what does that look like? The goal is to find out if the puppies are getting socialization and exposure to new and different things on a regular basis. Pups that get this exposure tend to adjust more quickly to their new homes and new situations later in life. Have you done this specific breeding before? How did those puppies turn out? Breeders that are working for the betterment of the breed, may breed a set of parents more than once. If this is a repeat breeding, it is likely that the breeder will know how previous litters performed in the field or in competition. Serious Labrador Retriever breeders often keep track of how their puppies perform as they age. Alternatively, you could ask for references and talk to previous buyers to find out what they think of the breeder and the puppy they bought. Should I meet the prospective dog parents? While some people might tell you that you should meet the prospective parents of the puppies, I do not see a lot of value in this. Some good breeders do not own both the parents. Often, they work with other breeders so both the Dam and Sire may not be onsite. And if you are basing your pup purchase off pedigree first, as I would recommend, you already know the most important things about the parents. If looks are important to you, then photos of the parents will show you what you need to know. Choose a retriever puppy from the litter Once you decide on a litter, the waiting begins. Ask the breeder to provide videos and photos of puppies as the grow. This is a great way to see the puppies progress and you can see some personality traits in the different pups. If you did all the work in researching pedigree and breeders, you already have stacked the odds in your favor. You know that the litter is a good one and that the puppies have a good chance of turning out to be great hunting partners. This is important because it takes a lot of pressure off when it is time to pick the puppy from the litter. When you do go to the breeder to pick your puppy, take a few minutes to observe the puppies. This will allow you to see some personality traits. Understand though that this is only one snapshot in time. The puppy that is active at this time, might have been sleeping right before you showed up. Or, the one that is sleepy may have been running around like crazy just minutes before. At Otter Tail Kennels, we often look for a puppy that likes people. A puppy that chases a child around the yard or runs to the owner when they walk away is attractive to us because we want a people-centered dog instead of a dog that prefers to spend its time with litter mates. But this is not an exact science by any means. That is why we rely on the fact that we have done our homework and know the entire litter has promise. Final thoughts on how to find a good Labrador puppy Any time you set out to buy a puppy, you do not know how the journey will end. There are a lot of unknowns. You cannot tell for sure what the puppy will look like as an adult, and you cannot tell if they will be a great hunter or a great family dog. What you can do is stack the odds in your favor. Find a great litter from a great breeder and select a puppy from that litter. Once you do that, you are on your way to having a great duck or gun dog. Then the next important step is to socialize, expose and train the puppy. Read how to do that here. Have questions about finding a great retriever for your hunting and family needs? I am here to help! You can email me ottertailkennels gmail. I would be happy to discuss your goals for your retriever and tell you about the programs and services I offer. Until next time happy retrieving. How to find a good Labrador puppy. Thank you David for all the joy you have given us. We love our beautiful dogs! He is just perfect! My vet said he has never seen a better put together Lab. He is the hit of our community and has to say hello to everyone he meets. Hidden Ponds is just the best place to purchase a Lab. David is so kind and informative. His dogs are gorgeous and well mannered. They treat their dogs with kindness and it shows. They are smart, their costs are beautiful! He has a great personality and is wonderful with the kids! He is lbs and thinks he is a lap dog. We would definitely buy from Dave again!! Lindie is an incredible athlete, as you can see by the photo. Lindie also volunteers at our local hospital in Glens Falls, NY comforting anyone that needs fur therapy! She is an amazing ambassador for the Labrador breed! Thank you! He hiked his first mountains this weekend in the Adirondacks. He is such a wonderful addition to our family and we will be back for a companion for him next year. Read more testimonials Bentley Bentley is almost 4 years old and is absolutely amazing! She is the happiest, cuddliest, wiggliest ball of fur, and I love her more than I can say. She is super smart, very curious, and a little mischievous. She has already learned to walk very well with my wheelchair. Thank you, Hidden Pond! At 9weeks she has accomplished stairs,swimming learned to sit and give paw. Play time and eating remain 1 LOL but,she is full of kisses and love all the time too. My sweet service dog, Rhett, came home in October of and has been the biggest blessing in my life. This breeder not only breeds for confirmation and health but for perfect personality and temperament. They are perfect in every sense of the term responsible breeder. I cannot imagine life without my Labs. And not to mention how welcoming everyone was when we went to pick Rhett up. They care about each puppy they welcome into their home. And they strongly support several forms of care to keep the puppies happy and healthy in their new homes like food and supplements! I cannot thank them enough or recommend them enough!! Savannah Stevens Read more testimonials Chip Chip is a crazy, funny, lovable gem. He is the most gorgeous dog. He has the most regal head. Everyone who sees him stops to tell us what a handsome dog he is. Thank you to Hidden Pond for letting him be ours. We picked her up in early July , and she made our family complete! She is such an amazing dog: sweet, gentle, loving, and playful. It is wonderful to see how much she loves our three young boys. We love how much she loves being outside — especially swimming and playing in the snow. Thank you Dave and your family for bringing her into our lives. She was exactly what our family needed to be complete. She is the sweetest, spunkiest and most wonderful dog we could have asked for. We