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It is also possible to find this adorable dog at a shelter. Shih Tzus Are an Ancient Breed In fact, the breed is more than 1, years old and originally came from ancient Tibet. Their high intelligence and loyal and loving nature makes the German Shepherd an ideal service dog. An active and energetic dog, this mix would do best in a home with people who love to exercise. If properly socialized and trained, the German Shepherd Shih Tzu Mix can thrive in households with young kids and other pets. A super-smart mix, the German Shepherd Shih Tzu Mix is easy to train and loves to learn complicated tricks. With patience and time, you can develop your dog into a capable and well-trained pet. He can do well in homes with teens and even small children. Due to the large size of the German Shepherd, this mix breed can be a tad on the bigger side. This makes it rather easy for him to accidentally injure a small child. Always keep a close eye on your youngsters when they interact with any dog. Educate them about the proper ways to interact with a dog. Additionally, efficiently train and socialize your German Shepherd Shih Tzu Mix to behave around kids. As such, you need to feed your pet a high-quality diet that caters to his size, activity level, and age. The German Shepherd Shih Tzu Mix can consume between two and three and a half cups of kibble divided into two meals each day. Ensure your pet always has access to clean, fresh water. A post shared by Happy Puppy L. Long walks, trips to the dog park, and plenty of time spent in the backyard will keep this mix tuckered out. Training classes, challenging puzzles, and interactive toys will keep your pup occupied for hours. Positive reinforcement training techniques work best for this breed. Consistent, firm training combined with loads of patience will ensure you end up with a well-behaved dog. Aim to brush your German Shepherd Shih Tzu Mix two times per week and take him to a professional groomer four times each year. Trim his nails as needed. Clean his ears and eyes regularly and brush his teeth every day. Hip dysplasia, allergies, patellar luxation , bladder stones, and the snuffles can develop in this mix. Routine wellness visits with your vet, plenty of exercise, and a quality diet will ensure your dog lives well into old age. Minor Conditions. When fully grown, the Shih Tzu German Shepherd mix weighs in at pounds. They are usually between inches high at the shoulder. The type of coat you have will determine the grooming requirements for your dog. Your German Shepherd Shih Tzu mixed breed dog should be groomed twice a week. You should also take him to the groomer at least four times a year. As needed, trim his nails. Regularly clean his ears and eyes and brush his teeth daily. You may like: Akita mix German Shepherd Health issues. However, illness is not real. Below is a list of health issues that this combination of races can face. There is a small risk of getting the illness. Patellar bone displacement is the hallmark of patellar luxation. Allergies in dogs: Just like humans, dogs can also suffer from allergies. Dogs can have allergies to food, contact, or inhalation. Cataracts: common eye condition in Chihuahuas. It is not life-threatening. You can also be mindful of skin diseases, such as obesity and ear infections. However, you must ensure that the race mix is in compliance with its immunization schedule. You must deworm your dog to prevent common parasites in the intestine. Learn how to manage ticks and fleas in your dog. This mix will be happy with long walks, dog parks trips, and lots of time in the yard. Your designer dog must be mentally stimulated. Your dog will be entertained for hours with interactive toys, puzzles and training classes. The German Shepherd Shih Tzu Mix is a smart dog and can learn simple commands as well as more complicated tricks. This breed is best served by positive reinforcement training techniques. The stubborn streaks of both the parent breeds of this mix can be a problem. You will have a well-behaved pet if you combine consistent, firm training with lots of patience. You can have a Shih Tzu-sized dog or a German Shepherd-sized dog. You need to provide a balanced diet for your pet that is appropriate for his age, size, and activity level. German Shepherd Shih Tzu Mix will consume approximately two to three-quarter cups of kibble each day, divided into two meals. Make sure your pet has clean water at all times. He is a great pet for families with teens or small children. This German Shepherd mixed breed is a bit larger than the average German Shepherd. It is easy for him accidentally to injure small children. When your children interact with dogs, it is important to keep an eye on them. Also, they should be taught how to properly interact with dogs. You should not disturb the dog while he is eating, roughhouse with him or pull on his ears and tail. Are they get along with other pets? The German Shepherd Shih tzu Mix is a wonderful dog that can be loved by almost anyone. Moreover, this mix is intelligent, loving, and athletic. It would be a great choice for a family with children or a couple who has a large backyard. Socialization and training are essential to ensure your dog is a great companion for many years. I grew up on a farm where we had all sorts of animals, from cows and horses to pigs and chickens. My love for animals led me to pursue a career in writing about them. I have been a pet care writer for over 5 years and have extensive knowledge of animal care, health, and behavior. Weight Gain Possibilities Medium to High Though the possibility of contraction is low, the following are some health issues that can affect the German Shepherd Shih Tzu mix. It can be painful, and fatal but only some dogs show any visible symptoms. Hip Dysplasia is hereditary, but factors like obesity, injuries, wrong exercises can also cause hip dysplasia. Treatments range from medication to replacement of the hip through surgeries. Elbow Dysplasia An inherent structural defect in the elbow joints because of cartilage damage, inflammation, or disrupted anconeal is Elbow dysplasia. It is common in large breed dogs, causing arthritis leading to pain or organ malfunction. Obesity Excess weight or sudden weight gain can cause joint problems, back pain, digestive disorders, and heart disease. German Shepherd Shih Tzu is more prone to obesity. Proper diet and exercise can avoid this obesity. Allergies Dogs can be allergic to food, environmental factors like pollen, grass which can be identified through allergy tests. Allergies can cause breathing issues and skin itching. There is no cure for allergies, but allergy shots and avoiding exposure to the allergens can control allergies. Cataracts A cataract is the growth of a white film-like layer covering the eye lens, making the eye look opaque. It is genetically transmitted and is more prevalent in dogs with the strong Shih Tzu genes. If cataracts are ignored, it can lead to blindness and might require surgery to treat this condition. Bladder Infections: Both male and female German Shepherd Shih Tzu dogs and puppies can get bladder infections which can be painful and requires medical treatment. Underbite If the interbred puppy has inherited Shih Tzu genes, it could suffer from underbite, also known as undershot. The dogs with this condition have a wider lower jaw, and when their mouth is closed, the upper set of their teeth will settle behind the lower set of their teeth instead of settling outside of the lower teeth set, which is the normal alignment. As this mixed breed is susceptible to joint diseases, supplements like chondroitin, glucosamine, and Omega 3 fish oils should be added to their diet. Check the calorie intake and manage the treat quantity as obesity can be dangerous for German Shepherd Shih Tzu. Ensure the availability of clean drinking water every time. Homemade foods are always healthier and safe than store-bought dog food products. Consult a veterinarian before planning a diet to include all the necessary nutrients. They are not suited to be sheltered outdoors. They thrive around the owner and can be amused with toys when the owner is busy. They may not be suitable to play with children or old family members before proper training to avoid aggressiveness. They could not tolerate high temperatures and humidity. Therefore, the advisable choice would be the interbreeding of male Shih Tzu with a female German Shepherd. Both of these dogs can be friendly but personalities differ, so you never know. The German Shepherd is known for being intelligent, curious, and alert. All dogs need proper socialization and that will be a big factor in how they interact with others. What does this mixed breed look and act like? Those are the questions we will try and answer below. While we really recommend that you acquire all animals through a rescue, we understand that some people might go through a breeder to get their German Shepherd Dog Shih Tzu Mix puppy. If you are interested in helping animal rescues raise money, please play our quiz. Each correct answer donates to help feed shelter animals. We will take a closer look at the history of both parent breeds below. If you are looking at breeders for new, designer dogs please beware of Puppy Mills. If you have a few minutes, please sign our petition to stop puppy mills. Von Stephanitz had in his mind what a good working dog should be and a few generations of breeding fulfilled what Hektor envisioned. Horand von Grafrath is known to be the first German Shepherd Dog. Horand von Grafrath was bred to other similar styled dogs that were believed to have the same traits as what Von Stephanitz was looking for. His most successful offspring was Hektor von Schwaben. Von Stephanitz is widely credited for being the founder of this incredible breed. Von Stephanitz had intended for his breed to work as herding dogs, however, as Germany became more and more industrialized he saw the need to make it working dog. He convinced the German government to use the breed. The breed initially became popular in World War 1. Many American and allied servicemen grew attached to the breed during the war and brought them back to the states after the war was over. The Allied troops fell in love with the breed but not with the fact that it had German roots. It became common for police departments and those looking for true working dogs to import their dogs from Germany because the American dogs had such bad health problems. It is thought that the breed developed by crossing miniature Chinese breeds with small Tibetan breeds — in particular, Lhasa Apsos with the Pekingese. The Shih Tzu was always a favorite of the Emperors of China. During the Tang Dynasty, a pair of these dogs were said to be given to the Chinese court by the king of Vigur. More were sent later by the people of the Ho Chou. In the mids, small dogs which resembled lions were brought from Tibet to China, and these dogs were used to develop the Shih Tzu breed we know today. The Shih Tzu was popular during the Ming Dynasty as well, favored by royalty and commoners alike. Best Wireless Dog Fences : Find the Best Invisible Dog… If your shepherd has never met another dog, or is known to have a hard time being friendly with other dogs, it is possible they may not like a Shih Tzu. This is not a breed specific issue, but an issue of a lack of socialization. A socialized, friendly German Shepherd dog should have no problem getting along with a Shih Tzu! Shih Tzus, just like other dogs, need to be socialized at a young age to ensure an easy transition to life with another dog, like a shepherd. The Shih Tzu might feel like it needs to protect itself from a larger dog. Another reason why a Shih Tzu might not like a German Shepherd is because they may be territorial or dominant. If a dog is trying to show dominance over another, they may become aggressive. Your Shih Tzu may be doing this to a German Shepherd. It is not common for German Shepherds to just attack or even kill other dogs, even small ones. However, German Shepherds are a very territorial, protective breed. They may feel the need to attack or defend their territory if they feel threatened. Shepherds also have a strong prey drive. They may see a small dog like a Shih Tzu as something to hunt. If they are used to small dogs, they will know they are not a threat and not prey. This is true with all small dogs, including the Shih Tzu. Small dogs may go after big dogs because they want to prove they are tough, regardless of their size. The best way to stop fighting between your Shih Tzu and German Shepherd dogs is to prevent it from happening in the first place. If you notice your Shih Tzu or German Shepherd growling or showing dominant behavior toward the other dog, separate them. If a fight starts, you need to separate the dogs immediately. The SPCA has resources to teach you how to properly stop a dog fight once it begins. It may seem silly because of the size difference, but a German Shepherd can mate with a Shih Tzu! There are ongoing debates as to whether or not it is a good idea to mate big dogs with small dogs. Some experts say it is a bad idea because it increases the chance of health issues, while others say it combines the best of all the breeds involved. Due to the size difference, if the two breeds are to mate, the male has to be a Shih Tzu and the female has to be a German Shepherd. German Shepherds will get along with any dog if they are properly trained and socialized from a young age. Because of their size, if a German Shepherd is not well trained or socialized, they can be a danger to other dogs, especially small ones. It is up to the owner to make sure they get to know small dogs early on so they get along with them! If you can afford it, having two dogs is almost always better than having one. Dogs need companionship, a playmate and a sense of security. Having a pair of dogs takes some of the pressure off of you as an owner. There are proven benefits to having two Shih Tzus. They get along well together and because they will be the same size, the risk of injury during play time or the rare scuffle is much less. You can of course have a German Shepherd and a Shih Tzu in the same home. No matter what dogs you want to bring together, you will need to train and socialize them early. If you want to have a German Shepherd and a Shih Tzu, you can. However, it may be easier to have two Shih Tzus instead. For the most part, Shih Tzus are one of the least aggressive dog breeds. They are known for being cuddly, friendly dogs. However, there are always exceptions. Some aggressive behaviors you may see in your Shih Tzu could include growling and nipping at other dogs. However, because of their small size, you may find it best that they live with other small dogs. The best dog to live with a Shih Tzu is another Shih Tzu, because they will most likely have similar personalities and temperaments. German Shepherds are bred to be territorial guard dogs. Because of this, without the proper training, they can become aggressive towards other dogs. If your German Shepherd is raised around other dogs through classes, dog parks and other events, they are much less likely to be aggressive towards other dogs. The more you socialize your German Shepherd, the more they will get along with other dogs. German Shepherds are a large, high energy breed. Because of this, the best dogs to pair with them are other large, high energy breeds. If you have a German Shepherd and are planning on getting another dog, the best options include a Lab, Husky, Golden Retriever or other German Shepherd.

