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All of these amazing GSD's arrived at MOGS with some rough edges, but have worked really hard and are ready to take the next steps in the rehab process - landing in their forever home! If you have a love for GSD's, strong canine leadership skills, experience with handling lack of confidence and poor socialization levels, and have room in your heart and home, read on and find your hidden gem today! Baron and Brandi have lived in a home prior to MOGS, but were mainly outdoor dogs, so need an owner who can be patient and teach them good indoor dog manners. Prior owners report they lived safely with young children. Brandi is the more social of the pair, and loves everyone. Baron is somewhat more shy and requires measured intros to both people and other dogs. Once Alma knows and trusts a person, she is super-loving, attention-seeking, and wants to be with them every minute that she can. She is very food motivated, really smart, and wants to please [most of the time ]. She is working on basic obedience, but like a true GSD, can be stubborn. She is housebroken, crate-trained and can be left unsupervised for brief periods of time in the home, as long as her person is home as well. Alma is a true alpha, dominant female with other dogs, and can sometimes be very intense. She can be an only-pet, but has also done with in small play groups with submissive, younger males and females. She cannot be placed with other dominant dogs, and has a small-prey drive, so no cats. She can sometimes be kennel reactive when she is crated and hassled by another dog that she doesn't like in her current foster home [dominant temperament male]. Posie is typically a gentle girl with her handlers in boarding, with a soft mouth for treats, and an affectionate, cuddly personality. Posie does have a high small prey drive, and cannot be around either small dogs or cats. She does struggle with some issues of selective reactivity, and would prefer to be in an only pet home. If he knows you he will want your attention and he will bug you until you give it to him. He wants to be a lap dog as well. Colby is a happy boy, he just wants to enjoy his home and all the thing he loves, food, his ball, his Buffalo horns, and hanging with his people. Because he is tentative with new people and dogs, he would not be a good candidate for dog parks, doggy day care, Home Depot visits or camping. Colby needs a home with no cats, but he has been in a household with a small dog and did very well. Are you searching for a German Shepherd rescue in Missouri to adopt or foster a dog? We made that easy for you by creating a detailed description of each rescue. Your task is just to read on! Louis, Jefferson, and Kansas. Serendipity German Shepherd Dog Rescue Any prospective dog owner looking for an adoptive German Shepherd will certainly find their stroke of luck at the Serendipity Rescue. This non-profit rescue organization was founded in and is based in St. Louis, Missouri. Serendipity always has a good number of healthy adoptable German Shepherds. The Rescue is purely run by volunteers, including the adoption officers, fosters, and the board of directors. Their mission is to secure a loving home for every GSD saved. The dogs are mostly from shelters and puppy mills. A few are surrendered by owners who can no longer guarantee their welfare. As a German Shepherd lover, you can be part of the rescue work at Serendipity in different ways: Donating funds, dog food, or other care items. Providing a foster home. Becoming a volunteer. Adopting a GSD. You can specify your interest in a particular dog or allow the adoption officers to suggest a good match. Allow time for volunteers to review your application. Once done, they will contact you to confirm approval and make any clarifications for both sides. Leave time for the adoption officers to contact your vet and personal references as part of a background check. Allow a home visit to finalize the adoption process. Honor an invitation to a meet-and-greet once approved. This could also be the day you bring home your German Shepherd. You can also post mail to Chesterfield, MO , email [email protected] , or join their numerous Facebook followers. Journey Home German Shepherd Dog Rescue When the founding volunteers started the Journey Home Rescue in , they intended to save homeless German Shepherds and lead them on a journey to their new forever home. The non-profit c 3 organization is located in Jefferson City but rescues German Shepherds from all parts of the state and beyond. Numerous volunteers work hard to save and rehome abandoned, abused, and neglected GSDs. They collaborate with many generous fosters who welcome these furry friends to their homes until they can find new families. If you are a German Shepherd enthusiast, you can also be part of the noble work at Journey Home Rescue. Your assistance will help an already rescued GSD or facilitate the rescue of many more dogs. Work as a volunteer at the Rescue or open the doors of your home for foster services. Adopt a GSD and give the pet a forever home. To adopt a German Shepherd from Journey Home Rescue, you have to abide by these steps and requirements: Submit a completed adoption application. Wait for volunteers at the Rescue to review your application and contact you within 10 days. The review process includes contacting your vet and personal references. Allow a home visit. Attend a meet-and-greet. All family members, including current pets, should be present. Sign and submit an adoption contract. Pay the adoption fee and pick up your new furry friend. You can enquire about the adoption fee for your chosen German Shepherd by emailing [email protected]. Missouri German Shepherd Rescue Not every German Shepherd rescue takes in dogs indiscriminately regardless of their history, medical, and physical state. But Missouri German Shepherd Rescue does. Volunteers with love for the breed started the c 3 charitable Rescue in in the City of Kansas. With the help of volunteers and fosters, the Rescue has restored hope to thousands of purebred German Shepherds and mixes, as well as dogs of other breeds. Personnel at Missouri German Shepherd Rescue works by the maxim that every dog is worthy of being saved. Dogs with serious medical issues like heartworm disease , impaired vision, or an injured or withered limb. Unsocialized or poorly trained dogs. The Rescue does not have a physical facility. Instead, it relies on the generosity of GSD lovers who open the doors of their homes to foster homeless dogs. You can join Missouri German Shepherd Rescue as a foster to help care for rescued dogs and save many more. If offering free services at the Rescue works better for you, you can apply to be a volunteer. You can also give a monetary donation or provide a forever home to a German Shepherd by adopting. The adoption process commences with completing an application form. Once your request is approved, the Rescue personnel will organize a meet-and-greet. These clubs serve as a platform where GSD lovers can continue learning about the breed and participate in club fun days. German Shepherds for sale in Missouri Regis Regal Specializes in providing world class German Shepherd puppies and trained adult dogs Serving Missouri with german shepherds since With over 30 years experience in the breeding and training of world-class German Shepherds from some of the top bloodlines out of Germany, here at Regis Regal German Shepherds we've been very proud to have sold our puppies and adult dogs to the residents of Missouri. We're a small family run operation with our main training and breeding facilities based in Spring Grove, Illinois. Because of the quality and pedigree of our German Shepherds there's been a demand for our dogs all over the world. The owner, Cynthia Kelly, has a lifetime of experience in creating the perfect family companion, service dog or therapy dog. Because of the lack of top quality German Shepherd breeders in some parts of the United States, we've carefully set ourselves up so that we can send our dogs direct to your home by use of a private courier service. Louis, but have you considered looking further afield for the perfect puppy? At Regis Regal German Shepherds we produce a select number of puppies at any one time, and take the utmost care when raising and training them ready for ownership. You should not forget that when it comes to buying a puppy you also need to be mindful of other costs outside of the purchase or adoption fee. Included within the cost of our puppies are: Lifetime health guarantee contingent on meeting criteria stated in the contract. Send us a message or give us a ring on .Emotional support dogs are suited for both children and adults and have the ability to work with their owners in all types of locations. We have placed many dogs with children and teenagers in MO that suffer from anxiety, depression, PTSD, and manic disorders. Service dogs provide a physical service to their owners. We have been incredibly successful in providing service dogs to children afflicted with Autism and Asbergers, as our dogs can help to enhance the verbal skills of non-verbal Autistic children and support their overall way of communicating. Some of our previous placements our dog courier service - we ship to your door in MO! You might find this a bit hard to believe but we actually ship right to your door, wherever you are based in the US! Such is the demand for one of our dogs we decided it would make things a lot easier for our customers if we could hand-deliver them right to you. For those people in need of a top class GSD, and who can't get to our premises, this is a bit of a lifesaver. We make use of a private courier service whereby they come to us and pickup the dog in their vehicle before making the journey to your home. Our driver is well trained in the handling and care of your dog on the trip, and due to their temperament our dogs always enjoy the journey! On rare occasions our dogs have flown out to their destination, again accommpanied by one of the Regis Regal team to ensure for a very smooth and calm trip. We also go through a very thorough process to make sure our dogs are going to the right kind of owner - at the end of the day it's really important that we can rest easy at night knowing they'll be going to someone that's going to love them as much as we do. Because of COVID we've held plenty of online meetings where you can ask us any questions about our dogs, and you can even get to meet-and-greet them virtually! Reviews from Customers based in MO We like to think we've made a lot of people in Missouri happy over the years that we've been in business. Take a look below at some of the feedback we've received to date. You can find more reviews of ours here too. He is so sweet, intelligent, and such a cutie. Cynthia was very knowledgeable and eased our minds in regards to this larger breed. As you can imagine this can change quite regularly - so please send us a message below, or give us a call on .We look forward to hearing from you! Your name. The picture of puppies in the bathtub is a past litter of German Shepherd puppies from Robin Blue. They are all adults now and all have happy loving homes and awesome families they live with. I have been a German Shepherd breeder since .I have all colors black and tan, black and silver, black and red, bi-color, black, white, black and tan brindle, sable brindle, silver sable, tan sable, fawn, blue, liver, and red sable of German Shepherd puppies. I have German Shepherd puppies for sale as pets that are wonderful, loving, family protectors. I also have full working line German Shepherd puppies for sale that would do well in a working job, SCH, agility, therapy dog, search and rescue, or as a very energetic family member. They are all sweethearts. Feel free to call or email. I always enjoy meeting and talking to people that are interested in German Shepherd dogs, as I am. Thanks for your interest in my puppies. If you are interested in having one of my puppies be one of your new family members you will have to call me on the telephone and talk to me about the puppy. I love all my puppies and just try to match them up to the right homes. If you are interested in one of my puppies please call me at home or my cell is .I will return your call. If you have any questions about any of my puppies you are welcome to email me too. My email address is whitefamily semo. I only have one email address. So if you are interested in any of my puppies I look forward to talking to you on the phone. I am proud of all my puppies and their parents and always enjoy talking about them all. Please allow business days for production before shipping. This Print-on-demand item cannot be returned or exchanged. All rights reserved. It is a Federal Copyright offense to reproduce this image without permission. Anderson Design Group is proud to promote a great cause with new original artwork for Missouri German Shepherd Rescue. MOGS is a volunteer-based organization in Missouri that works works tirelessly to rescue, heal, rehabilitate and re-home German Shepherds throughout Missouri and surrounding states. Every dog in the care of MOGS gets full medical attention, and the dogs are treated like family until they find their forever homes. You can help save lives by buying prints, metal signs, canvases, and cards featuring these special German Shepherd designs. Hand-rendered by Anderson Design Group artists in the style of early 20th-Century WPA travel posters, this classic design will look great as a framed print, canvas, metal sign, canvas banner, as a postcard or a notecard. Choose a Product notecard dimensions: 4.

Place your dog on a regular feeding schedule so you can predict when they'll need to go outside, and praise them, pat them, and give them a small treat every time they demonstrate good behaviour. Wee Away is great and smells great. It is an enzyme based product that sanitizes your dog Toilet area, remove smells, and breaks down the acid in your dogs wee that can cause carpet stains. With regular use Wee Care creates an odor free, living area for your pet We recommend frequent tooth brushing with pet-safe enzymatic toothpaste. Teaching your puppy to accept toothbrushing early makes it easier and more enjoyable for them as adults. We like Virbac C. Enzymatic Toothpaste in Vanilla Mint. The Quantum LeashTM is an award-winning, versatile dog lead that converts into 6 different styles. With a simple carabiner adjustment, this leash easily switches styles depending on your activity. With a quick change, it can become a double dog walker. A floating padded handle provides you with the utmost comfort and support in every configuration. Available in regular nylon and reflective nylon. Grooming An Exercise Pen is another great option for house-breaking. Helping to keep your pup safe and contained, exercise pens can be used in conjunction with a crate so pup can go in and out as they please. This can help alleviate some of the whining and crying that can occur as they adjust to the crate. A collar may be used for control, identification, fashion, or other purposes. Collars are often used in conjunction with a leash, and a common alternative to a dog collar is a dogharness. Book an appointment before your puppy goes home. This could happen, but most likely, your pup will prefer the feel of cool tile or hardwood floor beneath them. We love the raised hammock dog beds. There are many to chose from. You can see a few options here. How often will I need to groom my Bernedoodle? A thorough brushing 2 x a week until you puppy is 6 months old will be enough. You will want to bath your puppy every 6 weeks. Before bathing brush out all matts. This will prevent matting. Between baths you can use a leave in shampoo. We use the slicker brush if there are no matts. If they are matted we use the rake style brush first than the slicker brush. You will not need to shave your bernedoodle all the way down until they are around 12 months unless you let them get matted. Pictures below are an example of one of our Mini Bernedoodles. We gave her the doodle groom and to show what a shaved Bernedoodle looks like we shaved her all the way down. Are you planning for the arrival of your new puppy from Utahberneoodles. We consider the following items as proactive investments to tackle some challenges inherent with a new puppy. We understand the abundance of "stuff" that one can accumulate with a new puppy, and we hope this list will give you a head start on getting organized and identifying helpful tools to create a solid foundation for adulthood. Airline Approved Puppy carrier Walking harnesses make walks more enjoyable. A dog harness is piece of equipment for dogs, generally similar to harness tack for horses. There are various designs depending on the type of use, whether it be for assistance to a person with a disability, hauling a cart or sled, or pulling a human being, such as in skijoring or pulka. Will you be flying in to pick up your puppy? If you plan to fly in and meet us at the airport, you will need an airline approved puppy carrier that can fit in cabin with you. You can get my favorite carrier at amazon using the link below. Your pets deserve the best start in life. Short bursts of energy on a grassy surface is optimal. We recommend having several different chew toys for your puppy. You can see a few different options here. Pet Insurance Most puppies have sensitive stomachs. When bringing a new puppy home is is a good idea to have a few things on hand. We like to have dia gel and a good probiotic. Toys Puppy Books We believe nutrition is the number one way to maintain a healthy dog. We have tried a variety of foods and there are many great dog foods to choose from. Do your homework and feed your beloved family member a quality diet. We will let you know what we are feeding your puppy so you can be prepared for your new family members arrival. If you plan to feed something different that is fine. But please do so after your puppy is home for at least 1 month. Nutrition Dog Bed Exercise Pen We list Pet Insurance as a top "shopping" item because sometimes it goes by the wayside until an incident occurs. Many plans do not activate until the following month of purchase, please plan accordingly. We're advocates of crate training. When integrated properly, crate-training is extremely effective for house-training and transitioning a puppy to their new home. We like the Midwest iCrate because of its quality, affordability, and the fact that it folds down easily for transport. The included divider panel allows you to use the same crate from puppy to adult. Air freshener Where to Find an Adorable Bernedoodle? Looking for a Bernedoodle puppy? PuppySpot is the perfect place to start your search! Each puppy comes with a comprehensive health guarantee, so you can be sure that your new furry friend is healthy and happy. They give back to the pet community by supporting various animal-related charities and initiatives. PuppySpot really is a convenient and ethical way to find your adorable Bernedoodle puppy. So why not check them out and add a new furry family member to your home? Getting Your Home Ready Thinking about the logistics of having this new member of the family living in your home is essential. Do not leave it until the Bernedoodle puppy arrives. Potty Place Think about where your new puppy is going to go potty. Your new Bernedoodle puppy must learn from the very beginning that this one place is OK to go potty, and that other places it is not OK. Postponing this training will lead to the puppy adopting bad habits. I had a friend once who brought their puppy home in a wire cat box. They placed it down in the corner of the living room on a hard floor, and the puppy decided that this wire cage was the place to go pee and poo. They laughed about it at first and allowed this to continue thinking that the puppy would soon move on to somewhere more suitable. Recently they have managed to convince it to go outside next to the wire cage, which has been placed in the yard, but it is slow progress. Sleeping Arrangements Now just like when you bring a new baby home, you are likely to have some disturbed nights at first. Your puppy is used to sleeping with the rest of the litter and not used to being alone. Leaving its parents and brother and sisters is a huge hurdle to overcome. You and the puppy will get better sleep at night if at first, you let the puppy sleep in a cage at the side of the bed. They will be reassured by being close to you the substitute parent. Inside the cage place a simple waterproof mat and a comforter an old teeshirt or something that has your smell or that of the breeder. Internal Gates Your new puppy is going to be curious and wanting to look around the whole house. We were fortunate when we brought our puppy home as we had open plan stairs and looking through the steps at the floor below scared him. He had a real fear of heights; even if we held him close to an upstairs window, he would turn away rather than looking down. So climbing the stairs was an issue and he never built up the courage to climb past the first couple of steps until he was about ten months, when suddenly he bounded up the stairs at speed. Placing child gates around the house will make life so much easier and allow you to confine the puppy to designated rooms. It will enable them less chance of creating mischief and ensures they remain safe. Potential Hazards Your house is full of potential hazards. Log trailing cables running across the floor will be something that your puppy will take great delight in trying to chew. A bottle of bleach standing beside the toilet will be a challenge. Your puppy will see just about anything as something he can play with and chew. Keep hazards out of his reach. Garbage Bins Indoor rubbish bins, especially in the kitchen, are a source of great wonder for your puppy. All those interesting food smells coming from inside, and all that stuff to play with. If your puppy gets the opportunity, he will find a way of tipping it over so he can access the goodies inside. Similarly, when he gets access to the yard, he will also take great delight in the challenge of accessing your garbage. Playtime aids You will find it much easier if you use the baby gates to seal off one room or a playpen to seal off a small area of the house. In that living space, you can place his water and food bowls, some toys, and somewhere to lay. The absolute worst thing you can do when these situations occur is to shout and scare the dog or smack it. All that will achieve is to make the dog scared of you, which will slow down future training. The dog is not doing it to annoy you; he genuinely has not worked out what your master plan is and where the potty area is. Bernedoodles are clever dogs, and he should learn this faster than some other breeds. Choosing the Correct Diet When you first bring your Berndoodle back from the breeders, hopefully, you will have supplies of the same food that he is already used to eating. When you first get the puppy, his stomach is only just adjusting to solid foods, so make sure that you are feeding him puppy food specially designed for sensitive stomachs. Do not just buy and dog food. House arrest Keeping your dog confined to a designated part of the house or in a playpen is in his own interest. You are protecting his safety. The area within the playpen or designated area should be free of things that your puppy can choke on, or harm himself with. The confinement is also very much in your interest because you know that when you are out of sight, he is not doing any damage around the house, or finding ways to break out. Choose somewhere that has hard floors, so that if there are ay accidents, it is easier to clean up. Now whether you think so or not, there will be times when your Bernedoodle is going to have to be left alone. It happens. In this case, it is essential to confine your dog to his designated area — the puppy haven, for his safety. He will be familiar with this area and less frightened than less familiar parts of the house. Puppy Haven Let your dog feel good about the designated area. Do not make your Bernedoodle think it is a punishment. Instead, make him believe that it is a playground that contains his favorite toys and foods—a place where he likes to go. Comforters Comforters will contain your scent on an old unwashed shirt or something along those lines. They feel calm when they have the comforter; These should be in the puppy-haven if you have to go out and leave them. They should also be in the cage when they are put there to sleep. The presence of the comforter should make these places feel safe. Taken away from their parents and siblings, they are suddenly all alone and unsure of what is happening. By making the right preparations, you can make this transition easier for your Bernedoodle. Do it right, and they will switch that famous Bernese Mountain Dog loyalty to you and form a lifelong relationship. You have made an excellent choice in selecting a Bernedoodle. A little patience and thought for the first few weeks will be an investment that is repaid for many years by your dog as he grows. We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at anytime. These links are affiliate links, so if you do end up using the links, I will earn a commission. Dog Food: Every dog needs to eat correctly, and finding the best food for your dog can be challenging, as the market is absolutely flooded with products. Welcoming a Bernedoodle Puppy: How to Prepare with Proper Supplies February 13, Bernedoodles are lovable, playful dogs that like spending time outside as much as they enjoy curling up on the couch. They are excellent family dogs and have a special affection for children. Because they are the offspring of poodles, they also inherit a nearly hypoallergenic coat. The Bernedoodle, a hybrid between a Bernese Mountain dog and a poodle, was first bred in .They were raised primarily to be family pets, and thrive when showered with affection and cuddles. When it comes to Bernedoodles, they are equally at home on the sofa or trekking with their owners. They might be stubborn and uncooperative at first, but quickly learn to control their behavior. Preparation These preparatory tasks will help you and your house to welcome a new dog. Before bringing home a new puppy, certain considerations should be taken into account. These include where the puppy will spend its first night, who will be responsible for its care, and whether you have the necessary materials on hand. Keep your cool and avoid bringing home a Bernedoodle when it is not the right moment. Make sure you do your homework beforehand. Learn how to care for and nurture a puppy before you bring one home. Many adjustments will be necessary for your house to accommodate this new family member. And if finding the right items seems hard, Doodle websites like WeLoveDoodles can help you with the required information. It is common practice to teach dogs to sleep in crates to give them a sense of security. Pick a spot for your dog to eat. Keep their food where they can reach it. Baby gates can be used to keep your puppy out of particular areas of your house. Ensure your house is safe for your puppy by performing proper inspections, such as toxic plants, cleaning chemicals, and wires. Buy the Right Supplies Your new puppy will need a place to sleep, such as a kennel or a bed. Bowls for food and drink are a necessity. You cannot take them on a stroll without a leash, tag, harness, or any other type of leash attachment. When training your puppy, you should use a harness. If you are a frequent traveler, a vehicle restraint is a must for the protection of your dog. There are poo bags and puppy pads for both indoor and outdoor usage. Food Check with the shelter or breeder on food the Bernedoodle has been used to. Purchase the same bag and keep it on hand at your home. When it comes to welcoming your puppy to their new home, nothing beats a delicious dinner and some playtime! Having their food brand on hand will save you the stress of running to the store to find the brand they need. Choose a vet-recommended brand specifically designed for young puppies and ease them into it with a bit of new food mixed in and gradually increase over time. Bed If you are house training your Bernedoodle, we suggest that you choose a bed that takes up the majority of the available space in your cage. Collar You should start training your puppy to wear a collar as soon as possible. Treats After using the potty, your dog probably wants a big snuggle and some playfulness. Grooming Tools Every weeks, you should take your Bernedoodle to a professional groomer to get their hair trimmed. The sooner you start brushing your dog, the easier it will be for them to adapt to it. Brushing can be done as frequently or as little as you choose. Also, you will need to get bath supplies for your dog. Dogs should be bathed correctly and with the right items. Here is a list of supplies you should get before welcoming a Bernedoodle puppy. Puppy food. Preparing for Your New Puppy -Schedule an appointment with your vet I ask that you have your puppy seen by your veterinarian within 3 days of bringing them home. It is important to keep them up to date on their vaccinations. Please send me a copy of the vet report within 30 days of taking your puppy home. You can text it to me at or you can email it to me at backroadsminibernedoodles gmail. I offer a 1-year congenital health guarantee and will refund the price of your puppy if a congenital health condition arises within the 1st year, however, you will be responsible for fees beyond that amount. Having Pet Insurance can give you peace of mind in knowing that your pet is covered if the unexpected were to occur. I recommend feeding the puppy starter food for days after bringing your puppy home. I will be sending a gallon sized bag of it home with you so there is no need for you to purchase any starter food. I will be sending a pint-sized bag of it home with you as well. Please follow the chart on the back of the dog food bag for instructions on how often and how much to feed your puppy. There are many wonderful brands of dog food available for your puppy. If you choose to feed something other than Royal Canin, please remember to do a gradual transition when switching it up. Changing their food, without a gradual transition period, can cause unwanted stomach and bowel issues for your puppy. Simply put, it is the best nutritional supplement available today. Hundreds of thousands of dogs and cats are using NuVet Plus to provide optimal health and a strong immune system. A strong immune system will protect them from environmental and food toxins such as back yard pesticides, hormones, toxic formaldehyde in furniture and carpeting. NuVet Plus also supports proper development as well as a beautiful skin and coat. This is not just a vitamin. For puppies — Fills the immunity gap all puppies experience. Shortly after birth maternal antibody effectiveness is greatly reduced. Once in their new home, the immune system is weakened by the stress of adoption and exposure to novel bacteria and viruses in their environment. This is also when the vaccine series is started. Vaccines are most effective if the immune system can respond properly. Starting NuVet Plus now is important to helping your puppy grow into a healthy adult. For dogs in their prime — Provides the necessary antioxidants, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals to sustain peak performance during the prime of their lives. For older dogs — Helps provide the nutritional needs to live long, happy, and productive lives in their senior years. I highly recommend NuVet Plus to keep your puppy on the path to perfect health! For your convenience, you may order directly from the manufacturer by calling and using Order Code: or ordering online at www. Please order prior to picking up your pup! They will be eager to please you so use lots of positive reinforcement. Set clear boundaries and limits and again, be consistent. For potty training, I would recommend taking them outside every hour during the day for the first couple of weeks. Take them to the same spot every time. Be sure to affirm them with a positive response when they complete the task! Your puppy will also need to go outside right after waking up and a few minutes after eating or drinking. Bell training your puppy from the start is also helpful. Simply hang a bell next to the door and have them touch it with their paw each time you take them outside to potty. You might have to help them at first, but they catch on quickly. Crate training is highly encouraged! Visit the link below for a short, helpful video on how to crate train your puppy: -Exercise Bernedoodles require a moderate amount of exercise. It is recommended that they be groomed every weeks. I would recommend a medium sized crate that has a divider in it so you can adjust it as your puppy grows. Choose small or large breed depending on the full grown size your puppy will be. You can buy this online at Chewy. You can also find it at Tractor Supply Stores. Feed your puppy by hand fun task for kids! Grain free has been linked to heart problems in multiple clinical studies. An Adjustable Crate: Extra large, large, medium or small depending on the full grown size your puppy will grow to. When the divider is incerted correctly, your pup should be able to stand up, turn around and lay down comfortably. If your puppy is attending Foundations training, for the smoothest transition, purchase a hard shell travel crate fitted snugly to your puppy based on measurements. This is the type of crate they will have become accustomed to at Foundations Training. The collar will be for the puppy ID information. Front lead harnesses are best for teaching your puppy not to pull and for having kids walk the dog but only after they have learned how to walk on a leash with either a collar or back lead harness. Schedule a Vet Visit for their 10 week Distemper Shot: This should be given when the puppy is 10 weeks old along with the kennel cough vaccination. At 14 weeks old, the final distemper shot and at 16 weeks old, the rabies vaccination can be given. We will go over this in detail on gotcha day as well. A thin blanket or towel works well. Recently I discovered amazon sells machine washable area rugs in all sizes! This is a critical time for socialization as the window for introducing new people, places, things and animals closes at 16 weeks. If you have kids, this makes for a fun scavenger hunt! Any neighborhood dogs? Schedule play dates! Supervise closely if there is a big difference in size and do make sure the other dogs are up to date on vaccinations. Some trainers are great patient, understands puppy development, love their job vs. Be selective! And, be present unless you have vetted your trainer very well and they have excellent, recent reviews. Private sessions for basic obedience if you prefer should only be in addition to group puppy training, not instead of. Half days are also great! Dog Walkers: There are two kids of dog walker; A. I recommend having the puppy sleep in your room for at least weeks until they have adjusted to life as an independent puppy, without their siblings around them. This visit should be short and full of praise and rewards for being good. Blow dry C. Ears cleaned E. Nails trimmed. Establish with the groomer before you leave your puppy and agree that your puppy is not matted. Groomers shave doodles down for 4 reasons: 1. The boss requires X number of dogs to be groomed per day 4. Your pup is actually matted. If you love certain features ie; brown eyebrows or long eye lashes tell them to keep them! If your puppy is squealing when you brush them, double check that you bought the correct type of brush slicker. Rounded end scissors for trimming around the eyes in between grooming appointments, Nail Trimmers and Kwik Stop: Incase you cut the nail too short by accident and it bleeds. The quick will grow into their nails as their nails get longer. Flea and Tick Preventative: Ticks those nasty little buggers are active anytime the ground thaws, even if there is a one day thaw in February. They work for months! The only exception to this recommendation is if you have children who have hands in their mouth a lot. Tip: leave the collar long enough to allow 7 months of growth! This is a prescription only and you can get it through your vet. Heartguard is not optional! The treatment for heart worms is a series of injections directly into the spine- very painful. Never mind the consequences of having heart worms…which can include death. Foundations Training. .Please see the video below and click this here for more information. This one is magical.