picked him up this past September. He is a joy, fully housebroken, and so very funny. Everyone who meets him always comment on how handsome he is. He is really beginning to look like his dad, Thunder. He loves walking and meeting all his dog friends in our community. Thanks, David, for this wonderful dog! He has made our house a home again!! She brings so much joy to our home. She is loyal, smart and a lot of fun. She loves going on walks or long hikes in the woods and is a big snuggler in the house. Scout has a very sweet disposition and people comment on what a beautiful girl she is. She enjoys people and dogs of all ages. Thank you Dave, we are enjoying every day with one of your Hidden Pond pups! Courtney Hundley Read more testimonials Raemo This Lab is truly a best friend to everyone that comes his way. Very kind and affectionate. Raemo is now 6 months old and is great with the family, friends and the neighborhood. He is great with other dogs too! David and his Labs are simply the best and worth the wait! Rob Amurao Read more testimonials Daisy We got Daisy in June , but Dave introduced us to her the day she was born; it was love at first sight!!! Dave kept us updated with pictures and short videos as we anxiously awaited the day we could pick her up. She has been an absolute joy in our lives! She is incredibly smart, a sweetheart along with being an active puppy. She was swimming at 10 weeks with our other dogs. She is now 10 months old; everyone she meets loves her. Thank you, Dave, for such an awesome new family member!!! Marilyn Morey Read more testimonials Mabel Mabel is 6 months and we thank you for this blessing. She is a wonderful addition to our family. We love going on adventures with our little girl. Highly recommend and reasonable pricing! He has an amazing temperament, his favorite activities are long walks and swimming! Marlana Broderick Read more testimonials Chip Chip is the best dog we have ever had. He is funny, silly, smart and so handsome. We get stopped on the street every 5 feet. Everyone asks where he is from and tells us how gorgeous he is. Thank you Dave. This photo is with his sister Cocoa. Chip on the left Cocoa on the right. She has such a great personality. Gets along so well with the grandkids ,and so adaptable she took to the crate and house breaking so easily. Accepts new experiences so calmly. Dave has been great to work with a fountain of info. We also went with the dog food he recommended an love the results that we switched our cat to it as well. She is the most beautiful, sweet tempered, smart lab. We could not be happier having her as part of our family. Romy Ziegler. Striving for excellent quality with emphasis on temperament, conformation, intelligence and all around health. Our dogs come from top pedigree, filled with champion lines. Our goal is to produce calm, intelligent "English" Labradors who will provide wonderful companions to you and your family. We are a small kennel, located outside of Alliance, Ohio and believe in producing the utmost quality in our pups. Therefore, we are able to make sure all of our breeding stock and pups receive lots of attention and care. We believe that Labs are at their best when they are in the companionship of people, and where they have freedom to run and play. We take great pride in the quality of the pups we produce emphasizing temperament, conformation and all around health. Our dogs have great pedigrees, filled with champions, from traditional English lines. Our pups are in homes throughout the United States and have proven to be accomplished service dogs, therapy dogs, hunters and companions to many families. You can see many, many years of our dogs, growing from pups to seniors, as well as testimonials from puppy families, on our Facebook page at Maple Creek Labradors. Our Labradors are the 'English' type, meaning they have a square or 'blocky' head, a well muscled body and thick bone. Their soft, kind expression make them instantly lovable. They are not separate color genes. We do not breed dilutes, nor do we support them. Our Prices: Our base prices are listed below, according to current demand for colors and genders. Note: Sales tax is due on any pups or merchandise sold in California. By request, and for an additional fee, we often transport puppies to Davis. We used to be able to ship puppies via airplane all over the continental United States, but more restrictions apply at this time, due to Covid, extreme heat, or extreme cold. Unfortunately, we no longer ship puppies to Hawaii, due to their quarantine restrictions. Can I pick out my Labrador Retriever puppy before the designated adoption date? Sorry, but no. Most people will not know which puppy they are choosing until puppy adoption day. What supplies do we need for our new puppy? So many people ask us this question, we wrote a blog giving our advice. You can read our blog here. Do you raise American or English Labs? Both, actually, but mainly American. Only a few of our dogs are pure English; some are a blend of American and English. Litters are usually pure American or a blend of American and English. None, so far, are pure English. If you scroll down to the bottom of the videos page you can also view links to past litters of Labrador puppies for your viewing pleasure. We may, however, be able to refer you to hunting dog trainers, so feel free to shoot us an email asking us about that. Marble Mountain Kennels.

Cats, Shih Tzus, and similar breeds Medium - Intended for dogs between 20 - 55lbs, capable of holding 1 - 2. French Bulldogs and similar breeds Large - Intended for dogs between 55 - lbs, capable of holding 3 - 5 cups of kibble. There are measures you must take as a responsible pet owner to keep your dog healthy. Veterinarians claim these diseases have been linked to the way your dog consumes food, leading dog owners to see their beloved family member suffer during and beyond mealtimes. Imagine a bowl designed for pets that cause less bloating, less mess and most importantly, a healthier lifestyle! Our bowl not only allows them to enjoy their meals; it extends their lifespan by reducing these health problems. Enhanced Pet Bowl The Enhanced Pet Bowl helps all breeds, whether it is your cat, dog or rabbit they will all benefit from this amazing bowl. It helps elevate the bowl to allow more comfort and ease for your dog. It allows him to keep his nose out of his food and breath while also allowing him to easily grab his kibbles. Christina S. English Bulldog I'll