This post may contain affiliate links. Read more here. Courage and loyalty are attributes the Boxer is usually described with. With a good work ethic, playful demeanor, and a goofy face, this dog breed ranks among the top 10 in the USA for a while now. Their nobility and elegance came to focus after the originally working breed Boxer became unemployed during the early 19th century. The breed name derives from the way they defend themselves with their paws while playing. It really appears as the dog spars with the front paws. There is no doubt one might be tempted to get bring home one of these loving fellas. The growth in dogs has much to say about their health and potential — but how? While growing up dogs that suffer from some diseases might stagnate more than others. Boxers are a medium to large dog breed and are pretty safe from the usual bone and muscle disorders in larger dogs. However, hip dysplasia remains one of the most common issues. Reputable breeders will let you meet the parents and give you contacts from owners of puppies born in previous litters. Most Boxer puppies will correspond just fine to the ranges mentioned for their age. It is super important to not rush the growing process. Dogs that are overweight can experience problems later on in life that might have been avoided by maintaining an appropriate body condition. Moreover, the veterinarian can have the pup checked for possible health conditions causing the slow growth. Photo by otsphoto on Shutterstock Even with late bloomers, there is no reason to worry. Some dogs experience growing episodes sooner than others. The same rules apply to puppies that grow too fast. Damage due to wrong feeding can be avoided by using high-quality premium food and sticking to the recommendations according to weight and age on the labels. Never miss out on consulting your vet on the topic first — they will be glad to guide you through it! Boxer Growth Stages Until they reach adulthood, Boxers go through 3 growth stages. The general difference between the growth stages is how fast the puppy grows during the period and how they appear in posture and body condition. The first stage is from birth until they are 2 weeks of age. After the second week, the growth rate slows down. Most breeders wean the puppies off around the 4th-5th week. At 18 months of age, you can probably introduce your companion as a fully developed, curious, and independent adult Boxer. Boxer puppies have somewhere between 2. At the end of the first stage, they can reach around 4. At 1 month of age, their stuffed muscle figure comes at about 5. By the time they are 16 weeks old, males weigh lbs .Male Boxers are expected to have approximately lbs .In the next six months, the growth slows down to about lbs 0. Male Boxers should weigh around lbs kg by the time they reach 6 months of age. Female boxer puppies are expected to have lbs kg when they are half a year old. Since the Boxer qualifies as a medium to large breed, it takes longer for them to reach their full-sized version compared to other smaller breeds. There are exceptions when Boxers complete the growth at 20, even 24 months. Female Boxers that are done growing up weigh approximately lbs kg and stand .Their male counterparts have between 60 and 70 lbs kg and are 23 to 25 inches cm tall. In the meantime provide quality food, regular exercise, and maintain regular veterinary check-ups to ensure their well-being. As with all other dog breeds, some adult Boxers will be smaller than the standard dimensions of the breed. On the other hand, there is a handful of those that are larger than the standard too. Genetics is the most probable cause for this. Rarely do Boxers end up being smaller than the rest due to low production of the growth hormone. Luckily growth hormone problems in Boxers are very rare and other breeds such as the Miniature Pinscher, Spitz, or Karelian Bear Dog are more prone to the condition. Growth defects in dogs can appear due to Dwarfism Achondroplasia. Minor deformities can be surgically corrected, but again with a dubious prognosis. In Conclusion Understanding the growth chart will help you understand what role nutrition, diet, and exercise plays and adjust accordingly. Getting rid of excess weight or ruling out health issues is something you and your vet can work on together. Disclaimer: This blog post does not substitute veterinary attention and does not intend to do so. I am not a veterinarian or pet nutritionist. If your dog shows any sign of illness, call your vet. Post navigation. We can see when your Boxer puppy will become their adult size and reach its full height. Your new puppy will grow rapidly for the first two weeks. Your pup should weigh between 4. When your doggo is between six and eight weeks old, they should also prepare for their first vaccinations. Males should be around 17 to 19 inches .At one year old, females should weigh between 55 and 65 pounds .Many factors are involved. For your doggo to maintain a healthy lifestyle, monitoring their growth and weight is a good idea. How can you tell how big a Boxer will get? Within the first six months of age, your Boxer will grow rapidly. You can tell how big your pooch may get by looking at their paws and head. For example, your furry friend may look disproportionate for a while. However, some parts of their body will catch up to the rest within a few months or even a few weeks. Is your Boxer at a healthy weight? You can typically tell whether or not your Boxer is at a healthy weight by their ribs. But, on the other hand, if you can feel and see their ribs, they may be underweight. Always check with your vet to be on the safe side. What are some Boxer dog body shape changes? Boxer puppies grow in height faster than their weight gain. When this dog breed matures and becomes an adult, they will have a wide chest. But, overall, Boxer is strong and lean. In addition, different factors are involved when it comes to impacting how your dog grows. In addition, reputable breeders should have this information. The nutrition you feed your pooch can help or hinder their growth. For example, if you feed them dog food with unhealthy fillers and lots of fat, they may become obese, thus hurting their growth and overall health. Will neutering or spaying your Boxer affect their growth? Spaying or neutering your Boxer has more pros than cons. For example, some health conditions may include hip dyslexia, bloat, acne, arthritis, and cancer. The best way to ensure your pooch remains healthy is to work together with your veterinarian. Take your dog to regular vet appointments at least once per year for an annual check-up. In addition, talk to your vet about the type of dog food and exercise your Boxer should be getting. If your doggo is overweight or underweight, the vet will be able to help. Finally, properly groom your doggo. Physical activity Boxers need plenty of room to run around and stretch their legs. However, they love to play and enjoy a round of fetch with you in a fenced-in yard. Just be sure to wait until their bones and joints are fully developed before taking them for jogs or hikes. Otherwise, they could have joint issues later in life. Dangers of stunted or accelerated growth If your Boxer is a little bigger or small than the others of its breed, that may not necessarily be a bad thing. However, some issues can occur. For example, your pooch may be smaller due to a growth hormone deficiency. This controls the growth rate in dogs, their bone and teeth development and maintains a healthy coat. Dwarfism could also be the reason. When do Boxers stop growing? You can expect your Boxer to be fully grown and stop growing between 18 and 24 months of age. This system works on a scale of one to nine. One means your pup is underweight and unhealthy. Nine means they are extremely overweight. The ideal place on the scale where you want your large dog to be is a five. What should you do if your Boxer is growing too fast? Growth disorders can occur in larger dogs, such as Boxers. If you notice your dog growing too fast, talk to your vet first. How to help your Boxer lose weight if he is overweight? This includes their diet and exercise. Take a look at what dog food you feed your pooch. In addition, do you feed your doggo people food and table scraps? Do Boxer mixes vary in size? If you want to learn more, you can read about Boxer mixes here. How Big Is Your Boxer? These happy doggos are a delight to have around. Boxers are great companions dogs for anyone young or old. While this pooch can have certain health conditions, they do have an average growth track. Overall, with proper exercise and dieting, your Boxer will develop into a happy, healthy pup. Did your Boxer puppy grow on track? Let us know in the comments below. Further reading: Learn more about the Growth of other Dog Breeds. As a medium to large-sized dog breed, Boxers need more time to fill out and reach their full size than smaller dog breeds. As a general rule, expect your Boxer to grow until they are 18 to 24 months old. Keep in mind that this range is an estimate, so there are always exceptions. Image Source: Canva How big should a 6-month-old Boxer be? A 6-month-old male Boxer should weigh around 41 to 48 pounds, while a 6-month-old female Boxer will weigh about 39 to 44 pounds. According to Care. For a male Boxer puppy, this would be around 17 to 19 inches tall. Pro Tip: Check out this downloadable new puppy checklist covering topics like vaccination schedules, setting up the home for a new puppy, teething, veterinary visits, and more! How much bigger will my Boxer get? There are several ways to estimate how much bigger your Boxer will grow. If your Boxer is less than two years old, they are likely still growing. Some Boxers stop growing closer to 18 months, but many Boxers will continue to fill out in weight and body size until they are two years old. A puppy will rarely be larger than either parent, so this can give you a clearer idea of their maximum size. Do their paws look oversized compared to their legs and the rest of their body? This is a strong sign that your Boxer is still growing and filling out! What is the size of a full-grown Boxer? According to the American Kennel Club Official Boxer Standards , a full-grown male Boxer will stand around 23 to 25 inches tall, while a female Boxer will stand about .A fully grown male Boxer will weigh around 60 to 70 pounds, with their female counterpart will weigh about 55 to 65 pounds. As with many things, prevention is always better than treatment. Taking your Boxer to regular veterinary appointments is one of the best things you can do for their health, along with consistent love and care at home. One of the best things you can do at home is brush your dog's teeth regularly to help prevent painful periodontal disease and avoid pricey dental treatments in the future. Periodontal disease can cause bad breath and oral pain for your pup and may require your Boxer to have a dental cleaning or tooth extractions under anesthesia at some point in their lives if not attended to at home. Keeping your Boxer at a healthy weight is crucial for their longevity, overall health, and happiness. If your Boxer is overweight, talk to your veterinarian to develop a weight loss strategy so that you can get them back on track. Consult with your veterinarian about the ideal food and exercise for your Boxer. Like all dogs, Boxers have certain conditions that they are prone to. Boxers are a purebred dog breed prone to heart problems, like cardiomyopathy, heart valve narrowing, and congenital heart defects. Brachycephalic syndrome increases their risk of respiratory distress, allergies, heatstroke, and sinus problems. Regular veterinarian appointments are crucial in finding and treating illness early to give your Boxer the healthiest and longest life possible. Unfortunately, veterinary bills can be costly with many treatments for emergencies and illnesses, such as heart problems, being thousands of dollars to treat. When surveyed, .The financial safety net provided by pet insurance is why pet insurance is worth it for many pet parents. Keep in mind that even healthy behaviors, like exercise, can be overdone. Consult with your veterinarian about how much exercise is prudent. Medium to large-sized dogs that are still growing may suffer from joint damage if they are overexercised. Make a plan with your veterinarian today to provide your Boxer with the ideal amount of exercise to keep them lean, healthy, and happy. Boxer puppies grow into strong and sturdy adults that make fun-loving, often silly companions, and fierce protectors. Do you want to find the best pet insurance? Let's analyze your pet's breed, age, and location to find the right coverage and the best savings. Analyze My Pet About Pawlicy Advisor The pet insurance marketplace endorsed by veterinarians, at Pawlicy Advisor we make buying the best pet insurance easier. This will be the age when Boxer newborn is fully weaned and ready to go to his new home. His world expands at this time. Some have a difficult adjustment leaving littermates and dam and transitioning to their new family. A planned introduction to the home will set a good foundation for introduction to other situations. Housebreaking should begin at this age. With an excellent plan and follow-through, expect it to take 4 to 6 weeks for your Boxer to be doing well in this regard. Command training simple commands can be worked in with housebreaking and other daily activities. For example a 2 month old Boxer puppy can learn to sit while his harness and leash is being put on and then learn that walking over to the designated chosen area equals a trip to the bathroom. Sleep may be erratic at this time and a Boxer puppy can sleep as little as 9 hours per day rare or up to 18 hours. Most will take quite a few naps during the day and then wake up 1 to 2 times per night. We've seen 2 month old little ones sleep right through the night, but it is rare - in these cases, the dog is able to enter deep REM sleep quickly and stay there, keeping the number of nap times to a minimum. This is the minimum age a dog must be in order to enter a dog show event. Many clubs, such as the AKC require a dog to be 6 months old; however if you truly want to show your Boxer, you may do so at 3 months with many other dog clubs. By this age, the pup has a good idea of his home environment and since the rounds of puppy shots are almost done, owners should plan on how they will proceed in regard to introduction to the world. To a dog, his world is as big as the owners choose. For some, it is just the neighborhood, for others it is the entire town! The reason that we say "plan" is because how a pup is introduced to other dogs, people and new environments affect how the dog reacts and responds. A planned transition to new elements is a huge part of Socialization Training. During this stage, some owners become a bit concerned if their Boxer is not barking ; however this is not a super vocal breed he makes lots of noises like groans and even some purrs, but doesn't typically bark at every little thing. A quiet puppy will often outgrown this and find their voice as they mature. It is at that time that a Boxer will bark when someone comes to the house, etc. By 1 year, if owners follow through, the Boxer is well trained, for both commands simple and complex and house training. Still, the dog has learned the basic workings of the world. He has been trained to know where his belongings are, who you consider to be friend or foe and is very used to his daily schedule. This is a great Boxer age, the dog looks young, still has the mentality of a puppy with playfulness, etc. You'll have a 40 to 55 pound 20 to 25 kg size puppy jumping on you and acting silly. Females will be on the lower end, males on the higher end. The body structure is slim, the chest is still relatively narrow. Over the course of this year, from the beginning of year 1 to the beginning of year 2, most will gain an additional 15 to 20 pounds 6. Height will increase. The most noticeable physical change will be the widening of the chest, a sure tell sign of a 2 year old adult. It is not uncommon for a Boxer dog to seem too skinny during a quick, temporary phase around this mark. Generally from 14 to 22 months old, a Boxer may have some visible ribs and appear too slim as he struggles to catch up to a quick growth spurt. For most, this is nothing to be concerned about. This is a huge milestone. At 2 years old, a Boxer is considered to be an adult. The dog will be at his adult weight and height. If you are offering commercial food, now is the time to switch to an adult formula. Temperament will gradually change. That playful puppy temperament will slowly turn more serious, but even older adults can have a sense of humor. That puppy that used to leap after butterflies in the field may change into the adult that stands proud and strong, scanning the yard for trespassers. The Boxer will now begin to age at a more steady rate. Still active, yet fully trained, this is a wonderful stage. By this age, status in the house if full established. Other family members may have come and gone kids off to college, a new roommate moves in, etc. However, if the dog was properly trained, he knew, throughout any changes, that his place was as Beta to his Alpha human leader. A Boxer dog is considered to be a senior at the age of 7 or 8 years old. Since there is no official age, it is the veterinarian who makes this declaration. Though, even if it has not been declared, with this breed typically living to a range of 9 to 12 years, 9 years is about as long as you can extend this before you dub your Boxer a senior. It is important to recognize this transition, so that geriatric care needs can be met. Regular visits will normally increase from 1 time per year to twice a year. Changes will happen once again to the diet, moving over to one that is a bit lower in fat, yet higher in fiber. This helps a less active dog maintain weight and fiber is one element that aids in digestion. A geriatric screening will check for kidney function. A Boxer dog with decreased kidney function should be fed a lower protein diet. The vitamin and mineral supplement will now switch to a senior formula as well. Don't let the senior age label fool you, Boxers at this age should still be taken for a daily walk for exercise , will enjoy outings to the beach, etc. One thing to keep in mind is that an older dog will sometimes have less tolerance for puppies and young children. It is a good idea to have a designated area for your senior Boxer to retreat to, should he desire.Older dogs still like to see the family and be aware of comings and goings, but will often want to retreat when youngsters or puppies are at play. Each dog has his own tolerance for the loud noises and commotion that accompanies younger humans and dogs. The average life span of a Boxer is years old. At this age, a senior dog most likely has lived through some health issues. A dog of this age will most likely have some arthritis. Movement may become difficult, it is suggested to have steps and ramps for the dog if he or she is used to climbing up onto your bed or the couch. The dog bed should be evaluated for comfort and support. An orthopedic bed is highly recommended. Any time after this age that your dog is still with you is a blessing. Some Boxers live late into their teens; however you should prepare yourself that your dog is nearing the end of his life cycle. Related: Oldest Boxer Dogs in the World - Though this breed generally lives 9 to 12 years, some Boxers have reached into their teens.

