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To get the most out of your experience in talking to pug breeders you need to know how to classify quality dogs that are being sold by the best breeder. Do your research and list down the things you have learned about the breed and the breeders. You need to have a set of conditions or a checklist of what you are looking for in a pug and in a breeder. You need to be clear on what to expect from pug breeders before you start talking to local stores, online shops, or looking for referrals from other pet parents. You can check their site at the address below and visit their website to know more about them, about a pug puppy listing, and the amazing things they do. They are reputed in the Florida area and their owners have been doing great things to make sure that the pugs being released are at their optimal health, friendly, and ready to socialize with people. Confirm with them if they are a pug breeder that is AKC registered. These companies are respected and recognized by dog clubs and dog communities. Search for a pug breeder in Orlando FL or nearby areas. They have a list of pug puppies for sale and are connected with reputable breeders. These websites vet their members and are approved by the local dog clubs. They have a list of questions to ask breeders when you make a purchase. Tips for Selecting the Best Pug Puppies Here are some tips you can apply in searching for the best pugs for sale in Florida. Ask Around Ask around for referrals from your friends or if there are any local dog clubs for the breeders they know or a pet store with connections to a pug breeder they know about. Having someone you know personally vouch for a breeder is a great step ahead in your journey. Try to determine which one is closest to you. If you are based in Orland FL, it may not be a good idea to take the time and drive in the opposite direction if you have pug breeders lined up and close to each other. A good breeder is your best chance of getting the perfect pug puppy for your home. Reputable and ethical breeders will take the time to know you and will ask you questions related to your interest in getting pug puppies. Perfect puppy breeders will ensure their pug puppies for sale will be raised in a good and loving home. They will try their best to know if the buyers have the well-being of the puppies as their greatest interest. If a pug breeder is no longer an option, you can also go to pet shops, rescue centers, and animal shelters and ask if they have pugs available for adoption. These places are also good sources of information for reputable breeders in the area. Screen Pug Breeders This is the most important step to get right. A legitimate breeder will provide a perfect puppy that has a complete health record or a health certificate. A true dog breeder will not hesitate to provide a health guarantee for every pug puppy to be released. Search for local breeders and take note of their contact details, office addresses, and office hours. Call ahead of time and schedule an appointment. Once you are in their shelter, look for signs or red flags. If you already have a prospective puppy, try to interact with it to see how it engages with you. Remember that legitimate breeders will keep their puppies happy and energetic. Create a List of Questions to Ask Prepare a list of questions to ask about the pugs for sale and about the local breeder ahead of your visit. Ask questions about the general health condition of the puppy, its parents, and health records. You can also request to see the parents of the pug puppy and get a good look at their current health condition and ask if the pug puppies for sale or the parents are AKC registered. Pugs that are mixed breeds tend to develop respiratory conditions and problems with weight. Other questions you can ask are if the breeder provides the health guarantees or if the pups will be crate trained upon release and many other questions along those lines. Check the Pug Puppies that are for Sale Confirm if the available pug puppies for sale are in their optimal health conditions. If you can, make it a point to take a vet with you when you visit pug breeders to check on the pug puppies. If the puppies are already vet checked, ask for the contact details of the vet who checked the puppies. Avoid puppy mills at all costs. They do not practice ethical standards on raising pug puppies. A puppy mill will release unhealthy puppies and will not consider the overall health of both the parents and the fawns. They also supply mixed breeds and never purebred pugs. Check if they have the updated vaccines and if they have been de-wormed. Female pugs are heavy shedders especially if they have become mothers to week old pug puppies. Pugs shed hair all year round, so be ready for that. Puppies shed more in their early stages. Make note of how fast and spontaneous the breeder answers your question about the health of the pug puppies. A reputable breeder will have no trouble answering these types of questions. Know What to Look for Look for energetic and cheerful pug puppies. Healthy and friendly pugs are excited to see new