be the first to say I was skeptical. Every boxer I have had always takes a mouth full of kibble and drops all over the floor. The price and cost of shipping are a bit much but well worth it. My boxer no longer drops kibble everywhere and eats her food much slower than before and is clean. Torie L. Boxer I love this bowl and wish I had this years ago! My pug eats so much better now without choking on his food. I also highly recommend getting the stand with it, especially for older dogs. Rammy is 12 and has developed some arthritis in his spine. It makes my heart happy to see him eat without having to curve his spine to reach his food on the floor. Collin J. Outward Hound Super Design With our list complete, it was time to go shopping. Each flat-faced dog bowl featured in our review was purchased from Amazon. Yep, at DogLab, we buy every product at the same price you would pay. Once our flat-faced dog bowls were delivered, it was time to test them! How did we test the flat-faced dog bowls? At DogLab, we only recommend products that we would give to our own pups. To find the number one flat-faced dog bowl we tested for the following: Durability — How did the bowl hold up to rough dogs? Movability — How easy was it to flip the bowl or push it around during feeding? Suitability — Was the bowl easy-to-use for different breeds and sizes of dogs? Ease of cleaning — How easy was each bowl to clean? Improvement — Was their noticeable improvement in feeding when compared to a traditional dog bowl? Each of these factors contributed to which bowls we recommend. Our top picks excel in all of these areas. Our testing observations While testing the qualities listed above, we made some observations that are worth mentioning. But if you have one on hand, then you may decide to use it. Ordinarily, Harper is a delicate and refined eater. And not just a small mess. Her meal went everywhere. I was surprised at just how much of a mess was actually made! If you have a couple of dogs, and not all are flat-faced, buy each their own bowl. Flat-faced bowls are for kibble only Sorry wet and raw feeders. Flat-faced dog bowls are not going to help your pooch. Every single bowl we reviewed failed the wet food test. The biggest problem is that none of these bowls are weighted. Wet food transformed our pups from Bulldogs into bulldozers. They smooshed their faces against the bowl and pushed it all around the room. Placing the bowl against a wall cut down on the movement but not the mess. The reason? Flat-faced dog bowls rely on easy access as a way to stop both mess and movement. No flat-faced bowl was weighted. Even with a no-skid rubber base, our pups had little difficulty sliding the bowls around when they were in a head-butting contest with their meal. If you are looking for a weighted bowl, ceramic is really your only choice. Goofy dogs can outsmart flat-faced dog bowls This point is only really true of slanted dog bowls, those where the rear is higher than the front — like the picture above. Bowls with this design only work if your dog approaches it from the front. Most dogs do this instinctively. When this happened, our dogs figured out something was wrong and repositioned themselves to the front of the bowl. All except one. Whatever direction our Pug started eating from, she remained there until she finished her meal. When she ate from the back, she huffed and wheezed the entire way through her meal. Even worse, kibble flew all over the place as she pushed it over the low front lip of the bowl. If your pup is more excited about eating than comfort, then I have a solution for you. Press the back of the bowl hard against the wall. This way, our Pug could only approach from the front. Problem solved! Meet our team of flat-faced testers At DogLab, reviews are important. As a result, we put products to the test. We assembled a team of flat-faced testers to interact with, observe and rate how well each bowl performed. Where possible, we source testers from Fetch A Friend Rescue , a rescue organization that takes in dogs from local shelters that would otherwise be put down, giving them a second chance to find a forever home. If you live in Upstate New York and are looking for a four-legged family friend, check them out! Let me introduce the testers… 1. While you may not be able to tell, this is her happy face. While Olivia loves the outdoors, her enthusiasm only extends for half of a walk to the local dog park. Her aggressive eating style really put the flat-faced dog bowls to the test. Jasmine Breed: Pug Jasmine is an adorable, chubby Pug that has perfected the art of begging. She can hear a bag of Doritos opening from half a mile away. Before you have the first tortilla chip to your mouth, she magically appears at your feet, staring at you with her goofy grin. Jasmine is a messy eater and ordinarily uses a traditional dog bowl. She benchmarked whether or not using a flat-faced dog bowl improved feeding. Barney Breed: Shih Tzu Barney is currently the oldest of our flat-faced testers. At 10 years old, he considers himself a guard dog and refuses to wander more than 6 feet from his owner and growls intimidatingly at strangers. However, once introduced, he will happily accept all the belly rubs you can give. His cute underbite got quite a work out as he tested the various flat-faced dog bowls. Champ Breed: American Bulldog mix Due to the need for flat-faced testers, Champ is the only rescue dog featured in this guide. Champ had a sad start to his life. He spent his first two years chained up in a yard, exposed to harsh weather. He is a loveable ball of muscle that prefers to communicate through cute grunting noises rather than barks. Champ plays rough and was perfect for observing the durability of our flat-faced bowls — he managed to break one during our tests! Good news! Champ has been adopted. Other times, the majority of the products we review perform poorly. In the case of dog bowls for flat-faced dogs, it was both. With such slim pickings, we can only confidently recommend two flat-faced dog bowls. One is a clear winner for most dogs, and the other is a travel-friendly option. Best all-around flat-faced dog bowl Best All-Arounder!