Life Span Did You Know? The Boxer is one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States. It has been recognized by the AKC since .Although the Boxer dog breed originated in Germany, their ancient ancestry can be traced back to the Assyrian empire war dogs of BC. The modern Boxer breed we know and love today was originally developed in Germany in the late s. English-bred Bulldogs and the Bullenbesiier were crossed to create an energetic and agile hunting dog to chase wild game. The Boxer is a popular family companion and a versatile working dog. As a member of the Working Group, Boxers can be found competing in dog sports like agility, obedience, and herding. They also make great service and assistance dogs, as well as therapy dogs, and can be found working as search and rescue dogs, drug detection dogs, police dogs, and military dogs. The Boxer is a muscular and energetic dog that tends to have a happy, friendly disposition. They bond closely with their families and tend to get along well with children and other dogs. They can even do well with other pets despite their high prey drive if they are socialized and trained with them. As long as they are well-socialized, Boxers are generally upbeat, playful, and friendly. Although they have a natural instinct to protect their family from unwanted visitors, they do tend to warm up once introduced and are happy to make a new friend. They can be prone to barking a lot if you do not work on socialization and training your dog to stop barking early on. Boxers can be highly adaptable dogs. Although they have a lot of energy and are better suited to homes with yards where they can run, they can adapt to apartment living as long as they get the daily exercise, attention, and mental stimulation they need. As with any non-arctic dog breed, they are sensitive to very cold temperatures. Boxers are also a brachycephalic breed, which means they are even more sensitive to heat than other dogs. A Boxer is also one of the most affectionate dog breeds. Because they bond so closely with their families and get bored easily, they should not be left alone for long periods of time. Potential health conditions to be aware of in a Boxer include hip dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, thyroid issues , and heart conditions like aortic stenosis and cardiomyopathy. Good breeding practices make a big difference and reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. So, make sure you are asking the breeder about the health and genetic history of the parents and about any health tests that have been done. Boxers are intelligent dogs that are eager to please their owners. Despite their energetic personality, they are one of the best dog breeds for first-time owners and are highly trainable dogs. They tend to excel at almost any task put before them! Because of their open, friendly nature and high energy, they have a tendency to jump up at people in excitement and playfulness. Since they grow into powerful dogs, you will want to make sure you train your dog not to jump up. Boxers have smooth and short coats that will shed a little year-round and require minimal grooming. A brush-down once or twice a week and the occasional bath as needed will keep their short coat healthy and looking great. Nail trims once or twice a month are usually enough to keep nails from growing too long. Checking ears weekly and carefully cleaning as needed can help prevent ear infections. Checking and wiping their facial wrinkles weekly or a few times a week if your dog is prone to getting into things can help keep their wrinkles clean and free of irritation. Dental diseases, like gum disease, are the most common health issues in older dogs because dental care is often overlooked; and, it can lead to other serious health issues. Brushing daily, plus cleanings at the vet when needed, is ideal. The Boxer is a high-energy dog breed that needs plenty of daily exercise to stay happy and healthy. Due to their high prey drive and urge to chase, they should only be let off-leash in secure areas. Boxers tend to get bored with repetition, are excellent problem solvers, and are naturally exuberant. A fully-grown Boxer usually stands inches tall at the shoulder and weighs pounds. Boxers generally live years on average. In Germany, the Boxer was one of the first dog breeds chosen for police training. Featured Boxer Article. During its first year, a Boxer puppy will consume about pounds of food. They only need to be taken to the groomer about six times annually. This includes bathing, hair removal if applicable, nail trimming, ear cleaning, and teeth brushing. To save money, consider buying an at-home dog-grooming kit. If you are interested in getting health insurance for your new pet, Lemonade offers customizable insurance plans and responsive customer service. Your dog can urinate on a rug or eat your favorite pair of shoes. Ensure he always has plenty of fun toys to keep his mind occupied. But it is possible to own a Boxer on a budget while still providing it with exceptional care. You can skip the costs of bi-monthly grooming sessions by purchasing an at-home dog-grooming kit. Make DIY dog toys from old clothing. However, this is just an estimate. You can own a Boxer without breaking your budget. Be prepared for unexpected emergencies by opening up emergency savings account for your dog and getting pet insurance. Boxers make loving, loyal pets that deserve the best care money can buy. With some planning and preparation, you can comfortably bring a Boxer into your home. White Boxer Dogs Overview Regrettably, some people still believe that white Boxer dogs or puppies are the least favorable of the breed. Some will argue that those dogs born white are more prone to illness or more aggressive than the other more traditionally colored dogs of the breed. Some think that they have a different set of personality traits and will show different behavior than more traditionally colored dogs. For those of us who are lucky enough to love a white Boxer puppy.This simply could not be further from the truth. There is a lot of false information that can easily be found.So, let's clear this up by looking at the facts. While each dog is an individual and has his or her own personalty quirks, in general, white Boxer dogs will behave exactly like most other more traditionally colored pups and dogs. There is no set change in disposition, aggressiveness or any other trait. Most, if not all Boxers are comical, fun loving and expressive animals with a strong craving to please their owners. They are excellent companions, family pets and enjoy the company of their humans. A white Boxer dog is not automatically ill or blind or has eye issues.In some cases, color can go back as far as 5 generations. Both of the parents must carry the genetic code white. In every way the puppy is the same as all of its siblings…with all the liveliness, traits, and spirit that make them Boxers. A white Boxer is not an albino. Albinos entirely lack pigment. Any dog breed will infrequently have an albino…although it is very rare. When a dog is an albino there is no colored pigmentation anywhere on the dog…They have pink eyes, and a complete lack of color anywhere on the body. Most white Boxer dogs have some spots on their skin which can be seen due to their short coats and have some markings around their nose and mouth. Some have colored markings in their coat such as brown spots around an eye or on the back, etc. They will have pigment in their eyes, this alone rules out albinism as the cause of their whiteness. Approximately one in four puppies are white either all white or majorly white. Therefore, this is not a rare color. Because of this limitation, white Boxer dogs do not meet the breed standard for show conformation. Many breeders and handlers hope that this changes. White Boxers, as beautiful as they are, may someday be accepted for conformation in AKC show events. There are breeders and people in the general public who feel that white Boxer dogs are inferior to fawn or brindled colored Boxers and have more health problems. .Recently, there has been more studies to either substantiate or dissuade the claims that white Boxers are more prone to problems than standard colors. The only claims that seem to have merit are: They are more likely to sunburn And the white Boxer like many other breeds with similar loss of pigment are more prone to deafness in one or both ears. They are not rare -Approximately 25 percent of all boxers born are white. They are not albinos — They have colored eyes, colored touch, inside of the ears, belly and bottom of the paws. They can sunburn easy — an owner should use human sunscreen on their dog if they are to be outside for more than 30 minutes — And remember that the UV sun rays CAN penetrate through clouds, so it is better to be safe than sorry. They can be deaf and this is one of the biggest reasons why most breeders do not purposefully breed for the white color. Blindness is a bit more common with the white Boxer. Some people believe that white Boxers develop cancer more easily than the more standard colored dogs ; however this is still up for debate and has not been proven. The AKC will deny registration for any puppies born to a registered white Boxer. They have the same temperament and personality as other Boxers. .They are happy, loyal, social, friendly dogs when raised in a loving, appropriate home. The white Boxer may have pigmented patches around the eyes and ears and other limited points on the body, but the Check has much more pigment and could be called piebald .A flashy Boxer is one who carries one dose of the gene. An albino Boxer dog would have no color on the skin as well; the eye rims, nose, bottom of the paw pads , and lips would be pink. In addition, most albino dogs have very light eyes. White Boxers, on the other hand, will have some skin pigmentation. Typically, the nose is black, as are the lips. Eye rims and paw pads can be black. Please note that very young Boxer puppies often have pink noses. So, if you have an all white Boxer newborn puppy and the nose is pink, this is not an indication of abinism. Over the of the next few weeks, nose color should come in. Final nose coloring may be fully black or spotted. Many wonder if a Boxer puppy is born deaf or becomes deaf. With all puppies, the ear canal stays closed and will open between days 10 and .A white Boxer - if he is to be deaf - will progressively lose his hearing. The cause of the deafness connected with the white color is the absence of pigment cells in the inner ear resulting in a loss of sensory hair cells at about 6 - 8 weeks of age. For this reason, potential puppy buyers may want to wait until the 10 week old mark, at which time it should be clear as to whether or not the Boxer has his hearing. The shortage or absence of pigment cells is also the cause of the white coat and un-pigmented third eyelids called the haw. In general the more pigment in the coat the lower will be the risk of deafness, but all predominantly white dogs are at risk of being deaf, not just the Boxer breed. Please note however that not all white dogs are white because of a lack of pigment cells. Some breeds such as the West Highlands and Poodles just have extremely diluted pigmentation; they have a full complement of pigment cells, so are not at risk of being deaf. There are of course many other causes of deafness in dogs. Not all are attributable to the absence of pigment cells. And deafness can be caused by external factors too. Tia and Dyson, both 8 years old Photo courtesy of Birgitta Woolmer. The contractual agreement between you and the breeder Agreement made to not breed the dog in the future Agreement made to not enter it into competitions No restrictions on the Boxer puppy Read on to see why these factors affect the price of Boxer puppies. Reputation Of The Breeder Breeders spend a lot of time and money to build up their reputation as trustworthy Boxer breeders. The more renowned a breeder is, the more they are able to charge for their dogs. However, some puppy mills and backyard breeders will shoot up their prices to appear to be reputable breeders. Therefore, you should go through a trusted association to find a reputable breeder. Do not be fooled by good advertising. The individual Boxer puppy you want to purchase must have its own papers that document its registration with the American Kennel Club. These papers cost money and will increase the price of your Boxer puppy slightly. This is important because pedigree changes the price of the Boxer puppy; I will discuss this next! Pedigree is important when it comes to determining what your Boxer puppy will look like, its temperament, and the chance of it developing genetic issues in the future as it grows up. Determining who the dam and sire of your Boxer puppy are is important in determining price. If your Boxer puppy has a champion sire or dam, then the price of the puppy will increase significantly. Champion heritage drives the price of the Boxer puppy up because the buyer is almost guaranteed to get a perfect specimen of what a Boxer should be and has a better chance at winning competitions with their Boxer puppy when it grows up. The breed, unfortunately, suffers from hip dysplasia, cardiovascular myopathy, severe arthritis, degenerative myelopathy, several cancers, and aortic valve disease. The American Kennel Club recommends that all of these tests, including thyroid screening, elbow evaluations, and certain DNA tests are all done to produce a long-term prognosis so effective preventative care can be carried out from day one. If a Boxer puppy has any health concerns, then their price will decrease, and they will often be sold for a couple of hundred dollars or so depending on the specific health issues they have. As medium-sized dogs, Boxers can leave their mothers safely at eight weeks. Many people who want to compete with their boxers will wait until the Boxer puppy is six to eight months old before purchasing them. During this time, the breeder will invest in behavioral training. When the Boxer puppy is six to eight months old, the breeder will also be able to give you a better idea of their temperament and their adult markings and ultimate size. As a result, these puppies will be much more expensive than the younger ones. Boxers will stand at 23 to 25 inches tall if they are male and .They have tall, regal-looking shoulders that slope down gently to a smaller set of hips. Their heads are quite square and are characterized by their wrinkles that make them appear confused but curious! Boxers that meet the breed standard are a fawn or brindle color with white markings on their chests, bellies, inner legs, and faces. However, the white markings may not be more than a third of their entire body. If your Boxer puppy meets the breed standard, then their price will increase because they can be used for competitions. However, if they do not meet the breed standard, then their price will be decreased, as this is seen as undesirable from a competition standpoint. The first agreement will prevent you from further breeding your Boxer puppy. The second agreement will prevent you from entering your Boxer puppy into any competitions. Both contacts will decrease the price of your Boxer puppy, as they place restrictions on what you can and cannot do with your puppy as it grows up. There are many other costs associated with owning a Boxer! One-Time Bring Home Costs There are a number of things you will need to purchase before you even pick up your Boxer puppy to make them feel more comfortable and happy in their new home! Fortunately, a lot of these items only need to be purchased once or twice, like food bowls and crates, for example. Here is a list of some of the vital things you need:.

I am wondering who here has dealt with their Bulldogs being picky eaters? It sounds so foreign to me that ANY bully would be a picky eater, but my Lincoln is for sure a picky eater, and he has been since he was a puppy. I've been experimenting with different foods lately, and I have discovered that he will only eat certain foods that I give him. For the longest time I've been trying to feed him the Kirkland Seafood kibble, but he always acted uninterested and many times walked away without eating any of it. He will also NOT touch his food if anything is mixed in. I did a test run with two other brands, Orijen and Zignature, and he gobbled it right up. It appears that he wants me to buy him super expensive premium food He is a healthy 50 lbs boy, but I don't think I could overfeed him if I tried! Anyone else here have picky eaters and are there certain kibbles your bully won't eat? Click to expand.Giving a good quality dog food will save you vet bills in the long run. Kirkland salmon formula is probably made from farmed salmon, so not that healthy. My dog has only refused to eat Fromm brand, loves all the other brands. Salmon oil is another tasty meal topper that contains Omega 3, which provides many health benefits. For more information, check out our salmon oil review. But what may surprise you is that you can use exercise to get a picky dog to eat his food. You see, exercise makes dogs hungry. One of the easiest ways to exercise your dog is to go for a nice long walk — Walking is good for you too! If you already walk your dog, try upping the distance. Picky dog owners we spoke to saw the most success when they walked their pooch for 45 minutes or longer before dinner. There are other ways you can exercise your dog… Test your strength with a tug of war with a tug toy A long game of fetch with a dog tennis ball Toss a plush dog toy around indoors when the weather is bad. In some cases, you may even be able to get your dog to exercise himself. Herding dogs, like border collies and Australian shepherds will entertain themselves for hours with a herding ball. Whichever way you exercise your dog, the focus is on tiring him out. And because his meal is the only thing on offer, he will be more likely to eat it. Give him at least 15 minutes for his stomach to settle. Throw it on the floor Do you have a fussy puppy? You can take advantage of his playful nature to get him to eat his food. Sit by your puppy and sprinkle dried dog food on the ground, a little at a time. As your puppy eats a piece, add another one further away. Because your playful pup thinks this is a game, he will be more likely to take to his food. It may take quite a few sessions, but once he has a taste for his food, you can transition to a bowl. If you want to feed inside, grab a good broom and sweep up after mealtime is over — there is nothing worse than feeling pieces of kibble crunch underfoot. Turn feeding time into a game Picky eaters often play with their food instead of eating it. With the help of a good feeding toy, you can get your dog to do both. Feeding toys combine play with eating. And for toy-obsessed pups, they are a great way to convince a dog to eat his food Jessica, the owner of a dainty poodle, says her dog refuses to eat dry food. Another owner, Jack, uses a snuffle mat to get his fussy English Springer Spaniel to eat. When this super-sniffing dog finds kibble using his nose, he will promptly eat it without a second thought — even though he refuses to eat the same kibble when offered it in a bowl Unfortunately, feeding toys only hold a limited amount of food. While this may not be a problem for a small dog like a Boston terrier, it presents an issue for bigger dogs… You see, large breeds like Rottweilers or Mastiffs may need as much as 10 cups of kibble per day. Make sure you are feeding the right amount This one might seem a little obvious, but you would be amazed at just how many owners overfeed their dogs. I can understand. I mean, when your dog stares at you with those bulgy puppy eyes, it can be hard to resist giving them an extra treat or two. Overfeeding is a particular problem if you have a small pup like a Chihuahua, Papillon or Brussels Griffon… These tiny dogs need much less food than you think. The smallest sizes might only need half a cup of kibble across a whole day. As you can imagine, these tiny stomachs get full quick. When your belly is full to bursting, the last thing you want is more food, right? Well, your dog feels the same. While you may think your dog is fussy, your dog may need more time to digest his last meal. Speak to your vet about the amount of food your dog needs. He will be considerably more likely to eat his food if he has to work for it. A short session of Shake, Roll Over, or any other trick will have your dog expecting a reward for his hard work. Many picky eaters get so caught up in being rewarded that they forget they would normally reject this meal. The key here is to make your dog think his reward is a big deal. Shower your pup with praise and pats while offering him the meal. If you can get your dog excited enough, he will believe this meal is the best thing that has ever happened to him — He will eat his food without a second thought. No Table Scraps Are you sharing your dinner with your dog? Can you imagine eating dry kibble after tasting a delicious hamburger? I know it can be hard to resist. Especially when your dog peers up from underneath the table with those bulging puppy dog eyes. Instead, he will be less likely to reject his bowl of food. Worth it? I think so. Pretend to eat it A special thank you to Meagan, who told us how she used this unique trick to get a fussy dog to eat. After reading our guide on how to get a dog to take a pill , she found the easiest solution was to pretend to eat it. Her Shih Tzu would happily swallow a pill, thinking it was human food. Meagan took this concept a step further when she fostered a fussy Havanese named Elon. As you might have guessed, Elon was refusing to eat his food. The solution? She grabbed a bag of kibble and pretended to eat it like it was a bag of crisps. Hiding the kibble in her hand, she would reach back in the bag and pretend to grab another piece. Every minute or so, she would offer the Havanese a single piece of kibble. Thinking he had hit the jackpot, Elon would frantically gobble it down. Instead of rejecting it, he finished the whole meal! Cut back the treats If your dog is refusing to eat, then you should skip the treats. Any more than this and you are giving your pup more treats than he needs. For example, an adult chihuahua would only need four small Milkbones. Any more and you are overdoing it. But treats can contribute to picky eating in another way… In some instances, your dog may be rejecting his food because he wants a treat instead. If you offer your dog treats even though he is not eating his food, you are reinforcing the idea that he will get something better if he waits it out — you have accidentally trained your dog to be a picky eater. Claire, one of the respondents of our survey, said this was the issue with her fussy German Shorthaired Pointer. Claire stopped giving him treats and, he soon went back to eating his food as usual. Warm the meal to enhance flavor Many finicky dogs can be encouraged to eat their meal just by warming it up. This method is commonly used on senior dogs who are rejecting their food. Wet food can be heated up in the microwave or steamer pot. Use a plastic or ceramic bowl instead. Show your dog how bad it could be… If you are like me, you treat your dog like royalty. You only serve the best dog food possible. Fortunately, the solution is simple. Show your dog how good he actually has it. I learned this trick from my neighbor and her spoiled Boxer, Anastasia. She only feeds Orijen dog food — expensive stuff. However, now and then, Anastasia will suddenly become picky and refuse to eat it. If Anastasia ever rejected her Orijen kibble, it would be swapped out with Pedigree kibble. Sure enough, Anastasia would sniff her food, turn her nose up and walk away in disgust. My neighbor would then take the Pedigree kibble away and present her original dish. Anastasia would now happily chow down on the same Orijen kibble she previously rejected. Buy a cheaper food. This way, if your dog does eat it, you can save money by making the switch. Create a safe space Is your dog easily distracted or stressed? Some dogs will refuse to eat if thunderstorms or fireworks trigger their anxiety. Many owners report that they solved this with a thunder vest. In these instances, a dog may not eat his food until his owner returns. Similarly, distractions can also stop a dog from eating his meal. If you are showering your dog with attention, or you have a young child demanding to play with the dog, it can be hard to focus on eating. Not only does he need to get used to his new collapsible silicone dog bowl but an entirely new environment with different sights and smells too — how can your pup focus on eating with all that change? In all these instances, creating a comfortable, quiet eating area can go a long way to fixing picky eating. Best of all, the tiles are easy to clean if he makes a mess. It might be that your old pup finds it painful to hunch over his bowl and eat his meal. Many owners report this as a common problem in larger breeds. In their senior years, bending down to eat is a lot more difficult than when they were younger. These raised dog bowls sit up to 12 inches off the ground and can help reduce the joint stress that comes with eating hunched over. For instance, a bowl that is the perfect height for a Pit Bull is too high for a Fox Terrier. With the bowl raised to a much more comfortable eating height, your senior pooch can now eat his meal pain-free. Go wet Can you imagine eating dry dog food every day? And neither can many dogs. These dogs will refuse to eat dry food at all. No matter how high-quality it may be. For these finicky pups, swapping over to wet food is the solution you need. Cans, dog food rolls and, pouches are the most readily available wet dog foods around — you can grab them at your local Walmart. Many popular brands of dry dog food offer the same flavors in a canned version. Unfortunately, canned food is typically more expensive than kibble. However, if it gets your dog to eat his food, then you may find the added cost is justified. Leave it to sit for a few minutes before offering the meal to your dog. Routine, Routine, Routine Consistency is key. If your dog has an inconsistent eating schedule, then he will likely inconsistently eat his food too. They love routine. Swapping back to his original metal bowl was all it took to get this pup to eat her food. A good eating routine for a fussy dog should include… Feeding the same type of food. Feeding the same amount. Use the same dog bowl. Feed your dog at the same time. Feed your dog in the same location. With a good routine in place, you may find your picky eater just needed a little consistency in his life. Add some variety Remember earlier when I said swapping out a dogs food too often can lead to picky eating? Well, this trick goes against that advice. Three different survey respondents had success by offering their picky eaters a variety of different foods. Does your dog take to a new food for a few days before rejecting it all of a sudden? Rotating through different brands of food could get your dog to eat again. Your dog feels the same about his kibble. If you are offering your dog dry food that has been left out overnight, he will likely refuse it. This affects both the taste and smell… While it might look the same to you or me, your dog can tell the difference. The result? In this case, offering your dog a fresh scoop of kibble could be all that is needed to get him to eat. If this date has passed, the food may become unsafe to eat. Even if the expiration date has not passed, improper storage can cause the kibble to lose its taste and aroma. Dry dog food quickly goes stale when exposed to air. Think your dog is not eating because his food is stale? If your dog happily eats it, the old bag was probably stale. Fortunately, this can easily be fixed by grabbing a good pet food storage container. These airtight containers will keep your dry dog food fresh for longer. Special dogs need a special bowl Do you have a flat-faced dog such as a pug or French bulldog? You see, flat-faced dogs eat with a scooping motion. This makes it difficult to reach small pieces of kibble that rest against the edges of the bowl. Fortunately, there are bowls specifically designed to make it easy for smooshy-faced dogs to eat. Our personal favorite is the Enhanced Pet Bowl. There are plenty of other benefits to using a flat-faced dog bowl such as improved breathing and less gas. Want more info? Check out our review of the best flat faced dog bowls. Does your dog have allergies, loose stools, gas or, an upset tummy? According to Veterinarian, Dr. Sara Ochoa, a dog may refuse to eat his meal if he believes it is the cause of his discomfort. Unfortunately, many dogs find that regular kibble irritates their stomach. She uses it on her own dog if she suffers from diarrhea, to firm stools. As a bonus, this food is commonly used as a safe food for sensitive tummies. Many dog owners report that their dog has never been so excited to eat kibble until they made the switch. How did you get your fussy dog to eat his meal? Got a tip to share? Let me know in the comments below!