Each year, Boxer puppies are among the most popular dogs in the United Kingdom. And we totally get it — Boxers are incredible dogs. Unfortunately, increased Boxer dog breed popularity has led to the increase of irresponsible breeding. Nowadays, there are many adverts on pet market sites and most of them do not promise healthy Boxer pups. I mean, they do promise a high-quality Boxer puppy , but most do not have adequate documentation. This breed is very specific in terms of its heart problems. Irresponsible breeding can only produce Boxers that are prone to serious health conditions such as Cardiomyopathy and Aortic Stenosis. It took many years of careful selective breeding to achieve these incredible results. Thoughtful selection along with regular health tests is what makes a pedigree dog that is suitable to compete in championship shows. Many reliable Boxer breeders do not have their own website. Instead, they are listed on trustworthy sites like Champdogs and reputable Boxer clubs. Who They Are Christine Beardsell and her late husband have been into Boxer breeding and judging for most of their lives. They participated in championship shows and their Boxers have been winning one award after the other. Christine has been in dog show judging since .However, once her husband Patrick passed away, it was her daughter Vikki Van-Beck that continued the legacy. Today, this mother and daughter duo are on a championship show winning spree! On their website, you can see how much they have accomplished from up until today. They are focused on eradicating congenital health issues that most Boxers suffer from. What They Offer Purebred Boxer puppies with excellent genetic profile. Newlaithe does not offer bobtail Boxers as they are mixed with Corgi genes. They only produce Boxer pups with a clear genetic profile. That being said, Newlaithe Boxers are the healthiest puppies around. They are also the prettiest — you have got to check out their brindle Boxer pups! They also offer high-quality Boxer stud dog service. Newlaithe Boxers details. Find Boxer Puppies and Breeders in your area and helpful Boxer information. Libby gave birth to a litter of puppies on April 27th. Boxers are a very loving breed of dogs that make great family pets! Boxers are also great working dogs! Igneshof Boxers come from a long line or working dogs. Find purebred Boxer breeders nearest you Boxer Dog Breeders Directory Use our free search tool to find purebred Boxer dog breeders nearest you. Although the Boxer dog breed originated in Germany, their ancient ancestry can be traced back. The boxer was originally bred from the English Bulldog and the now extinct Bullenbeisser. History: The Boxer descends from two dogs of the now extinct Bullenbeisser breed from Germany: the Danziger Bullenbeisser and the Brabanter Bullenbeisser, both of which were used by hunters for chasing large game. The Molossus blood makes the hardworking Boxer dog courageous, bright, and alert. The Boxer is one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States. Some of the most beautiful sites can be seen in the gorgeous mountains there. Boxer Puppies for Sale Boxers are upbeat, playful family dogs that have earned a reputation for being protective guardians or watchdogs and silly, bright-eyed, affectionate companions for children. These babies should mature 20 to 30 lbs on average. The right Boxer is worth waiting for. These are the people who care for the homeless, abused and unwanted boxers because they have a love and passion for the breed and believe they all deserve a second chance. We are a family Kennel that specializes in Boxers and Boston Terriers. Welcome to Gentry Boxers! Boxer Dog Breeders Directory Use our free search tool to find purebred Boxer dog breeders nearest you. Boxer puppies in Elgin, IL. Enjoy your visit at Weepin Oaks Boxers website! If you are looking for a responsible AKC boxer breeder, you have come to the right place. Ohio man pleads guilty to dog fighting offenses .The Boxer Rescue, Inc. Dog domestic dog The Bulldog is a British breed of dog of mastiff type. Uptown Puppies can help you find reputable Boxer breeders closest to you no matter where you are in the US. No phone calls please! Frequently Asked Questions Please reach us at willowroseboxers gmail. Our objective is to produce the highest quality puppies, for family pets and companions. She would » Read more » Montgomery County, silver. AKC Boxer Puppies Boxer puppies in Chippewa Falls, in Northwest Wisconsin We maintain the highest standard in breeding practices and guarantee that all our puppies are: healthy and happy AKC registered vet-checked up-to-date on all vaccinations. Boxer puppies in Mobile, AL. Boxer puppies in Naperville, IL. Look through our pages to see what we have. Thank you for stopping by to visit us here at Cimarron Boxers. We do have stud dogs available. Find Boxer puppies in nearby cities. Boxer puppies in Peoria, IL. My husband got his first Boxer puppy at the age of 9, and fell in love with the breed. We, from time to time, have top-quality boxer puppies for sale to loving families. Here we breed quality "True" Miniature Boxers. We do not offer nor do we guarantee our puppies for show or breeding, instead we. At Rising Creed Boxers, you will find beautiful puppies of great personalities and colors. Andrea and her family are tremendous supporters and animal lovers. We have beautiful puppies of good colors, conformation and personalities. Lieben Boxers is a family oriented Boxer breeder founded in June of by myself, Sarah Schuldheisz. Despite their light and fun-loving nature, the Boxer is a hardworking, versatile, and vigilant breed that is incredibly loyal to their family. This is a Mini boxer French Bulldog cross litter. Timberline boxer puppies and adults are well socialized and loved daily. Find Boxer puppies for sale. With more than 25 years of experience, Hawk Valley Boxers has earned a reputation for producing good-quality Boxers, consistently winning the coveted 5-Star Breeders Award from the American Canine Association. A well-made Boxer in peak condition is an awesome. A well-made Boxer in peak condition is an awesome sight. Boxers were first introduced at a dog show in Munich, Germany in .We breed for health, temperament, intelligence, agility, conformation, color and well socialized pups. We occasionally offer puppies, though not very often. These puppies come from breeders who offer safe, convenient puppy drop-off options — so you can get your new best friend delivered from anywhere. It may also be known as the English Bulldog or British Bulldog. AKC Breeder Of Merit A Breeder whose listings display a Breeder of Merit badge among our most trusted breeders as they have committed to performing health screenings and ensuring that their. Are there any Boxer breeders near me? The Boxer is a well-loved breed so a good breeder is never too far away. Before searching "Boxer puppies for sale near me", review their average cost below. English-bred Bulldogs and the Bullenbesiier were crossed to. Please visit the AKC Boxer breed standard tab to learn more about the breed. I am away for work 8 hours a day and she is fine on her own. Boxer puppies in Rockford, IL. National animal of United Kingdom. They are members of our family! For updated photos, follow us on Facebook! Boxer puppies in Springfield, IL. Michael Valentine, 40, of Bidwell, Ohio, admitted to raising and training over fifty dogs near his home in Gallia County, Ohio. Boxer dogs are the sixth most popular breed in the United States. The modern Boxer breed we know and love today was originally developed in Germany in the late s. We are centrally located within the state — roughly the same distance to the beach and mountains. They have large heads with thick folds of skin around the face and shoulders, and a relatively flat. South Willow Boxers now calls Glendale, Arizona its home. Breeders who register their litters must follow the rules and regulations for responsible breeding practices established by the American Kennel Club. Boxer puppies for sale in Illinois from trusted breeders. We got Maggie, in September of .She is a sweet girl that is looking for someone to be the apple of her eye. These are the people who care for the homeless, abused and unwanted boxers. Boxers are wonderful family dogs and are known for their patience and gentleness with children. After providing Domino with a wonderful live, he unexpectedly passed away. Boxer puppies in Birmingham, AL. Boxer Dog Breed Information. Boxer puppies in Tuscaloosa, AL. Boxer puppies for sale in Alabama from trusted breeders. Firstly, as Breeders with 20 years of breeding experience and as a. Boxer Puppies for sale in North Carolina. Eight Democrats and eight Republicans voted against it. Boxer puppies in Dothan, AL. Please contact Micky to reserve your puppy! Contact mickyhuff gmail. The bill, House File , passed the House .It is a medium sized, muscular dog of around lb kg. Uptown Puppies can help you find reputable Boxer. Use our free search tool to find purebred Boxer dog breeders nearest you. Iowa House passes bill to end pit bull bans .We have been breeding Boxers for 31 years. We are not a puppy mill nor are there. We want our pups to go to loving homes. Boxers are a very loving breed of dogs that make great family pets! If you are interested in one of our puppies or Retro, Brando or Bogie for stud service please us the "Contact" page for text information or use the e-mail form. Welcome to our website! A photo of Rocky, the best Boxer ever, and the one who started it all! We are a family owned operation that breeds champion bloodline AKC Boxer puppies. Pricing — Mountain Crest Boxers — Boxer Puppies for Sale Pricing Our European Boxer puppies are priced competitively for the quality and effort that go into raising them, especially when you consider we offer a five year health guarantee with our puppies! We breed and raise our European Boxer puppies out of love, not money. Although the Boxer dog breed originated in Germany, their ancient ancestry can be traced back to the Assyrian empire war dogs of BC. Boxer puppies for sale in Virginia from trusted breeders. Illinois Boxers Puppies For sale. We are excited to be able to utilize the newest technology in genetics and health care to be able to produce boxer puppies that have less health issues and live longer lives. Deposits may be rolled over to the next litter. We offer quality health tested Boxer puppies with a focus on temperament and health. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. Firstly, as Breeders with 20 years of breeding experience and as a trustworthy elite breeder-family, our philosophy or role is to make sure all our Boxer Puppies are loved and spoiled from the get-go. We raise high quality , healthy AKC boxer puppies for companions, family dogs and watch dogs. It has been recognized by the AKC since .We appreciate the opportunity to provide you with the best the world of Boxers has to offer. Our dogs are family pets, and our puppies are raised in the house with 5 children. Boxer puppies in Montgomery, AL. We care deeply about the health and wellbeing of this breed. Boxer puppies for sale from trusted breeders. Boxer puppies in Joliet, IL. North Carolina Boxer Rescue. We have been raising Boxers for almost 20 years. Find purebred Boxer breeders nearest you. According to court documents, law enforcement first investigated Valentine for dog fighting offenses in .If made law, the bill would invalidate breed-specific bans, mostly on pit bulls and similar breeds, in dozens of Iowa cities. Bright and alert, sometimes silly, but always courageous, the Boxer has been among America's most popular dog breeds for a very long time. Many people looking for a Boxer breeder in New York, New Jersey, or even as far away as California have turned to us over the last 18 years for a great puppy. Boxer puppies in Aurora, IL. Should your first choices have found their forever home, let us suggest a few. We are a responsible boxer breeder that cares about our. An Ohio man pleaded guilty to two counts of raising and training dogs for the purpose of dog fighting. Finding a great Boxer breeder is simple on Uptown. It would need to pass the Iowa Senate before becoming eligible to be signed into law by Gov. We occasionally offer puppies, We strive for the best puppies in health, temperament and conformation. I've loved the boxer breed ever since. We breed our boxers for health and excellence, striving to maintain the Boxer standards and we take what we do very seriously. We place our puppies in show, pet, and therapy homes. Boxer puppies in Huntsville, AL. Here at Beyond Beautiful Boxers we breed with a purpose and that is focusing on the future of the Boxer Breed. All dogs are inside animals and enjoy thier outside play time on my 10 acre property. We offer beautiful European Boxer puppies from health-tested parents. Boxer puppies in Hoover, AL. You have found your new baby boy. Please feel free to tour the site and look over the Boxers. Boxer puppies in Auburn, AL. I got my first boxer in , Oscar and fell in love with him. Boxer puppies in Chicago, IL. You have found an actual Boxer breeder! We are not a puppy mill. Our group is made up of dedicated volunteers. Adoption Process Make a Donation. My husband Atlee and I Carrie , our. Boxer puppies for sale in Indiana from trusted breeders. Amphoe Tham Phannara. We take pride in providing our buyers with the best Boxer puppies to add to their family. We have been loving and breeding these magnificent creatures for almost two decades. All of our dogs are show dogs and come from established breeding programs. The cost for a Boxer puppy for sale varies greatly and depends on many factors such as the breeders' location, reputation, litter size, lineage of the puppy, breed popularity supply and demand , training, socialization efforts, breed lines and much more. Later on, he was used to guard and drive cattle. March 25th, ! Contact me if interested in a boxer puppy. Find Boxer puppies for sale Despite their light and fun-loving nature, the Boxer is a hardworking, versatile, and vigilant breed that is incredibly loyal to their family. Boxers for Sale in Eugene, OR. Below are our newest added Boxers available for adoption in Troutdale, Oregon. We want to offer an exceptional quality English Bulldog to you by producing gorgeous puppies Boxer. Boxer puppies for sale in Salem, OR from trusted breeders. Find a Boxer puppy from reputable breeders near you in Salem, OR. Find Boxer breeders with puppies for sale near Oregon. We raise our Boxer puppies in our home with lots of outside playtime. You'll be asked to provide information about yourself and what you are looking for so the breeder can help you find the right match. Boxers were bred to be intelligent and noble guard dogs. Boxer For Sale in Portland .Purebred boxer puppies ready this week. Boxer puppies for sale in Oregon AnimalsSale found Boxer puppies for sale in Oregon near you, which meet your criteria top class boxer puppies availa Oregon, Island City, Pet Price: Ask We raise our Boxer puppies in our home with lots of outside playtime. Visible Anyone can find this group. We started with 4 males and 4 females, 4 brindle and 4 black. Boxer puppies for sale in Oregon from trusted breeders. Makukulit na puppies shihtzu puppy puppylove. Are you looking to buy the Boxer puppy in Oregon, near you? Well, we have researched for you well-established Boxer breeders in Oregon that sell Boxer puppies. Super playful and full of energy. Although the Boxer dog breed originated in Germany, their ancient ancestry can be traced back to the Assyrian empire war dogs of BC. Boxer puppies for sale in Oregon from top-quality Boxer breeders. Brindle and fawn available! Boxers for Sale in Medford, OR. Boxer For Sale in Oregon .Number of puppies available at time of publication: 0 puppies available. These dogs are extremely loyal and the fact. Also, be sure to check the Boxer Dog Breeder listings in our Dog. Find Boxer puppies for sale Near Salem, OR Despite their light and fun-loving nature, the Boxer is a hardworking, versatile, and vigilant breed that is incredibly loyal to their family. Find a wonderful addition to your family through the guidance of our experienced and dedicated breeders listed here. Great breeder thats been breeding. Welcome Private Only members can see who's in the group and what they post. I have boys and girls for sale. Mom is a Boxer mix, dad is a Mastiff mix. Therefore, They spend a lot of time outdoors playing and have spent a considerable amount of time with our children. Below are our newest added Boxers available for adoption in Oregon. Call us any time at See our available puppies!! The American Boxer Club was established in .Sweet Mama Avia is all done being a mom to her 14 adorable pups and is ready to find. To see more adoptable Boxers in Troutdale, Oregon, use the search tool below to enter specific criteria! Tails docked and dew cla Boxer Washington top class boxer puppies availa Washington, Port Angeles, .Loves to get attention and can be full of energy. Find Boxer puppies for sale Near Oregon Despite their light and fun-loving nature, the Boxer is a hardworking, versatile, and vigilant breed that is incredibly loyal to their family. But this dog breed was also useful in guarding and driving livestock. How to get a puppy. Both parents… Fawn and White .Trusted Breeders: Certified; Licensed;. Boxer puppies for sale Find Boxer breeders with puppies for sale near Oregon Boxer breeders directory Enter your 5-digit U. Puppies will be sold as pets only and are on sale for two hundred dollors. Find a wonderful addition to your family through the guidance of our experienced and dedicated breeders. Boxer, Oregon » Damascus Premium. Shots, wormed, and flea medicine. The man responsible for the creation of the Boxer. Use the search tool below to browse adoptable Boxer puppies and adult Boxer in Hermiston, Oregon. Love to go for walks and rids in the c more 3 weeks ago on Adopt-a-Pet. The difference is more than just cosmetic, though that is part of it. Browse these Boxer rescues and shelters below. Find Boxer puppies for sale Near Washington Despite their light and fun-loving nature, the Boxer is a hardworking, versatile, and vigilant breed that is incredibly loyal to their family. Adopt a Boxer near you in Oregon. If you're interested in a puppy from S. Find Boxer puppies for sale. Adorable boxer puppies! Very friendly and socialized. He was then imported to the United States in and was accepted by the American Kennel Club the following year. Boxer puppies for sale Eugene, Oregon. We work hard to produce healthy, well-rounded Boxer puppies that will make others as happy as our dogs have made us! Hi there! History of the Boxer. Boxer puppies for sale in Oregon with Price. Boxer puppies sale Portland OR. Find a puppies near me Category. Once you apply, Courtney will get back to you about availability, pricing and next steps. Learn more Transportation Location Price. Find a Boxer puppy from reputable breeders near you in Oregon. Boxers are energetic dogs and are often described as exuberant, extroverted and at the same time the clowns of the dog world. She has spurts of… more 4 weeks ago on Adopt-a-Pet. The Boxer dog breed is a descendant of the now-extinct Bullenbeisser a fighting dog with Mastiff ancestry and the Old English Bulldog. The modern Boxer breed we. Mave is such a sweet and gentle dog. Transportation to Oregon available. He was developed in Germany in the 19th century as hunters of deer, wild boar, and bear. While these dogs are definitely brave and. Purebred Boxer puppies Boxer puppies due on or around December 13th. They are very easy to train and eager to please. It has been recognized by the AKC since .To see more adoptable Boxers in Oregon, use the search tool below to enter specific criteria! Check with the breeder for up-to-date. If you are unable to find your Boxer puppy in our Puppy for Sale or Dog for Sale sections, please consider looking thru thousands of Boxer Dogs for Adoption. Boxer puppies for sale Portland, Oregon Introduction of the Boxer The Boxer dog breed originated in Germany and has been around since the late 19th century. History Group created on June 6, .Boxer Puppies CKC registered .His main purpose is for hunting large game. The right Boxer is worth waiting for. Despite their light and fun-loving nature, the Boxer is a hardworking, versatile, and vigilant breed that is incredibly loyal to their family. Search for a Boxer puppy or dog. Well look no further than Mave! She is a 1 year old boxer mix weighing in at around 45 lbs and only wants love and attention. There are animal shelters and rescues that focus specifically on finding great homes for Boxer puppies in Oregon. Their Boxer puppies are ready to go to their new homes nine weeks after birth. Transportation to Salem, OR available. Find a Boxer for adoption at dog rescues or shelters near Oregon. These boxers do have champions in the bloodlines and w… akc boxer pups .Join millions of people using Oodle to find puppies for adoption, dog and puppy listings, and other pets adoption. They are perfect companion dogs for families with children. Check with the breeder for up-to-date information on puppy availability. If there is one thing a Boxer is not, it is a couch potato. We offer beautiful European Boxer puppies from health-tested parents. They love to be entertained and amused with their silly dances and fun-loving attitude towards life. We are dedicated to improving the lives and welfare of homeless Boxers. Should your first choices have found their forever home, let us suggest a few. Boxer Puppies in Missouri. Big Mac Boxers — For work, play, or show! Welcome to the Dog Owners' Blog! Our specialist team regularly shares articles, reviews, and guides that will be useful for all dog owners. Boxers — For work, play, or show! Boxer puppies oregon, medford. Boxer puppies for sale in Washington from trusted breeders. Of course, if you want us to publish on a topic, contact us! We'd love your feedback. View Detail Boxer puppies have arrived!! We have 8 beautiful purebred boxer puppies. Boxer Puppies For Sale in Oregon. Njoynit2 We have 8 beautiful purebred boxer puppies. Browse photos and descriptions of of Oregon Boxer puppies of many breeds available right now! AnimalsSale found Boxer puppies for sale in Oregon near you, which meet your criteria. Saving Boxers in need since .These puppies come from breeders who offer safe, convenient puppy drop-off options — so you can get your new best friend delivered from anywhere. They will be ready to go to their new homes on Sept. Phone e-mail: romero netzero. We hope you find resources supporting your everyday life as a dog owner and your pups' well-being. I have four males and seven females. We have found listings for many types of Boxer Breeders in Oregon. While these dogs are definitely brave and smart, there's more to it—the breed is also famously affectionate and goofy with their families, too! We have 3 boxer babies looking for forever homes!! To see more adoptable Boxers in Oregon, use the search tool. Knowing that most of their Boxers are adopted to be household dogs, their Boxers are very well socialized and a blast to be around. Sadie is such a fun girl! Here are a few organizations closest to you: Rescue .But this dog breed was also useful. They are lovable and so very sweet. Their Boxer puppies are ready to go to their new homes nine weeks after birth. How to get a puppy. Prices for boxers will vary depending on the breeder and their requirements, such as how many generations of registered the dog is and whether or not it has been microchipped. Find Boxer puppies for sale Near Oregon Despite their light and fun-loving nature, the Boxer is a hardworking, versatile, and vigilant breed that is incredibly loyal to their family. Boxer puppies and dogs in Springfield, Oregon. Look for a boxer puppies for sale Portland Oregon? Here is a brief background of this protective dog with a good sense of humour. Dog Care Tips. The Boxer is exemplary in the combination of stylish elegance with strength and agility. While these dogs are definitely brave and smart, there's more to it—the breed is also famously affectionate and goofy with their families, too! We breed naturally reared performance and conformation dogs and believe that all boxers should be engaged in meaningful jobs to enrich their lives. There are animal shelters and rescues that focus specifically on finding great homes for Boxer puppies in Prineville, Oregon. If you are unable to find your. Boxers for Sale in Portland. March 25th, ! Contact me if interested in a boxer puppy. Beautiful Boxer babies. Knowing that most of their Boxers are adopted to be household dogs, their Boxers are very well socialized and a blast to be around. Below are our newest added Boxers available for adoption in Troutdale, Oregon. Boxer puppies and dogs in Oregon. Boxer For Sale in Portland .Tails and dewclaws removed first shots and dewormed. Few things in life are more fun and rewarding than bringing a dog into your family. The search tool above returns a list of breeders located nearest to the zip or postal code you enter. Please contact the breeders below to find Boxer puppies for sale in Oregon:. Look for a boxer puppies for sale Eugene Oregon? To see more adoptable Boxers in Troutdale, Oregon, use the search tool below to enter specific criteria! From there you can see photos of their pups, find detailed information on their web page and contact them by e-mail, phone and even get driving. There are