The history of German Shepherd colors When talking about the German Shepherd , we have to mention the father of the breed — Von Stephanitz. Initially referred to as the Alsatian Wolf Dog and bred for herding, this versatile fido was developed to become one of the ultimate working dogs. Did you know that sable is the original color of a German Shepherd? Are you ready to discover all the wonderful colors of the German Shepherd? What are the breed-approved German Shepherd Coat Colors? The ones that are favored are black and red, black and tan, or black. The bi-color, black and cream, black and silver, and gray Shepherds are accepted in the show ring but often do poorly when compared to the deeper shades above. Some can have a few stray white hairs on their chest or minimal brown on their paws, but they should look completely black. Any noticeable markings or coloring will put them under the bi-color category. They can come from two black GSD parents, or one of them is black and tan. But before you buy a black German Shepherd puppy, we recommend that you adopt one from German Shepherd rescue organizations. Due to the black dog syndrome , any dog of this color has a lower chance of being adopted. As a result of recessive genes, they can still be produced from breeding two normal-colored GSDs. This also means you can get a litter of puppies from White Shepherds without any white. You may want to try with the UKC as they accept these beauties in show lines. This solid color is completely banned in Germany that it got to the point where they cull white German Shepherd puppies. Despite being disproved with modern science, this rule stayed. You can see in this video how the black and tan can be different for every GSD. Some have more black, and others have more tan. Some Germans have white tips: But German Shepherds have other black variations. The shade can range from a deep mahogany color to a strawberry blonde. Black and Silver German Shepherd Source: silversun. If you inspect them closely, they even have a hint of saddle that extends heavily over them. Black sables, on the other hand, are born black with or without slight tan markings. But the most common variant of the sable is red. Red Sable German Shepherds show the sable on their saddle area, but it can extend over their bodies, as well. This coloring causes each strand of fur to have two or three colors. Look at the undercoat to know the base color of heavy-sabled GSDs. This color does make this breed unique and good-looking, and no two dogs will look the same because the sable pattern and color will vary. Being a dominant color, you will always get a sable even if you pair it with another color. Liver Brown German Shepherd Aside from their gorgeous russet coats, brown or liver German Shepherds can have piercing golden eyes. Much like the Blue German Shepherd, this coloration is caused by a recessive dilute gene. It represses the black and makes it brown. While livers can be registered with the AKC, they must be of solid color and not exhibit any tan or sabling. It can even create a sable liver, bi-color liver, and the liver and tan saddle back German Shepherds. They are often solid blue, with a little white on the chest. Their pigmentation will show up as a cool steel gray rather than the generic black. They can have the usual saddles but most often look like a solid-colored dog. Big black spots around their eyes, with a white undercoat, often shaded with tan. Genetically, they are German Shepherds with the piebald gene — a rare genetic mutation that occurred in .German Shepherd markings Their iconic black markings give the German Shepherd dog breed a range of colors and certain characteristics. Yet, another marking that is missing on the white Shepherd. Isabella GSDs might also lack this iconic marking, as would livers and goldens. The German Shepherd dog can also display the sable color or pattern, where its fur is black-tipped. What is the rarest color of a German Shepherd? Panda and diluted colors are infrequently seen in this purebred, mostly because of how genes are inherited. Is it okay to get a rare-colored GSD? Rare colors are often seen as a marketing ploy by people attempting to make more money off the GSD litters that do not conform with its standard. Specific color patterns, such as the Panda Shepherd, are spontaneous mutations, which means reputable breeders would stay away from breeding for a particular color. How can you tell what color a German Shepherd puppy will be? If you want to know the genetics behind it, the agouti gene causing the sable color is dominant in the German Shepherd dog breed. Standard colors, like solid black and black and tan, are variations from recessive genes. Dilute or solid-colored coats are also considered recessive, with typical markings being the norm. Misconceptions about German Shepherd coat colors Differentiating between all these shades and patterns might be slightly tricky for the untrained eye. Many believe that black and tan is the same as black and red. While red is technically a deeper tan, it has more reddish undertones than tan, making it different. White Alsatians still have chocolate brown eyes and black pigmentation around their eyes, nose, and paws. This is what sets them apart from albinos. Liver or Blue GSDs are caused by a gene that modifies the color gene. Do German Shepherd colors affect behavior? No, the color of your GSD should not dictate how he behaves. Temperament is determined by breeding, care, and training. Germans of all colors should embody the characteristics of an alert, protective, obedient, and calm type of dog that the world has come to know and love. However, it has been noted that White Shepherds make better family pets as they have milder personalities and less aggressive. Do German Shepherd colors affect health? The color white has long been associated with deafness, but a good breeder will always make sure their dogs are free of genetic defects before breeding them. With that said, we believe that this is the only time that color should be a concern. As a large breed dog, they are prone to shoulder or hip dysplasia , and bloat. This is due to the breed itself and NOT due to their coloration. How about German Shepherd eye color? Gray or liver-colored dogs might have amber eyes. The rest of them can have chocolate brown, honey-colored, or blue eyes. The last one is especially common with blue German Shepherds. Their guard coat or outer coat can have long, medium, or short guard hairs. The medium-length coats are considered to be a short-haired variety. Regardless of whether they have a short or long coat, they all require the same amount of grooming, which is daily. Plus, they tend to shed heavily at least twice a year. Some people get a deshedding tool to help control the shedding. You can go