We have answers. The only thing you have to do is browse some of the pre-selected breeders below to find a litter or individual Fresno German Shepherd for sale that you are interested in. The last step when you work with Uptown is introducing your new companion to your home. There is a high likelihood that you will! Backyard breeders are everywhere and they can be hard to recognize if all you have to judge them by is a well-made website. A puppy mill is a factory like breeding facility where popular breeds are forced to reproduce more often than they naturally would which can cause stress and eventually health issues down the line. Do German Shepherd puppies in Fresno require a lot of exercise? Fresno German Shepherd puppies for sale will not require a lot of exercise at first, but as they grow older these dogs will start to build up more and more energy and also grow to be quite large. Before you schedule a meeting with one of the many vetted breeders below through Uptown Puppies you should be prepared to play and run around outside with your new dog. What can I expect when I own a new German Shepherd puppy? You should be fully prepared to awake next to a friendly, energetic and loving puppy each and every morning. Will Uptown Puppies recommend a specific type of food for my puppy? We will always recommend that if you notice potential food allergies or symptoms that could be related to your pups food that you contact a vet immediately. There are a lot of dangers that come with purchasing a new dog from a puppy mill or backyard breeder which is why at Uptown we steer our customers clear of the danger and potential costly health risks! Instead our vetting team likes to focus on standardized puppy treatment, sanitary facilities and breeders who offer a more boutique experience for the end consumer. Which kinds of breeds are best for families? German Shepherds can be loving, playful and protective when they need to be, which is perfect for a couple with a growing family of kids, pets and relatives! What is a backyard breeder? A backyard breeder is a term that is commonly used in the canine breeding world to describe a business that has created a breeding facility in their residence or even a spare corner of a backyard. They are now ready to go to their forev. We are a c 3 non-profit rescue based in Northern California and the Sacramento Valley. Below are our newest added German Pinschers available for adoption in Fresno, California. Seller's profile All seller items 1 Be careful! Never pay down a deposit in a bank account until you have met the seller, seen signed a purchase agreement. Adopt a rescue dog through PetCurious. Plott Hound Puppies for Sale. Why buy a German Pinscher puppy for sale if you can adopt and save a life? Look at pictures of German Pinscher puppies who need a home. I have 3 German Shepherd mix dogs. To see more adoptable Bedlington Terriers in Fresno, California, use the search tool below to enter specific criteria! We ensure each dog is highly socialized, family-raised, and genetically tested. Old English Sheepdog Puppies for Sale. There are often many great Gordon Setters for adoption at local animal shelters or rescues. We are a family owned and operated, Colorado state licensed, AKC registered, home kennel in beautiful Conifer, Colorado. Golden State German Shepherd Rescue is a c 3 non-profit based in the Central Valley of Northern California Our mission is to find loving new homes for German Shepherd Dogs in need of a second chance and to educate the public about this highly intelligent and versatile breed. Fresno, California, United States xxxx xxxx. Say hello to these darling F1B Mini Goldendoodle puppies that can't wait to spoil you with love and attention. Both parents pure bred German s. When you purchase from us you can be assured of the highest quality and good temperament. Meet Azami! Azami A is a 2 year old, female, brown and black, German Shepherd blend. Call my parents to schedule a play date today! Female Black German Shepherd. She checked out just fine on her first vet visit. German Shepherd Puppy for Sale. Their brains, size, and loyalty make them ideal police and service dogs, but they also make great friends. German Shepherd Puppies For Sale. I'll arrive up to date on all shots and dewormers, vet checked, microchipped, and with a 1 year genetic health guarantee for an easy and happy adoption. To see more adoptable German Pinschers in Fresno, California, use the search tool below to enter specific criteria! We've connected loving homes to reputable breeders since and we want to help you find the puppy your whole family will love. These curly cuties are full of life and will make the perfect addition to any family. German Shepherd puppies for sale in Fresno, CA from trusted …. Our Shepherds are raised in a mountain setting where they are exposed to weather, wildlife and terrain like no other place on earth. Learn more 1, puppies available 1, certified breeders Transportation Location Color. Azami is a big girl with a loving heart, she is a bit shy in the kennels. German Pinscher puppies and dogs in Fresno, California. Female 8 Month Black German Shepherd. Page 6: German Shepherds for Sale in Fresno. Search for an Old English Sheepdog puppy or dog. German Shepherd california, fresno. ZIP or Canadian postal code in. These pups are in Fresno, California too! Below are our newest added Bluetick Coonhounds available for adoption in Fresno, California. Below are our newest added Bedlington Terriers available for adoption in Fresno, California. Browse photos and descriptions of of California German Shepherd Dog puppies of many breeds available right now! Tools 1 week ago on Adopt-a-Pet. Find your puppy for sale in Fresno, CA. German Shepherd puppies for sell. German Shepherds for Sale in Fresno. Their impeccable training allows them to be not only a superb guard or protection dog but also the perfect addition to any family. Healthy with shots and dewormer record up to date. We provide a gal bag of food that she is used to and also probiotics for a better transition to her new home. Located high in the Rockies at over ft. German Shepherd Puppies for sale in Fresno, California. Rocky Mountain German Shepherds. Our dogs are from the highest quality imported German bloodlines and are bred for superior temperament, beautiful conformation, excellent health, and high levels of trainability. We've connected loving homes to reputable breeders since .Mom is 17 inches tall and 40lbs, black bi with beautiful blue eyes and a very calm sweet temperament. White German Shepherd Puppies california, fresno. If you take your new German Shepherd on walks and trips to the grocery store as puppies you'll be ahead of the exercise curve! Feel free to contact us to schedule a visit or discuss any of our fine dogs. Search for german shepherd dog rescue dogs for adoption near Fresno, California. Transportation to Fresno, CA available. Bedlington Terrier Puppies for Sale. German Shepherd Dogs are the perfect dog to own. Americanlisted has classifieds in Fresno, California for dogs and cats. German Shepherd puppies for sale in Fresno, CA from trusted breeders. All of our pups are socialized and family raised in our home. Page 2: German Shepherds for Sale in Fresno. Find a German Shepherd Dog for adoption at dog rescues or shelters near Fresno. Fresno German Shepherd puppies for sale will not require a lot of exercise at first, but as they grow older these dogs will start to build up more and more energy and also grow to. We believe that it is not just nature but nurture as well that brings out the best in the German Shepherd working lines. Our kennels are located in sunny Southern California. Lahna is A beautiful an adorable little girl. Azami is a big girl with a loving heart, she is a bit shy in the kennels and once you first meet her but she warms up quickly. She will also have her first vaccination. I currently have 5 male German shepherd puppies available for sale. German Shepherd Dog puppies and dogs in Fresno, California. Don't miss what's happening in your neighborhood. German Pinscher Puppies for Sale. Here are some of our current and recently adopted dogs in our program:. Needs love and plenty of area to roam. Because all breeding programs are different, you may find dogs for sale outside that price range. Rocky Mountain German Shepherds We provide German Shepherd puppies, young adults, trained adults, import service, and all breed dog training. German Shepherd For Sale in Fresno .German Shepherd puppies for sale in Fresno, CA from trusted. Save this search and we'll notify you when they are. As a Hobby Breeder we selectively breed litters of German Shepherds per year and maintain a wait list for our puppies. Join millions of people using Oodle to find puppies for adoption, dog and puppy listings, and other pets adoption. Pets and Animals Fresno. Find German Shepherd puppies for sale. Fresno German Shepherd puppies for sale will not require a lot of exercise at first, but as they grow older these dogs will start to build up more and more energy and also grow to be quite large. German Pinscher. Find German Shepherd puppies for sale Near Visalia, CA German Shepherds are renowned for their incredible trainability, work ethic, and physical grace. Find your puppy for sale in Fresno, CA Puppies. German Shepherds for Sale in Omaha. These spacious kennels provide a great environment for our dogs. Click below to find a shelter or rescue in your area! Find an Animal Shelter. German Shepherd Puppies for Sale near me. They will be dewormed and will have their first parvo shot at 8 weeks. To see more adoptable Bluetick Coonhounds in Fresno, California, use the search tool below to enter specific criteria! German shepherd!!! One of the biggest reasons that you will want to consider getting German shepherd puppies Fresno Ca is because the city is a popular place for adoptions. The young puppy will receive a bath in its eyes, is very afraid of every drop of water dumped on him, and often tries to climb out of the tub. Life is very easy for this little puppy as there are really no other dogs living here. You just need to make sure that you find a good breeder. He should be able to show you pictures of his dog. This breed originated in Germany and is now used all over Europe. It was considered a rare species and was killed off many years ago. There are numerous websites with lists of local breeders. German Shepherd puppies can be found at various dog shows and through German Shepherd Rescue. Breeders of German Shepherds can be contacted via e-mail or phone. Breeders will gladly offer to ship their puppies nationwide. The German Shepherd puppy you choose must have a good temperament. They are very energetic dogs. They are very affectionate, loyal, and playful and need lots of attention and exercise. You need to make sure that your German Shepherd puppy comes from a healthy family, that it has been socialized well and it should have good genes. Online websites sometimes list puppies in the family group or the breed group that is preferred by the judge. Most German Shepherd breeders that sell puppies online also provide details about their breeding facilities. Including the amount of space they offer and whether they have a vet on site. German Shepherd Puppies: The German Shepherd puppies you choose should have solid parents, otherwise they will develop health problems. You can often find puppies for sale from breeders in the network. Breeders often have puppies coming from a breeder near you. You may want to join a group for your German Shepherd puppy, if possible. German Shepherd Puppies are great pets for the right person. German Shepherd Puppies Fresno Ca. If you are near an animal shelter, you might want to consider adopting a puppy from them. There are many animal shelters in all areas of the United States. Some cities have more German Shepherd Puppies than others. The largest dog shelter in the city of Fresno has plenty of German Shepherd Puppies for adoption. German Shepherd Puppies: The German Shepherd puppy that you choose should have a good temperament and be a healthy, happy puppy. The German Shepherd puppy you choose should have a long coat since they do get very dirty. Grooming is very important. There are many quality German Shepherd breeders in and around the metro area of Texas. Contact them and ask for advice and information. German Shepherd Puppies: If you love dogs and barbecue, then you definitely want to consider purchasing a German Shepherd puppy from a breeder near you. Lauderdale area is one of the best places to purchase a puppy. The puppy will come from a reputable family line and will have been socialized from a young age. He will fit right in with his new family. They have classes for children and adults on caring for the animals and running a show in Idaho. This will give the child a hands-on experience and also show them how responsible pet ownership can be. They may decide to buy a German Shepherd later on and show off their talents at the amateur level. German Shepherd Puppies: Owning a German Shepherd will give you many great memories, and they make wonderful family pets. Even though they are not as big as some of the other breeds of dogs, they still have the same stamina as any other dog. They are very intelligent and make great pets and companions. They are great for families with children as they are very gentle with small children. German Shepherd Puppies: There is a large amount of spaying and neutering facilities in Texas, so if you live in an apartment, this is not a problem. Most veterinarians in the county of orange offer free spaying and neutering if you meet their requirements. There are also veterinarians in the Hollywood area that have private dog apartments for sale. You should contact the vet to find out more information about them. With the area being so dry and heat is very much a factor here, most breeders will advertise in newspapers and over the Internet. Adopting a German Shepherd puppy in Fresno is not at all difficult. You can adopt a puppy as small as three weeks old if you so desire. Or you can adopt an older dog that is fully grown and has been trained to do what comes naturally. Some dogs will be pedigreed to show at dog shows while some dogs may only be fully housebroken. The German Shepherd puppies available in Fresno are usually purebred. That means breeding them to be purebred German Shepherd is what their dam was bred to do and not what their owners were raised to do. German Shepherd puppies are very intelligent dogs with a very pleasant temperament. They are very loyal and make wonderful pets and even great companions for elderly people. The only thing that you have to worry about when it comes to adopting a German shepherd puppy in Fresno is the cost of the vet bills if they occur. There is a minimal cost for vaccinations but you can only have two dogs at a time. So if you are going to adopt one, make sure you are going to adopt both. If you are going to get a puppy from a professional breeder, you can be fairly certain that the puppy you are getting is purebred. You will want to make sure that the dam has gotten all of her shots and that the sire has also had all of his necessary shots. If she has been good with the dogs in her last litter then you will want to avoid her dogs and go with someone who has not been as good. Many new puppy owners prefer to get their dogs from German shepherds because they are easier to train and more manageable. The German shepherd puppies that you find at the puppy mills are typically there because they were bred for a purpose and do not simply look pretty. You will have to pay careful attention to the parents of your puppy to make sure that they are in good health otherwise they will not be able to give you any good health problems later down the road. Also, look for puppies that are not scarred or covered in fleas. Sometimes the puppies will be covered in fleas but after they have been spayed or neutered they will no longer be able to come back and bite you. When you begin looking for German shepherd puppies for sale in Fresno, CA you should also keep in mind that they are going to cost a little bit more than another breed of puppies. There is no reason to think that you cannot afford a puppy when you know that you can pay a little bit more for one. Most professional breeders will try to help you find a puppy at the best price possible. They are not trying to make money from you, they are just doing what is best for the dog. Make sure that you take all of this into consideration when you are looking for the right puppy for you. A lot of people are looking to get these dogs and most professional breeders have their dogs live at the facility when they are doing all of their adoptions. The more dogs that your professional breeder has available the more likely it is that they will be able to help you find a puppy. This is a great way to get a puppy without all of the typical expenses that come along with getting a new dog. It is a good idea to check out all of the different professional breeders that are available to you so that you can choose the best match for you. The most important thing is that you make sure that you are getting a German shepherd puppy that is healthy. A lot of times the breeders that are offering German Shepherds for sale in Fresno are just as concerned with the health of the dogs as you are. This is a great way to go if you are looking to get a healthy dog. You can also ask professional breeders for advice on finding a dog that is the right size for you. This is something that can only happen if you spend some time talking to the breeders that are selling the German Shepherds for sale in Fresno. Share this:.