animal shelters and rescues that focus specifically on finding great homes for Boxer puppies in Springfield, Oregon. There are animal shelters and rescues that focus specifically on finding great homes for Boxer puppies in Oregon. If you have never owned a Boxer before, or are interested in reading more information, check out our Boxer Dog Breed Information page. Boxer puppies for sale Eugene, Oregon. Since this working dog is highly intelligent but stubborn in nature, he is better suited for experienced owners. History Group created on June 6, .We breed for health, temperament, intelligence, agility, conformation, color and well socialized pups. Browse thru our ID Verified puppy for sale listings to find your perfect puppy in your area. Once you apply, Kiahna will get back to you about availability, pricing and next steps. We have been breeding Boxers for 31 years. If you are looking for a puppy, please contact us to inquire about puppies sired by our stud dogs or for the occasional litter born into our nursery. Boxer Puppies For Sale in Oregon. Prices for boxers will vary depending on the breeder and their requirements, such as how many. Join millions of people using Oodle to find puppies for adoption, dog and puppy listings, and other pets adoption. Boxer puppies for sale Portland, Oregon Introduction of the Boxer The Boxer dog breed originated in Germany and has been around since the late 19th century. You'll be asked to provide information about yourself and what you are looking for so the breeder can help you find the right match. Well look no further than Mave! She is a 1 year old boxer mix weighing in at around 45 lbs and only wants love and attention. Boxer puppies for sale in Oregon from trusted breeders. We raise our Boxer puppies in our home with lots of outside playtime. Should your first choices have found their forever home, let us suggest a few. A fun group to share pictures of your boxers, ask for tips and help, get to know local boxer owners. Mave is such a sweet and gentle dog. This breed is square-proportioned with good substance and musculature. Boxer puppies for sale Eugene, Oregon Introduction of the Boxer The Boxer dog breed originated in Germany and has been around since the late 19th century. But this dog breed was also useful in guarding and driving livestock. Find Boxer breeders with puppies for sale near Oregon. Boxer puppies and dogs in Prineville, Oregon. She has spurts of more 4 weeks ago on Adopt-a-Pet. Below is a sample search of our Boxer breeders with puppies for sale. Boxers for Sale in Medford, OR. Boxers for Sale in Seattle. Smith Elite Boxers in Oregon. Boxer puppies Boxer Puppies We have 8 beautiful purebred boxer puppies. Browse these Boxer rescues and shelters below. We are not a puppy mill nor are there. Easy, transparent and safe: healthy and happy Boxer puppies from the best breeders. Boxer puppies for sale in Oregon with Price. Super playful and full of energy. Boxers for Sale in Eugene, OR. His main purpose is for hunting large game. Loves to get attention and can be full of energy. They are 10weeks and have had their first set of. The Boxer dog breed originated in Germany and has been around since the late 19th century. Encore Boxers Registered. She has had a home since she was a few months » Read more ». Sweet Mama Avia is all done being a mom to her 14 adorable pups and is ready to find. They love playing, and being normal sweet puppys. Boxer puppies sale Portland OR. We take pride in providing our buyers with the best Boxer puppies to add to their family. Boxer For Sale in Oregon .Boxer Puppies for Sale in Oregon. They made the long trip up from Texas to find their forever homes. Use the search tool below to browse adoptable Boxer puppies and adult Boxer in Medford, Oregon. Boxer puppies for sale in Idaho from trusted breeders. Shots, wormed, and flea medicine. We want to offer an exceptional quality English Bulldog to you by producing gorgeous puppies Boxer. If you're interested in a puppy from Smith Elite Boxers, please apply. Boxer puppies and dogs in Dallas, Oregon. Boxer puppies for sale can live to be years old, so an owner needs to be prepared to care for a pup for its lifetime. Boxer puppies and dogs in Troutdale, Oregon. Welcome Private Only members can see who's in the group and what they post. Here are a few organizations closest to you: Shelter .There are animal shelters and rescues that focus specifically on finding great homes for Boxer puppies in Dallas, Oregon. The Boxer dog breed's short coat is easy to maintain. She is a 3-year-old Boxer mixed dog. Hi, my name is Webber and I'm a male Boxer-mix puppy! My mama is a Boxer, and my dad is a Shiba Inu. The average lifespan of the breed is 9—10 years. Me and my 10 siblings were born on March 21, , and we are known as the Grey's Anatomy Crew! I am being fostered in Puyallup, WA. AnimalsSale found Boxer puppies for sale in Oregon near you, which meet your criteria top class boxer puppies availa Oregon, Island City, Pet Price: Ask We raise our Boxer puppies in our home with lots of outside playtime. Visible Anyone can find this group. The average lifespan of the breed is years. Boxer puppies and dogs in Medford, Oregon. Oregon: Boxer Breeders. The head is distinctive, with a broad, blunt muzzle and alert expression.

At their core, a German shepherd chihuahua mix will be a generally spunky companion. With a wide range of sizes, from 8—60 pounds, this mix is obviously not at all standardized. Before you look into one of these pooches, be sure to do your homework! While you may find responsibly bred German shepherd chihuahua mixes, these dogs are extremely uncommon! They can come about in one of two ways A male Chihuahua mates with a female German Shepherd. A female Chihuahua goes through artificial insemination, since letting it happen the natural way is, well, complicated. The female may even need a cesarean since the pups may be too big for her to deliver naturally. As with most mixes, a German shepherd mixed chihuahua is going to inherit traits from both parents. In particular, most of these pooches gain the athleticism and intelligence of a German shepherd as well as the tenacity and size of a chihuahua. Both of its parents, the German shepherd, and chihuahua, have some negative traits, which can translate to behavioral problems for your prospective pooch. A little dude with a big life, known as Chip. Chipthegermanchihuahua Always do your homework before you purchase or adopt a new pooch. Here are some hashtags you can use to identify other people with this mix. If you find a German Shepherd Chihuahua mix at a shelter, fantastic, you lucked out. But if you want one bred just for you there ARE easier ways to get a dog then to make it go through artificial insemination and possibly a c-section surgery with all of the associated risks. There are miniature German Shepherds, although this is another hybrid dog, usually mixing a Shepherd with a collie or a poodle. Or what about a Aussie German Shepherd mix? What is the best food to feed a German Shepherd? We have an entire article about that, that details several brands that are biologically the best choices for a German Shepherd. Read it here. What is the best food to feed a Chihuahua? You can find the six best foods for picky chihuahuas in this article I wrote here. What is the best food for your dog? The three foods that are super healthy and that almost every dog loves, even the pickiest dogs, are: 1. There are a number of fresh frozen dog foods available on the market and I tested them all. You can see the fresh frozen food test here. As a forewarning, Chihuahuas are prone to obesity, so be careful with treat frequency; choose treats that are leaner. Feed these mixed dogs high-quality dog food depending on their age. There are a puppy, junior, adult, and senior formulas with all the nutrients the dog needs. When in doubt, consult your vet. Source: stay. If your dog starts showing signs of pain or limping, take him to the vet. At any sign of this, take your dog to the vet for x-rays. Patellar Luxation Common in Chihuahuas, patellar luxation occurs when the kneecap becomes dislocated. This is more prevalent in older, smaller dogs. For any signs of discomfort or problems walking, consult your vet. Obesity As mentioned previously, Chihuahuas and thus these mixed breeds are prone to obesity, which also exacerbates hip and elbow dysplasia. Do not overfeed your dog, including treats, and limit feeding to twice per day; never free-feed. Choose healthy, low-fat treats. Congenital Heart Defect A congenital heart defect is a severe disease that puppies are born with. Any good breeder will screen their parent dogs thoroughly to breed out issues like this. Hydrocephalus Prevalent in small breeds, this refers to cerebral fluid buildup in the brain. This is serious and can result in brain damage or even death. Symptoms of hydrocephalus include a domed skull, difficulty learning, dementia, loss of coordination, blindness, seizures, slow growth, comas, and more. As these signs are pretty severe, make sure never to ignore them. Epilepsy This is the most common neurological disorder seen in dogs, and treatment depends on diagnosis and severity. Like humans, dogs having epileptic seizures will start convulsing. If you think your dog is seizing, record the affected body parts, when it occurred, how often, and how long it lasted. This will aid your vet in a diagnosis. Strokes Similarly to humans, strokes are caused by a blood clot restricting blood flow to the brain. Signs of a stroke appear suddenly but differ widely. They include howling in pain, dragging legs, loss of housetraining, a head tilt, and so on. Always consult your vet if you notice abnormal behavior. Chihuahua and German Shepherd mixes tend to live anywhere from years. GSDs live shorter lifespans, whereas Chihuahuas are known for their longevity. When purchasing a puppy, buy from a reputable breeder who conducts health screenings on all parent dogs. Chihuahuas most commonly die of heart failure, whereas German Shepherds often die of cancer. Be extra proactive in preventing these diseases. Where can you get one? You can either purchase or rescue your mix. Given how nuanced this breed is, finding one will be difficult. When purchasing these dogs, be extra careful not to buy from puppy mills. Unfortunately, this includes pet stores, as most get their dogs from puppy mills. Puppy mills are horrendous breeding farms where dogs are kept in cages like livestock. Puppies from here have severe health and behavioral issues and often die prematurely. What about a breeder? A quick Google search will produce no viable results for a breeder, given the nicheness of this breed. Your best bet is to contact local German Shepherd or Chihuahua organizations and ask around. Since the AKC recognizes both parent breeds, that is an excellent place to start. Alternatively, you can hand-select local professionals and breeders and ask them. When choosing a breeder, make sure they breed healthy dogs with no congenital defects. Inspect their facilities and ensure they are spacious, ventilated, and clean. Your best bet is to find local German Shepherd or Chihuahua rescue organizations. You can also peruse your local shelter, keeping in mind the appearance of this mix, to locate one yourself. They need a firm, experienced handler to get the best out of the crossbreed. These dogs can be, as previously mentioned, stubborn, and there are often issues with potty training. They are also wary of strangers and are not suited for young children. That said, this breed is obedient with the right handler. They are fiercely loyal, curious, and smart. If you live in an apartment or smaller space, these are a great hybrid for you. Further reading if you liked this breed Check out articles on: German Shepherd Golden Retriever mix German Shepherd Doberman mix Are you going to get one of these mixed breeds? Let us know! With a background in animal science, dog training, and behavior consulting, her hands-on experience and extensive knowledge make her a trusted source for dog owners. When not writing or leading the K9 Web content team, Cess can be found volunteering at local shelters and participating in dog-related events. Leave a Comment. Shep-Chi Origins The Chihuahua Chihuahuas are the smallest dogs in the world, and they are known for their large ears and big personalities. Despite their small size, Chihuahuas are fiercely loyal and protective of their owners. They are also intelligent and quick to learn tricks. While they can be independent, they also enjoy spending time with their people and being a part of the family. Chihuahuas are active dogs, and they need daily exercise to stay healthy. They are also good watchdogs, as they will bark to alert their owners to any strangers who come near. If you are looking for a small but mighty companion, a Chihuahua might be the perfect dog for you. German Shepherd The German Shepherd is a popular breed that is known for its loyalty and intelligence. The breed originated in Germany, where it was used as a working dog on farms and in law enforcement. German Shepherds are large dogs, with males averaging about 30 inches tall and females averaging about 28 inches tall. They have a muscular build and a thick coat of fur that can be either black, brown, or tan in color. German Shepherds are intelligent and easy to train, making them excellent pets for families with children. They are also loyal and protective, making them good guard dogs. However, German Shepherds can be aggressive if not properly trained, so it is important to socialize them from an early age. This is due to the fact that these two breeds are very different in size and therefore can't mate naturally. The process of breeding them would involve artificial insemination, which is complicated and expensive. When making a hybrid between two different dog breeds, it is important to consider the size difference. In general, the female should be of the larger breed, as she needs to have the capacity to carry the litter. This is particularly important when there is a noticeable size difference between the two breeds, as is the case with a Chihuahua and a German Shepherd. The German Shepherd is typically nearly twice the size of a Chihuahua, meaning that the Chihuahua simply doesn't have the ability to carry a litter of German Shepherd hybrids. As a result, breeders need to be sure to use a German Shepherd female when creating this particular mix. The German Shepherd Chihuahua mix is not recognized by the A. Shep-Chi Appearance The resulting offspring will inherit a random selection of characteristics from both parents. This means that it is impossible to predict exactly how a Chihuahua German Shepherd mix will look. However, there are some general trends that can be observed in most cases. For instance, a German shepherd Chihuahua mix will typically be larger than a pure Chihuahua but way bigger than a German shepherd. German Shepherd Chihuahua mixes are a mix of two very different-looking breeds, so they can take on the physical characteristics of either parent. They can have short or long coats that are either straight or wavy. They can be any color, but the most common colors are black and tan, black and white, chocolate and white, or blue and tan. Shepchi dogs are usually between 8 and 60 pounds, and they stand 8 to 26 inches tall at the shoulder. They have long faces with triangular ears, and their tails can be long or short. They are very loyal and protective of their family and make great guard dogs. They are also intelligent and easily trained. However, they can be very stubborn and willful at times. They need firm, consistent training and socialization from an early age to prevent behavioral problems from developing. The Chihuahua German Shepherd mix is a versatile dog that can do well in a variety of homes, as long as adequate exercise and training are provided. A post shared by Dogs Humans Luv dogshumansluv Shep-Chi and other pets When it comes to getting along with other pets, it really depends on the individual dog's personality. Some Chihuahua German Shepherd mixes are very social and enjoy being around other animals, while others may be more aloof or even aggressive. Generally speaking, however, Chihuahua German Shepherd mixes tend to get along well with other animals if they are introduced and socialized from a young age. It's important to remember that all dogs, regardless of breed, should be supervised around other animals until you are confident that they can play nice. And that can be very difficult to do. German Shepherd Chihuahua mixed breeds run the gamut on the entire personality spectrum. In essence, your training will be the key to molding your pup into a desirable dog. However, there are still inherited traits that will have a major effect on how your mixed pup will behave. Also, this breed is a very strange occurrence even in nature. So, the probability of this breed being conceived is very low. However, due to their size and temperament, the German Shepherd was quickly trained by the military and law enforcement to be a working dog. Every single one of these dogs is completely unique. Each pup will inherit traits from both parent lineages, and some exhibit more traits from one parent than the other. For example, a hybrid leaning more towards the German Shepherd side may be more apt to follow commands and remain calm under pressure. Are These Dogs Good for Families? This mixed breed may not get along too well with others. Both parent breeds are fiercely loyal to their masters. Putting another pet into the mix may complicate things, especially if your German Shepherd Chihuahua has the feistiness of the Chihuahua parent. A post shared by Chip chipthegermanchihuahua Things to Know When Owning a Chihuahua German Shepherd Mix: While there are many unknown variables when it comes to raising a German Shepherd Chihuahua mix, there are plenty of things we do know. This will provide them with the nutrition they need in a bite-sized package they can easily handle. Larger dogs will need between cups of food each day. In this case, opt for something with higher protein content and larger kibble such as American Journey Beef and Sweet Potato. But how much is enough? Typically, a smaller German Shepherd Chihuahua pup will require less exercise. Thirty minutes of daily exercise should be more than enough to suffice. However, if your pup is on the larger size of the cross, they may require up to 90 minutes every day. Your dog will be very easily trained. However, if they inherit the lovable yet wildly independent attitude of the Chihuahua, you might have a bit of a chore on your hands. They just like doing things their way. Even though Chihuahuas can come in short-hair varieties, their long-hair gene when combined with the genes of the German Shepherd will produce a longer coat. Your Chihuahua German Shepherd Mix will need a solid brushing at least once a week to help keep their coat shiny and healthy. Plus, a weekly brushing will cut down dramatically on the amount of shedding that will happen. German Shepherds are notorious shedders due to their extremely dense double coats. However, due to genetic wizardry, the probability of actually developing these goes way down. Therefore, the German Shepherd Chihuahua is a relatively healthy dog. The main conditions that can affect this breed are patella luxation—or floating kneecap—and hip dysplasia. These two conditions can be very painful and difficult to manage, but they are treatable. More serious conditions that affect the German Shepherd Chihuahua are congenital heart defects. These are heart conditions inherited at birth including aortic and pulmonic stenosis, mitral valve dysplasia, and endocardial fibroelastosis. However, these conditions are exceedingly rare. The most common ailments your mixed breed will experience are easily treated and preventable such as heartworms, fleas, or other parasites. Also, your German Shepherd Chihuahua may be prone to obesity. Minor Conditions. But what happens when you combine small and sassy with big and tough? And what kind of pet does this mix really make? Because this animal is a mixed breed, the results are highly variable. The puppy could look more like a German Shepherd , a Chihuahua or anywhere in between. And the same can be said for their personality! This is a relatively new mixed breed. But the German Shepherd and Chihuahua have distant origins that may bring insight into what traits these dogs could have after being bred together. The modern German Shepherd breed dates all the way back to a single German dog by the name of Horand von Grafrath. After numerous failed attempts to standardize Shepherd breeds in Germany. Horand was then selectively bred with three other dogs, whose offspring were inbred to preserve desirable and necessary traits within the breed. It is clear that Chihuahuas have origins in Mexico. Genetic testing has revealed that much of the pre-European genes are no longer present due to European colonization. But there is still a great deal of speculation on the true origins of the Chihuahua. Controversy On Crossbred Dogs Crossbreeding dogs can become a touchy topic because there is some controversy around the quality of their offspring. Some believe that a quality dog comes from a pedigree, while others think that crossbreeding is better for the offspring. Purebred dogs typically have limited genes due to a genetic bottleneck created by extensive inbreeding. After all, if you want a dog to have a particular set of traits, you are going to breed very similar dogs together. This can lead to severe health problems typical for the specific breed. Genetic disorders and vulnerabilities become more common. Crossbred dogs are typically much healthier due to hybrid vigor , or heterosis, a much more diverse and less bottlenecked gene pool. Larger than a Chihuahua but smaller than a German Shepherd, this mix can be a small to medium dog. But, of course, other patterns and fur colors are possible too. These dogs will likely have short hair, which sheds lightly. But they could also have slightly longer fur, depending on the coat of their Chihuahua parent. They might have two layers to their coat or one, depending mostly on the Chihuahua parent. Chihuahuas have a soft spot on their heads, like a human baby, that may or may not go away over time. This dog will weigh between eight to 60 pounds. The height of this mixed breed will likely be between seven to 45 inches at the shoulder. However, due to unpredictable genetics from mixed breeds, a German Shepherd Chihuahua Mix temperament can vary widely. At best, a German Shepherd Chihuahua Mix can be loyal, attentive, intelligent and a wonderful family pet. At worst, this dog might guard its territory, barking at and attacking anyone and anything nearby. It can be extremely mistrusting with strangers and not very suitable for children. What level of aggression a particular dog has depends on the traits it inherits. Some breeds score higher than average for aggression directed toward humans and dogs e. Personality The local animal control received more than 6, calls. The Chihuahua can also be stubborn, which this mixed breed can inherit. It is essential to interact with both parents if possible to ensure that they are friendly before adopting a puppy. Early socialization can also help curb this aggressive tendency. This breed can be either independent or very cooperative. While they can be very cooperative, both breeds can also be stubborn. Patience is vital to ensuring that training goes well. Luckily though, a German Shepherd Chihuahua Mix is also intelligent. They can pick up on many commands and train easily—when they want to. For the smaller dogs of this hybrid breed, potty training can be a problem. They have tiny bladders, which means they have to go a lot. This can make training difficult. We recommend studying our potty training guide closely, specifically the one devoted to Chihuahuas. You should also begin crate training early. A German Shepherd Chihuahua Mix can be very attached to his owners. Teaching them how to be alone at a young age is important. Socialization is crucial for this breed. They can be very unsure of strangers. Getting them around many types of people early on is important. You should plan on at least a couple of medium-length walks a day and outdoor playtime if possible. A fenced-in yard can be very helpful to help this breed get the exercise it needs. These dogs can dislocate both their kneecaps and hips easier than others. For this reason, it is always important to keep an eye on them, especially when they are exercising. However, they are still prone to a few health problems, including obesity. The Chihuahua is prone to a disorder known as floating kneecap or patellar luxation. This disorder takes place when the kneecap becomes dislocated. Patellar luxation mainly affects older, smaller dogs. Hip dysplasia is also a concern. German Shepherds are very prone to the latter disease. Ethical breeders should test all German Shepherds before breeding them to ensure that they do not pass on hip problems to their offspring. These dogs are also prone to a few heart problems, including congenital heart defect. This is a severe, genetic disease that puppies are born with. These dogs can live anywhere from nine to 20 years. It just depends on the traits they inherit and if they are prone to any severe diseases. German Shepherd Chihuahua Mixes should not have any extreme grooming requirements. Brushing a few times a week and clipping their nails regularly is