people. Look for pug puppies for sale that have a nice, positive temperament. Also, look for vaccination cards, AKC papers, registration papers, and the health certificate of the pug puppies for sale. Be wary of mixed breeds listed as purebred pug puppies for sale. If the pug for sale is under the color unrecognized category, chances are, the breeder is selling you a mixed-breed puppy. Compare prices among legit pug and dog breeders. If the prices are too low or become too high, you may not be getting what you are paying for. Conclusion Getting a pug for your home is a decision you will never regret. They are among the best things you can have in the world. Pugs are reliable and provide the best companions. They are sensitive to your emotions and are dedicated to providing the comic relief you needed after a stressful day. Here are some of the other topics we have created to help you search pugs for sale by location. Our staff are avid fans and dedicated owners of Pugs. We hope to answer all the questions you have about Pugs. Just read and enjoy. Feel free to share if you find it valuable to others! Best regards, Do you have questions about Pug breeders in Florida or where to find Pug puppies for sale Jacksonville Florida? Are Pugs good for apartments? Pugs are the perfect apartment dogs! And not just because they are small. Pugs are easygoing dogs who are content to lounge around and nap all day. Can I only pick from Florida-based breeders? Our partner breeders can then arrange safe transport for your puppy so you can just pick him or her up at an airport in Florida. How do you screen Pug breeders? All breeders and businesses who want to join our network go through a strict evaluation process where we take a close look at their experiences, practices, breeding knowledge, and facilities. A Pug breeder Florida must share the same values stated in our Breeder Pledge if they want to be welcomed into the network. How much is the average Pug in Florida? Pug puppies for sale Florida will vary in price. Pug breeders Orlando Florida and elsewhere in the state consider a number of things before deciding on a price. These include gender, coat color, and pedigree among others. Why is Florida Puppies better than other puppy finder websites? We are different because we conduct an independent review of all the businesses that join us to ensure that they follow ethical breeding practices. You might be tempted to get your dog from a puppy mill due to their offers of cheap Pug puppies in Florida but hear us out first. Where can I find a Pug mix? Pug crossbreeds like the Pug Pomeranian can make wonderful pets, too. What kind of dog is a Pug? The Pug is a toy dog breed that originated from China and traveled to Europe centuries ago. It first rose to fame when the Dutch royal family began keeping them as pets. The Pug is known for its sweet demeanor and silly antics -- qualities that made them such warm companion dogs to people of any age. About how big do Pugs get? Both male and female pugs can reach a height of inches and a weight of pounds. They are more sturdily built when compared with other toy dogs but are still quite portable. How does Florida Puppies work? Finding Pug puppies for sale in South Florida and in other parts of the Sunshine state is super easy. Begin by browsing our available Pug puppies or our featured Pug Florida breeders. Once you find the Pug puppy of your dreams, get in touch with the breeder, and feel free to ask questions about your new pup. Pug's Available!

With its breathable Textilene mesh fabric and elevated design, this dog bed offers a cool and cozy sleeping spot for your pet both indoors and outdoors. Its sturdy construction and easy assembly make it an excellent choice for pet owners looking for a convenient and reliable option for their dog's relaxation needs. With its plush donut design and shaggy faux fur cover, this bed helps dogs feel secure and relaxed, leading to a calmer and happier pet. The ergonomic design and lightweight, pet-safe materials make it both functional and comfortable for your furry friend. This bed is designed specifically for large breeds, providing solid memory foam support to reduce joint problems and improve mobility. The headrest feature adds extra comfort for your Lab, while the soft micro suede cover is machine washable, making maintenance a breeze. This high-quality bed is backed by a year warranty, ensuring your pet's comfort for years to come. Top Features 7-inch thick, high-quality foam for exceptional memory foam support Clinically proven to reduce joint pain and improve mobility Soft micro-suede cover, machine washable and smell-resistant Intuitive zippered design for easy cover removal and replacement year warranty for added peace of mind Pros Durable construction to withstand years of use Easy-to-clean, removable, and machine-washable cover Aesthetic design that looks great in your home Backed by a year warranty Cons A higher price point may not be suitable for all budgets It may not provide the same level of calm and security as a donut or bolster-style bed The bed is heavy and may not be as portable as lighter options