Pug Shih tzu These breeds will snore more than those with longer snouts like Labradors or golden retrievers. However, this does not mean that dogs with longer snouts that snore are fine and do not have underlying conditions. It also does not mean you need to rush your brachycephalic dog to the vet to get surgery to open their airway. There are differing degrees to which the soft palate blocks the airway, and most dogs are perfectly fine without medical intervention. If you notice your brachycephalic dog snoring, seemingly stop breathing, then start snoring again then taking them to the vet is a good idea as their soft palate may be too big for their snout. What Factors Make Snoring Worse? Obesity If your puppy is overweight, they will have excess flesh around their internal organs and their airways, as well as cute little pudge belly rolls. This means the excess fat will press on the airway and make it more difficult for air to travel unimpeded, which will cause snoring. Obesity can also lead to sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a very rare diagnosis in dogs; however it is not unheard of. Sleep apnea happens where your dog will suddenly stop breathing while they are asleep and then start breathing again a couple of seconds later. A sign of sleep apnea is interrupted snoring. Hypothyroidism Hypothyroidism is a common ailment in dogs. This happens when the thyroid gland which sits around part of the windpipe does not produce a specific hormone that regulates metabolism. If this hormone is not regulated, labored breathing while sleeping may happen, causing your puppy to snore. If the cause of the snoring was hypothyroidism, then it should go away as soon as your puppy starts treatment. This will lead to snoring. If your puppy suddenly starts snoring out of the blue and they do not usually snore or snore as badly , then check their mouths for signs of redness, plaque buildup, or a bad odor. If you suspect a rotten tooth or gum disease, get your puppy to the vet. Secondhand Smoke If there is a smoker in the home, your dog is breathing in secondhand smoke. Secondhand smoke irritates the lining of the nasal passages and lungs, inflames them, and dries them out. This can all contribute to your puppy snoring. Do not smoke around your pup, ask guests to not pat your dog while they are smoking, and treat your dog as you would a small child around smoke. When you are preparing your home to bring your new puppy into it, carefully examine what cleaning products you use, what plants they may have access to, and whether there is a lot of sand or dust where they will be playing and sleeping. The dust or allergens such as pollen, chemicals, grass, and pet hair will irritate the lining of the airway and cause it to become inflamed and dry. This in turn will interrupt the flow of air and cause them to snore. If you notice nearly everyone in your household, including your pets, snoring, then you may have a dry atmosphere. Reflux If your puppy suffers from acid reflux heartburn , the stomach acid could be pushing up against their lungs and causing them to snore. Obesity and a very acidic diet both add to acid reflux and make it worse. Watch your puppy when they relax and have a nap after eating: Is their snoring better or worse than when they have not eaten in a while? If their snoring is worse when they nap after eating, they may have an issue with acid reflux and will need to see the vet. Sleeping Position The most common cause for snoring is a funny head position. Puppies will often fall asleep mid-play time in the most unusual positiuons, which may put pressure on their airway and cause them to snore. If you think their position is the cause of their snoring, gently turn them so they lay on their side, where there is minimal pressure on their throat and snout. Rather be safe than sorry. However, there are certain things you can rule out before an expensive vet visit. If they are overweight, this is the most likely cause for their snoring. Put a humidifier in the home and see if it makes a difference in the way in which your dog snores. If it does, then their airway is quite dry. If you notice your dog snoring, stop breathing, and then carry on snoring and even making choking noises, then take them to the vet as there is something blocking their airway. Why does my puppy sleep with a toy in its mouth? Your puppy may have figured out that they have something blocking their airway all on their own and will intentionally go to sleep with a toy in their mouth to prop their jaws open. If you notice that your puppy goes to sleep with a toy in its mouth, take them to the vet to check that their airway is unobstructed. However, snoring may be a sign of an underlying condition so it should never be ignored. If you want to figure out why your puppy snores, go through our list and try to rule out as many potential causes as you can at home before taking them to the vet, so your vet will have a better idea of what could be wrong. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining. Why Does My Puppy Snore? If you click on a link and choose to make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no cost to you. During his naps or while sleeping at night, I occasionally notice my Golden Retriever snores. Sometimes the snoring can be thunderous; however, most often, it does not last for long. However, these loud bouts of snoring got me wondering if Golden Retrievers can snore, and is snoring normal in Golden Retrievers? Occasional snoring is not unusual for Golden Retrievers, provided there are no health issues as the cause. For example, a frequent position that causes snoring is sleeping on the back, causing the tongue to restrict some air movement. However, there are instances where snoring may be due to other causes or even underlying health issues. This article will explore the world of snoring and Golden Retrievers. What Is Snoring? Snoring is the restriction of air movement into the nasal passageways or throat. When your Golden Retriever falls asleep, the muscles in the soft palate, throat, and tongue relax and may partially block the airways, which in turn causes vibrations. For example, the soft tissues in the throat can relax and partially block the airway causing vibrations. Or, the air restriction is due to the tongue blocking some air movement. The greater the blockage of the airways, the more forceful the airflow becomes, causing increased vibrations and louder snoring. So, your Golden Retrieves snores. But, how do you know if that snoring is typical or when it is a cause for concern? Snoring may be a cause for concern if it comes on suddenly and is very loud or the snoring is excessive. Snoring can also be characteristic of sleep apnea, where your dog stops breathing for a period. Additionally, If you find your dog is lethargic the next day, disinterested in exercising or playing, or agitated and restless, snoring may be impacting its sleep. And lack of sleep can negatively affect a dog both physically and mentally. Often signs of lack of sleep in dogs will manifest as stress, anxiety, or even agitation or aggressiveness. Sleep is also essential for the normal functioning of hormones and the healthy repair and regeneration of muscles, skin, and organs. The causes of snoring are discussed next. Causes of Snoring in Golden Retrievers Typically snoring falls into two categories. The first is typical snoring. Snoring in this category has no underlying health causes and no cause for concern. However, the second category of snoring often arises from some underlying health issue or occurs as a secondary issue to the primary health issue. For example, some medications to treat a health concern may cause snoring, not the health issue itself. Non-Health Related Causes of Snoring Non-health-related snoring arises from one of two things: anatomy and sleeping position. This type of snoring does not have an underlying medical cause but rather is due to how a dog is built and how they sleep. Anatomy Most dogs with snoring due to anatomical issues are pugs and bulldogs. Breeds with these characteristic flat faces and shorter noses are brachycephalic. Unlike Pugs, Golden Retrievers are not brachycephalic and less prone to snoring Brachycephalic means short-headed, and these dogs snore much more due to the anatomy of their heads and nasal passages. Healthy Golden Retrievers do not possess flat faces and short noses. As a result, they do not snore due to anatomical causes arising from brachycephaly. So, for Golden Retrievers, regular snoring is typically caused by sleeping positions. Sleep Position A healthy Golden Retriever with no underlying health issues will often snore due to body position when sleeping. Often when a dog sleeps on its back, the tongue relaxes and causes a partial blockage of its airway, resulting in snoring. However, the neck and head position can also cause snoring, even if the dog is sleeping on its side. Suppose your Golden Retriever is sleeping with its head in a tilted position. In that case, it may cause the soft tissue in the mouth to relax and position itself to hinder the airways somewhat. The result is snoring. For example, my Golden Retriever will often sleep with its head on an object, with the head tilted up, or with its head off hanging off the side of the bed. Although he is sleeping on his side, he will snore due to the neck and head position. Adjusting the sleep position, whether the dog is sleeping on its back or with its head tilted, will usually stop the snoring. Usually, the snoring itself is not a concern but rather a sign of the underlying medical problem causing it. Potential health issues include obesity, dental problems, airway obstructions, medications, and allergies or colds. Obesity Obesity in dogs is prevalent and can affect them in many ways. A Golden Retriever that is overweight or obese may snore more due to extra fat accumulating on the upper airway tissues. This excess fat compresses the airway, restricting airflow and causing snoring. If you are unsure if your Golden Retriever is overweight, or you need some tips you can implement if it is, then check out this post: A Fat Golden Retriever? How To Know and What to Do. Dental Issues If your Golden Retriever has dental issues, it can cause snoring. How so? Consider that anything that causes restricted airflow in the nasal passageways or throat can potentially result in snoring. An infection from an abscessed tooth can affect the throat and nasal passageways. Specifically, the infected soft tissue can cause swelling and put pressure on the throat or nasal cavity, which restricts airflow and causes snoring. Dental issues such as abscesses can cause snoring Obstructions Obstructions can block the airway and restrict airflow. Obstructions can be foreign objects lodged in the nasal cavity or throat, such as seeds, twigs, or dirt. Obstructions can also be from masses such as tumors, abscesses, or polyps, which may result from cancers or infections. If your dog has never been a snorer and suddenly starts, this could signal a problem. You should check in with your vet. If obstructions are the cause, a veterinarian will need to remove them. Allergies and Infections Yes, our Golden Retrievers can suffer from allergies just like we do, and the same allergy culprits that cause issues with people can affect our dogs too. Irritants such as dust, pollen, smoke e. Once irritated, the body produces mucus. That combination of mucus and an irritated airway may lead to snoring. If your dog suffers from allergies, you can look for many common signs that people experience. For example, your Golden Retriever may sneeze a lot, have a running nose, or its eyes may water. Often snoring can increase in the winter when the furnace is running. Any dust and irritant particles are distributed through the house via the furnace vents. For example, my Golden Retriever Bailey constantly has running eyes. Colds are more frequent in the winter months, and your dog may snore if it is suffering from a cold infection. However, once the cold subsides, so should the snoring. Allergy, infections, and colds can cause snoring in Golden Retrievers Medications Certain medications can cause snoring, especially if they relax the dog and cause the throat muscles to relax. However, the snoring often stops once the dog is off the drug. However, if your dog is on medication for life or the snoring does not stop once off the medication, let your veterinarian know to ensure there are no other underlying causes of concern. Beware that many drugs, such as Ibuprofen Advil , which are safe for people, can be dangerous to Golden Retrievers. Secondhand Smoke While smoke as an irritant was discussed in allergies, smoke from cigarettes deserves its discussion due to health concerns. Secondhand smoke has the potential to irritate the airways and cause snoring. It can also cause other health issues such as lung and heart disease. Like people, secondhand smoke can be dangerous to our pets. However, if you must smoke and have a Golden Retriever, try to do so outside. Smoke can be incredibly irritating to dogs, considering they have a sense of smell vastly superior to human beings. Other Medical Issues Snoring can be a sign of medical issues in dogs. For example, medical conditions such as sleep apnea, lung issues, or hypothyroidism can cause snoring in dogs. If your Golden Retriever snores and seems to be suffering from some health-related problems e. Likewise, if your Golden Retriever appears healthy but still snores excessively, then consulting a veterinarian is also beneficial as a precaution. Your vet can rule out any health issues, check for dental problems, and determine if your Golden might need to lose some weight. Especially if the snoring is caused by things in the environment that we can eliminate, adjust, or lessen. Frequently, the very steps that help reduce snoring in people work with our Golden Retrievers too. Adjust the Sleeping Position If your dog sleeps on its back, then adjusting its sleeping position often does the trick. You can gently roll your Golden Retriever on its side in these instances. However, most Golden Retrievers do not sleep on their back for long periods, so they should roll to their side after a short time. For back sleepers, adjusting the sleeping position often helps with snoring Reduce Allergens Keep your house clean to cut down on dust, pollen, and other irritants to reduce allergens. You can also use a home air purifier to clean the air and help cut down on allergens. If there is smoke in the summer from forest fires, try to keep the windows closed, clean regularly, and utilize an air purifier. Make sure your furnace filter is clean and replace it regularly in the winter. Add Moisture to the Air Adding moisture to the air can help if your area of the world suffers from dry air. Often dry air is common if you live in an area with cold winters like here in Canada. Humidifiers can be attached as part of the furnace. However, adding a humidifier to the room where your dog sleeps can also be helpful. Oftentimes the dry air is responsible for snoring in the same way allergens do. The dry air causes excess mucus production and throat irritation leading to snoring. Humidifiers can help keep allergens like dust stuck to the ground or other surfaces by adding moisture to the air. Dust is more buoyant in air that is dry and lacking moisture. Diet and Exercise Diet and exercise are essential for keeping your Golden Retriever at a healthy weight. Unfortunately, many dogs that suffer from obesity can be prone to snoring. Plus, exercise has the added benefit of being good for the heart and lungs of your Golden Retriever. Keeping your Golden Retrievers at an ideal weight