as long as 4 to 6 months without bathing them. This is where the white color of White Shepherds might seem a bit high maintenance because they can get dirty easily. Which German Shepherd color will you choose? Share with us your thoughts by commenting on the box below. Further reading: Learn more about GSDs. Liver and Tan Blue While you may view these colors as simply… colors, each of them is actually unique in its own ways. They vary in popularity, history, some of them even have another set of variations. Black: As previously mentioned, the black variation is one of the original German shepherd colors, along with black and white German shepherds and white GSDs. White: The white color is also one of the original variations. Sadly, white German shepherds are not able to participate in kennel club shows, although they are allowed in agility and obedience competitions. Black and Tan: German shepherd puppies of this variation is the most commonly bred in many countries. It is also the most popular since Hollywood canine stars such as Rin Tin Tin bears the black and tan color. Black and Red: This color variation is often associated with the black and tan color. The pattern looks similar, with only the tan being red as the difference. While black and red German shepherds are more common in show lines, the black and tan variation can be found more in working lines. This is mainly because they are basically black German shepherds with a shade of silver, gray, or brown. Sable: Sable GSDs are particularly known for having individual hairs that has two or three colors. This variety of colors is what makes them unique. This unique trait is also responsible for many variations such as red sable and silver sable German shepherds. Liver and Tan: This is a rather unique variation in the sense that what normally will be black in color in a German shepherd will be brownish instead. Additionally, GSDs in this variation has hint of tan, although there are pure liver German shepherds. Blue: Blue GSDs are also of a unique kind. Just like the liver and tan, instead of having black in color, they will adopt the blue color instead. See also Black German Shepherd While these are the common colors of German shepherds at this point, times are changing. What happened to be rare today might become common tomorrow. Of course, common colors can also become rare at some point. Speaking of which, there are color variations that are in danger of fading slowly in the German shepherd color gene pool. Rare Colors Rare colors are usually a genetic fault. But while they can be considered a flaw in genetics, they are still the lovable German shepherds we know. Also, these colors are usually a different version of some of the previously mentioned common colors. Light Blue: Obviously, this belongs to the blue color variation. The only difference between blue and light blue is that there may be traces of silver in a light blue GSD. However, sable color may range from silver, black, gray, or tan. On the other hand, grey GSDs are mainly gray with almost no traces of black hairs. Panda: Panda is more of a pattern than a color. A panda German shepherd is like a white GSD, except it displays black spots around their body. Liver: Just like liver and tan, the liver color results in a brown German shepherd instead of black. These colors might be rare, but some owners are not even aware of how rare their German shepherd is. There have been asking this questions lately, which is perhaps because they are noticing some color changes in their German shepherd. The answer to this question is yes, the color of a German shepherd can change as they age. However, the severity of this color change depends on the original color. Black and Tan: They might be the most popular, but this information might not be known to many. Contrary to common belief, black and tan German shepherds are born as completely black dogs. The tan only starts to show itself after at least 6 months. Sable: Regardless of the main color of a sable GSD, be it tan, silver, or gray, the color will change as they grow older. Some may get darker by age, and some may get lighter. Either way, the period is the same as black and tan. It starts at 6 months and ends in 2 years. These two are the color variations that undergoes the most significant color change in German shepherds. There are, however, some German shepherds coat colors that do not change. In short, dogs with these colors live with it for the rest of their lives. Black and White: The two original colors, black and white, undergo no changes as they age. These are the only exceptions and they will live out their lives with the color they were born with. However, some opinions are false. Unfortunately, there have been many misconceptions nowadays about the different colors of German shepherd. Misconceptions about German Shepherd Coat Colors Throughout history, there have been lots of misconceptions and myths made surrounding German shepherd coat colors. These misconpcetions usually revolve around the unique color traits of German shepherds. However, these two are actually of the same color. This had been confirmed by many other veterinary researchers. This is because the lightening of pigment is a common flaw in the color genes of a German shepherd. Panda German Shepherds are Crossbreeds Due to their unusual appearance, panda German shepherds are seen as mixed breeds by a poodle or chow chow mix dog. However, panda German shepherds are not crossbreeds. In reality, the panda pattern is caused by a rare genetic fault, which results in few panda GSD in the world. There is a difference, however, and that lies on the traces of silver, gray, and other colors in a bicolor German shepherd. Is it rare? Is it a genetic fault? Or is it a normal color? After reading this blog post, you should already know the answers to these questions. Plus, we discussed the most common misconceptions about the coat colors of German shepherds. But after this, you can sit back and be assured that you achieved a better understanding of your cute pet. Peter My name is Peter and I am a dog lover. I have two German Shepherd dogs, one of which is called Biscuit because his coat is very light with brown patches. My wife and I moved from the UK to Ohio where we now live with our two daughters. We love squash on weekends and following the English Premier League closely! Previous Article. According to the German Shepherd Dog Club of America the coat color may vary although strong rich colors