all that is required. As a small- to medium-sized dog, a German Shepherd Chihuahua Mix is ideal for families living in smaller homes. But it is also vital that they have enough room outside to meet their exercise requirements. German Shepherds make decent family dogs due to their loyalty and territorial tendencies. But they have been known to become hostile to young children. Children have been known to accidentally injuring Chihuahuas due to their size. As a result, this mixed breed can obtain any or all of these qualities. These dogs are not recommended for families with small children. Rescuing a German Shepherd Chihuahua Mix Rescuing a dog of this particular breed is mostly a game of luck. Because a German Shepherd Chihuahua Mix is generally unsure of strangers, it will take them awhile to warm up to you and your home. Patience is key. Finding a German Shepherd Chihuahua Mix Puppy As stated before, finding this particular breed is going to involve a bit of luck. Locating a breeder dedicated to these dogs will be very difficult. It is vital to avoid puppy mills because of unethical breeding standards. Additionally, avoid getting puppies from a pet store because they will most likely have sourced the puppies from a puppy mill. For a complete guide on finding the right puppy for you, see our complete puppy search guide. They can be aggressive toward strangers and can have guarding tendencies. But, with proper socialization and training, they can be taught to accept strangers into their areas. On top of this, you should keep basic puppy care advice in mind. German Shepherd Chihuahua Mix Products and Accessories Because these dogs can vary so widely in size, buying products can be complicated. We recommend looking at our guide on Chihuahua toys to get some ideas for your puppy. You should also invest in an excellent leash to make walking less of a chore. Pros and Cons of Getting a German Shepherd Chihuahua Mix As stated earlier, mixed breed dogs can inherit any genes from their parents in a random array. This means that they could inherit the best qualities of both parents or the worst. German Shepherd Chihuahua Mix dogs can be very aggressive. They are known to guard territory with ferocity, and can generally be hostile animals if not trained or socialized correctly. However, at their best, they can be intelligent, loyal, independent animals that have the sense to serve. If you have small children, we would recommend looking at Labradors or Golden Retrievers. German Shepherd Chihuahua Mix Rescues There are no nationally listed rescues dedicated specifically to this mixed breed. However, there are plenty of German Shepherd and Chihuahua rescues all over the U. However, German Shepherd Chihuahua Mixes could still inherit diseases that affect either parent, such as: 1. Patellar luxation Patellar luxation is common among small breeds like the Chihuahua. This disease causes the patella, or kneecap, to dislocate randomly. The condition can be mildly irritating to severely painful, and it can require corrective surgery. It can cause abdominal pain and vomiting, as well as abnormal breathing patterns. The affected dog can have severe trouble moving around, and the condition can lead to paralysis. Degenerative myelopathy is a heredity defect, and it worsens with age. Hydrocephalus Hydrocephalus is the accumulation of excess cerebral fluid in the brain. Baby Chihuahuas have a natural opening in their skulls which sometimes fails to close as they age and allows the cerebral fluid to leak in. The canine may suffer from headaches, seizures, or even mental disabilities. Hip Dysplasia Hip Dysplasia is improper development of the hip joints. The puppy may suffer from arthritis and pain when walking or running. Hip dysplasia is frequent among large canines such as the German Shepherd. Although hybrid pups have a healthier life than their parents, there are so many variables that affect how long a pooch will live. Your puppy needs to learn to listen and obey your commands and to behave around other dogs. The best way to take your German Shepherd Mixed with Chihuahua puppies out is to carry them in a backpack. This practice will prevent them from choking on the leash or getting caught up between your legs. As the pup becomes more confident, you may introduce the leash gradually. German Shepherd Chihuahua Mix puppies mature quickly and would need high-quality food to nourish their growing bodies. Go for a dog food specifically designed to meet their nutritional needs. Keep vet visits regular and vaccinate them for various illnesses and viruses during their first few months. Their mix should cost less than both purebred parents. However, their price usually depends on the breeder and how they market these pups. Even though the actual price of this pup should be less than that of the GSD and the Chihuahua, you may find a breeder selling them for a much higher price. So, how can you find these furry pets up for adoption? You can also contact a local shelter. Most people simply search for a canine pal with the best potential to match their lifestyle and personality and go from there. If you want a four-legged friend that matches your taste, consider purchasing from a licensed breeder. Be aware that hybrid dogs are not always easy to get your hands on. German Shepherd Chihuahua Mixes are hard to come by, and due to their rarity, they may command a hefty price tag. However, avoid puppy mills and backyard breeders. Regardless of where you find Chihuahua German Shepherd Mix puppies for sale, you should ensure that the place is reputable before deciding. Most importantly, you should be able to check their living conditions. Is the German Shepherd Chihuahua Mix right for me? The Chihuahua parent tends to be hostile toward other canines. When deciding whether to purchase a German Shepherd Chihuahua Mix, consider the pros and cons. With some work and training, your German Shepherd Chihuahua mix could be a delightful addition to the family. A German Shepherd Chihuahua Mix can be 26 inches tall at the shoulders and weigh about 60 pounds. Can a German Shepherd mate with a Chihuahua? Not naturally, but they can breed together through artificial insemination. What is the smallest German Shepherd mix? The smallest German Shepherd mix is one made by crossing them with Chihuahuas. What is the best breed to mix with a German shepherd? These breeds combine really well with GSDs. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Hello there! Tiny Tim was a long name for my foster momma, and one day she started calling my tiny bean and beans and I immediately responded to the nickname! I am roughly 7 months old, with the most beautiful 2 different colored eyes that always have a playful hint in them! I have lots of energy to explore, run, jump, play, and curiosity for a puppy! I love finding the mangoes in my foster parents backyard and eating them up! Some structure and guidance will help me feel more confident and make new friends! Playing outside is the best, but keep an eye on me, I love to dig holes in search of buried treasure! I am great with other dogs and people big and small! Food is left down at all times as is water, so please make sure I have plenty of water after coming in from playing so hard. I am given 1 chew a day, and training treats for learning how to sit, stay, and lay down. I used to have toy aggression and food aggression, but my foster momma always made sure I had plenty of food and toys to play with when I was bored I absolutely LOVE squeaky toys, from small unicorns to giant snake toys, I love nibbling, chewing, and squeaking them for hours. I have been known to run with mangoes and be vocal all the while! I am not your typical puppy, I am a sweet and loving boy looking for my furever home with my furever parents! I am neutered, up to date on vaccines, and microchipped. Adopt at www. Our "real world" dog training system brings dogs back to a natural way of thinking and behaving, thereby creating a balanced and well-behaved family pet. We believe that every dog can be trained, and most dogs with fear, aggression or reactivity issues can be rehabilitated. Curtis Craig is a premier dog trainer and dog behavior expert. Curtis has mastered the human-dog relationship, and he understands the psychology of both humans and canines. Curtis and Meredith are not just dog trainers, they are dog owners that understand the struggles of having dogs. They have personally experienced nearly every dog-related situation imaginable and are dedicated not only to training and rehabilitating your dog, but to helping you manage as well. Our Dog Training Mission Training dogs is not just our business, it is our mission. The Calm K9 believes that every dog can be helped, and we want to share our expertise with dog owners in Sanford and throughout Central Florida. From our dog training facility in Ocoee, The Calm K9 provides arguably the best dog training services available in Sanford and Central Florida. Through structured exercise, play and socialization with other dogs, and long-duration calming exercises, we teach dogs how to exist in a human home. A dog that is reactive or aggressive when joining our pack quickly learns that it is OK to trust a human or another dog. The pack will help an anxious or aggressive dog to relax and learn good manners. When introduced into a group of relaxed, well behaved, and working canines, dogs observe appropriate behavior. To become part of the pack, dogs need to adapt to the behavior of the pack. When a dog exhibits appropriate behavior, other members of the pack will let them know — and peer approval means much more to a dog than a click or a treat. Without endangering themselves or their pack, Curtis and Meredith have introduced such dogs to a new life full of structure, rules, and human leadership. Questions about Dog Training in Sanford? Black - with Brown, Red, Golden, Orange or Chestnut size Large lbs kg pet id ask group about this pet My story You can fill out an adoption application online on our official website. Trainer Update: Our gorgeous Noelle worked with a trainer who says she is a great dog for an active home with a job: physical activity, etc. She likes having one special stick to fetch again and again. A 6' fenced backyard is required for her to safely romp and play. Noelle is a very strong girl who pulls hard on the leash. She will need training and maybe a special harness because she just wants to smell everything as fast as possible! She is very good with people; she likes kids and people so much that she jumps on them in her excitement to meet them. She will need some doggie etiquette training in this area. She is not a fan of cats or other dogs since her family never properly socialized her. At the time, we knew she was pregnant, but because she was so emaciated it was difficult to tell just how close she was to having puppies. Four days later, she gave birth to 6 little girls, all now adopted! Not only was Noelle very emaciated, but her neglect included severe skin issues and was positive for hookworms. One thing going for her was that she was heartworm negative: Visit this organization's web site to see any additional information available about this pet. September 14, , pm If you have any questions or would like to adopt Noelle, please reach out to the adoption group directly. PetSmart Charities does not facilitate the adoption process. Thank you. Contribute to Cali's Dogecoin Stash! Contribute Now Adopt Cali and Receive Dogecoin Adopting a pet can be expensive, and we're trying to help by fundraising for each individual in need of adoption. After verifying the adoption, Cali's new family will receive the funds that their pet has raised. Dogecoin is digital currency that can be exchanged for cash, traded, or held as an investment see the "What is Dogecoin" section below. The adopting family is the only party eligible to receive the Dogecoin. If you adopted the Cali, thank you for providing a home and a loving family! Please begin the process of claiming Cali's Dogecoin here. For adoptions in which nokillnetwork. For adoptions that were not facilitated by nokillnetwork. The adopting family will be required to provide proof of adoption between weeks after adoption. This is to ensure that the home is a good match and Cali was not returned. Our staff provides instructions and help throughout this process. What is Dogecoin? Dogecoin is a decentralized, peer-to-peer digital currency that enables you to easily send money online. Learn more about it on youtube or at dogecoin. What happens to unclaimed funds? This fund may be used to match contributions made to other adoptable pets, incentify other adoption-related actions, promote our mission, or support the operating expenses of nokillnetwork. If you would like to make a direct contribution to nokillnetwork. We appreciate your generosity and help! Contribute Now About this Dog Beautiful female Shepherd would love to have a family to share fun times with and lots of snuggles. Cali is housetrained, crate trained. She needs an active owner to do things with and a yard to run in. Did you adopt Cali? Contact us to claim Cali's current Dogecoin balance of 0. Our staff will provide help throughout this process. Before submitting this form, please wait 4 weeks after the adoption date so that you can provide proof of adoption and Cali's current status. Please check the box below if you meet the eligibility requirements. If you do not currently meet the requirements, please put a reminder on your calendar to revisit this page when you qualify. I can provide proof of adoption from a date at least 4 weeks prior to today and proof of current ownership.

So Many Options! Where To Get a Labrador? We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. Except, you remember hearing you should only buy from professional breeders?! But that puppy in the pet store was so achingly cute! This article discusses the things you should consider before making that life changing decision. From dedicated experts who breed pedigree dogs to work or for show, to those who breed too many puppies, litter after litter purely for sale without love nor care for the health of the mother or quality of the litter. For how to recognize who the good breeders are, read our article: Labrador breeders — How to find the good ones! Buying from a good, responsible breeder is without doubt the best source for a quality, healthy Labrador puppy. They care about the overall welfare of the breed, as well as the health of the mother, quality of the litter and giving the puppies the best start in life. Responsible breeders: Guarantee a purebred and pedigree Labrador. Screen the parents for health problems before breeding , so puppies will be as free as possible from inherited diseases. Selectively breed aiming for conformance to the breed standard, so your lab has the most chance of looking like the perfect lab. Carefully socialize puppies from birth so they are well-adjusted and confident before sending them to a new home. Help buyers to select the right puppy from the litter to suit their personality, hopes and expectations. Helping you to get the puppy of your dreams. Provide expert help and advice on caring for the dog from puppyhood right through to adulthood. When you go to a good breeder you should expect lots of questions. They will also help to match you to the perfect puppy that suits your personality, preventing you from getting the wrong dog on impulse. You know the cute but feisty one that got your attention by barging through his litter mates to run up to you and be the first to say hello? Well, he may very likely become a dominant and strong-willed dog! You May Need Patience You should note that many breeders will have a long waiting list for their Labrador puppies. Then this may not be the right way for you. But this is a good thing! And nobody should buy a puppy on impulse, it must be a well thought out and reasoned decision. Maybe you would like to give a lucky Labrador a second chance at life and happiness? Adopting an Older Labrador From a Rescue Kennel Can Have Many Benefits: They will have been house trained already — No getting up in the middle of the night to relieve your puppy…or cleaning your floor after the inevitable mishaps. An adult Labrador will already show signs of any underlying problems so you can avoid this. Many will have received a decent amount of training already — Saving you lots of time and work. Having said all that… There are Some Obvious Risks! Or perhaps due to health problems that developed. Some may have faced abuse and neglect leaving them with psychological scars. Behavioral problems are sometimes well hidden, and aggression may only surface in very particular situations only. But if you are patient, understanding and can inject some routine and love into one of these dogs lives, they can become absolutely wonderful pets. There are also different types of rescue center and animal shelters. You will be able to get a feel for the level of the center when you visit and how professional they are and the staff to dog ratios. The Process When rescuing a lab, a good, well staffed shelter will ask you to visit and spend time with your potential pet. They will have assessed the dog and will tell you all they know about the dogs history and temperament. They will ask you lots of questions to find out whether you and your lifestyle are a good fit for a Labrador. They will want to meet you and your whole family. They will want to see how the people the Labrador is to live with interact with it and how the lab interacts with them. And that your choice of dog is well suited to you and interacts well with you on visits will they eventually allow you to adopt. Rescuing a Labrador can be a very good choice as long as due care is taken to pick the right one. And you will earn many karma points for doing a very good deed. It is a massive risk to take a puppy from a litter like this. These dogs have more than the average number of inherited diseases and behavioral problems. So although you will be saving a bit of money compared to paying out to a professional Labrador breeder. Or you might even be saving a dog from being given to a rescue center and possibly eventually being put down. You just might be letting yourself in for some expensive surprises in the way of vets bills or behavioral specialists later. But having said that, of course many of these puppies do become very good pets indeed. In fact a few places in the world have now banned the sale of puppies from pet stores. In these places, dogs are often bred in poor conditions, sometimes kept in small wire cages and given very little chance to socialize and little if any personal contact with humans. Have you had any good or bad experiences of getting a Labrador from any of the places listed above? Is there anything you would like to add about the pros and cons of the various places you can get yourself a Lab? Please let us know in the comments section below and you just might help people reading this article to make the right decision! Related Article:. 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. They are also very high energy. Labs are intelligent and well-tempered for becoming service dogs. You may have seen a Lab working as a guide dog or alongside a police officer. Labradors come in three distinct colors: black, yellow, and chocolate. There is no real difference between these sub-breeds aside from color. However, chocolate Labs and yellow Labs do tend to be favored as show dogs, while a black Lab is more likely to be raised as a hunting dog than a chocolate or yellow one. Labrador Retrievers are famous for being friendly and companionable to both humans and other dogs. This makes the Labrador an ideal breed to keep as a family dog. There are factors, however, which need to be considered before choosing a Labrador puppy. Bringing home a beautiful black Lab puppy? Check out hundreds of great black dog names here! The amount of maternal care a pup receives prior to adoption influences the adult temperament of your Labrador. A responsible breeder will not remove your puppy from its mother before it is ready. In the study, Labs belonging to extroverted owners had better social skills than those belonging to introverted owners. You may also look through your local classifieds for unregistered litters, although we do not recommend it. Even though Labradors are a generally healthy breed, it is important that both parents get screened for any health issues prior to breeding. Adopting from unregistered litters will also significantly increase your chances of encountering a puppy mill. No matter where you adopt from, it is essential that you meet both parents and access a history of good health for each parent before adopting a puppy from the facility. In other parts of the world, use the puppy search tool on the website of your regional kennel club or equivalent authority. You may also ask a local veterinarian for a reference to a quality breeder. Another option is to keep an eye out for someone with a purebred Labrador and request information on where they adopted from. Registered breeders use only top-of-the-line animals as parents. Puppies from responsible and registered breeders are given the appropriate amount of maternal care and not released to a new home until they are physically and mentally mature enough to do so. This lays the foundation for an affectionate and even temperament in adulthood. The cons of adopting from a breeder are higher costs and often longer wait times. Responsible breeders require a pre-adoption home check to ensure that their puppies are appropriately homed. You may also need to travel some distance to find the right breeder. Registered breeders usually breed a maximum of only twice per year. This maintains parental health and allows sufficient time for the puppies to progress. These breeders often have waitlists for upcoming litters before they are born, sometimes before the parents are even bred. While these practices maintain value, they also mean the puppies will cost a little more and take longer to bring home. Private Ads Private ads for puppies can be found in online classifieds or in your local newspaper. You may also spot them on the bulletin boards of various local businesses. The benefits of sourcing a puppy from a private ad is that the breeder is likely be located nearby, and the puppies will be available relatively quickly, if not immediately. The cons of taking this route is that you do not have pedigree parents to your puppy, and the risk of health complications down the road is much higher. Puppy farms will often advertise through private ads. For these reasons, we do not recommend sourcing a puppy through a private ad. Pet Shops We do not endorse purchasing puppies from pet shops, because the credentials of both parents and breeder cannot be provided. Parents of pet shop puppies may have been overbred, mistreated, or in less than optimal health. It is impossible to know without verified records. The puppies themselves could have experienced conditions and trauma that will negatively impact their behavior in adulthood, such as being separated from their mothers too soon or physical abuse. Avoiding Puppy Farms Puppy farms are unregistered breeding establishments that mass produce puppies in order to generate the highest amount of revenue. These farms, or mills, severely mistreat their animals and often produce puppies with little socialization skills and significantly increased health risks. To steer clear of these facilities, avoid pet stores, which often source stock from puppy farms because of the low cost. Also avoid any online advertisements for puppies at a low cost. If you do source a puppy from an online ad, call the breeder in advance and ask questions about the puppies, parents, and establishment to screen for any inconsistencies with industry standards. When you visit the breeder, if it comes to that, ask to have a look around and meet both parents in person. Is the space open? Do the parents look healthy? How many other dogs and puppies are there on the premises? Health Tests While Labs are generally healthy overall, it is important to confirm the parental health prior to breeding. If the breeder cannot show you certificates of health for both parents, adopting a puppy from those parents poses a risk for complications later on. The American Kennel Club recommends Labrador Retrievers get screened for: any hip and elbow defects that could indicate dysplasia heart disorders out of ordinary muscle weakness degenerative eye conditions. Make sure that the breeder can demonstrate certified health in each of these areas for each parent. The initial cost of requiring this level of screening for your puppy may be higher, but it will save you on veterinary bills down the road. Choosing Your Puppy Labrador Retrievers are friendly by nature and tend to get along well with other dogs. This breed very rarely shows aggression and must be provoked to do so. When it comes to children and other pets, a Labrador puppy would be a valuable family addition. Labs are companionable and socialize well. The Labrador Retriever is a high-energy breed and will need enough time and space each day to receive sufficient exercise. These exercise needs will continue to grow as your puppy matures. A Labrador is not designed to be an inside-only dog. This breed needs lots of activity to stay mentally and physically fit. Consider that your fully grown Lab will be between .We recommend that you take your Lab out for daily outdoor activities such as swimming and fetch. A Labrador that does not receive enough exercise time may rebel by engaging in destructive behaviors within the household. However, remember that the best-quality Labradors come from responsible breeders that produce only one or two litters per year. These breeders often have waiting lists due to high quality puppies and infrequent production. If you want the best which you should! Labradors are wonderful family dogs with lots of love for humans and other dogs. They are one of the lowest risk for health complications when properly screened, making them ideal as a long-term energy-filled companion. Considerations before jumping into the adoption of a Labrador puppy are how big your puppy will be when it reaches adulthood and the daily rigorous outdoor exercise it will require to keep it in peak physical and mental condition. Read more about Labradors here in our guide to Labrador lifespan! References and Resources Bray, E. University of Pennsylvania .Graham, L. Temperament and Personality in Working Dogs. CRC Press .Kuroshima, H. Kyoto University