is mostly in your control. Make sure your Golden Retriever gets one to two hours of exercise daily, and you may need to put it on a calorie-restricted diet if it has a few pounds to drop. The best advice is to consult with your vet on the most helpful approach to ensuring your Golden Retriever loses weight in the healthiest way possible. Keeping your Golden Retriever at a healthy weight can prevent obesity-related snoring Treat Underlying Medical Conditions Finally, if your Golden Retriever has any underlying medical conditions, the best course of action is to treat the illness. For example, suppose snoring is associated with an illness or the medication used to treat it. In that case, the snoring will cease or resume to more normal levels once the issue has been resolved. Of course, if it is a condition that must be treated for a lifetime, snoring might be a side effect you will need to live with and manage. In those cases, you can implement some of the tips discussed earlier, such as reducing dust and pollen and using humidifiers and air purifiers. Doing so might not eliminate snoring, but hopefully, it can reduce its severity and make sleeping more comfortable for you and your Golden. Finally, whether the medical condition is temporary or longer-term, talk to your vet about ways you can help your Golden Retriever snore less. Use Earplugs If it turns out that your healthy Golden Retriever is a snorer, and it happens to sleep with you or in your room, then there may be only one solution left. Short of having your Golden Retriever sleep in another room, earplugs might be an inexpensive and easy fix. However, beware that earplugs can take some getting used to, and it may take some experimenting to find ones that fit your ear properly. Summing It Up Most often, Golden Retriever snoring is perfectly normal and is nothing to be concerned about. However, when snoring becomes excessive, it may be due to a health issue, and a trip to the vet may be warranted to address any underlying causes. But, hopefully, implementing some of the suggestions discussed will make sleeping more comfortable for your Golden Retriever. And, for you! Like all dogs, they can run into health issues at any stage of their life. One of these issues is snoring, which can be either harmless, or a symptom of an underlying health issues. Which begs the question: Is it normal for Golden Retrievers to snore? Like most animals, it is completely normal for a Golden Retriever to snore. However, you will want to take your dog to the vet if you suspect their snoring is caused by abnormal factors such as obesity, illness, infection, physical obstructions, allergies, medications, nasal tumors, or sleep apnea. This article may contain affiliate links and loyalgoldens may earn a commission if a purchase is made. Unlock your goldens natural intelligence and see just how quickly problem behaviors disappear. This is the best at home dog training I've ever used! Why Do Golden Retrievers Snore? As a breed, Golden Retrievers, due to the shape of their snout, are not genetically inclined to snore as some other breeds are like a Pug or a Bulldog. Therefore, snoring in these dogs can usually be explained by environmental or health factors. The swelling of throat and mouth tissue usually comes from illness or infection, allergies, or physical obstructions. Obesity Obesity is one of the main contributors to snoring in Golden Retrievers. Excess weight causes snoring because the fat is often stored around the throat, which obstructs proper breathing. This makes them more susceptible to snoring than many other dog breeds. The risk becomes a lot higher, the more obese the dog becomes. If you suspect that your Golden Retriever might be overweight or even obese, you can test by doing a visual check and feeling for their ribs. You should be able to see a defined waist and straight sides. Without applying much pressure, you should be able to feel the outline of their ribs. Look at your dog side on. There should be a visible tuck at their abdomen, and it should sit higher than their chest. Watch this severely overweight Golden Retriever lose lbs! Illness or Infection Just as with humans, respiratory infections like kennel cough or the flu can cause snoring in dogs. Kennel cough is a common respiratory tract infection from bacteria. It is highly contagious and spreads between dogs when they breathe in the infected particles. Kennel cough has the following symptoms: Strong, persistent cough Clear discharge from the nose Eye discharge Kennel cough, as well as other respiratory infections, can cause laryngitis. This is an inflammation of the larynx, which sits at the top of the throat. Once the larynx tissues are infected, their mucous membranes swell and fill with fluid to fight infection. This swelling makes it difficult for air to pass, causing snoring while the dog sleeps. Physical Obstructions If your Golden loves to explore with their nose, then the culprit for their snoring could be a simple physical obstruction. Dogs can easily get grass or seeds stuck inside their nostrils, which then swell and prevent proper breathing. If there appears to be swelling or discharge, then there could be something stuck inside. Allergies Allergic reactions in Golden Retrievers can cause snoring by creating an immune response that swells the tissue in their respiratory tract. Other symptoms of an allergic reaction in dogs include: Itchy skin and scratching Redness and infection in the ears Vomiting and diarrhea Sneezing Nasal discharge A study in the Clinical and Translational Allergy journal found that Golden Retrievers are in the top 19 of dog breeds that are most likely to be affected by pollen allergies. Pollen can be found in grasses, trees, and weeds, and is usually seasonal. Pollen allergies in Golden Retrievers often affect their skin, with inflamed and itchy patches, but it can also cause rhinitis. This is an inflammation of the mucous membrane in the nose, which can restrict breathing and cause snoring. Golden Retrievers can also be allergic to: Dust and dust mites Smoke Mold If you notice that your Golden Retriever is snoring and has other symptoms of an allergic reaction, you may need to seek treatment for their allergies. Medications Some medications can cause snoring by relaxing the muscles of the throat. These include painkillers and muscle relaxants. Nasal Tumors In severe cases, snoring could be a symptom of nasal cancer. The tumors cause a physical block that makes it more difficult for your dog to breathe while asleep and awake. Sometimes dogs like to sleep lying on their back, which naturally obstructs their airflow. Their tongue drops towards the roof of their mouth and prevents the usual amount of air from moving in and out of the throat. What Is Normal Snoring? If your dog has never snored before but has suddenly started, it could be a sign that there is an underlying issue that needs attention. Furthermore, if they have any of the inflammation or infection symptoms, you should seek treatment for their snoring. Additionally, if your Golden Retriever has any of the sleep apnea symptoms, you should consult a vet for treatment as soon as possible. The symptoms of sleep apnea in dogs are: Loud, continual snoring. However, it seems that even those angel-looking dogs can make very non-angelic sounds while sleeping. So, Do Golden Retrievers Snore? Yes, Golden Retrievers Snore. The volume and sound of their snoring differ according to what is causing the snoring. Their snoring also tends to get louder and stronger as they grow older. Living with a Retriever: Recommendations and Sources Want the best diet for your dog? Check out the best and healthiest foods for golden retrievers at every age here — Dry, Wet, Homemade Recipes, and Treats! Taking a walk? These are the best leashes, collars, and harnesses for the buck that you can find. Find my list of recommendations here. Why Do Golden Retrievers Snore? A Golden retriever will snore if something is obstructing their airways or if something is irritating them like tobacco smoke or a certain allergen. You can often fix the snoring issue by giving your dog a regular exercise routine and moving their sleeping place to somewhere away from any smoke or allergens. If the snoring is loud and happened all of a sudden, it may be a sign of a more serious health issue that needs a visit to the vet. If your golden is your first dog, I have news for you; golden retrievers snore, but almost all other dog breeds do or can snore. The dog breeds that are more likely to snore are the ones that have a flattened windpipe as the result of breeding over time, these breeds include pugs, Pekingese, and Boston Terriers. And just like what happens with you, the cold will also give your dog a runny nose and cause his nostrils to become irritated and obstructed, leading to snoring. This is probably the easiest cause, as the snoring will simply go away on its own as the cold does. All you need to do for now is care for your dog and the snoring will go away once your dog is all well again. Excess Tissue in their throat due to overweight or obesity Before we get fat on the outside, we get fat on the inside. Other than snoring, this is actually a serious problem and if left untreated, can cause really serious problems. If your dog becomes obese, there can be so much tissue that the trachea collapses, which is fatal. Dogs can have allergies to dust, pollen, and danger. These can make it harder for your dog to breath normally even in their sleep. If they do, the solution could be to simply give them the medications needed to ease these problems. Something else that might be irritating your dog; tobacco smoke. Second hand smoking is as bad for dogs as it is for humans, and just like some humans, some dogs can also be sensitive to tobacco smoke. The tobacco smoke can irritate their lungs and airways so much that it causes them to snore. If this is the case, you need to check where and how is your buddy inhaling that smoke. Some investigative work might be needed. Bring out the Sherlock in you. Aspergillosis — a Fungal disease This is something else that affects dogs and humans alike. It occurs when we inhale mold spores which can exist in hay, grass, and compost piles. If your golden retriever is playing in grass a lot, this is a likely reason behind their snoring as they can cause irritation. Physical Obstructions Do you know how your dog explores the world with its nose and mouth? Change their sleeping place Fight pollens and smoke with air filters and regular vacuuming Give them medications for their allergies. Visit the doctor Give them a pillow For some reason, giving them a pillow sometimes works or lowers the volume of the snoring. An elevated head seems to be helping with the snoring by clearing the airways somehow. A Regular Exercise Routine at low-traffic times Regular exercise can help with maintaining their weight and with the snoring, but you should give some thought into when and where is this exercise taking place. If you can, choose places as far away from traffic as possible or choose times with the lowest car traffic as possible. This is, of course, to minimize the amount of smoke your dog inhales. Change their sleeping place Something could be wrong with their sleeping spot. Try alternating their bedding as well in an attempt to change their sleeping positions and see if this works. Give them medications for their allergies If your dog has a seasonal allergy, and OTC over the counter medication can help with that. Ask your vet for a recommendation and give it to your dog. Visit the doctor for a check-up If things get worse, you should get your dog to the vet for a check up. When to go to the vet? You need to see the vet if the snoring is too loud or if it is accompanied by other symptoms, such as vomiting or diarrhea. Your dog may start snoring as they get older and they become much less active. As your dog gets older, their sleep also gets heavier, which will is associated with snoring as well. It can go away on its own, or you will just need to live with it. Or maybe they will start sleeping downstairs. Related Questions It is normal for golden retrievers to snore? It is perfectly normal for a golden retriever to snore. Should I let my Golden Retriever Sleep with me? If you want to, you can let your golden retriever sleep with you on the same bed. Research has shown that letting your dog sleep with you in the same bed has more pros than cons.

If you click and purchase, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Our list of the highest rated Labradoodle Breeders in New York features ethical facilities whose main focus is producing healthy Labradoodle pups. More breeders are taking on the huge responsibility of breeding Labradoodle puppies in New York, which is naturally a great thing. However, the high demand has also attracted Doodle scammers and puppy mills. See Also: Click the image Although Doodle scammers will leave you empty-handed with no money or puppy, puppy mills are a different story. Namely, their lower prices are used to attract unknowing buyers while selling them unhealthy puppies from overbred parents. Oftentimes, the kennels are in horrible conditions, the dogs are malnourished, and come with a wide set of health problems. You can always ask the breeder for proof of health testing, as reputable breeders have no problems providing you with the documentation. For more on issues that can plague Labradoodles take a look at our article Doodle Health Issues and Diseases. Another great indicator is that a breeder is recommended by Gooddog. All of these organizations require their certified breeders to follow high standards of health and genetic testing. In addition to that, the breeders have to follow ethical breeding practices and provide a safe, clean, and nurturing environment for the breeding dogs and puppies. See Also:. We raise high-quality Mini Labradoodles as well as a few other breeds. We also have partnered up with several other reputable breeders that raise mini labradoodle pups that meet our strict genetic criteria and testing. So we usually have a good selection of very high-quality puppies. View Our Available Puppies! F1B Mini Labradoodle Puppies are a second-generation cross or hybrid. The father is a Mini Poodle and the mother is an F1 Labradoodle. The F1B Minature Labradoodles usually have soft hair that is usually wavy or curly. Thes puppies are considered semi-hypoallergenic since they shed minimally. These puppies can be a good fit if a person that has mild pet allergies. Once F1B Mini Labradoodles reach 6 months old they require to be groomed once every 8 weeks or so to keep their fur healthy and to stop matting. Adult F1B Mini labradoodle dogs range in size from 14 inches in height and pounds in weight. The average life span is typically years of age. The F1BB puppies usually have curlier coats and will be totally hypoallergenic. Once the F1BB pup is 6 months they will need regular grooming every 6 to 8 weeks. F1BB Puppies are usually slightly smaller than F1B puppies and range from 12 inches in height and pounds in weight. Mini Labradoodles are known for their intelligence and the ability to be trained very easily. They make amazing family pets and love to participate in family activities like swimming, hiking, camping or just playing tag in the yard. This breed is also a good choice for people who live in apartments as long as they get at least minutes of exercise a day. So if you live near Long Island New York and are looking for a healthy and beautiful Mini Labradoodle puppy that can be delivered to you then check out our available pups now by Clicking Here. Below are some Mini Labradoodle pups that have been adopted.