are preferred. Pale, washed-out off-colors and blues or livers are serious faults. A white dog must be disqualified. These colors make Show Line German Shepherds truly stand out. Good balanced diet, daily NuVet, addition of carrots and Salmon oil benefit the Genetics. Many times when we are in public we are asked what breed our dogs are and when we say that they are "German Shepherd Dogs", people are surprised and say, "Wow! But they are so red! We are amazed by all the scientific research that is done in breeding and continue to learn! In a classic German Shepherd genetic table - black is a recessive gene and to produce a solid black puppy BOTH parents must carry a black gene. Owners of Solid Black dogs are extremely proud of the color of their dog and many call it "rare", as not always you can produce a Solid Black dog. Solid Black puppies are born completely black and have no tan anywhere on their body. Small patches of white can be present at birth on chest or on the paws , but they will disappear as puppy grows. It is an off-color as far as the breed standard goes and is a highly undesirable color. The darker - the better and when you see the "RED", you know it. We also see more "Black and Tan" dogs being short-stock. This is a serious fault. There are actually three variations of a blue German Shepherd Dog as they come in blue and tan, blue and sable, or blue and black. The nose of a liver GSD is brown leather as well. This is an off-color and is a fault as far a breed standard goes. Image from the web - SABLE The sable is classic pattern of a GSD and is described by gray coat that looks very similar to the coat you would expect to see on the wolf. Even with a sable, you can see variances in the color of the pigment. Sometimes you will hear people say they own a red sable. Sometimes you will hear them say that they own a gray. So you can find black sables, tan sables silver sables or red sables. This is how much the coat of a sable can vary. This is major fault as far as breed standard goes and a white dog will be disqualified from a show ring. Image from the web BI-COLOR The bi-color is a classic pattern when the saddle part of the dog covers most of the body leaving markings on the feet and sometimes on the face like having eyebrows. Image from the web Below this text is a popular image that is circulating on the web. Many off-color breeders are using it as a proof that their dogs are German Shepherd dogs of AKC recognized "rare" color. Even so, we here at Vom Geliebten Haus, go by the German Shepherd Breed standard and only respect the desired colors of the German Shepherd Dog, that include: black, tan and red. These colors can be present in any of the standard patterns: solid, bi-color, blanket back, sable and saddle. The coat color may vary although strong rich colors are preferred. Image from the web. German Shepherds are often associated with the police force. They have a severe look and they are strong and brave. These dogs are also very obedient and loyal. They make excellent protectors and perfect family pets. Today, we are going to consider the primary GSD colors. Common and Original Colors Though there are a lot of variations of German Shepherd colors, the original ones are sable, black, white, and grey. There are also certain variations of these colors that developed in the process of breeding or are caused by genetic modifications. The main colors accepted by international kennel associations are black and tan, black and red, bicolor, black, sable, and grey. Some organizations are ready to accept liver and tan as well as blue. They believe that the purity of the breed depends on the intensity of the color, so the diluted hues are not acceptable. The pattern also matters. The ancestor dog bearing this color was Horand von Grafrath , who was a little darker than the present-day dogs. The breed was registered in the late s. This feature is recessive when mixed with sable but dominant when breeding with black and its variations. The puppies are usually born very dark and beginning with the 6th month they start to lighten up. The process finishes until the dog is two years old. Some female dogs have a gray stripe on their back that starts developing after two years. Though black and tans are allowed in the show line, this color is usually seen in working lines. Though, it is considered to be a variation of black and tan. The tan is replaced here by the rich red though the pattern is the same as for black and tan dogs. The black and red German Shepherd color gene pheomelanin influences the appearance of this variation. The shades of red can vary — from lighter strawberry blonde to darker and more intensive mahogany red. Such a combination is mostly preferable for all the conformation shows and experienced breeders highly value it. Black and Silver Once again, the common patterns of a saddleback and blanket-back are preserved here. A silver hue replaces only the tan or red. This coloration can appear when the recessive color suppression gene is present in one of the parents. The variation is allowed for the show lines, but silver sable German Shepherd dogs are not quite common in them. You can encounter this coloring mostly in working lines. If you are an owner of such a dog, remember that it is not visible in the dark, so it needs a special collar for night walking. Black and Cream This is a lighter variation of black and tan and the last officially accepted type of coloring for the breed. However, since the breeders understand that conformation rules account for darker and more intensive colors, they do not eagerly display their dogs colored like this at the shows. Sable Sable German Shepherd This is the original color of this breed and it is a dominant gene that develops it. This German Shepherd color looks very similar to a wild wolf. Every single hair has about three colors on its string, so such dogs are also called tri-colored. The tips of the hairs end with black. These colors can be of different hues — grey, tan, red, or dark brown. The dark shades are more preferable for show lines. The sable gene should be present in at least one sample of the dog pair. It is a dominant gene and it never displays recessively. The two dogs, who are black and tan, cannot produce sable. When a sable color German Shepherd male is bred to a female of any color, their litter will be all sable. However, a puppy that was born sable may not be a dominant sable because it also receives a recessive gene of another color. The