Best Bed with Bolsters for Labs: Bedsure XXL Orthopedic Bed Size To Order for Labs: XX-Large Buy on Amazon Why We Love It The Bedsure XXL Orthopedic Foam Dog Bed offers outstanding support and comfort for dogs of all sizes, especially larger breeds like Labs. With dense foam, this bed evenly distributes weight and provides excellent pressure relief and joint support. The 4-sided bolster design adds to the bed's appeal, giving your pet a variety of cozy positions to snuggle in. It's also easy to care for, with a water-resistant liner and machine-washable cover, making it a practical choice for pet owners. This bed has a versatile reversible design, making it suitable for use in all seasons. This large-size bed is perfect for pets between 45 to 70 pounds. The bed is stuffed with a premium high loft polyester fill that is both environmentally friendly and hypoallergenic, ensuring your dog's well-being. The dog beds orthopedic therapeutic foam design ensures even weight distribution and relieves muscle tension, promoting your restful labs sleep. Top Features 3-inch thick orthopedic egg crate foam design for even weight distribution Non-slip bottom for added security Waterproof layer to protect foam from liquids Tear resistant cover for easy cleaning Pros Fluffy and comfortable design for a restful sleep Orthopedic support for dogs with joint issues or arthritis Suitable larger dogs Versatile use, perfect for various indoor and outdoor settings Waterproof liner and easy-to-clean, removable cover Cons It may take hours for the bed to fully expand after unpacking Durability may be an issue for aggressive chewers or dogs that dig Some customers may find the bed less comfortable than expected The non-slip bottom may not work well on all floor surfaces Best Washable Bed for Labs: Bedsure Washable Dog Bed Size To Order for Labs: Extra Large Buy on Amazon Why We Love It The Bedsure Washable Dog Bed is an excellent choice for Labs due to its orthopedic design, washable cover, and waterproof liner. The dog bed provides maximum comfort for your pet while ensuring that the bed stays clean and fresh. This dog bed is suitable for both outdoor and indoor use, making it a versatile choice for your dog's needs. Having great dog beds for your Lab is a crucial aspect of their health and happiness. The best beds not only provide a place for them to rest but also supports their joints and helps prevent conditions such as arthritis. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. Labradors are a medium-to-large breed, with adult males weighing between 65 to 80 pounds and adult females between 55 to 70 pounds. When selecting a bed, make sure it's big enough for your pup to stretch out comfortably. Measure their length and height when they're lying down, and choose a bed that fits them like a glove! Labradors are prone to hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and arthritis. To alleviate joint pressure and provide optimal support, choose an orthopedic bed with memory foam or egg-crate foam. These materials will conform to your dog's body and distribute their weight evenly, reducing pressure on their joints and providing a cozy resting place. Labradors can be quite active and playful, so it's crucial to choose a bed with a durable cover that can withstand their energy levels. Opt for dog beds made with heavy-duty polyester or microfiber, which are scratch-resistant and can endure daily wear and tear. Labradors can be messy at times, and a bed that's easy to clean is a must. Look for dog beds with removable, machine-washable covers and waterproof linings to protect the bed's interior from spills or accidents. Consider the unique needs of your Labrador when selecting a bed. For arthritic or older dogs, beds with bolstered sides provide additional neck and head support. If your dog has allergies, hypoallergenic dog beds are an excellent option. For Labradors who enjoy spending time outdoors, a waterproof or water-resistant bed is ideal for use on camping trips or outdoor adventures. With its generous size, orthopedic support, durable materials, and easy-to-clean features, it stands out as the ideal choice for Labrador Retrievers. The Bedsure Orthopedic Dog Bed and the Western Home Large Dog Bed are excellent runner-ups, offering similar benefits with slightly different features to suit individual preferences. The Bedsure XXL Orthopedic Dog Bed is an excellent match for Labradors, fulfilling their needs for comfort, joint support, durability, and easy cleaning. Its size accommodates the breed's larger frame, while the memory foam provides much-needed pressure relief for joint health. In comparison to the other products, this bed consistently ticks all the boxes and proves itself as the best overall option for Labrador Retrievers. Remember that choosing the right bed for your Labrador is crucial for their health and happiness. By investing in a high-quality bed like the Bedsure XXL Orthopedic Dog Bed, you're ensuring a comfortable and supportive resting place for your furry friend. I have a deep love for dogs and am the proud owner of two amazing four-legged friends. My writing is