They are a small group of reputable pug breeders in the state. All their puppies have registration papers from the American Kennel Club to ensure quality and purity. All their happy pugs are vet certified and great family members to have. They undergo behavioral and crate training to ensure they have a good temperament. If you want to know more about their available puppies, you can visit their website or call their office. Yellow Frame Pugs judybasto yahoo. Yellow Frame Pugs is one of the best pug breeders you can contact today. They breed AKC quality litter which you can have inside your small space home or apartments. Judi Basto is the founder of this pug breeder group. Being one of the current PDCA members, you are confident of buying top quality dogs from them. You can find different breeds of pugs in their facility. Whether you like white pugs or silver brindle, you can find it there. All their dog breeds come from strong genetic lines that guarantee their purity. All of their litters are also vet checked for the health guarantee of their pug for sale in New Jersey. If you want all the details of their dogs, you can email them at judybasto yahoo. You can call their NJ phone line. They started breeding the former in while the latter in .She is also an officer of the Delaware Valley Pug Club. As one of the reputable breeders in NJ, they give more importance to quality rather than quantity of litter. All their puppies have health clearances to ensure they are in good shape before giving to new owners. All three dog breeds have been exceptional. Mastiffs are loyal and caring giants. They are easy to train like the short coat pugs. Black Russian Terriers are also smart and highly trainable. All their puppies for sale in NJ are healthy and friendly. You can see their sale listings on their website. Visit their site to view them. You can also call their NJ phone line to book an appointment or to ask for more details. Happy Pugs. They post details about the pug dogs for sale with the photos of the adorable pugs attached. Here are some of the places you can look: Foster Care New Jersey has foster cares for pugs that will sell a pug puppy. These foster care centers provide veterinary care. You are assured of getting healthy puppies and adult dogs. Adopt A Pet Adopt a Pet is a great website you can visit if you wish to adopt a pug for your home. They also occasionally sell pug puppies. To get a pug puppy from them, you will submit an application form downloadable from their website and submit the form through email or through the mail. Adopt a Pet recommends you submit a pre-approval application for the pugs you are willing to adopt. You can give them a call at or send them an email at ajdusman comcast. You can also ask them for recommended pug breeders near your location or a pug puppy that is for sale. Shake a Paw is one of the largest pet stores in New Jersey. They are a reputable pet store that is well connected to the local community. Shake a Paw is an organization known for taking care of rescued dogs and reforming them until they are fit to be reintroduced to a loving home. Within three years, they were able to reintroduce adult dogs. You can visit their adoption website at www. Their showrooms feature advanced ventilation systems and air purification systems. This is their health guarantee, making sure that the dogs they rescue are in perfect health and are well taken care of. They have a great selection of available puppies like a pug and other breeds to choose from. They are reputable jersey pug breeders who put great value in what they are doing. Give them a call to know if they have a pug puppy for sale. Ask yourself the questions we have listed below to know if you are ready to bring a pug to your home and to your family. Do you have the extra time? Pugs are an active and energetic breed, especially in their pug puppy days. They are cute little balls of joy but make no mistakes, they will bounce around the house and will get let all their energy out. You also need to make time to train them, get them to the vet for regular health checkups, feed them, and groom them. These activities are necessary for the pug puppy to grow healthy. For this reason, breeders discourage buyers who are constantly on travel or those who spend long hours in their work. The perfect puppy needs a parent that is consistently by their side. Another activity that will require your time is cleaning. Pugs are average shedders but they shed hair throughout the year. This is why it is a necessity to make sure they are groomed regularly. Who lives at home with you? Before checking out Pug Puppies for Sale NJ posts, consider other people who are with you before you take the dog home. Since the pug puppy will surely adapt to living in your home, make sure that the rest of the family is open to giving the pug the best time of its life. While a pug can be the perfect puppy for children, children and adults can be allergic to pet hair and other irritants that stem from owning a pet. This is a major consideration to make before taking a pug home. If you already have other pets living in your home, you need to pay attention to how each of them reacts to the perfect puppy. The best course of action is to make owning a pet a family decision. Avoid adding to the hundreds of dogs, whether as pug puppies or as adult dogs, that are being abandoned each year and end up in rescue shelters. Did you consider the added cost? The cost of buying pug puppies is just the beginning of your expenses. Adding a living, breathing, organism to your home will incur expenses in your budget. While the initial costs will come primarily from its food, there are other expenses you need to be prepared for. To breed pug puppies, you should have the budget for regular veterinary care, treats, chew toys, grooming services, grooming products, and medicine. Some home insurance companies will include a fee for pets in your house. Make sure you have a complete idea about the initial cost of keeping a healthy pug in your home and the added cost to keep it healthy and active. Do you have a vet, an animal hospital, or Jersey pug breeders near you? Pugs, and dogs in general, have diseases and health conditions that are inherited. These genetic conditions can show up anytime, depending on the situation of the dog. Owning a pug comes with the risk of having to take them to a hospital due to an emergency or a sickness. Either you should be ready to make the drive or your place is near a vet or an animal hospital. Check out the list of pug breeders below. When dealing with a pug breeder, do not hesitate to ask for detailed information about the puppies and the way they raise them. Check their sale listings and make sure to confirm all the details they provide. Yellow Frame Pugs. They are friendly to new people and agrees with kids and other house animals, they are house and potty trained, they will come with all necessary papers including food menu, interested persons should feel free to contact us with the name of the breed directly via xxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxx. View Detail Pug puppies available now They are home trained, AKC registered and up to date on all their shots and vaccines. These Pug puppies will make a perfect addition to any pet loving home since they are well socialized with kids and other pets. Please contact us with the name of the breed directly via xxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxx. I am looking for someone to play with. When I get tired, I will come and curl up next to you so we can go to sleep. I love to go to parks and meet new people and animals. I am very affectionate and love to give kisses. I promise if you take me home, I will brighten your days and will always love you unconditionally. I will come home to you up to date on my vaccinations and vet checked. I am excited to meet you and become your new best Buy Now 2 montg old pug very cute. Very cute. No shots yet or fixe weight about 2Lbs. Handsome male dog. View Detail Meet Oliver Mr. Oliver is a fun, loving, energetic, cuddle buddy. Lol Owner is allergic to him. They are vet-checked, registered and have complete shots. Super calm with everyone and friendly with other home pets. Perfect companions. All vet and health papers are available. Puppies are potty and crate trained. Text or WhatsApp at.Adorable little female pug puppy looking for her forever home. Born August 6th, she will be 8 weeks old on October 1st. Playful and loving! Both parents are youngers and we have DNA certificate for pure breed 4th Generation level. Price for each is firm, No for resellers, price I am asking, is only looking to recover maternity and care costs. We are looking for a good family that give time and love they deserve, they are playful, beautiful, and healthy. The buyer must take them to the Vet for their first vaccination and physical checkup. View Detail Adorable pugs for sale Pure bred pugs. Cute female and males available. Home raised with up to date shots and dewormed. Why Is My Dog Shaking? Dogs are known for their loyalty and companionship, but when they start shaking, it can be a cause for concern for pet owners. Shaking in dogs can be a sign of various issues, from dog anxiety and dog fear to dog medical conditions. In this blog post, we will explore the common causes of a dog shaking and what pet owners can do to identify and treat the problem. We will also offer tips for preventing dog shaking and ensuring.By doing regular grooming at home, you can help your dog look its best between visits to the groomer. You also get to bond more closely and build stronger trust with your dog. Routine grooming sessions will keep your dog clean and feeling fresh, but it will also.Their personality is lively, their nature fun-loving, and their disposition affectionate. As even-tempered, sweet, and playful dogs, Pugs make wonderful playmates for kids of all ages and lovely companion pets for couples, singles, and seniors. These little joy bringers love to cuddle and are generous with their Pug love. When it comes to their family, Pugs attach like magnets. They are known to happily shadow their humans in every activity and are just as happy lazing on the couch all day as they are going for a long evening stroll around the neighborhood. Great choice. Pugs are popular pets for a reason. This delightful, friendly breed makes a wonderful family pet or companion. But these in-demand pooches can be tricky to track down. Our team has put together a list of top Pug breeders in New Jersey. We know exactly what to look for in a breeder. They have over 25 years of experience breeding Mastiffs and have also been breeding Pugs since .All Agincourt dogs are bred selectively. She is now in the process of becoming an American Kennel Club judge herself and has already participated in numerous educational seminars and workshops. They produce standard and rare Pugs of color including black, fawn, apricot, brindle, reverse brindle, silver, silver brindle, platinum white, and white Pugs. All their puppies are healthy with a certificate and guarantee. Their dogs are all AKC registered with strong genetic lines. Christina and Richard love their dogs and make sure to socialize them with other dogs, cats, and young children. They also come with a health guarantee, first shots, and deworming. Please note that Happy Pugs does not ship their dogs due to the associated risks. They are raised indoors around small children and fed both wet and dry food. Nicole picks only good, safe homes for her pups and does not ship due to the associated risks. MeshugaDogs Phone: Website: meshugadogs. They own, breed, and inseminate themselves. Some of their dogs have even featured in commercials. Meshuga has black, fawn, white, brindle, silver, and apricot Pugs. All their pups have excellent temperaments, health lines, and all studs are PDE tested. They raise and breed AKC standard black and fawn Pug pedigrees only. Pugz Pawz strives to keep their Pug breed top-quality, healthy, and happy. Puppies are raised at home, not in kennels. Pugz Pawz always prioritizes finding safe, loving homes for their pups. To offer the finest Pug-specific products to the world. Pug Envy has litters available at various points throughout the year. Due to high demand, they operate on a first-come, first-serve basis. Tracy is a registered AKC breeder who has been working with Pugs for nineteen years. She prioritizes the health and wellbeing of her dogs to guarantee you well-socialized, loving, healthy pets. They love their dogs and show commitment to the betterment of the breed in everything they do. But how can you spot reputable breeders when you start searching for a Pug puppy? Here are some tips to help you out. A good breeder will… 1. Issue a health guarantee Make sure that your breeder of choice offers a health guarantee. A reputable Pug breeder will write up a binding health guarantee for all of their puppies. The guarantee protects you against any genetic defects or diseases. It shows that the breeder is confident that their puppies are bred according to best practices. This means if you can no longer look after your pup for some reason, you will be expected to return the puppy to the breeder rather than taking them to a shelter. Provide standard health clearances Your breeder should have full health clearances for both parent Pugs. Good breeders often provide some early health-check clearances for their pups too, although some health clearances simply cannot be carried on such young pups. Issue a written bill of sale Reputable breeders offer written bills of sale to all of their new Pug parents. This bill of sale should be signed and will outline all the roles and responsibilities to be taken on by the buyer and seller as part of the transaction. Vaccinate their puppies All puppies should be up to date on their vaccinations before being homed with new families. Your breeder of choice should be able to provide evidence of these vaccinations. Reputable breeders welcome prospective parents into their homes to see the puppies. Follow age guidelines Puppies should never leave the litter before 8 weeks of age. Any breeder offering pups for adoption before this time is not following best practices. In fact, this could be quite damaging for the puppy developmentally. A reputable breeder will keep their pups at home until eight to twelve weeks so that they can be properly socialized and spend that crucial time with their mother and litter-mates. Answer your questions Last, but not least, a reputable breeder will be knowledgeable. In most cases, they will also want to ask you plenty of questions to ensure that their precious pups are going to good homes. We have a strict selection process that takes a variety of factors into account. That way we can ensure that only the best breeders end up on our lists. This way we know that our chosen breeders offer genetically sound and healthy puppies. Health testing shows a commitment to the health and wellbeing of each Pug. Contact information Any breeder that does not offer up their contact information is a big red flag. A reputable breeder will make it easy for you to get in contact with them by providing telephone numbers, email addresses, and they will usually have a well-established website as well. It shows a commitment to breeding best practices. Event participation Breeders who also compete in doggie events are often some of the best. Because these people tend to be dog lovers par excellence. They live and breathe for their Pugs and are proud to show them off in public. They are also more likely to have a high level of breed knowledge — an excellent sign for a breeder. Breed club membership There are lots of breed clubs out there that breeders can register with. These clubs have rules, regulations, and membership fees. If your breeder is registered with the Pug Dog Club of America, this is a great sign showing commitment to the Pug breed. Recognition awards Lastly, we look out for awards! Institutions like the AKC recognize the efforts and achievements of top breeders. The very best will be awarded the AKC recognition of merit award. During this time we recommend getting everything ready before your new arrival rattles through the front door. Your puppy will need: a crate for sleeping and training during the early days quality puppy-grade food a leash and harness plenty of toys You may also wish to purchase a puppy gate if there are areas of your home that you want to keep your Pug away from. This is all about making your home as safe as possible for your new arrival. Make sure anything that could potentially cause harm to your pup is removed. Clear your schedule Having a Pug puppy is a bit like having a human baby. So make sure to clear your schedule and get all of those errands done ahead of time! Once they arrive… 4. Avoid crowds Hold your excitement. That means no crowds. Try to keep the home environment as stress-free as possible so that your puppy can settle in and start to feel part of the family. Crate training is the first step. Lay down a regular routine from the get to and your Pug will be good as gold in no time.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. What to Feed German Shepherd Puppies: A Healthy Feeding Guide One of the first things you need to know about what to feed German Shepherd puppies is, right from the start, to choose a high-quality puppy-specific food for large breed puppies. What to feed German Shepherd puppies—feed German Shepherd puppies a diet that is: Specifically created for large-breed puppies. What do German Shepherd puppies eat? New owners are given a host of choices when bringing home their new pups. You can choose to offer one or the other, or even opt for mixed feeding. Dry Kibble Kibble is the most popular and economical choice for German Shepherd puppies. Plus, the major manufacturers offer a complete and balanced diet in many different flavors, with or without grains, and even limited ingredient diets. Kibble can be moistened either with water or broth. Here are the advantages and disadvantages of kibble when it comes to feeding German Shepherd puppies: Advantages Easy to purchase at most stores and online. Keeps for longer than other food options. Quick and simple to serve with little clean up. Disadvantages Can be difficult for some puppies to chew, causing them to not eat enough. Wet Food Here are some advantages and disadvantages of feeding German Shepherd puppies wet food : Advantages Softer and potentially more palatable for picky eaters. Contains more water content than dry food, which can help keep your puppy hydrated. Can leave dogs feeling fuller for longer due to the water content. Can be more expensive than kibble in the long run. Requires more preparation time. Mixing Dry Kibble and Wet Foods Feeding our German Shepherd puppies is no easy task, and deciding between wet and dry puppy food can leave us scratching our heads. But what if we told you there was a middle ground? Mixing wet and dry puppy foods can be an option worth considering, but it comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Wet food contributes to increased water intake, ensuring your furry friend stays well-hydrated. Allows you to provide a diverse array of nutrients, contributing to a balanced diet for your growing German Shepherd. Disadvantages Might make it trickier to regulate portion sizes accurately, potentially leading to overfeeding and weight issues. These diets exclude foods that have been cooked or processed in any way. There are also some advantages and disadvantages to feeding a German Shepherd puppy a raw food diet: Advantages Raw diets consist of uncooked, fresh ingredients that retain their natural nutrients, potentially promoting better health for your puppy. Some puppies with food sensitivities might find relief on a raw diet as it eliminates common allergens found in processed foods. Disadvantages Preparing a balanced raw diet requires careful planning to ensure your pup gets all the necessary nutrients in the right proportions. Raw diets carry a higher risk of bacterial contamination, potentially affecting both your pup and you. Sourcing high-quality ingredients and properly storing them can be costly and time-consuming. Homemade Diets For large breed puppies, like German Shepherds, homemade diets must be carefully formulated, just like commercial foods. To create a homemade diet recipe specifically for your dog, it is preferable to consult a veterinarian who holds a board certification in veterinary nutrition. Unfortunately, research has shown that many well-intentioned dog owners still overfeed or give their dogs an unbalanced diet, which can be harmful. By cooking at home, you can skip additives and preservatives often found in commercial dog food. Disadvantages Without proper knowledge and planning, homemade meals may lack essential nutrients, leading to nutritional imbalances. Preparing homemade food demands time and effort, which might be challenging for busy pet parents. Mishandling raw ingredients can lead to contamination, causing health issues for your puppy. Remember, these charts help provide a guideline, but each dog is an individual. For example, if your dog has had a busy day of training and playing, they may need a few extra calories for dinner. This helps ensure they are growing as expected, and if not, you may need to alter the recommended feeding amount. As a rule of thumb, most German Shepherd puppies will eat as follows in this chart: Age. How often you should feed a German Shepherd puppy depends on their age and their activity level. Many owners also want to know when they can switch to adult food formulas for their German Shepherd puppies. Switch your GSD puppy to adult food when they are around 12 to 18 months old. Puppies can begin adult kibble when they are approximately 80 percent of their adult weight. This usually occurs around 8 to 10 months of age, but you can safely feed puppy food up to 18 months old as long as they are not putting on excess weight too quickly. If you want to know what to feed a German Shepherd puppy, keep reading. Finding the best food to feed your German Shepherd puppy is overwhelming at times. This means choosing what to feed a German Shepherd puppy is even more serious and intimidating! Follow this feeding guide when you need to know what to feed German Shepherd puppies. I understand! The following dog foods are all recommended for large breed puppies and meet and exceed regulated nutritional standards. Feeding a high-quality kibble from a name-brand company that uses feeding trials ensures the best quality and nutrition. Here are some of the best German