tri-color German Shepherd can change with age. The dogs become darker, or some of them can get even lighter. The color starts changing from 6 months and ends at the age of two years. The first registered sample of this breed color was a female born in the end of the s. It may also have some trace of another color on the cheeks. The true bicolor German Shepherd is very dark with just minimal spots of another color. When you need to see whether the puppy is bicolor just after its birth, you need to look for a brown spot under its tail. Bicolor is a recessive gene to the common black and tan. Bicolors can be commonly met in working lines rather than in show lines. Such black German Shepherd dogs have a fully solid color. Some hairs can be a bit brownish, especially on their paws, or they may carry a white spot on their chest. These dogs are not encountered so often as black and tan ones, but they are not considered rare. Black is caused by the most recessive color gene of all, so the litter of such a dog can be of any other color even if both parents are black. Though, the offspring all have this recessive gene. So, the subsequent litters of this breed can produce black shepherds quite unexpectedly. White White German Shepherd It may sound strange, but white is another original German Shepherd color, no matter what the breeder will tell you about its uniqueness. However, according to all breeding standards, white color in GSs is seen as a significant fault that disqualifies the puppy immediately. Such dogs are never shown in conformations and they are not allowed in any other shows. Some people also believe that the white color is the lack of color and such dogs are often confused with albinos. In fact, they are not. The main difference between a white German Shepherd and an albino GS is the color of their eyes. In albinos, it is pinkish blue, reddish blue, or just red. They also have some spots of other colors on their body, but albinos cannot have them because their body does not produce any color. The gene that is responsible for the appearance of a white puppy in the litter of black and tans, sables, or blacks is called a masking gene meaning that the genetic color of such a pup is masked. The white German Shepherd dogs are considered rare and there are special organizations that care about them and breeders strive for their promotion. There are many other misconceptions about these white GSDs. Though this color does not contain any others and there are no black tips in the hairs. Grey is one of the six primary colors recognized by the AKC. This GSD color is caused by the dominant gene. One parent can have it to produce the grey offspring. The gene can also be present in dogs in a recessive form, but it should be present in both parents to receive a grey puppy. The grey color in German Shepherds is not too rare but quite uncommon, so breeders do their best to breed puppies of this stunning color. However, silver is recognized as a separate color. Unlike grey, silver is caused by a recessive gene that can affect the black pigment and dilute it. A silver German Shepherd can be widely seen in the police force and military service. They look stunning and such dogs cost very much to acquire. They display blue instead. This dog makes up a stunning sight. Its eyes are golden-brown or amber-colored and that provides an exotic look. A recessive dilution gene provides this German Shepherd color. The dogs may be mistaken for a Blue Belgian Malinois and its acceptance to the conformation shows is somewhat controversial. The AKC considers it inappropriate for the shows. Light Blue This light colored German Shepherd is a blue color variation. The color is produced by the combination of the two dilution genes — blue and liver ones. The color of the eyes is also quite unusual, as well as the color of the nose which can be of any hue from pink to liver. The dog does not have any black pigmentation anywhere, even on the paw pads. Its eyes are either hazel or light blue. The classic liver covers all the body of a dog. It is a solid color without any hint of tan or anything else. This color is rare, but some people do not know about it and do not think their pets to be so unique. The liver colored German Shepherd dog has amber-colored eyes and looks very distinctive and gorgeous. The gene that causes this color is recessive, so both parents need this gene in their DNA to produce the litter of this color. Instead of being black, the dog acquires this deep brownish color. Some people always argue that this is not an original genetic color, but such a panda colored German Shepherd dog is actually a crossbreed with a Border Collie. In fact, the color is caused by a rare gene mutation and does not have anything in common with crossbreeding. Albino Albino German Shepherd This is considered extremely rare. Those people who claim that their dog is an albino German Shepherd are mistaken and just have a white-colored GS. An albino representative of any species lacks pigmentation completely. There is no color on the skin, eyes, hair, or even on the blood vessels. When you look at the German Shepherd albino, pay attention to its eyes and nose. These dogs can suffer from some health conditions. For example, they are photosensitive, so they cannot withstand direct sunlight. Some Misconceptions About the Colors of German Shepherd Dogs Only experienced experts can differentiate all the colors and hues of this stunning breed. That produces many misconceptions and wrong ideas about these dogs. Black and Tan and Black and Red Are Not the Same People usually think that black and tan GSDs are what they exactly should look like because they associate them with the police dogs featured in the films. However, they cannot distinguish between black and tan and black and red, thinking that it is the same coloring. It is not, of course. The black and cream and black and silver colors are not similar, either. Mythology Around Black German Shepherds While breeders usually claim that black and black sable German Shepherd dogs are much stronger and more agile than other colors, common people still believe that meeting such a dog at night is a bad omen. Also, some people are afraid of these dogs more than others because they think they are more aggressive. Its breeding and ways of training are the factors that really matter. They are believed to be deaf. Others claim that rare-colored dogs are more susceptible to infections and their lifespan is much shorter than