a tribute to the bond between humans and dogs, showcasing the love, friendship, and adventures that we share. As a dog lover and in-home dog daycare and boarding business owner, I find daily inspiration in the company of my furry companions. Through my writing, I hope to encourage readers to embrace the natural world and the deep emotional connections we form with our beloved dogs. Similar Posts. Showcasing a bolster and luxuriously soft faux fur cover, you can be sure your dog will be comfortable resting and sleeping on this bed. The fabric is clearly of high quality and the stitching looks to be strongly reinforced so you can be sure of its durability. The high quality of the bed is evident at first glance of the fabric and stitching. The external denim cover is: heavy-duty machine washable The internal zipped cover is waterproof too ensuring durability and easy, convenient cleaning. If you decide to buy this bed, the distributor will include a free lightweight external zipper cover in your delivery which will prove useful as a temporary cover when the denim one is in the wash. Additionally, the bed can support up to lbs of weight so would be perfect for your large dog or perhaps even two of them! As with all good dog beds, it has a waterproof internal cover and a durable external zipper cover made of suede which are easily removed and convenient to wash. The suede and the memory foam are both hypoallergenic so this bed is a good option for a dog who suffers synthetic fabric allergies. This bed offers great features for a very reasonable price. It gets even better: The convenience factor of this bed is great; it has an elastic seam which makes for very easy removal when you need to take the cover off for a wash. While this will be no problem for a young and healthy dog, you may need to reconsider if your pooch requires more sturdy support. The heavy-duty base is waterproof and clearly durable while the bed as a whole is machine washable. Comfort is definitely key here with this bed. The suede covering is soft and fluffy, providing your dog with the comfort it needs. Wide and supporting up to lbs, this bed is ideal for Labs and other large breeds — even those who like to stretch out occasionally! For older dogs… …. This has absolutely no effect on the final price you pay and we are very grateful for your support. Disclaimer All content on this site is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended to be nor can it be considered actionable professional advice. It must not be used as an alternative to seeking professional advice from a veterinarian or other certified professional. Please consult a professional before taking any course of action with any medical, health or behavioral related issue. 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. Armarkat Pet Sofa Big Barker is a very popular range of dog beds aimed at larger dogs. Made from memory foam they are extremely comfortable. This large bed is big enough for most Labs but also comes in extra large and giant! You can buy waterproof liners and replacement covers which can be important if you have a senior dog. We love this burgundy color option. The PetFusion bed has a solid 4 inch memory foam base with the added comfort of lovely padded bolsters around the sides. It comes in a nice chocolate brown too, great for hiding those Chocolate Lab hairs! The covers are washable of course, and you can buy replacements when they get worn. It is every bit as cozy as it looks. And for an orthopedic bed, we think it looks pretty good. Extra features are machine washable covers and a non-slip bottom. The cover on the Milliard bed is also removable, washable and is waterproof too. Your Lab will love snuggling down in this. Try the Amazon Basics Cooling Bed — we love it and so do our dogs. It keeps your dog cool in warm weather too. And for the pet that has everything? The last word in elegance. Tweet on Twitter The first thing many of us want to buy for our new puppy is a bed. There is so much choice when it comes to Labrador puppy beds. Round ones, square ones, squashy ones. Beds lined with faux fur, tartans and checks. Washable, spongeable, hose able, even waterproof beds. Beds with legs, beds with sides, orthopaedic beds, baskets and blankets to put in them. Where do you begin? Perhaps the very first thing we need to consider, is what puppies do to beds. What puppies do to beds Puppies generally, are not kind to their beds. There are some pretty tough fabric beds that will resist modest attempts at chewing. But nothing will stop a really determined puppy from working his teeth through the strongest bed, given the time, and the inclination. Before you dash to your keyboard, to protest that you know of a puppy whose bed was not consigned to the dustbin within a week, I should say, that not all puppies destroy their beds. Some puppies curl up in a tousled heap of puppy gorgeousness surrounded by lovely cushions and soft toys, and never chew a single one. These puppies are rare! Chew toys for puppies Giving your puppy plenty of chew toys may help reduce the risk of your puppy devouring his bed, but most puppies still