Shepherd puppy foods that are research-backed. Packed with nutrients to help limit inflammation of the joints and uses fresh ingredients. Easily digestible formula for puppies prone to allergies and sensitive stomachs. Rich aroma with DHA fish oil to entice puppies to finish every last bite while giving shine to their coats. The better the food, the healthier your pup will be inside and out. Cheaper GSD puppy food lacks quality proteins that are essential for your working breed dog. Adding too much weight to your German Shepherd too soon can cause lifelong joint issues that are painful to your pet and expensive on your wallet. Most GSDs are healthy and fit on commercial dog foods that are high quality. These balanced formulas keep their bones and muscles strong throughout their growing periods and can ward off later joint issues, a common breed problem, as they mature. There is a greater demand for quality nutrition during the early growth stage. For these reasons, you must feed high-quality food. Now, consider what to feed a German Shepherd puppy based on their age. These feeding charts and guides will help keep your new companion growing strong and athletic. Tiny portions of canned, wet foods are introduced. Meals per day: 4 or more Puppies should stay with their mom for to keep them healthy. Nutrition Warning! At 8-weeks-old a GSD pup is eating more solid foods and develops a better appetite for kibble and other foods. Add in only a couple of small spoonfuls of canned plain pumpkin, unsweetened Greek yogurt, or cooked oatmeal to entice your pup to eat. Meals per day: 4 Week-Old Puppy Continue feeding the same as the 8-week-old diet. Treats are not only enjoyable for your German Shepherd, but help you to eneterain and build a positive relationship with him. Be sure to keep their zoomies under control by playing plenty of fun German Shepherd games for puppies. Meals per day: 4 Week-Old Puppy Continue to feed the kibble. Watch for excessive weight gain during this growth time as their bones cannot take extra weight! Too much weight gain too quickly can cause joint issues as an adult and prevent healthy development. Use their mental energy to help keep them more relaxed throughout the day by playing brain-boosting mind games for German Shepherd puppies. Meals per day: 3 to 4 Week-Old Puppy Keep your puppy trim and athletic by monitoring how much you feed your puppy and their body condition. You can write how much they eat and track this over time, and adjust how much your feed your German Shepherd puppy to keep them at a healthy weight. Try using fresh, raw, cut-up pieces of carrots as healthy treats or small, deseeded cubes of fresh apple as part of their training treats. Keep your eyes open for a growth spurt about to begin! Meals per day: 3 Week-Old Puppy Around 4 months old, you might notice your puppy finish their meal quickly and look for more food. Be sure to watch how many treats you give them throughout the day. You can do this by holding them safely in your arms and weighing them with you on the scale. Then, place them on the floor and step onto the scale without them to weigh yourself. Remember, around 16 to weeks old your German Shepherd puppy begins to rapidly grow. Instead, when looking overhead at your puppy their waist should look trim and not rounded outwards. German Shepherd puppies should appear sleek in their waistline. Meals per day: 3 Week And Older Puppy Continue to feed your German Shepherd puppy dry kibble with a small amount of healthy foods mixed in. You can lessen the healthy food you mix in gradually if you prefer. But, even as adults, German Shepherds love a bit of tasty toppers on their kibble. Around a year old, begin feeding your German Shepherd puppy 2 meals a day. Two meals, one in the morning and evening, are not only safer but also provide your German Shepherd with sustained energy to fuel their high-energy lifestyle. You can create a positive meal time by using the following tips: Always offer fresh water during their meal times. Keep the area where they eat their food in calm and out of the way of the family hustle and bustle. I found sitting with a book reading, just keeping my GSD puppy company, encouraged my dog to eat their meals while giving us time to quietly bond. Feed your German Shepherd at the same time everyday. The best time to feed a German Shepherd puppy is in the morning, before you leave for the day, and in the evening, about 2 hours before you put your dog to bed. Allow them to potty after eating to ensure their comfort. Your dog also needs to eat at other times of the day for their health and growth. How much you should feed a German Shepherd puppy really depends on a number of factors. Your GSD pup should eat enough to maintain their growth and energy, while not carrying any extra fat. Every dog is different. Keep in mind the number of calories in the kibble, which varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. Each puppy food company has a different amount of calories and size of the kibble. Here are a few things that might affect how much your German Shepherd puppy should eat. The more active a German Shepherd puppy is, the more calories he needs to eat to replace lost energy. For example, puppies need nearly twice the amount of calories as compared to adults. And older or senior German Shepherds who are less active need less food. Health Maintaining a healthy weight is essential to feeding your German Shepherd. Simply put, you can prevent some medical conditions and health problems by monitoring their waistlines. Instead follow the healthy way to bulk up a German Shepherd. To see if your German Shepherd is at the right weight you can find the average weight depending on their age. German Shepherd care German Shepherd puppy diet: newborn For a German Shepherd puppy to develop and grow properly, it is imperative that they first nurse on their mother's milk. The first milk they receive is a protein and antibody-rich type of milk known as colostrum. This gives the puppy's immune and central nervous systems a boost. They then progress on to regular breast milk. Puppies will nurse for at least 6 to 8 weeks, gradually being weaned on to solid food at about 4 weeks. If, for any reason, the puppy cannot suckle its mother, don't give them cow or goat milk. These milks are very poor quality in comparison to a puppy's mother's milk. If your German shepherd puppy has to be prematurely weaned, a veterinarian will be able to prescribe specific infant formula and establish the appropriate dosage for your puppy. For example, a Chihuahua and a German Shepherd should not be fed the same food. This is because hese breeds have different nutritional needs. Take a look here to find out more about the diet for a prematurely weaned puppy. German Shepherd puppy diet: 1 month old From 3 to 4 weeks old, when it comes to feeding a German Shepherd puppy, we should start by letting them taste new foods and flavors. At this stage, the German Shepherd puppy's diet plan requires them to eat a special wet food for puppies. At around 6 to 8 weeks old, a German Shepherd puppy should be given a little dry dog food with water, or unseasoned chicken stock between nursing sessions. From their eighth week onward, a German Shepherd should be weaned and start feeding on solid food with a special puppy feed. The best dog food for a German Shepherd puppy is breed specific, but this may not be available everywhere. In these cases, your veterinarian can create a proper food plan for your German Shepherd puppy. At this stage, milk must be removed from the puppy's diet as it could cause diarrhea. If by any chance your dog or puppy is suffering from a bad stomach, we recommend taking a look at our article on what to do if yourt dog has diarrhea. In addition, it is vital that puppies have constant access to clean fresh water. German Shepherd puppy diet: 2 months old At two months of age, you can start to slowly decrease the moistening of your German Shepherd's dry food. Eventually, the puppy will be used to eating the food completely dry. Following the German Shepherd puppy food chart, from 2 until 4 months old, a puppy will eat 4 or 5 times a day. This has to be carried out with one very important addition: discipline. A puppy needs to learn that it will not be fed constantly throughout the day, but at specific times. We start of by placing a bowl of food down for 10 minutes, this should give the puppy enough time to finish its meal. After 10 minutes, we suggest taking the bowl of food away, even if your puppy hasn't finished eating. A puppy's food bowl must only be available to the dog for 10 minutes. This 10 minutes should be enough time for the puppy to eat all of its provided food. As already mentioned, after 10 minutes, you should take the food bowl away, even if the puppy hasn't finished eating. This pattern will introduce the puppy's food schedule and allow it an opportunity to become accustomed to particular feeding times. Accepting and adapting to a diet plan is very important for a puppy's intellectual development. It also facilitates more complex and demanding training sessions. Food for German shepherd puppies should be higher in calories, fats, proteins and calcium than adult German Shepherd dog food. This is because puppies are still growing and developing and therefore need better nutrition. German Shepherd puppy diet: food plan after 4 months Between 4 and 6 months of age, the number of meals which we have detailed in our German Shepherd puppy food chart should be reduced to 3 a day. The food quantity should be increased and an extra margin of 2 minutes to eat should be provided. The packaging of quality commercial dog food will detail the appropriate suggested amount of food for the puppy, depending on its age and weight. If you have any doubts, consult your veterinarian. You should eventually start mixing fresh food, such as meat, fish or vegetables, with the commercial dry feed. Beware of forbidden foods for dogs. Some people ask about a raw diet for a German shepherd puppy, but we recommend these such foods should always be cooked and never given to a dog raw. Meanwhile, treats for dogs should only be used as positive reinforcement during their training and learning period, never as a food supplement. Under no circumstances should you give your German Shepherd, or any dog, human food leftovers. Human food contains salt, sugar and seasoning contents which are very harmful to a dog's health. In addition, if you do offer your dog your food, it will pester you during meals [1]. For more, take a look at some of the harmful effects of treating a dog like a human. German Shepherd puppy diet: after 6 months When your German Shepherd puppy reaches 6 months of age, its daily food intake should be reduced to twice a day. When we do this we can increase the food portions and eating time accordingly. Our German Shepherd diet chart below should be taken into account depending on the age, lifestyle and size of your German Shepherd puppy. After 6 months, you should give your German Shepherd puppy shatterproof bones, such as beef, to gnaw on. For more, take a look here for more about; Bones For Puppies. German shepherd puppy: Dog food and water bowl hygiene Your puppy's food and drink containers should always be clean. Hygiene is very important in order to prevent the appearance of insects. If you notice that your puppy has not eaten for three consecutive meals, consult your veterinarian immediately. This lack of appetite in a puppy could be caused by bowel obstruction and stomach pain; due to the ingestion of toxic food etc. Don't forget that puppies are very sensitive and fragile and if you ignoring any symptoms of disease, it can result in severe issues or even puppy fatality. German Shepherd care German Shepherd puppies should be socialized and trained to live with you from day one. These dogs are incredibly capable and have the ability, if trained properly, to learn tricks and perform activities [2]. In addition to the diet of a German Shepherd, don't forget the importance of preventative medicines, following the appropriate vaccination schedules and general German Shepherd dog care. For more information about your German shepherd, take a look at.Growth and weight The German Shepherd puppy is a popular addition to many households. Sometimes called the Alsatian puppy, the German Shepherd was initially developed for herding and now commonly used as a working dog or pet. This is your guide to providing all the nutrients your new puppy needs. When Your Puppy Comes Home Although they look pretty sturdy at eight weeks old, German Shepherd puppies are vulnerable to tummy upsets when they arrive at a new home. To help them settle in stick with the food their breeder was giving them for the first two weeks minimum. You can then gradually swap over by increasing proportions over the course of a couple of days. However, if they are doing well on their original food, considering sticking with it for longer. To begin with follow the guidelines provided by the breeder, the feed manufacturer or by your veterinarian. This will vary depending on how calorie dense the food is and how it is formulated. Your puppy should be fed four times a day up to the age of four months. After this age, two larger meals at regular times will be sufficient. However, the more often you feed your pup the stronger your bond will grow. Simple sits and recalls, puppy tricks, they all make a big difference to how your dog behaves towards you and feels about you as they grow. What to Feed A German Shepherd Puppy You will find there are a lot of different opinions about what kind of food is best. Kibble and wet food are the most popular, but you do also have the option of raw or homemade meals. Puppy Kibble Great quality, high meat content kibble is my go-to for feeding larger puppy breeds. At the beginning of the day I measure out their daily food amount, then separate it into little pots. Some as meals, and the remainder to use throughout the day to reward good behavior or get off on the right foot with positive reinforcement. The FDA recently issued a notice alerting dog owners to a potential increased risk of a serious heart condition. This is called canine dilated cardiomyopathy DCM. The risk is in dogs eating foods that include peas, lentils, or potatoes instead of grains. The underlying cause of these cases is not clear, but the FDA note suggests that caution should be used in selecting foods with these ingredients for German Shepherds and other large dogs. Canned Dog Food For picky eaters canned food can be more appealing. It smells stronger, and debatably tastes nicer. These diets do not include cooked or otherwise processed foods. However, it may be more difficult to regulate a BARF diet to ensure a slow and steady growth rate in young puppies. If you find this option intriguing, you can check out our article on feeding your dog a raw diet. Homemade Diets Research has shown that in the past, poorly balanced homemade diets have been harmful to German Shepherd puppies. There is now abundant information available to anyone who is willing and able to produce a safe and balanced diet. However, modern cases studies have shown that well-meaning owners may still over-feed or create an unbalanced diet. So, this is an area where you really can have too much of a good thing. As with commercial foods, homemade diets must be properly formulated for a large breed dog. Do not deviate from recommended recipes as provided by a veterinarian. If possible, preferably a vet with a board certification in veterinary nutrition. Recipes published in popular magazine and websites may not be nutritionally complete or suitable for a large breed puppy. Is My Puppy the Right Weight? You can also refer to German Shepherd puppy growth charts to see if you puppy is gaining weight and within the normal range. However, keep in mind that some dogs will be unusually small or large but still be perfectly healthy. Do not try to maximize growth rates as this can lead to health problems later. Ensure that you are familiar with how to assess the body condition of your puppy. The ribs and spine should be easy to feel but not simple to see. My Puppy Is Still Hungry If your puppy seems excessively hungry provide more frequent but smaller meals. Young puppies cannot tolerate going without food for extended periods. With older puppies you may wish to experiment with foods that help them feel more full, and provide low calories treats. Keeping a health puppy active and occupied will help prevent them from becoming overly focused on anticipating their next meal. The best food for German Shepherd puppies in their first two to four months of life is milk from their mother. This specialised care is usually left to German Shepherd breeders or veterinarians, who are knowledgeable in caring for pups with no mother to nurse from. If you have recently brought a German Shepherd puppy into your family, they are most likely older than 8 weeks, and so have started to eat solid foods. Before the four month mark, it is advised to include some dry food in their diet. You can do this in a few simple steps: Mix some dry food with specially formulated puppy milk to form a soft mixture. You can feed your puppy this mixture three to four times a day. Over time, reduce the amount of milk you include in this mixture, until they are at the point where they are happily eating dry foods. Read on to learn how much you should feed your German Shepherd puppy as they get older. With this rapid growth can come some risks. German Shepherds are susceptible to bone growth disorders, like hip dysplasia, that can start in puppyhood. They will be very active in their adolescent years, and so should be fed with this in mind. The transition from puppy food to adult food should happen between 12 and 24 months of age. This is because, being a larger breed who grows very quickly, you want to ensure that you are feeding them according to their large breed needs. Remember that the more active the pup, the more food they require. While following feeding guidelines is important to avoid over and underfeeding, you can adjust the amounts of food you provide to your dog based on level of activity. If you are unsure, it is always best to ask your vet for guidance. You need to take special care when considering what you should feed your German Shepherd puppy, as they require different nutrients compared to their adult counterparts. For puppies, this amount will often be two of three times higher, as they are more active and growing quickly. German Shepherd puppies need to eat food that is high in proteins and fats. Carbohydrates are also essential for supporting your active pup. Aside from nutritionally complete dry puppy food, German Shepherd puppies can benefit from the extra protein that raw meat can provide them with, such as lean beef, turkey, chicken, or fish. However, they can also be at risk of gastric dilatation or volvulus, or GDV. Certain dog breeds can be more susceptible to GDV; particularly deep chested breeds including German Shepherds. GDV can occur when a dog bloats a few hours after eating a meal. Though the exact causes of GDV are not known, grains and cereals are suspected to be contributors. The amount of food you give your German Shepherd is determined by their weight, energy levels, and age. For most adult German Shepherds, between 1, to 2, calories per day from high quality food sources is ideal. Female German Shepherds, which tend to be about 8 kilos lighter than males, may need less food, as will less active dogs. Dogs who need less food, whether they are less active or simply older, will usually still need around 1, and 1, per day. You may want to alter the amount of food you are feeding your German Shepherd based on how calorically dense their food is. German Shepherds should be fed twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. Their daily allotment of food should be split evenly between these two meals. For most dogs, it is recommended that you exercise your dog before meal times to assist with potty training. However, some dogs who are at risk of GDV may benefit from exercise after eating, to aid with digestion. You should also try to give your German Shepherd a high quality food that is specially designed for larger or working breeds, especially if they are very active. For example, less active senior dogs will need to eat less food as they will not be burning calories as quickly as a lively little puppy will. Senior dogs may benefit from a higher fibre and lower calorie diet. Your dog may also develop chronic or short term medical conditions that require specially formulated food. German Shepherds can be particularly susceptible to skin disease or allergies, including canine atopic dermatitis, bacterial skin infections, flea allergy dermatitis, forms of contact dermatitis, or scabies. If your dog develops a skin issue, it is often a sign that they may be suffering from a form of food sensitivity. If you are unsure about what you should feed your German Shepherd, you should always consult your vet as they will be able to determine if your dog is suffering from any allergies or chronic health issues: creating a nutritional plan to help keep your dog healthy and happy for years to come. Part of figuring out what you should feed your German Shepherd includes deciding between wet, dry, or a raw food diet. Wet food for German Shepherds is often high in protein and fat, and is better at keeping your dog hydrated than other food sources. A raw diet can be a good option for your German Shepherd as you have more control over the kinds of food and amount of nutrients your pup is consuming. For this reason, raw diets require a lot more work on your part as an owner. Whatever you decide to feed your German Shepherd, all dogs need a similar ratio of nutrients in their diets. The amount of food you feed your dog should be determined by their activity levels, age, weight, breed, and size. Any meals prepared for your dog need to contain the right balance of nutrients. You should also be extra careful not to introduce your dog to foods that are harmful to their health. While we might enjoy the taste of nuts, artificial sweeteners, alcohol and onions, these can be toxic for dogs and can cause serious illness and even death. German Shepherds in particular need plenty of exercise as they are a large working breed with a lot of energy. No matter how old your German Shepherd is, it is important to keep to a consistent feeding schedule. A feeding schedule can help you keep track of any changes in behaviour around food that might signal illness or physiological stress.