those who have more common colors. German Shepherds belong to a large breed and they are vulnerable to such disorders as hip or shoulder dysplasia or bloating, but these diseases do not correlate with the color of their fur. All German Shepherd colors possess such qualities as obedience, calmness, readiness to defend and protect, and alertness. Or they may be aggressive and even dangerous if not trained and cared for properly. Final Thoughts Before adopting a German Shepherd dog, think about your preferences, mostly why you want to have this dog. There are some requirements if you want it to be presented in the show ring. You need to think about the German Shepherd puppy colors and shades then. Or you may just want your dog to protect your house and family. In this case, any hue of the coating is suitable. If you want your German Shepherd just to be a family pet and companion, you may follow your personal preferences. Take your GSD puppy from a reputable breeder who can guarantee the purity of the breed and the excellent physical qualities of the parents and their litter. Your dog will become an excellent investment then. We hope that speaking so much about the GSD colors as we have done in this article will help you in making your choice. Or, if you are already a happy owner of this stunning pet, you might have learned many interesting things that will help you take care of your beloved fido in the future. David W. I admire German Shepherds. They are magnificent dogs! I have been dealing with dogs, namely German Shepherds, throughout my life. I have been working part-time as a dog trainer and instructor for about 5 years, dealing mainly with German Shepherds. So I know a bit about these animals. Therefore, I decided to share my knowledge and experience about this fantastic breed. If you need help with advice and care tips or want to know more about German Shepherd dogs, welcome to this blog. It is well proportioned and very strong. The piebald coloring has occurred in a single GSD bloodline. The Panda Shepherd has a sturdy, muscular, slightly elongated body with a light, solid bone structure. The head should be in proportion to its body, and the forehead a little rounded. The nose is most often black, however blue or liver still do sometimes occur, but are considered a fault and cannot be shown. The teeth meet in a strong scissors bite. The dark eyes are almond shaped and never protruding. The ears are wide at the base, pointed, upright and turned forward. The ears of puppies under six months may drop slightly. The bushy tail reaches almost to its hocks and hangs down when the dog is at rest. The front legs and shoulders are muscular and the thighs are thick and sturdy. The round feet have very hard soles. Temperament Often used as working dogs, Panda Shepherds are courageous, keen, alert and fearless. Cheerful, obedient eager to learn, tranquil, confident, serious and clever, Panda Shepherds are extremely faithful and brave. They will not think twice about giving their lives for their human pack. They have a high learning ability. Panda Shepherds love to be close to their families, but can be wary of strangers. This breed needs his people and should not be left isolated for long periods of time. They only bark when they feel it is necessary. Often used as police dogs, the Panda Shepherd has a very strong protective instinct, and is extremely loyal to its handler. Socialize this breed well starting at puppyhood. Aggression and attacks on people are due to poor handling and training. This breed needs owners who are naturally authoritative over the dog in a calm, but firm, confident and consistent way. A stable, well-adjusted and trained dog is, for the most part, generally good with other pets and excellent with children in the family. They must be firmly trained in obedience from an early age. Panda Shepherds who have passive owners and or whose instincts are not being met can become timid, skittish, may be prone to fear biting and develop a guarding issue. They should be trained and socialized from an early age. Panda Shepherds will not listen if they sense that they are stronger minded than their owner, however they will also not respond well to harsh discipline. Owners need to have an air of natural authority to their demeanor. Do not treat this dog as if he were human. Learn canine instincts and treat the dog accordingly. Panda Shepherds are one of the smartest and most trainable breeds. With this highly skilled working dog comes a drive to have a job and a task in life and a consistent pack leader to show them guidance. They need somewhere to channel their mental and physical energy. This is not a breed that will be happy simply lying around your living room or locked out in the backyard. The breed is so intelligent and learns so readily that it has been used as a sheepdog, guard dog, in police work, as a guide for the blind, in search and rescue service and in the military. The Panda Shepherd also excels in many other dog activities including Schutzhund, tracking, obedience, agility, Flyball and ring sport. His fine nose can sniff out drugs and intruders , and can alert handlers to the presence of underground mines in time to avoid detonation, or gas leaks in a pipes buried 15 feet underground. The Panda Shepherd is also a popular show and family companion. Height, Weight Height: Males 24 - 26 inches 60 - 65 cm Females 22 - 24 inches 55 - 60 cm Weight: 77 - 85 pounds 35 - 40 kg Health Problems Indiscriminate breeding has led to hereditary diseases such as hip and elbow dysplasia be sure both parents have had their hips certified at least OFA good , blood disorders, digestive problems probably due to nerves , epilepsy, chronic eczema, keratitis inflammation of the cornea , dwarfism and flea allergies. Living Conditions The Panda Shepherd will do okay in an apartment if sufficiently exercised. These dogs are relatively inactive indoors and do best with at least a large yard. Exercise Panda Shepherd Dogs love strenuous activity, preferably combined with training of some kind, for these dogs are very intelligent and crave a good challenge. They need to be taken on a daily, brisk, long walk , jog or run alongside you when you bicycle. 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. Most shepherds love to play ball or Frisbee. Ten to fifteen minutes of fetching along with daily pack walks will tire your dog out quite nicely as well as give him a sense of purpose. Does best with a job to do. Life Expectancy.