Share 0 Shares When looking for the perfect canine companion, Americans have chosen the Labrador Retriever as their number one pick. This wonderful, loving breed is an excellent hunting companion and a great family dog. Finding a great breeder in your state who is qualified, respectable, and raises healthy dogs can be difficult. Silver Bow Labradors Lauren Seitz and her family raise their Labrador Retrievers with love, compassion, and a drive to produce healthy dogs. For over thirty years, Lauren has bred chocolate and black Labradors that excel in the field and as family companions. Each puppy purchased from Silver Bow will be clear of any hip and eye genetic health issues, have their first vaccines, and limited AKC registration papers. This breeder stands out for their hunting bloodlines and unique puppy picking process. They invite you to their home to meet the puppies in person and play with them to determine the best fit for you or your family! Reading through the reviews and going through their website, Silver Bow Labradors are an amazing breeder of Labradors. Many owners have reached out to mention how their pups have natural hunting instincts and adapt naturally to being in the field and in the home. We strongly believe this breeder is worth a visit as they offer amazing puppies and are hands-on for the whole process. Pet Keen is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more. We understand there are many reasons for seeking a breeder, though, so we encourage it to be done the right way. We have not personally investigated all of the breeders below, rather, we have gathered their details for you to get in touch and ask all the right questions before you decide. Learn more about our position and how to choose a breeder here. Their popularity makes Labrador Retriever puppies easy to find. Each breeder on this list specializes in the traditional yellow, chocolate, and black Labradors. A few even breed the less common silver color. The 7 Labrador Retriever Breeders in Washington 1. Familiar with people, other animals, machinery, and a variety of other situations and noises, these dogs are loyal, intelligent, and trainable. Trainable and friendly, these Labradors come in black, yellow, or chocolate and are regularly screened for health issues. T, a program run by the American Kennel Club. Spokane Labrador Retrievers Visit Their Website Spokane, WA Family-owned and operated, Spokane Labrador Retrievers pay attention to the personality, genetics, and characters of their dogs to provide you with the perfect companion. Instead, they focus on keeping their stock manageable and paying attention to choosing dogs with the perfect mix of personality, intelligence, and longevity. These Labrador Retrievers are available in the traditional chocolate, yellow, and black, along with chocolate-nosed yellow. With their careful breeding program, these dogs are perfect family pets, hunting companions, service dogs , or search-and-rescue partners. Desert Wind offers shipping for families outside of Washington and a 1-year health guarantee. Free of hip dysplasia and eye defects , these dogs are intelligent and great problem solvers. Settled on 38 acres, Silver Bow specializes in chocolate and black Labradors. All the dogs are fully vaccinated, wormed, and AKC registered. Shipping for buyers living outside of Washington is available for an extra fee. With just over 2 acres to explore, their dogs are both active and happy to cuddle. Carver Labradors make sure their puppies are vaccinated, wormed, and examined by a veterinarian before heading to their new home. Their dogs make good family members and therapy or service animals. The puppies are socialized with children and other animals from chickens to horses, and they are friendly and loving. Ready to join their new home at 8 weeks old, the dogs are health checked, vaccinated, wormed, and accompanied by AKC registration papers. Next on your reading list:. All our puppies have new homes! Be first in line for your new puppy! Get on the waitlist for Silver Labs and Golden Retriever Puppies due beginning of October Past litter of male puppies Looking for a puppy to add to your family? Golden Retrievers Labrador Retrievers Chocolate Labs Silver Labs Meet The Puppies These are gorgeous, and energetic dogs who: require daily exercise and are perfect for you, if you love being outdoors and living an active lifestyle are easily trained and very intelligent, making them great family companions. We are located just 60 miles outside of Seattle on a 50 acre farm that's been in our family since my grandfather purchased it when he returned from Europe after World War II. Our dogs love it here. The mamas will even hop in the back of the truck to go help us feed the cows or play in the grass while we're tending to the horses. Our puppies are well socialized as they spend time with our family and with regular visits to the vet you have our assurance that not only are they cute but healthy. Golden Retrievers Silver Labrador Retrievers Chocolate Labrador Retrievers Healthy Your puppy is ready to go home with you at 8 weeks old, with AKC registration, a healthy puppy vet check, their first shots, and age appropriate wormings. Adorable You will literally have your pick of the litter depending on who the mama is. Whether it's an English Style Silver or Chocolate Lab or a beautiful Golden Retriever you are sure to find the puppy that steals your heart. Raised With Love Our dogs are our family pets and are a part of our everyday lives. They spend their days with us and you may find them roaming the farm or on a trail ride. They are raised with chicken, cows and horses. Our puppies also spend lots of time playing outside so they are well socialized, great around children and other pets. Have questions? We are a phone call, text or email away! Testimonials Meet Boone What a wonderful, friendly, dog loving, farm home to buy our beautiful Silver Lab, Boone, from! We were able to make trips to visit Boone while he grew, Wendy was always accommodating and super nice. During these visits we also became more acquainted with Boone's mom and grandmom, they are both loving and gentle souls. These are qualities we were looking for in our next dog as we have young grandchildren that will be a big part of Boone's life. We have had Boone for two weeks now. And he surprises us daily with how smart he is. We could not be happier with the start in life he had at Wendy's, his breeding, and HIM!! And I haven't even mentioned how absolutely beautiful Boone is! We collectively decided on getting a dog. We wanted a happy, smart, loyal breed that could fit in and grow with our kids. With those criteria we started looking for a Labrador Retriever. We soon drove to the farm to pick out our puppy. From that moment, until today, we have been so happy with our choice! Our silver lab, Rumble Rainier, has been value added to our home. He is perfect with our sons, he learned our routines quickly, and he keeps us smiling every day. Say Hi to Boomer.They were amazing to work with thru the whole process. We first picked him out in January and we got to visit every other week to watch him grow and get him familiar with us. He was the cutest little brown fur ball and it was fun to see him interact with all his siblings and his mom. He was also very loved and handled by their kids during the times we could not visit. He is a year old now and a very healthy and beautiful lab. He loves being outside, playing fetch, playing with his soccer ball, or being anywhere our 12 year old daughter is. He has been a great addition to our family! They really love their dogs and know how to breed healthy, well-adjusted dogs. Our Boomer loves all dogs, adults and children because of this. We are so thankful to Green Valley Pups and Paws for this whole experience! Amber McKinney.

See if you can find some that would correspond to what your mutt is experiencing. And Pugs are usually greatly affected by rising temperatures as they have ingrained breathing problems they inherit from their ancestors. Because of their peculiar-shaped heads and muzzles, as well as very narrow airways, Pugs will have a harder time inhaling hot air. A pet parent will notice some heavy Pug panting if it becomes too hot. It can be so bad, to the point of developing seizures and heatstrokes. Dehydration: It kind of goes hand-in-hand with being overheated. Normally, during the summer, a dog might have to drink a lot more than in the winter. The reason is that most of the moisture evaporates with sweat and while panting. Yes, you heard it, pooches sweat just like humans do! The only difference is that their sweat glands are located on their paws and noses. It may surprise you, but they do sweat in the armpit area as well! Hence, your adorable Pug creature will have to drink aqua a lot more often to avoid possible dehydration. Planning a trip to the park? Make sure to bring plenty of H2O with you to hydrate both yourself and your playful buddy. Separation Anxiety: A very common reason for seeing a sad Pug puppy. Some of them cannot handle when a pet parent has to leave for a few hours, they just go berserk. An owner may observe excessive whining, feet-biting, and nervously running back and forth. Not a pleasant sight to see if you ask me. Even worse if one of the parents leaves the household due to a divorce or hospitalization. All hounds are creatures of habit and bond fast with their masters. Sometimes they become attached to one parent more than the other, actually. It depends on who spends more time with a pup during the day. It stops eating, is always sad, prefers to be in isolation, and loses interest in previously enjoyed activities. Notice such signs? Time to pay a visit to your local vet or a canine trainer. Even though canine depression is not as well-researched as the human one, pooches exhibit the same symptoms as affected two-legged would. Hidden Illness: Sometimes a Pug is not eating and is lethargic because there might be something bothering it physically. It could be a kidney issue, stomach trouble, or even a tooth infection. Possible signs besides not eating may include prolonged whining, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, and constipation. If you notice any of these signs, it is best to bring your flat-faced pooch to the vet without delay. Injury: Since Pugs are prone to injuries because of their skeletal peculiarities, no wonder they get injured easily. If you notice any limping, wobbly walking, and wining while stepping on one of the paws, it may indicate that they might have a strained muscle, an injured joint, or a fractured bone. You might want to bring your fur pal to the vet immediately for some much-needed X-rays. Boredom: It is simple as that. Your Pug might be moody just because it has nobody to play with. In case you have to leave your precious friend home alone for a while, try to scatter a few of its favorite toys around to make his past time somewhat enjoyable. The platform has hundreds of great sitters all over the US, therefore it will be easy to find a good match. A sleep-deprived pooch will be eating less, will have less energy to participate in its favorite daily activities, and be sleeping a lot during the day. Old Age: this one is not a result of an injury, depression, or insomnia. Your Pug is, unfortunately, getting old and its body is slowing down day after day. A pet parent might notice that the older a canine companion becomes, the less energy it has and its appetite changes drastically. Talk to your vet about a possible solution for such behavior, like prescription medications, changes in a daily diet, and administering food supplements to keep an aging pooch as healthy as possible. If you started noticing some alarming signs like appetite loss, diarrhea, dehydration, or moodiness, take a Pug pal to a trusted vet to find out what the reason might be. After all, the happier a fluffy companion will be, the happier its owner will be as well. Family Dog Expert Author Hi there! My passion for dogs drives me to share my knowledge and expertise, helping families build strong, loving bonds with their four-legged friends. Welcome to Sirdoggie A blog crafted with love for all dog lovers and their families! It is important for senior dogs to have a feeding routine, that the food bowl remain in the same area of the house so that they know where to find it, and that they have a rug or yoga mat to stand on while eating to avoid slipping or having trouble standing on hard floors. If your senior dog has gone longer than 24 hours without eating, they should see their veterinarian for a thorough physical examination and possible diagnostics to investigate the cause of their loss of appetite. Is Your Dog a Puppy? Small breed puppies, especially, are at a high risk of hypoglycemia low blood sugar and should be watched closely for signs of lethargy or collapse if they are not eating. If this happens, they should be treated on an emergency basis. Some puppies may not like larger kibble, as it can be hard for their puppy teeth to chew, especially if they are just transitioning to solid food. This can be remedied by mixing in water and letting it soak to create more of a porridge consistency, or the kibble can be mixed with canned food as well. If your puppy still will not eat, they should be seen right away by a veterinarian. If they are also lethargic, vomiting, or having diarrhea, they should be seen on an emergency basis. A newly adopted dog can take days or weeks to settle into their new home. It is important to ensure that they are given a quiet place to eat, away from other pets or children that may interrupt them. However, if they are lethargic, vomiting, or having diarrhea, or go more than 48 hours without eating anything, they should be examined by a veterinarian to rule out any underlying medical conditions. Did Anything Change in Your Household? Some dogs may be sensitive enough that a change in their environment may cause inappetence. Examples include a new addition to the family whether a new pet or a new baby , construction, having people over, or even a change in the location of the food and water bowls. Some dogs with separation anxiety even expect their loved one to be in the room while they eat, and will stop eating if their human leaves the room. While this is not necessarily a health concern, it is a sign that your dog may have severe anxiety that needs to be addressed. Calming chews such as Composure or Solliquin may be helpful, and calming pheromone collars or diffusers such as Adaptil can be beneficial as well. However, if you are concerned that your dog may have severe separation anxiety, consider consulting with a board-certified veterinary behaviorist for help. Did You Switch Dog Foods? This also allows your dog to get used to the new food over time, rather than making a sudden switch. Is Your Dog Pregnant or in Heat? Early in pregnancy , your dog may have a reduced or absent appetite. If your dog is in the middle or late part of her gestation, she may eat less because her stomach has less room to expand due to the presence of puppies, but she should make up for this by eating a smaller amount more frequently. Regardless of what point of gestation your dog is in, if she has not eaten in over 24 hours, your veterinarian should be called right away to ensure that everything is okay. Dogs in heat may also have a decreased appetite, which is considered normal. However, if she goes longer than 48 hours without eating anything, she should be checked by her veterinarian. If she is lethargic, vomiting, having diarrhea, or drinking and urinating more than usual, she should be seen by her veterinarian right away, as this could indicate an infection in the uterus known as pyometra. Is Your Dog Diabetic? If your dog is diabetic and will not eat, this could be an indication that something is seriously wrong. If your veterinarian advised you to give a half dose of insulin if your dog skips one meal, do so, but alert your veterinarian immediately if your dog skips another meal. If your diabetic dog skips a meal, is lethargic, nonresponsive, or vomiting or having diarrhea, they should be seen by a veterinarian immediately, as this could be an indication of hypoglycemia or diabetic ketoacidosis, both of which are life-threatening if not treated right away. It is not unusual for your dog to skip a meal or two after a surgery. You may try tempting your dog to eat with a spoonful of canned food or boneless, skinless, boiled chicken on top of their kibble. Better yet, ask your veterinarian for a few cans of a prescription gastrointestinal diet to feed for the first few days after surgery. These foods are highly palatable, are easily digestible, and can help counteract some of the gastrointestinal upset that can happen after surgery and anesthesia. If your dog had oral or facial surgery, your veterinarian may recommend feeding only canned food for two or more weeks. This also means that your dog should not receive hard treats or chew on hard toys until they are declared healed at their recheck appointment. If your dog is refusing to eat the prescribed canned food, reach out to your veterinarian in case there are any post-operative complications. Heat canned food for a few seconds in the microwave make sure to take it out of the metal can and put it into a microwave-safe bowl. Canned food can become scorching hot quickly, so feel the food first to avoid any burned tongues. Try mixing some plain, boneless, skinless boiled chicken and rice with their kibble to encourage them to eat. Add a probiotic such as Purina Fortiflora or Advita on top of the food. Not only can this make the food more palatable, but it can also help any inflamed or irritated intestine heal by rebalancing a healthy gastrointestinal flora. If you have tried these tricks and your dog continues to refuse his food, he should be seen by his veterinarian to rule out any underlying medical conditions. Unless explicitly prescribed by your veterinarian, your dog should not be given any over-the-counter gastrointestinal medications like Imodium or Pepto Bismol , as these could cause serious side effects or even interact with medications that your veterinarian may want to give. It is best to consult with your veterinarian before attempting to treat symptoms at home. Featured image: iStock. Help us make PetMD better Was this article helpful? This section will cover when a Pug puppy or dog has a drastically decreased appetite or out-right refuses to eat. Overview When a dog suddenly stops eating, this is something that should be addressed right away. Though Pugs may appear to have extra weight on them which could help during a phase of under-eating , the main reason that a Pug has the shape that he does is not due to substantial amounts of body fat but is instead due to skeletal body structure barrel-shaped. Refusing to eat can have ill effects very quickly. In many cases, a Pug will not eat as a result of a health concern or other issue that needs to be resolved. But then, not eating exasperates the initial problem or creates an entirely different one as the dog isn't receiving the fuel and nutrients that he needs. Red Flag Signs of Refusing Food Note that while a sudden stop of food intake is a serious issue, this is particularly true for growing puppies. Metabolic calorie requirements are higher with pups; about 55 calories per pound as opposed to 35 to 40 calories per pound for adults. Therefore: If you have a Pug puppy that has stopped eating, this warrants an immediate veterinary visit. This cannot wait for the next day. Health issue. This may be due to gastrointestinal upset, such as an episode of vomiting; most dogs don't want to eat afterward. However, it can also be due to another sort of injury or illness. The majority of canine health problems literally everything from pain due to hip dysplasia to diabetes to organ failure all have decreased appetite or refusal to eat as a possible symptom. This also include dental issues; infection or tooth decay can make eating very painful. Therefore, if you know that your Pug is recovering from something that may have temporarily affected his appetite, offer a bland diet which your puppy or dog may find more appealing and that will be easy on the stomach. Typically, this is one protein plain white chicken without skin and one starch sweet potato or white rice. And, if any health condition is suspected, you'll need to bring your Pug to the vet. Trying to fix an appetite problem that is only there as a secondary symptom will be done in vain and can risk your puppy or dog's health. Major change in activity levels. A big part of what controls how many calories a dog needs is how much he burns off. A fairly active adult Pug needs something in the range of 40 calories per pound of body weight, but a sedentary dog would need far fewer. Age plays a role to some degree as well, with requirements slowly decreasing as a dog enters his senior years. If there is a reason that your Pug is moving around a lot less, like recovery from an injury, keep following the vet's advice. Once your Pug is back to normal, appetite should come back. And, if your Pug is staying inside for a fixable reason, get your dog back on an exercise schedule. Regular exercise is vital to good health, both short and long-term. It keeps the heart healthy, helps maintain muscle tone, helps fend off a wide range of diseases, keeps stools moving along, and stimulates the appetite. Aim for at least two minute walks per day at a pace considered brisk for your Pug and at least a minute session of cardio, like fetch. If your Pug is out-of-shape, start with a shorter duration and work your way up. Stress or depression. High-stress situations like severe separation anxiety or marked mood changes such as when losing a canine or human family member can cause a dog to stop eating. Other causes may be moving to a new home, being in new surroundings like a new doggie day care , being cared for by someone unfamiliar like a friend that's stepping in or a pet sitter , or traveling with you on vacation. For being home alone, take necessary steps to cure separation anxiety. For temporary causes of depression or stress, appetite should come back as the situation resolves itself. For permanent changes such as loss of a family member or being in a new home, time is often the cure. It can help to offer your Pug something mentally refreshing like an outing to the beach or a walk in a new area such as a hiking trail, etc. Change in food station elements. Dogs are typically creatures of habit, so if you've moved your Pug's eating area, if you got your dog a new bowl , or if there's a change in vibe more noise, foot traffic, etc. If you made changes in your Pug's best interest, this should resolve itself. If there are negative changes like moving the bowls to a chaotic location or perhaps too close to the dishes of another pet, address this as needed. Type of food. By no means will all dogs just eat whatever is given to them. To some level, our canine family members have the right to have preferences. This is not to say that your Pug should dictate what you feed him; but, it's okay to make a few adjustments to get your dog eating again. Several studies have proven that dogs are able to sense protein and fat levels in food. In addition, if a dog ate a certain kibble and developed a queasy stomach not enough to vomit, but enough to make him feel under-the-weather , you may not have noticed anything wrong but your Pug may be reluctant to eat that food again. Both of these reasons alone are enough to reevaluate what you're feeding your Pug. But, add to this the very important element that low-quality foods can have severe health effects both now and in the future. A few recommendations include: 1. Wellness Complete Health for Small Breeds This is a quality dry kibble that is formulated for small breeds like the Pug. This is grain-free; though note that it does have rice most dogs tolerate rice very well and it's often vet-recommended to help calm a queasy stomach. This has a base of turkey, chicken, and salmon. There are good levels of omega-3, this has no wheat, corn, soy, meat by-products, artificial flavors, colors or preservatives, and is made in the USA. This is a base of chicken and turkey with excellent levels of omega-3 via salmon oil and flaxseed, and has added glucosomine for joint health. This also has no wheat, corn, soy, meat by-products, or artificial colors, flavors and preservatives, and is made in the USA. This has 4 formulas: lamb, beef, chicken, and salmon. This has probiotics and prebiotic fiber for optimal digestion, omega fatty acids, glucosmine, and antioxidants. There is no wheat, corn, soy, meat by-products, artificial flavors, colors or preservatives, and it is made in the USA. Some dogs may flat-out refuse to eat dry food, especially if a change from wet to dry was just made. A strictly wet food diet is not beneficial for the teeth and can lead to runny bowels. So, dry is indeed best. If you having been trying to make this switch and believe this is the cause of your Pug not eating, do this in a gradual way. If this is an issue of suddenly refusing to eat but the food has always been a dry kibble, this points to health issues, including possible dental problems, as noted in point 1. Seemingly not eating, but in fact an issue of being picky. It's common to say that your Pug won't eat when in fact it's more a matter of being finicky. And, it's understandable since as a loving owner, any changes in appetite get your attention right away. In these cases, you may wish to refer to the Pug is a Picky Eater article. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon. If your Pug is ravenously hungry , despite offering good amounts, this is covered separately in its own article. If your Pug overeats and you feel that you are part of the problem i. You may be filling the bowl to the brim or continuously giving out snacks and treats. The result, most likely, will be a Pug that becomes overweight, an issue that can lead to all sorts of health problems. What to do: 1. Use the right sized bowl. Be sure to obtain a stainless-steel bowl since plastic bowls can lead to issues including allergic reaction and gradual discoloration of the nose. If you are using a portion pacer to help your Pug slow down his eating pace , allow for a bowl large enough for that to fit inside. So, write down the times and the serving sizes for each meal and each snack and then do not deviate from that. Aim for 3 meals per day and 3 to 4 snacks dry in between those meals to keep your Pug satiated. The only thing that can be given spontaneously is training treats see ahead, point 4. If your Pug begs for food, do not give in. If your Pug bothers you for food outside of the 3 meals and 3 to 4 snacks, draw attention to something else. You can keep a few toys hidden out of view and offer those, take your Pug outside for a game of fetch, head out for a walk, etc. Take care with reward treats. Reward treats are much different than snacks. However, training treats are designed to be very small since they are given out repeatedly during training. The idea is to offer a little burst of flavor that does not affect the appetite, yet sends a strong signal for a job well done command training, housebreaking, heeling, etc. So, these are important, and you should be giving them to your Pug to mark good behavior. But, be sure to offer the right type small, healthy, no additives. For adult Pugs, and especially those that tend to carry a few extra pounds, Fruitables Skinny Minis Soft Dog Treats are fantastic; these are low-calorie yet serve their purpose by being super-delicious. Note that when a Pug flat-out refuses to eat , this is a topic covered separately. Eating, but not as much as expected, is covered here. With puppies, this eating problem can develop due to there being rapid growth, but a Pug puppy can have trouble ingesting enough food to keep up with that. Only so much food can fit in the tummy at one time. With adults, this may be a matter of being a picky eater, which is covered up ahead, yet there are other aspects to explore. This is not to say the food itself is offering the right amount of protein and other nutrients. If you still believe your Pug is not eating as much as needed: 1. Know how much your Pug weighs. Never guess how much your Pug weighs, because serving size for manufactured dog food is based on weight. If you have an accurate scale at home, you can do weigh your Pug by weighing yourself first, then weighing yourself while holding your dog. If you have a very young pup, a kitchen scale may be sufficient. If you do not trust your scale to this degree or do not have an accurate scale, all it takes is a quick trip to the vet to find out. Most vets will not charge a steep fee for a fast weight check. Once you know what your puppy or dog weighs, read the labeling on the kibble. These are not arbitrary numbers; most are pretty spot-on. Do note, however, that if a puppy or dog is not as active as he should be, calorie requirements may not be as high. Other things such as health status or even how much a dog paces can affect requirements. Note that for most brands, serving recommendations on the kibble assume that you are also offering 3 to 4 small snacks per day. Those are the daily amounts, spread out over 2 to 3 meals. In some cases, there will be a need for prescribed medications to stimulate the appetite. If the brand you are giving is causing slight upset stomach issues not enough to cause vomiting, but enough to throw off the appetite you may not have considered this, but it can, of course, cause a dog to be reluctant to chow down. These are different than snacks. These are meant to reward good behavior and are designed to be small as to not interfere with appetite. Regular exercise helps in a number of ways, including stimulating the appetite. Aim for two walks per day 20 to 30 minutes at a pace that is brisk for your Pug and one minute cardio session such as fetch. This can become a trap for many owners. You hand-feed your dog just a few times and he expects it all the time. In fact, he may demand it and refuse to eat unless you do this. Reassess the bowl to make sure it is one that your Pug is comfortable with. Unfortunately, while a raised bowl is a good choice for many breeds, it is NOT with this breed due to the risk of bloat. However, an over-sized bowl or one that is too deep that causes a dog to have trouble reaching his food or puts the neck into an uncomfortable position may be contributing to the problem. Assess the eating area. Dogs can feel quite vulnerable when eating. Remain firm and do not give in. Once you have followed points 1 and 2, place the kibble in the bowl and walk away. At first, your Pug will resist and will be assuming that you will concede. You will need to wait him out. It is canine instinct to survive and very few dogs will refuse to eat when it comes down to it. If your Pug refuses to budge, each hour, remove the bowl for 20 minutes and then place it back down. If this lasts for 3 hours and your Pug outright refuses his food because you are not hand-feeding him, this points to a more significant problem. There may be a condition that is causing discomfort when the Pug positions himself to eat from the bowl, which may include the back, hips, or neck. Dogs typically like the taste of wet canned food over dry food; however, dry kibble is better since wet food does not help keep teeth strong and can cause runny stools. As a side note, if you are feeding wet and wish to remain doing so, giving daily dental chews and performing at-home dental care will be more important than ever. Having trouble with dry food can be classified into two categories: 1. If your Pug merely prefers the taste of wet over dry, but you want to switch to a dry diet, do this in gradual increments. Fish oil is incredibly beneficial, particularly for the Pug breed; it keeps skin and coat healthy, can help with issues related to allergies dry skin, itchy skin, skin sores , is an excellent supplement to help prevent arthritis, and can reduce pain and inflammation in dogs that already have arthritis or joint conditions such as hip dysplasia or patella luxation. This comes in a handy pump, so it is super-easy to add a dash to a meal about 1 pump, exact serving size is listed on this and is based on weight. If your Pug literally has trouble chewing dry food, this points to an issue with the teeth. Any sort of infection or decay can make it very difficult for a dog to grind down on hard dry food. Dental issues are not something to be ignored; infection can spread up into the sinuses and throughout the body sepsis , which can be fatal. Therefore, signs of discomfort when eating hard dry kibble warrants a veterinary examination. Pugs, being relatively small compared to humans, will eat less food than we do. However, if a Pug is truly gulping down his food at a fast rate, this is a problem that should be addressed. Eating fast or drinking fast are top triggers of bloat gastric dilatation volvulus which is exceedingly dangerous and can be fatal. This is particularly common if two pets are eating too close to each other, but can also happen if the dishes are in a spot with foot traffic, people sitting or talking too close, etc. So, provide your Pug with a stress-free zone. Encourage slower eating. These are designed to displace the kibble via a safe protrusion. These are orbs that are placed in a bowl that forces a dog to eat around it. It works for some dogs, but others can quickly become pros at nosing it out of the way. Read further about Pugs that are picky eaters. In most cases, this can happen if the kitchen is a very noisy room, if there are other pets in the home and the Pug feels as if they need to compete for food, or if people sit or walk too close to where the food dish is. How to help: 1. Offer a peaceful eating area. This should be a spot with no one walking by, without loud noises, and without people talking to your dog or trying to pat or play with him while he eats. When your dog takes any food out of the dish, immediately take the food and place it back into the dish. Get ready for your dog to test you; he may try to move it multiple times before finally giving in to your request. While this can seem like a game, it is not, so try to not give the impression that you are amused by this. Stay consistent. For this, no food, not even snacks, should be given outside of the designated eating area. Do a thorough sweep of the interior and exterior of the home. Pick up anything and everything that you possibly can, that can be moved to a new spot, up higher. For things you cannot move — Tie up loose electrical cords and keep them out of sight. Run cords through purchased spiral cable wrap, cord concealers, or even PVC pipe to keep them inaccessible. But, keep in mind that these sorts of sprays are based on bitter agents like apple or lemon and for some reason some dogs don't mind the taste. This is sized for small pups, has textured nubs to 'scratch' the itch of erupting teeth, and is flavored to keep a pup focused on it. They first mouth something and then decide if it's worth their time. Some of these things may be inadvertently swallowed and other things, like pebbles, may be intentionally swallowed due in part to their salty taste. Know that you are in charge. Have your Pug on a leash and harness not leash and collar. With your Pug wearing a harness, you can have full control over your Pug, keep the leash taut and quickly move him away before he eats anything by moderately tugging on the leash, without fear of injuring him because the harness prevents neck injury. If you are looking for a harness, the Puppia RiteFit Harness is fantastic. It's sturdy, breathable, adjustable, and easy to put on and take off. If this happens a lot, every 3 to 4 times offer a training treat if you do it each time, your Pug may learn to fake going for something just to get the yummy treat. Some dogs can be very protective of their food. They may growl at, snap at, or even lunge at people or other animals that are nearby. Assess if there is an aggression issue aside from this food issue. This may include your dog growling when you try to groom him, snapping at you when you take away a toy, etc. If so, training will be in order to instill proper hierarchy. Assess if you are feeding your dog enough. If your Pug is right on the borderline of receiving enough food, he may very well be maintaining his weight but is extremely hungry at each meal time. This alone can cause a dog to feel over-protective of his food. Offer a stress-free eating environment. Have the dish set up in a quiet corner where there is no foot traffic, people chatting away or watching TV close by, pets running around, etc. Dogs deserve to eat in peace without being bothered. Desensitize your Pug to having you near the bowl. This can be done by tossing special treats into the bowl as your dog eats. In this way, you are teaching him that you coming nearby during mealtime can be a good thing. However, every now and then, repeat this so that lessons are not forgotten. However, this oatmeal and aloe combo is also great for fixing minor to moderate itchy skin. The Tea Tree and Aloe Vera formula is also for itching, and is geared more towards hot spots or skin that is extremely sensitive. You may also like: Pugs with Itchy Skin - The top leading causes of the frustrating problem, along with exact steps to resolve things. Best Shampoos for Pugs - What you use during the bath will have lasting effects on skin and coat health, how long your Pug smells good, and more. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon. An issue that is a particular concern for many pet owners is how long can a Pug go without eating. Believe it or not, a healthy dog can days without eating before experiencing any serious side effects. That being said, if they are refusing food and water, you should contact your vet immediately. They can go without food for a few days, however, they need to drink water to survive, as they will die of dehydration before they starve. If you want to know how much to feed your Pug, read this article. If your dog is not and is experiencing diarrhea, vomiting or both, you need to get her to a veterinarian immediately to be diagnosed and treated. Upset Tummy Like us, dogs can get an upset tummy that takes away their hunger. If your dog is suffering from an upset digestive system, you may notice gurgling and churning sounds. Some people even say that a dog with an upset stomach will eat grass to help make them feel better. The normal body temperature for humans is .You may also notice other signs such as; lack of appetite, coughing, vomiting, or shivering. Gingivitis or Dental Diseases If your Pug is dealing with tooth infections, swollen gums, or a loose tooth, it will cause your dog to have difficulty chewing and wanting to skip their next meal. Look for any unusual pawing at their mouth or excessive drooling. New Environment Did you recently move into a new home or apartment? If so, it can take some time for your dog to adjust to their new surroundings. Once your dog feels comfortable in their new environment, they should feel comfortable eating on their regular schedule. You can help make them feel more comfortable by giving them their favorite toys and bed to help acclimate them to their new home. Behavioral Problems Like kids, dogs can hold their appetite if they are trying to prove a point. Other Behavior Issues Did you get a new dog? Is your pooch eating amongst aggressive dogs? Maybe the dog bowl is too high for them to eat comfortably? Is your Pug dehydrated? Stale Food? Many dry dog foods claim to have a shelf life of 12 months. Stress Dogs love routine and any unusual changes can affect your pooch to become upset and stop eating. This can include going on vacation or getting a new pet. If you have to make any changes, try to make them gradually to help make your pet feel comfortable throughout the changes. When adopting a Pug, make sure you feed them the same food they are used to. Once they are comfortable in their new surroundings, you can mix their old food with their new food to transition them to a new diet. If your dog has an upset tummy or just not feeling good, they will usually be fine up to hours without eating. As long as they are not showing signs of serious illness, you can try feeding them some boiled rice with white rice. In addition, they will likely administer intravenous fluids to keep your dog nourished. Every mammal needs to consume food in order to build up energy. Just like humans, dogs can go a few days without eating. However, some dogs will not be able to live without food as long as healthy dogs and they are: Active and Energetic Pets Diabetic Dogs Old Dogs If your Pug starts losing weight all of a sudden and is showing signs of being underweight. Most dogs will stop eating when they are feeling sick and it is affecting their digestive system that causes pain, vomiting, or diarrhea. Like us, they can get bored eating the same food day in day out. It could be something as simple as their dog food is stale and your dog no longer finds it appetizing. Even though I had it stored in an airtight container. Or maybe your kids have been feeding your dog table scraps and they are no longer interested in their dog food? Either way, a healthy dog will eventually eat and will NOT starve themselves. You can leave their food out for them to eat when they are ready. You can even pick it up and put it back until their next meal, to see if they are hungry enough to eat at that point. Dogs will not starve themselves, but they will hold out on eating as long as possible. A healthy dog will usually be hungry enough to start eating after about two days of not eating. Top Recommended Products Pet Plate : Treat your dog to almost homemade dog food that is customized to their unique needs. Most dogs will start eating again, without you having to worry. It is important to consult with a veterinarian to rule out any underlying health issues. In the meantime, you can try offering different types of food, serving smaller portions, and adding enticing toppings to make mealtime more appealing for your Pug. Dental issues Pugs are notorious for dental issues due to their brachycephalic facial structure, which can lead to crowding of teeth and dental diseases. Painful teeth and gums can make eating uncomfortable for your pug, causing them to avoid their food. Regular dental care and check-ups with your veterinarian are crucial to catch any dental problems early on. Additionally, consider opting for softer, moistened food to make mealtime easier on their mouths. Your pug might be sick A loss of appetite in pugs could be an early sign of an underlying health problem. Gastrointestinal issues, infections, allergies, or even systemic illnesses may be the culprit. Keep an eye out for other symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea , lethargy, or changes in behavior. Read more: Common Pug Sick Symptoms. You may have changed their food recently Pugs can be creatures of habit, and introducing a new type of food abruptly can make them reluctant to eat. If you need to switch their diet, do it gradually over 7 to 10 days. Start by mixing a small portion of the new food with their current food and gradually increase the proportion of the new food each day. This will give their digestive system time to adjust to the change, minimizing the chances of an upset stomach. Changes in routine Moving to a new home or even rearranging furniture can be a major stressor for your pug. Dogs are creatures of habit, and sudden changes can leave them feeling anxious and unsettled. To help them adjust, create a safe and familiar space for them with their bed, toys, and water bowl in a quiet area of the new home. Be patient and give them plenty of love and attention during this transition period. Stick to their usual routine as much as possible, including feeding times, to provide them with a sense of stability. Emotional Distress Pugs are affectionate and can form deep emotional bonds with their human family members. Any significant changes in the household, such as the introduction of a new pet or family member, can cause emotional distress for your pug. Engage in activities your pug enjoys, such as playing fetch or cuddling on the couch, to strengthen your bond and ease their anxiety. Food Allergies or Sensitivities Just like any other dog breed, pugs can develop food allergies or sensitivities. Common allergens include beef, chicken, wheat, and dairy products. Learn more about pug allergies and skin allergies. Presence of Intestinal Worms Intestinal worms are a common problem in dogs, especially puppies, and can cause a wide range of symptoms, including loss of appetite. Pugs, in particular, are prone to developing stomach issues due to worms like roundworms. These worms can cause stomach swelling, diarrhea, vomiting, and an overall loss of appetite. If left untreated, the worms can multiply and lead to serious complications. If you suspect your pug has intestinal worms, you should pay a visit to the vet for diagnosis and treatment. The vet will likely recommend a fecal exam to determine the type of worms present and how severe the infestation is. Depending on the severity, the vet may prescribe medication that will get rid of the worms and alleviate any gastrointestinal symptoms. Spoiled with Treats Pugs have an endearing charm that can make it hard to resist spoiling them with treats. However, excessive treats or table scraps can lead to them holding out for tastier morsels instead of their regular meals. Human food can also be unhealthy or inappropriate for dogs and may lead to digestive issues. Stick to high-quality dog food that meets their nutritional needs and consult your vet for appropriate treats options. Learn more about dog stomach gurgling and not eating. Boredom with Food Just like humans, dogs can grow tired of eating the same food every day. Introducing variety into their diet can make mealtime more enjoyable for your pug. If you want to switch their food, mix small amounts of the new food with their current food over several days, gradually increasing the proportion of the new food. This method helps your pug adjust to the change without causing gastrointestinal upset. Stress or Anxiety Pugs are sensitive creatures, and changes in their environment or routine can cause them to feel stressed or anxious. Moving to a new home, the addition of a new family member, or even changes in their daily schedule can trigger these emotions. When a pug is stressed, they might lose their appetite as eating becomes a lower priority for them. To help them overcome this, create a safe and comforting environment. Provide a quiet space where they can retreat if they feel overwhelmed. Spend quality time with them, offer gentle reassurance, and use positive reinforcement to build their confidence. Learn more about how much a pug should eat. Ways to get a Pug to start eating Getting a Pug to start eating can be a challenging task, especially if they are picky eaters or have lost their appetite due to illness or stress. You can also try feeding your Pug small, frequent meals instead of one large meal. Make mealtime fun: Turn mealtime into a game by hiding treats or bits of food around the house or in a puzzle toy. Add wet food or broth: Adding wet food or broth can make the food more appetizing and appealing to your Pug. Feed a bland diet: If your Pug has a sensitive stomach or is recovering from an illness, try feeding them a bland diet of boiled chicken and white rice. Create a calm environment: Pugs can be sensitive to their environment, so try to create a calm and relaxing atmosphere during mealtime. Hand-feed your Pug: Offer your Pug small pieces of food by hand, as the bonding experience can help encourage them to eat. Use food to reward good behavior: Use treats and praise to encourage your Pug to eat their meals. Talk to your veterinarian: If your Pug still refuses to eat, talk to your veterinarian as there may be an underlying health issue that needs to be addressed. Related Questions Why is my Pug refusing to eat? There can be a number of reasons why your Pug might be refusing to eat, ranging from health issues to changes in their environment. Some potential causes could include dental problems, digestive issues, a change in diet, or stress. Signs that your Pug may be experiencing health problems could include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and weight loss. What if my Pug is simply a picky eater? Some dogs can be very finicky when it comes to their food, and Pugs can be especially notorious for being picky eaters. Try experimenting with different brands and types of food to see if your Pug has a preference, or consider adding some wet food or meat to their dry kibble to make it more appealing. Should I be worried if my Pug goes a day without eating? Can stress cause a Pug to stop eating? Changes in routine or environment, separation anxiety, or other forms of stress can cause your Pug to lose their appetite. If you suspect that stress may be the cause, try to identify and address the source of the stress to help your Pug feel more comfortable. What can I do to encourage my Pug to eat? There are several things you can try to help encourage your Pug to eat, such as using a different food bowl, feeding your Pug at regular intervals i. You can also try feeding your Pug in a quiet, low-stress environment to make mealtime more pleasant for them. Learn more about what you can feed a pug. Conclusion In conclusion, when your pug refuses to eat, it can be a frustrating experience. With the right approach and a bit of patience, you can help your pug regain their appetite and enjoy their meals once again. So, if your furry friend is refusing to eat, take action now and seek professional advice from your veterinarian. Remember, a healthy and happy pug is always worth the effort! I love researching, writing, and teaching other pet owners how to care for their pets.