chew their beds, even if given all the right toys. So it makes sense not to spend too much on a puppy bed to begin with Puppies swallowing bedding Some puppies unfortunately rip up and actually swallow any kind of bedding. Many times, things that puppies swallow just pass through. But swallowing bedding can cause problems for the puppy if the swallowed pieces get trapped in his digestive system. If your puppy is chewing up his bedding, you need to watch him carefully. Most puppies will spit the bits out, but if your puppy swallows them, you need to take the bedding away. If you think he has swallowed quite a lot, phone your vet who will advise you on symptoms to watch out for. Contact your vet urgently if your puppy stops eating, seems unwell, or is unable to empty his bowels. Happily these puppies are quite rare too. Shopping for puppy beds The fact that your puppy will probably damage his first bed, is something you need to consider before you head off to your local pet supermarket, or start browsing the online stores. The less edges the bedding has, the less likely the puppy is to rip it up. And some bedding seems to be less appealing to the puppy to chew. Although these often look the most tempting, on the whole it is best to avoid deeply and loosely padded cushions with lots of stuffing. Or at least to save them for parts of the house where the puppy will be closely supervised. And probably sensible to wait for a few months before purchasing anything too expensive for your puppy to sleep on. Especially when it comes to crate bedding that he is left alone with during the night. There are four types of bedding to consider for your new puppy. Puppies can really snuggle into these. Puppy Blankets You can make your own perfectly serviceable puppy bedding from old towels or blankets, cut or fold to fit your crate. Or you can buy pretty puppy blankets which are soft and easy to clean. If you are using old blankets, it is a good idea to cut these into sections that will fit easily in the washing machine. Old baby blankets are ideal as they are always machine washable and usually tumble dry too. Puppy crate mats Puppy crate mats are specifically designed to fit standard crate sizes. They are reasonably priced and because they fit the crate without stray edges flapping about, they may be less likely to be chewed than blankets or cushions. Crate mats are not too bulky, and fit in the washing machine. You will need two mats, so that you have a replacement ready when one is being washed. Vet bedding for puppies Veterinary bedding makes great puppy bedding. It is made from an artificial fleece fabric. It is washable, tumble dry able, and very hard wearing. It is the ultimate puppy sleeping surface. Vet bed has a stiffish backing, and very large pieces can be awkward to fit in the washing machine. But you can overlap two smaller pieces in a larger crate, and it softens with repeated washing. You can buy vet bed on a roll, or ready cut to fit your crate or basket. Many puppies will have been whelped and raised on vet bed, so your puppy will feel nicely at home. All my puppies and older dogs sleep on vet bed. What about you? What is your favourite puppy bedding? Let us know in the comments below, or join the forum to chat about your new puppy. The Happy Puppy Handbook covers every aspect of life with a small puppy. The book will help you prepare your home for the new arrival, and get your puppy off to a great start with potty training, socialisation and early obedience. The Happy Puppy Handbook is available worldwide. Dog Beds By Meg Marrs 20 min read April 20, 1 Comment K9 of Mine is reader-supported, which means we may earn a small commission through products purchased using links on this page. Best Dog Beds For Labs: What to Look For There are a ton of dog bed options on the market, which can leave owners feeling overwhelmed when trying to pick the best one for their pooch. Chew Proof Materials and Features: Some Labs are heavy chewers, which can spell instant disaster for your brand new dog bed! Avoid visible zippers or tempting tassels for peace of mind. Get a dog bed that will last your large Labrador dog many years! An orthopedic dog bed will ease some of that stress and increase his comfort level as it evenly disperses his body weight, relieving pressure points. This will be especially important for senior dogs , as they need even more cushioning and support. They tend to amass pet hair, saliva, and other yucky canine collectables. So, always make sure that you select a dog bed with a removable, machine-washable cover unless the entire bed is washable. Tossing a removable cover in your washing machine is a lot easier than hand washing one. Sleep style: Labs sleep in all sorts of positions, from curling up into a tiny ball to stretching out like a pupper pancake. A donut design is best for curled-up canines while stretching sleepers may prefer a flat design for maximum space. Canines in warm climates need a bed with improved airflow to prevent overheating more than doggos elsewhere. This might mean opting for an elevated dog bed made with a lightweight mesh material versus one