Imagine you could come home to a lovable, dedicated, companion for life! If you knew what to look for when buying a German Shepherd puppy, you could find your next best friend. Before you buy your new best friend, read this information so you know what to look for in buying a healthy, quality German Shepherd puppy. I group them into major categories. Will you show him in conformation? Do you want to work with him in Schutzhund or herding? Or do you want a confident and alert companion? Know exactly what you want from your puppy. These dogs are the least costly since they have a trait that prevents them from winning in conformation competitions. These flaws rarely matter to most pet owners. And many minor faults like flat withers or slightly smaller offset ears will probably go unnoticed by most owners. The vast majority of GSDs are family pets. These dogs make great pets as long as they have sound temperaments! They breed some dogs for certain traits that are highly desirable but considered a fault. For example, long-coat or plush-coat GSDs. Show-quality dogs have good temperament and health. You usually buy them for their breed standard qualities that make them able to compete in confirmation or show events. A show-quality dog may cost significantly more if they have the traits desirable to win at a show. This group comes from Championship show lines with a long history of winning. If you plan on showing your Shepherd this is the quality you want. Beware of any breeder who claims they only raise competition-quality dogs. Even the best breeders produce many pet-quality dogs and if a breeder says they only breed perfect dogs, this is a red flag to not buy from them. The GSD is a herding breed, and the working-quality dogs excel at working trials such as scent competitions and Schutzhund. Other work includes climbing and jumping competitions or searching and tracking. They need mental stimulation to keep them occupied and take a lot of time to handle properly. These dogs are better with experienced handlers since you use them for high drive working and competition. They require hours and years of training and preparation for you to have total control during competition. We base this decision on preference. With the correct upbringing and training, both sexes are loyal companions and good with children. They may grow into more dominant dogs, so a confident handler is more desirable. Males may hike their back legs to mark their territory. This can occur on any object — chairs, walls, couches or even your leg. I suggest an extra bout of socialization during this stage, especially with other well-behaved dogs. So they may be better for the first-time owner. Unspayed females come into season every 6 months, so they must receive monitoring and watch to avoid unwanted pregnancies. Their season time can vary from as little as every 4 months to every 9 months. They can attract males to your property and on walks that will harass them if not spayed. Certain breeders and organizations will deal only in a certain coat length and color. The standard coat length is a short coat with double layers. Guard hairs on the top cover a softer underlayer of hair that provides warmth and protection. But there are many coat lengths available depending on your liking. Look online at the different GSD coat lengths to get an idea of what type of fur you want your dog to have. The longer the fur the more grooming involved. The color you choose is a matter of individual taste. Keep in mind the color of many Shepherds alters from their puppyhood to around 2 years of age. Your dog may become lighter or darker. Perhaps they will lose some of their markings as the color fades into the adult pattern. The best way to know what color and patterns your dog grows into is to see the parents of the litter. If the father is unavailable, then ask for photos. Why should you care where your dog comes from if you only want him as a pet companion? You want to get a dog that will live a long and healthy life from a source that has quality puppies. These tips will help you make the best decision on what type of pup fits in your life. Newspaper and Internet Classified Ads Newspaper and internet ads are in abundance. Many backyard breeders hide behind ads online or in local papers. But some breeders who use newspapers and classified ads are reputable and knowledgeable. The problem is you need to visit them to find out, and this can take time to sift through them all. Try the following more reputable suggestions to save yourself time. Dog Care Professionals Ask dog professionals for recommendations. Check with your local veterinarian, groomer, and boarding kennel personnel if they know reputable breeders in town. These professionals are good sources of quality leads. Use the same caution that you will for a classified ad. Verify their suggestions. Many of these organizations regularly receive puppies they need to re-home. While you might not know the full pedigree of the dog, purebred GSDs find themselves in shelters and rescues from no fault of their own. These organizations are a good resource for your first pup. Before adopting, find out as much information as you can. Was the puppy exposed to children? Did he live with other dogs or cats? A well-organized shelter or rescue helps you choose a German Shepherd match for your lifestyle. Start with looking online for GSD rescues and local shelters. Dog Clubs Dog clubs are local and national. These groups put you into contact with registered breeders through their own programs. They can give you the name of the GSD club contact closest to you for breed contacts. Dog clubs also have dog shows open to the public. This is a good time to watch the breed in action and to ask around for quality breeders. While using a dog club to connect you with a reputable breeder is not the only choice, it is one of the more reliable. If you are using a breeder to choose your German Shepherd puppy, this section will help you know the good from the bad. Use these tips to stay safe. Are selling overpriced or under-priced dogs. Lie to you and say you can make money off your new puppy by breeding them, despite them having flaws. Tells you that the GSD is a dog for everyone, with no disadvantages. Breeds multiple types of dogs and claims to be an expert on them all. If a breeder lets their mothers get pregnant more than once a year, this affects the quality of the puppies, so ask how many litters the mother has. These breeders selling unhealthy puppies also will refuse to take bag their dogs if you need to return them for any reason and have no contracts. They have healthy puppies and will answer your questions and have you make multiple visits. Openly show you where the mother and pups spend their time, including their garden or yard. Tells you the up and downs of owning the breed. Have all pedigree and vet paperwork on hand for your review. Specializes in breeding only GSDs source. They openly share this information with you. They have screened their dogs for health issues and can confirm this with documentation which they proudly give you a copy. Healthy mothers are given rest from breeding, and a reputable breeder gives their mothers time off from reproduction. Ask if your breeder if they are willing to take back their dogs if you cannot keep them, as this is standard for a quality breeder with a good reputation. Make sure your breeder has a written contract with detailed information and health guarantees. These are expected for safe breeding practices. How to Buy a German Shepherd Puppy Following this guide gives you the best chance of buying a German Shepherd puppy that suits your lifestyle. Know what you want from your GSD and where to find quality dogs. Learn what to look for when buying a German Shepherd puppy to stay safe from a sick pup and a bad breeder. German Shepherds have their own unique set of challenges. They are a large, active, and intelligent breed that requires an understanding owner who is willing to train their GSD using positive techniques. Devote yourself to their overall health to see the best results and help give you and your dog a lifetime of happiness. Remember, your pup will need mental stimulation to keep their brain active , a gentle exercise program , and need daily love and affection. Buying a German Shepherd puppy is a choice for your whole life that will bring you many years of joy and excitement! Found this helpful? Share it! She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. Are you at home to devote time and training to their growth? What open space environment is your home? German Shepherds are on the no dog list in apartment buildings. Do you have a family with other pets? Also, a good breeder will ask you why do you want this particular breed? The breeder should be concerned that a German Shepherd puppy is being placed within the best living environment. Here are some insights to help you bring home the perfect German Shepherd puppy: Types of German Shepherd Puppies Pure-bred German Shepherd puppies are available in a variety of colors and built. The typical description is light brown and black. Black: Rare and beautiful. Their coloring is either all black or a deep dark bluish hair tint. Panda: their coloring consists of black, white, and tan. This is their natural coloring, not contributed to being a mixed breed. Sable: A unique coloring of this breed consists of light black, grey, tan, or gold. As puppies, the Sable German Shepherd puppies are fully tan. As they age, fur begins to develop stronger natural colors. White: No, this German Shepherd breed is not due to albino coloring. Though rate, white is their natural coloring. This German Shepherd puppy will be smaller in size, whether male or female. The reason for this question is that German Shepherds are intelligent and engaging breeds. They can be trained to thrive in any situation and climate. Their ability to cope in any situation is amazing. German Shepherds make great companions, protective family pets, and they are hard workers. Knowing how to choose a German Shepherd puppy, you are wondering what things you should look for. In other words, you are looking to see if it has a good temperament. German Shephard puppies demand and exhibit affection rather aggressively. Parental Traits If you are choosing a puppy from a kennel or a breeder, inquire about its parental background. You want to know if both parents were healthy and friendly. Carefully Examine the Puppy You want to look again for a puppy that is active and healthy. To choose the best German Shepherd puppy, you must become an amateur canine detective and examine the puppy closely. Here are things to look for: A German Shepherd puppy should not look thin. Instead, they should look full-bodied. Their eyes should appear bright and clear. Also, you must invade their personal space by examining their butt area to make sure it is clean. Their nose should be clean and not runny. Their teeth and gums look healthy. Their hair coat should not have bald spots and should not be matted. Your German Shepherd puppy should be free from odors. Pick a puppy that has a good gait, and their tail is up and actively wagging. All puppies need their mothers when they are very young. A German Shepherd puppy can be purchased when they are between the ages of eight and twelve weeks old. If you decide on an older puppy, just make sure that it has retained its socialization skills with both people and other animals. Make sure that the puppy has gotten all its vaccinations and deworming medication. However, within 48 hours of purchase, take your German Shepherd puppy to your vet for a complete exam. The Kennel or Breeder Environment Whether you are purchasing your German Shepherd puppy from a kennel or a private seller, look at the conditions of both. How does the kennel look to you? Both kennels and private breeder yards should be clean, and all puppies should have clean water. Please do not buy a German Shepherd puppy from a breeder where the conditions are unclean. How Instinctive Are You? Many potential dog-owners state that they knew that this was the one when they first saw their puppy. We all have instincts; therefore, you will know what the right buying environment is when you look at the puppies. If you get a feeling that something is not right, leave and find a different breeder. When you purchase your German Shepherd puppy and bring that bundle of joy home, you want to feel confident that you have made the best decision. After all, the relationship with your German Shepherd puppy can last easily for up to thirteen years. Male vs. Female German Shepherd There are many people who only choose a German Shepherd puppy because of their gender or appearance. What is most important in purchasing any puppy is their physical and mental stability. Gender and looks should never be a deciding factor when choosing a dog that will live in your family for the next 12 years or more. Please perform thorough breeder research so that you can choose the right German Shepherd puppy that will fit into your living lifestyle for years to come. Do you want to select a female puppy for future breeding? If not, both your male and female German Shepherd puppy should be spayed and neutered. Female German Shepherds are found to have a sweeter temperament than their male counterparts. Male German Shepherds are more territorial. They also are a little more stubborn and proud. Male German Shepherds are generally larger than their female counterparts. The male can grow to a height range of up to 26 inches. Meanwhile, the female can grow to a height of up to 24 inches tall. Their weight will range from a full-bodied 75 to 95 pounds. When you are trying to decide whether to purchase a male vs. They make excellent watchdogs. Socialize Therefore, if you are going to be around other individuals each day, your German Shepherd puppy must be trained to accept people outside their family unit. Introduce your German Shepherd puppy to strangers so that they will feel comfortable in front of people. By introducing them to strangers, will help them stay calm. They do not like to be left alone for too long. Because they were originally bred for herding, German Shepherds have high energy and thus require physical and mental stimulation. Make sure you have the time and patience to own a German Shepherd puppy. In patiently taking time with their active habits, it will work out to your benefit. They become loyal and loving breeds, especially when raised in a family setting. Remember the TV show Dog Whisperer? The host always referred to a dog requiring a pack leader. German Shepherds must learn that you are the pack leader. If not, they will take the dominant lead, and this is not good. They must be trained and actively exercised to be happy. German Shepherds love to explore and investigate everything. If you live in an area where there are porcupines, lookout. Young German Shepherd puppies will probably come home with quills all over their body. Well, you would be wrong. A German Shepherd puppy will want to correct this wrong and approach another porcupine! Grooming a German Shepherd puppy is simple and easy. Yes, they do shed year-round, so brush them occasionally. But mostly keep their nails trimmed, their teeth and ears cleaned. Dog breeders believe that to help your new German Shepherd puppy adjust from a litter to your new home, they should be crate trained. They need to feel safe and comfortable. Crate training is a learning experience for a German Shepherd puppy, but it eventually helps them get used to a family who perhaps must go off to work every day. Further Reading. Do further research into these local German Shepherd breed clubs in your area. Whether you get information from their websites or contact them directly for help, local breed clubs are a great way to get the names of reputable breeders in your area. Veterinarians come into contact with a lot of different types of animal care-givers, from breeders to shelters to individual owners. Because they know so much about animal issues in the community, it's a good idea to talk to a few vets in your area for ethical breeder recommendations. Also consider speaking to other German Shepherd owners, dog groomers, or dog trainers. If you visit a breed show, talk to owners and trainers about who they've had good or bad experiences with. A good breeder won't have a variety of breeds available for adoption. Look for a breeder who specializes only in German Shepherds. Your best option is to find a breeder who has years of experience with the German Shepherd breed. They should be able to answer your questions about development, temperament, and training easily and without hesitation. A key marker of a good breeder is the amount of effort they put into early socialization. Puppies need to be taught from an early age to live harmoniously with humans. If a breeder keeps litters isolated away from the home, the puppies will not be used to the sights and sounds of a normal household, and won't be used to human interaction. This can become a problem by the time they are old enough to be adopted. Make sure the puppies spend at least some time in the breeders' home with them. The more time they spend with humans, the more you can trust the breeder. An ethical breeder will never try to breed a female who hasn't reached sexual maturity — about 2 years of age. Mothers should also be given enough time to recover from pregnancies and being separated from their litters as they get adopted. Females should be healthy and alert. Never adopt a puppy from a breeder who breeds a young or unhealthy female, or who doesn't give mothers time to recover before breeding them again. Puppies should never be sold or separated from their mothers before 8 weeks of age. The breeder should have begun the puppies' vaccination and deworming processes before adopting them out. Make sure that's happened, and ask about any health problems the vet may have reported in these early checkups. Ask if the breeders have their dogs tested for the Degenerative Myelopathy DM gene. This can determine whether a common inherited disease in German Shepherds is present in the litter's bloodline. Dogs with DM suffer from progressive paralysis, particularly in the hind legs. Note that being AKC-registered does not mean that you are getting a healthy animal. It means that the owner paid money to the AKC to register the dog. While experts recommend against breeding animals with known genetic problems, an OFA certification will give you proof. Be aware, though, that there's no guarantee of health in any animal. There's always a chance that two dogs free of known genetic diseases can still produce a puppy with genetic problems. The breeder should be evaluating you as a potential owner, just as you're evaluating him or her as a breeder. No good breeder will just hand over a puppy without being sure that the new owners will be able to provide it with a good, healthy life. Ask the breeder what they look for in a good owner, and whether they've ever turned potential owners away. The breeder should be able to answer these questions without even having to think about it. You might also ask the breeder for references so you can contact other families who have dogs from previous litters. A reputable breeder should ask questions about your dog background and experience, your lifestyle, and your family to guide you in making the best decision. As difficult as it may be, a good breeder will be willing to turn you away if they think you're a bad fit for their particular puppies. For example, if the litter has particularly inactive parents, the puppies may not be a good fit for your highly active lifestyle. If you get turned away, ask if the breeder can point you to other options and litters so you can expand your search. Also ask if they have any unborn litters coming up that may be a better fit for you. Be patient and don't get discouraged. With enough patience and legwork, you'll find the right puppy. Don't lie to a breeder just to get a puppy, though. Trust the breeder's decision-making process. You don't want to end up with a dog who doesn't fit your needs. Avoid any breeder who offers to cut you a "deal," who has unclean or smelly kennels, or who acts suspiciously in any way. Trust your instincts. A breeder who's in it just for the money has the wrong motivation, and likely isn't interested in the welfare of their dogs. Make sure the dogs are not crowded into cages. They should have plenty of room to stumble around and explore their surroundings. Part of the time, puppies should be kept in the home to expose them to household environments. There should be adequate food and water for all animals on the premises. Kennels should be cleaned daily. Although it may be that a dog had an accident just before you arrived, be suspicious of a kennel that looks like it hasn't been cleaned recently. If a breeder doesn't have a return policy, it suggests they don't really care what happens to their dogs once they leave their property. That's not a good sign! Also find out what kind of documentation you would get with your puppy. Would you get registration papers and pedigree papers? Negotiate for what you want if it's not included in the contract. Be very wary of a breeder who will not discuss the chance that a puppy may need to be returned. Does the contract require you to take the puppy for a vet visit within a set time? Does it cover hereditary issues for life? For only a certain period of time? What does the breeder agree to offer? Trade for another puppy when one is available? Are there restrictions on the activities you can do with your dog that will invalidate the contract or guarantee? Are you purchasing a show prospect puppy or a pet quality animal? Does the breeder have strong feelings or even bans about the vaccinations, foods or supplements for your puppy? Are these opinions based on solid science? Of course, you have already read a lot of books with advice on how to choose the right puppy of a German Shepherd, east European, as well as a Newfoundland, Rottweiler, Spaniel, or Spitz puppy. You understand what is the fundamental difference between these breeds and why a Retriever puppy will never become a VIP bodyguard, and a black terrier will hardly ever pass for a draft husky. Why Opting For a German Shepherd Puppy Is a Good Choice The German Shepherd is prone to learning from a very young to deep old age, while many other breeds cannot boast of this, even if their appearance is more perfect than that of a German Shepherd. The most well-known characteristics that a German Shepherd owns are: pronounced protective and guarding instinct; the ability to make independent decisions, and active actions, and at the same time be completely submissive to the owner; sociability, playfulness, and curiosity; lack of aggression signs towards others and deep affection for the owner; a willingness to happily take on tasks, learn, and remain completely fearless when faced with unfamiliar surroundings or unforeseen difficulties; In addition, the Shepherd dog is calmly confident and features strong nerves, combativeness, and assertiveness which are the main qualities of a good service dog. Perhaps, due to this set of breed characteristics, few larger and more ferocious breeds can compete with a GS, both for guarding the house and as a personal protector. It is not recommended to take puppies under 4 weeks old from their mother. This applies not only to GSs but other breeds. At the age of one month, the baby has already been given all the necessary vaccinations. However, only a person who can devote a lot of time to raising a puppy can afford to take a Shepherd at such a young age. In addition to 6 meals a day, and socialization, the new owner will need to complete 1, different tasks, which require, above all, a lot of time. If there is no time, it is worth finding a puppy aged 4 to 6 months. And it is advisable to take such a teenager from a nursery that focuses on breeding German Shepherds and not all the breeds at once. It happens that a puppy stays in the nursery because the money deposit was given for it but, for some reason, people could not pick up the reserved puppy. If the grown-up German Shepherd puppy constantly lived in an aviary and was deprived of close contact with people and the outside world, owners who have not previously dealt with this breed should not choose such a youngster. These young dogs are for experienced cinologysts. Lack of socialization can be corrected but it cannot be fully eliminated. Testing for the Puppy and Its Future Owner You may already know how to choose a purebred German Shepherd by external signs under the age of 3 months. Simple tests will help you choose a puppy with the desired character. Visit the breeder at a predetermined time when the puppies do not sleep or, conversely, are not hungry. You are taking a future friend for life, and enthusiastic emotions with such a choice are inappropriate. When buying a new friend, inspect the litter meticulously. Pay attention to the following: eyes do not water; traces of diarrhea under the tails are not observed; wet noses are without purulent crusts; legs are straight and strong; fur is clean, reminding of the plush; on the skin under the coat, there are no signs of peeling and scabs; all puppies are active and well-fed; the body is elastic and strong to the touch; the puppy has a pleasant dog smell; the mother is not exhausted; bowls and bedding are clean; there is enough heat and light. Of course, the owner of the dog mother has already taken her to the next room. Those who paid attention to the unusual sound are yours. Throw carefully, of course a tennis ball at the puppies. Those who were not afraid and did not try to escape are yours. Those who, having scouted the situation, did not begin to whine , pressing themselves onto the floor, but hurried towards the bedding are yours. Pay attention to those who have shown interest in a new object. The best are those who took and dragged it. Keys and money are the dirtiest household items. This testing method was used 20 years ago. Today, it is dangerous for the health of puppies! Invite those who dragged the rubber duck to pull a piece of fabric. If the baby dog willingly starts the fight, not letting the cloth go when you pull it towards you, they are good boys or girls. Turn the puppy you like on its back and hold it with an open palm for a few seconds. A clear alpha leader is easy to identify by its non-calming behavior for seconds, and even trying to bite you in this position. It may not be your choice! You will get too many problems associated with the puppy, or it will never be possible to completely subdue it. The puppy that squealed, pulled back its paw, and did not lose its interest in you is yours. The one who barks trying to drive brothers and sisters away from the bowl is not for you. The one who gives up its place at the feeder is also not yours. Yours is the one who, regardless of the obstacles, has taken its place and calmly devours food, without moving from its point, snapping, and running around the bowl. Now, you have at best 2 or 3 puppies left in front of you. You need to select the fat-footed one who will try to get out through the opening without panic and squealing. The tests are simple, but they will allow you to select a good puppy and raise a real working German Shepherd from it without unnecessary costs and nerves. Talk to the breeder. Such puppies are sold at a more reasonable price, but the puppy card for them is mandatory to be filled out as well. If you are given puppies for free, in the absence of their mother, there is a reason to seriously consider whether it is a Shepherd dog at all, even if their mother has pedigree documents. This is not a dog of one owner! The versatility and flexibility of this breed are proven by the fact that GSs accept a new family and a new environment without any problems. The main thing for it is to have its own business — to serve a human! Of course, parting with the former owner seriously affects the condition of the dog, but it will not have a destructive effect on its psyche. And the sooner you engage the German Shepherd in work, the more chances you will have to become a new God for it. If the German Shepherd was properly brought up and grew up surrounded by people, it has working characteristics in good conditions, and the reputation of its previous owner is beyond all questions, such a dog will be quite useful to your family. Finding out the previous story and background of an adult GS why it is refused, what the complaints about its behavior are, and other prompting questions is a must! The reason may be the saddest and most trivial — the previous owner died, and relatives are not able to either support or care for the dog. 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. November 8, In search of a new forever best friend? Not sure what puppy breed works best for you and your family? The German Shepherd Dog, one of the top ten popular breeds in the United States, is known for their regal appearance, bravery, intelligence, and noble character. They are hard-working dogs that fit into a variety of service jobs, but can also be amazing family dogs, making them an all-around great breed for dog lovers! How do you know if the German Shepherd Dog is the right fit for you and your family? German Shepherd Dogs are a younger breed that started in Germany in by Captain Max Von Stephanitz who sought to create an unmatched herding dog. But as Germany became more and more industrialized, the breed shifted from herding work to police and military training. Hundreds of these dogs made their way to the United States during WWI, one such being a small five-day-old puppy that was rescued from a destroyed kennel in France and brought home to the states to Los Angeles. This puppy later grew up to be one of the most famous four-legged movie stars, Rin Tin Tin, starring in 26 movies, forever making the German Shepherd Dog breed a popular choice in the nation! If you are looking for an attractive dog, look no further! German Shepherd Dogs have beautiful coats, strong muscular builds, a square muzzle, long bushy tail, and a black mask. Some colors like red and black, or tan and black, have distinct markings such as saddle or blanket on their back. However, German Shepherd Dogs come in a variety of colors: sable, silver, liver, panda, solid black, and solid white. What are German Shepherd Dog Personalities like? German Shepherd Dogs can be reserved, often appearing aloof toward new people, but this very loyal breed loves their families and can be very affectionate. While they can be wary of new people and protective of their family, with the right socialization, German Shepherd Dogs can be friendly and easy-going. They are an intelligent and high-energy breed that thrives with a job to do. Due to this, without the proper or consistent amount of stimulating work, they can easily become bored and frustrated. Those feelings could translate into behaviors like barking, howling, or chewing. As they get older, they'll equally enjoy relaxing with you at home and getting up with you to do the next fun activity! If you are a lover of going for long walks or runs, enjoy hiking on the weekends, or trips to the beach depending on where you live, a German Shepherd Dog will gladly trot alongside you! German Shepherd Dogs while they can be independent, do crave to be with their family and offer great companionship. With crate training, your German Shepherd puppy will learn to adapt to being left alone for periods of time without developing separation anxiety, however, this breed thrives with interaction and will do best a puppy parent that can provide them with a balanced amount of alone and accompanied time throughout the day. Like many large breed dogs, German Shepherd Dogs can suffer from some common illnesses including hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, degenerative spinal stenosis, and Von Willebrand disease. Thankfully, responsible breeders today have bred out many of these and improved the health of the breed significantly! When you bring home your new German Shepherd puppy, schedule their first veterinarian visit to discuss appropriate health care, proper nutrition and supplements, and exercise. German Shepherd Dogs tend to shed regularly and heavily twice in the year during the Spring and Fall season. With soft undercoats and harsher topcoats, they would do best with regular brushing once a week will help remove their dead fur and maintain healthy skin! Note: When looking for a reputable German Shepherd Dog breeder, go through an accredited website such as AKC for their breeder locator. Additionally, many pure-breed and mixed German Shepherds are available in rescues and shelters for adoption! German Shepherds are smart and hard-working, so puppy training will not only provide them with the stimulation they crave but also solidify your communication, trust, and overall relationship! Early puppy training Lay the foundation for good behavior the day your puppy comes home, introducing them to basic obedience. Keeping your puppy on a leash at home while under supervision will help to build their focus on you as their leader and also help keep them from darting away. Soon, build up to more obedience training commands, work on their focus through distractions, and start to introduce training in different locations such as your yard, or neighborhood to solidify their communication with you in any situation. Also, check out the rest of our Puppy Training and Puppyhood Made Easy for New Owners series to guide you through what to train your puppy next, how to troubleshoot, and other important topics every puppy owner should know! Going back to their wilder instincts, puppies will naturally avoid soiling where they sleep. Crate training your German Shepherd Dog puppy will help boost their confidence and resilience while learning to be alone at home. Socialization is a must German Shepherd Dogs are natural protectors and benefit greatly from being socialized with other dogs, people, new places, textures, and sounds. When done correctly, s ocialization helps teach your puppy the proper way to greet people, other dogs and create boundaries. During socialization sessions, you can work with your puppy on barking or jumping, which are common puppy behaviors when they are excited or over-stimulated when meeting strangers. And if you're not sure how to do this on your own, hire a local puppy trainer to help set you up for the best success! Consider advanced training to keep them engaged German Shepherd Dogs are very intelligent and have high-prey drives which mean they love to work! Along with basic obedience, dog sports like agility are a great way to motivate them and help your puppy work out their energy. Agility helps establish a stronger communication bond through body language while your puppy is participating. Developed as part of K9 and military dog training, this is a perfect activity for your German Shepherd to burn off some mental and physical steam! Did you recently bring home a German Shepherd Dog puppy? Are you still planning and not sure what breed fits your lifestyle? Let us know in the comments! Check out these blogs related to puppy training and more! This guide will help you learn how to select the best German Shepherd puppy to add to your family. Is a German Shepherd right for me? This is the first question you should ask yourself before you even consider bringing home a new German Shepherd puppy. You need to evaluate your personal and family lifestyle by asking yourself the following questions: Where do you live? German Shepherds are often on the restricted breed list for apartments. Do you spend much of your time at home, or do you have an active work and social life? Are you willing to spend more time at home on the weekends and evenings during puppyhood, even if it means missing social events? Do you love traveling a lot? If so, will you take your puppy with you? If not, do you have someone or someplace you trust to watch your dog when you travel? Is your whole family excited about the idea of a new German Shepherd puppy? Are you already active or willing to become more active? Do you have time in your schedule to devote to training? Knowing the answers to those questions will help get you a couple of steps closer to deciding whether or not a German Shepherd is the right choice for you. Important things to know about German Shepherds: German Shepherd dogs are sometimes affectionately known as German shedders. German Shepherds shed all year long , however, they blow their coats twice a year during which time they will shed exponentially more. When considering getting this breed, you should be comfortable having a dog that sheds. Trimming their nails , cleaning their ears, brushing their teeth, and brushing their coat regularly is sufficient. Of course, during the shedding seasons more frequent brushing will be needed. German Shepherds were originally developed for herding sheep. Accordingly, they have the desire to work and respond best to proper training from a young age, and an active lifestyle. German Shepherds are known to be clingy, so be prepared to have a shadow following you around the house and maybe even in the restroom. German Shepherds are good with kids and are great family dogs. However, they need proper socialization and training at a young age so they can learn how to behave around both kids and adults. German Shepherds require a lot of mental stimulation and have high energy levels, especially as a puppy. As much as I love Allie, she was more than a handful as a puppy. I have seen instances where people underestimate the time, energy, and training a German Shepherd puppy requires and get overwhelmed after bringing their puppy home. These people end up giving up their puppies. It breaks my heart to know these awesome dogs are given up because of a lack of knowledge when selecting a breed of dog. Although they are a handful if you are willing to put in the effort they are in my opinion one of the best breeds of dog to own. German Shepherds are too smart for their own good. They learn things scary fast and sometimes get themselves into trouble because of how smart they are. They learn your routine and habits, and they also learn when and how they can get away with mischief. German Shepherds are incredibly loyal and become very connected to their owners and family. German Shepherds are typically loving and affectionate. From the second I met Allie she greeted me with a wet tongue to the face. That is still her favorite greeting she will kiss anyone that will allow her to get close enough. German Shepherds need training. They need to know that you are the leader and in charge. If not, they will quickly take over the role of being in charge and that is where problems arise. A bored, untrained, not active German Shepherd can become one of the stories you sometimes hear on the news about a GSD being aggressive. In most of those cases, the problem was with the owners and not the dog breed as a whole. Adoption or Breeder? First, you need to decide if you are going to adopt a German Shepherd puppy or buy one from a breeder. Here are some of the benefits of adopting: Rescue puppies are often already sociable, at least partially trained, and loving dogs. Therefore, you will save a lot of time on house training your new puppy. Older puppies or dogs are likely to be calmer than a younger puppy. You are saving the life of a dog that might not have otherwise found a home. The cost of adopting is typically much cheaper than buying a puppy from a breeder. If you decide to get a German Shepherd puppy from a breeder, here are a few things that can help you identify a good, ethical German Shepherd breeder: Ethical breeders care about the health and wellbeing of the puppy and are not just in the business for money. Ethical breeders always make sure that only healthy dogs breed together and follow a strict breeding program where they ensure that breeding and puppy spaces are clean. They should also have papers showing the age of the parent and the family tree of the puppy. Ethical breeders will happily show you around their entire setup; they should have nothing to hide. Ethical breeders will happily answer as many questions as you have to ask. You want to select one that will be compatible with you and your family. Consider the following when picking a puppy from the litter: Choose a puppy that is sociable around you and other puppies. Pick a puppy that walks confidently with its head high and tail up and wagging. Choose a puppy that has clear eyes, ears , and teeth, walks evenly, and appears clean. Basically, choose a puppy that looks healthy. Look at the personalities of the puppies. Choose a welcoming puppy that wants to greet you as opposed to one that retreats or appears shy. Ask to interact with each puppy one by one after seeing them with their littermates. That way you can get a better sense of how the puppy responds to you without distractions. If possible, visit the litter at least three times before making a final decision, this will allow you to determine the personalities of each of those little fluff balls, and see which would best fit into your family. How old should a German Shepherd puppy be when you take it home? Any puppy should be at least 8 weeks old before being separated from their mother. By this timeline, their sensory organs will have also developed fully which will help you to spot any deformities or medical issues. Be wary of any breeder that will allow you to take your puppy home before 8 weeks old. How do you puppy proof for German Shepherds? German Shepherds are naturally active and tend to explore the world with their mouths, especially during their adolescent period. So, before you can bring your new puppy home, there are a few things you can do to puppy-proof your house: Get rid of any poisonous plants or put them out of reach of your new puppy. Cover electrical cords with cable wraps or PVC pipes. Buy a new laundry basket that has a lid, no holes, and is tall. Make sure both your kitchen and bathroom trash cans have lids. Your new puppy will dig around for anything to bite, like chicken bones, diapers, used hygienic products, or even a disposable razor. If possible, you should buy new trash cans that only open when a button is pressed. Store all the chemicals in secured cabinets or even better on high shelves. German Shepherd puppies have strong teeth and can open plastic containers by biting through even the toughest of plastic! Put away any small items or toys that are small enough for your puppy to swallow. Think of small kid toys like Legos or dollhouse furniture that could be dangerous for a curious puppy. Find a safe spot for your shoes. Whether in a closed closet or in the laundry room behind a closed door. I remember losing a pair of brand-new shoes because I forgot to put them away and Allie thought chewing them was a fun idea. Bringing home a new German Shepherd puppy The period of bringing a new German Shepherd puppy home and introducing them to your home and family takes time and above all, patience. If possible, plan to take off work for at least a few days after bringing your puppy home. I picked up Allie on a Saturday, and then took most of the following week off to spend time getting her adjusted to her new home. Remember, your new puppy has been taken from the only family it knew, and you are now their new family. That first week home was a good week of bonding with Allie. It helped her feel comfortable with her new life and allowed me to really get to know my new beautiful energy filled puppy. The best tip for a smooth transition when bringing your German Shepherd puppy home is to begin crate training and potty training as soon as possible. As a breed prone to separation anxiety , you want to give your GSD a zone to feel safe, comfortable, and content to be on their own. While the initial steps of crate training can be time-consuming, it can make the difference between a dog that is a joy to own, and one that can never be left on their own — so, be the dog parent your pooch deserves and put the time in! New German Shepherd puppy checklist and things to buy It is important that your new puppy feels welcomed into their new home. Some items are ok to be left with your puppy, and other items are more dangerous or will be destroyed. This checklist will help you to know what to buy when getting a puppy. New German Shepherd Puppy Checklist. Final thoughts Where do I start? The first thing that you have to do before you can pick out the best puppy, is to pick out the best breeder. This may come easily, as you may already have a breeder in mind that you trust and who has a good reputation. But chances are that you will have to do your research. And there is also a good chance that you may need to travel some distance to the right breeder. Even if the breeder is several states away, consider making the trip. Getting a new GSD puppy is a significant life commitment. The effort and time that you invest now in going about this properly will pay off for years to come. Here are some important things to look for in a breeder once you locate one that you are interested in pursuing. Call the breeder and have a conversation The first thing to do is call the breeder and have a conversation. A quality German Shepherd breeder will actually require this. They will not permit someone to just show up and purchase one of their dogs and take it home. They will ask you questions such as: Why do you want a GSD puppy? This will aid them in helping you choose. Where do you live, in an apartment or in a home? They will want to ensure that the puppy will not be in a cramped space. Do you have a yard, and is it fenced-in? They will want to make sure that the puppy will have adequate room to exercise as it grows. Do you have children in your home? They will want to make sure that you understand the importance of socialization and training to keep your family safe. Do you have other pets in your home? They will want to make sure that you know how to properly introduce the puppy to other animals, and whether any other pets you have may actually be a danger to the puppy. What type of work do you do, does it require you to be away from home for long periods of time? Because GSDs do not do well alone, they will want to make sure that you have adequate time to devote to your dog. Are you financially prepared to take on a GSD? While this may be a bit of a personal question, it is important to know that you are financially able to care for a GSD. They are expensive to care for, and it is fair for a breeder to ask this question. If a breeder does not ask you some form of these questions, then perhaps think twice. It may be an indication that they are more interested in profit than raising a quality puppy that they care will go to a quality home. Questions for you to ask the breeder: How many different types of dogs do you raise? Can you provide me with a pedigree of all of your puppies? A pedigree is essentially a family tree for your puppy. A good breeder should have a detailed pedigree for any dog they sell. Beware of any breeder that wants to charge for this or says that they will provide it at a later date. Do you have references? They should provide you with several without thinking twice. All reputable breeders will offer this guarantee in the form of a written contract. Do you breed your females more than once a year? Female GSDs should not be bred more than one time per year. This allows for adequate recovery time and maintains good health. Can you provide me with a detailed medical history for your puppies? Health screenings are essential for puppies, and a reputable breeder should be able to provide proof of these. Can you explain any potential health issues for GSD which may come up later in life? A knowledgable breeder should be able to clearly explain conditions like hip dysplasia and other health issues more common in GSDs than other dogs. If the answer to any of these questions comes up as unsatisfactory, move on. It is simply not worth the risk of pursuing the breeder any further. Unfortunately, there are far too many unethical breeders who take a lot of shortcuts which results in dogs prone to both health and behavioral issues. Why is this? You should never take home a puppy that is less than 8 weeks old. More than half of the states in the U. And out of those states, only 3 permit a puppy to be offered for sale under the age of 8 weeks. The reason for these laws is primarily so that puppies are properly weaned from their mothers and able to eat on their own. In addition to weaning, puppies need to be initially socialized by their mothers as well as their siblings. So a puppy will be taught that these things are bad during these 8 weeks. If you remove a puppy from the litter too early, they may not learn these lessons and develop behavioral problems as they get older. Much like a spoiled child that never learns, often times the source of an ill-behaved puppy can be traced to a lack of discipline at a young age. So to ensure that you have a healthy puppy, that is also sold in accordance with state laws and regulations, understand that it must be 8 weeks old see link above for exceptions — regardless of state law exceptions, waiting 8 weeks is good practice. Decide whether you want to male or female You may have a personal preference for either a female or a male German Shepherd puppy. It is important however to not necessarily just go with your gut on this one. Take a moment and understand some general differences between the two genders. I will explore this issue more in-depth in another post, but here are some important general points to consider. Territorial: Males are naturally more territorial than females. This may give them more of a tendency to wander off in an effort to broaden their territory. Very possessive: Male GSDs are generally more possessive than females. They may be possessive over food and bones, toys, and you! Dominance: Male German Shepherds tend to be more dominant than females. This may result in more of a proclivity towards aggressive bullying behaviors to make sure that it is understood that they are the boss. Dominance requires training to keep it in check. Singular bonding: Male GSDs tend to bond more closely with one person rather than a group of people like a family. Territorial: Females are therefore more welcoming and less territorial than males. They are also less likely to wander off as they have no desire to expand their territory. Dominance: Females display less dominant behaviors than males. Non-singular bonding: Females are more likely to bond with a number of people in a family rather than an individual person. So, how do I choose between the two? This question comes down to the purpose for which you want a German Shepherd. If you are looking for a dog to have trained in protection and are looking primarily for a four-legged security system for your home, then a male is a good choice. However, if your primary interest is to just have a family pet that socializes well with others, then a female is probably right for you. Testing the puppy There is no better way to determine whether or not a specific puppy is the right one for you than to actually get hands-on and doing some investigating. However, even before you begin any interactions with a puppy, make sure that you are testing the correct one. Never try and force any interaction, begin with puppies that are naturally drawn to you. Just like with people, you cannot force a match and expect fruitful results. So be patient and make sure at very least that the puppy is not aversive toward you before you being. The tests: Clap your hands: Does it run away or does it come? A more timid dog may, however, be apprehensive to approach. Make eye contact: When the puppy is looked at, does it stare back at you? If the puppy looks directly at you, it is showing confidence. Vocally call the puppy over to you: Does it come to you right away? If it does how not, however, this could show a behavioral issue or hearing problem, or it could be an indication of another illness as well. Pet the puppy: How does it respond to your touch? However, if it meets your touches with biting or growling, then this is likely an indication of an uneven or bad temperament. It will not just grow out of this, it will have to be trained out of it. Bring a ball with you to test with the puppy: Roll the ball and see what the puppy does. Does it follow it and then bring it to you? Or does it take it away for itself. A more dominant puppy will just take the ball and keep it for itself, reluctant to give it back to you. On the other hand, a more independent puppy may show no interest at all. And one that is submissive may actually be frightened. If you are looking for a very sociable puppy, look for the one that brings the ball right back to you to play some more. The puppy that brings it right back is also an ideal candidate for training in retrieving and other exercises. An even-tempered puppy will show interest in and play with the toy, but it will also allow you to participate and take the toy back without showing you any aggression. Roll the puppy over: Once the puppy comes over to you, gently roll it onto its back and hold it in place. Do not be forceful but be firm. See how the puppy reacts. Is it resisting, or is it just relaxing? A puppy with a more dominant personality will take the path of most resistance, and it may growl or attempt to bite at you. And the even-tempered puppy is the one that may resist for a short time but then submit to what you are doing. Pick up the puppy: Physically pick up the puppy by gently holding it underneath its chest with an open hand. Lift it up high, even above the height of your head and hold it there. What does the puppy do? Does it struggle, or does it stay relaxed? A puppy that struggles may be fearful or dominant. On the other hand, a puppy that stays absolutely relaxed is displaying confidence in itself and trust in you. Hold on to a paw and press it gently: This is somewhat similar to holding it on its back. If there is a response to be had, it will happen immediately. Resistance or pulling the paw away may show dominance and temperament towards aggression. The even-tempered puppy will be you curious as to what you are doing. It may investigate a little and might even lick you. Make an unexpected noise: Whether it is banging a pot and pan together or just yelling, create an unexpected noise. See what the puppy does, does it show fear, interest, or aggression? A fearful puppy may run away or even whimper. While an aggressive-tempered puppy may actually growl and try to bite you. An even-tempered puppy will simply look surprised, and may even want to investigate a little bit further. Meet the parents A lot of breeders will have both the father sire and the mother bitch of the puppies on site. However, some of them will only have the mother because sometimes the father is on loan as a stud from a different breeder. But the mother for sure should be on site, and you should get an idea of what she is like. In the case of my last German Shepherd, I was able to meet both parents. His mother was very kind and sociable and eager to be petted. While on the other hand, his father was clearly dominant, and not a dog to be messed with. Because of my prior experience and knowledge, my GSD turned out exactly as I thought he would — fairly sociable yet wildly protective of me. This was all right because I knew what to expect and I was able to train my dog properly to take the edge off of some of his more dominance behaviors. However, my choice was an informed decision based on years of experience. If you are new to owning a German Shepherd, this may not be an ideal combination. I would recommend for a new German Shepherd owner to consider making sure that both parents are more docile, and possibly even lean towards acquiring a female for your first German Shepherd. Visit the puppy on more than one occasion Just like people, puppies have their on days and their off days. You will not be able to get a very accurate picture of how your puppy will be on one short visit. In fact, with my last dog, I visited him at least 4 times and stayed for at least 30 minutes with him each time prior to taking him home. A good breeder will have no issue with you doing this, and in fact, will prefer it. They want their dogs to be well-matched with their new owners, so this is common practice. The puppy should become accustomed to the people it will soon be spending its entire life with. So the more familiarity that you build now in this phase, the easier that puppy will transition to home life with you and your family. All of these steps are positive reinforcement for your new puppy and will build familiarity and a bond even before you arrive home. Also, bring a small blanket or clothing item and ask the breeder to leave it with the puppy. This will allow your puppy to become familiar with the scent of you and your home. Making for a better transition. So by default, this knowledge enables the breeder to be very good at placing the proper puppies with the proper personalities. Remember to stay focused and not lose sight of your primary objective, which is to select the right puppy for you and your family. If you take the time and care to do your research and ask the right questions, you will come together with the right puppy for you. But remember, this is just the beginning of a major life commitment. So take this step of choosing the right GSD puppy seriously, and you will have laid the foundation for a loving and rewarding relationship for years to come. May not even be aware of the breed standard. Breeds to any convenient dog. Strives towards the ideal. Often helps to define it. Does not need to promote establishment; sells to brokers, pet shops, etc. Often rescues only to attain more stock. Rarely attends shows or trials. Shows and trials to objectively test breeding stock. Often judges, provides seminars, writes articles, and willingly mentors serious Hobby Breeders. Knowledge Often pretends to know some. May share false or incomplete information. Studies continuously. Impacts the breed for many decades with knowledge of dogs over many generations. All pups sold have full breeding rights. Yes, and diligently follows up on progeny. Keeps up with health and temperament issues affecting the breeding and provides in-depth guarantees No need to; mostly supplies brokers and pet shops. Meets minimum standards as required by state law. May refuse to acknowledge most problems. Maintains a solid support system — accepts full responsibility for every puppy produced. Performs health testing for all breeding stock for genetic diseases affecting the particular breed. No interest, may offer papers as proof of quality. Papers alone are not proof of quality. No interest. May provide undocumented paperwork for appearances sake. Is unfamiliar with health testing usually statements of good health are stated to impress consumers. Intensive testing always a priority. Often initiates club sponsored seminars and clinics. Maintains records on all dogs in gene pool including progeny. Often supplies brokers and pet shops, records unavailable. Dogs and puppies are often auctioned off in lots, records unavailable. Focuses mostly on current dogs, no records or knowledge of genes. Attempts to continuously track every puppy produced. Bases entire breeding program on extensive gene pool data. Clean environment always maintained Minimum standards vary greatly in cleanliness. Minimum standards maintained for state inspections. Conditions may vary greatly depending on available income, usually makeshift accommodations. Clean, healthy and mentally stimulating environment. Expected longevity with any particular breed Will continue as long as the sales are coming. Depends on popularity of specific breeds. Unrealistic expectations — easily disillusioned. On a mission-plans to stay for the long haul. Health guarantee provided No, it cuts into profits. No health guarantee beyond proof of first set of vaccines, if that. Not qualified to give advice if a problem arises. Offers written guarantee and is available to answer questions to new owners. Good knowledge of history in dogs. Extensive knowledge of health history, offers replacements to owners of genetically affected dogs. Ability to meet the parents of the litter If available, may be in poor physical condition. If available, dogs are not used to contact with people. May or may not be well loved and cared for companions, often unwilling to show entire litter or parents to buyer. Shows friendly mother and entire litter in clean environment; stud dog too, if in residence. Helps buyer choose appropriate puppy. Can explain how breeding was planned to emphasize specific qualities and can speak at length about how puppies compare. What you can expect after purchase Nothing, may not be able to contact at all. No concern for dog after sale is final. Available for questions, and wants to keep in touch. Will take back dog or puppy at any time. After purchase will help with training and grooming, available for all questions and knows the answers. Price Priced according to market, but is marked up from original source for profit. Mid-range to move puppies quickly. High end of mid-range. Price will not reflect all that is invested. Use only physically sound, mature dogs of stable temperament for breeding. These characteristics are rarely, if ever, determined before the age of two for females. Continue to educate themselves regarding genetic diseases pertinent to the breed including, hip and elbow dysplasia. Documentation of hip and elbow screenings should be available to prospective puppy buyers. Apply the same high standards to outside bitches sent to their stud dogs as they apply to their own breeding stock. Temperament testing of a litter before puppies are offered for sale is encouraged. Take appropriate steps to have each puppy examined by a licensed veterinarian for general health prior to placement. Each puppy should be vaccinated and de-wormed by a veterinarian. Endeavor to gain personal knowledge of the temperament and health of every dog they breed, or to which they breed, in order to gather information on which to base future breeding decisions. They share this information fully and honestly with other breeders and with prospective buyers. Sell breeding prospects to knowledgeable, ethical and experienced persons or are willing to help educate and guide novices. Do not engage in misleading or untrue advertising and do not use GSDCA membership as a marketing tool. Do not sell, supply, donate or surrender any dog for which they are responsible to a pet shop, catalogue house, wholesale dealer in dogs, Humane Society or to a laboratory. They should have reasonable assurance that each individual receiving a dog will provide a home with appropriate shelter, restraint, control and responsible care. Encourage puppy buyers to go to puppy obedience classes to help their puppies to become better canine good citizens. The achievement of a Canine Good Citizen certificate should be encouraged. Since homeowners insurance and local laws vary greatly, a refusal to let you visit the kennels may not, in and of itself, be a bad sign. You should ask for and receive a satisfactory explanation. The puppies are not social or look sickly. How to read those ads. A few more things to look out for. Anyone can buy a puppy from a champion, but it does not mean that they have any other interest in the breed but to bank on the name and make money. Having a Champion in a pedigree is like having a billionaire relative. AKC registration does not guarantee quality. AKC papers are much like the title of a car; papers are issued to the junked Chevy on blocks in your yard just as easily as they are on a brand new, shiny Jaguar. AKC does not control breeding, approve litters, or guarantee temperaments. AKC Registration is automatic if you buy from a reputable breeder — they will provide all necessary paperwork when you buy a puppy. There are several groups that are registering dogs, even mixed breeds, for a fee. This registration means nothing, and is of no value to you. Are there too many defects for the animal to be bred? Shop with care. Rarely will a good breeder have the luck to own both dogs for the perfect litter. There are some good and very reasonable reasons to have both parents on site. However, you need to ask the right questions and understand why this is true. They might be, they might not. Are they too big to be cute anymore? Need more money? Is there a problem? Usually because there are more on the way. Be very wary of this one. Will a Breeder Ask Me Questions? Conscientious breeders want the best available home for their puppies. This determines the amount of time you will have available for your new addition. There are very important items that should be supplied by the breeder. Breeders will typically give you the following items: A signed pedigree A current Health Record; including de-wormings and vaccinations. American Kennel Club registration papers or application Sales contract. The type of contract varies and must be mutually agreeable to the breeder and buyer. Much depends on what you expect from the puppy show, pet, or performance. Feeding schedule including the type and amount of food. Copy of OFA certification of sire and dam, if available.