with a heat-trapping faux fur cover. Labs in colder climates will likely appreciate a plush or warming bed on chilly nights. Waterproof means a material entirely repels liquids from soaking into it, while water-resistant means that most of the water contacting the surface will bead up and roll off, but some may seep in. Cons Cushioning may be a tad much for dogs without joint issues 3. Suitable for indoor or outdoor use, this bed rinses clean easily and fits into most standard crates. Featuring multiple filled inserts in one round shell, it breaks down easily for cleaning and is only made with pet-safe materials. The no-skid bottom ensures no slipping and sliding, while the plush polyester fabric is super comfortable. Learn more Brindle Shredded Memory Foam Dog Bed An easy-to-clean foam dog bed with a removable, machine washable cover that zips into place. The shredded filling breathes better than solid foam, keeping your canine extra cozy. The lightweight design has just enough polyester filling to comfort your dog without bogging down your pack. Specially designed interior layers trap heat, forming a snuggly spot for your dog to catch Zs. Their usage differs dramatically, with self-heated dog beds intended for indoor use during the winter and plug-in heated beds typically only used by outdoor dogs or those living in unheated kennels or other structures. Features: Made with a washable fleece cover and orthopedic foam interior Beds are tested by MET Labs and exceed US electrical safety standards Steel-wrapped cord extends 5. Vehoo Elevated Dog Bed Labrador retrievers are known for their loyal and friendly nature. If you have a strong bond with your dog, you might find that they try to sleep on your bed at night — but due to their large size, this might not be the most comfortable arrangement. This bed uses extremely high quality foam to provide orthopedic support for dogs who need it. The suede cover feels very luxurious and cozy to the touch. They also come in very large sizes, so you can feel confident knowing that your dog has enough space to sprawl out. Health Labs are prone to certain bone problems as they get older. In particular, they are prone to knee problems. Because of their larger size, they may also develop hip and elbow dysplasia. Because of this, labs should use supportive mattresses that relieve pressure on their joints. Size Labs are a very large dog breed , so they more space to sprawl out and relax. Size Of course, the size is a big consideration for larger breeds like a lab. They should be able to fit entirely on the bed, without their legs falling off the side. This ensures they get the proper comfort and support while they are sleeping. Look for large or extra large sizes, and consider measuring your pet before buying to ensure that they will fit comfortably. Look for beds with soft and supportive filling that will help them relax. If your dog struggles with anxiety, a bed with bolsters on the sides can also be a great choice. This creates a nest-like feeling that can help to soothe your dog. Quality The overall quality of the bed is very important, as your dog will be spending plenty of time sleeping on it. Consider the overall level of support that the mattress can provide. You may want to consider a human-grade mattress with orthopedic memory foam for dogs that struggle with joint problems. Types Of Dog Beds For Labs When it comes to choosing a quality dog bed for your lab, you have several different options. Here are the most common types of dog beds for Labradors and the pros and cons of using them. Orthopedic Orthopedic beds are one of the best choices for labs. Not only are these beds incredibly comfortable, but they help your dog stay healthy and prevent pain as they get older. Fiber Filled These beds often look similar to orthopedic beds, but they contain soft poly fill fibers instead of a supportive foam. However, this is a better option than having your dog sleep directly on the floor. Elevated Elevated dog beds are typically shaped like cots. Additionally, they are made with very durable fabrics, so they are good for dogs who chew or dogs who like to sleep outdoors. Basic Cushion These beds are similar to a pillow. However, they are very convenient if you want to add a bit of extra support to another bed or couch that your dog likes to sleep on. Nest Dogs like the feeling of being in a nest. It is reminiscent of their puppyhood and can help them relax when they are feeling anxious. There are many dog beds that are designed to give them this feeling, with bolsters around the sides of the bed. The filling in these beds can vary — sometimes they provide orthopedic support, but there are also models that only use soft filling. Best Dog Beds For Labs There are plenty of great dog beds that are designed with this lovable breed in mind. Here are our picks for the best dog beds for labs. Get it on Amazon Big Barker makes beds specifically designed for larger dog breeds like labs. These extra large beds use a high quality memory foam mattress with a pillow top for incredible comfort and support. They are made in America and are proven to provide excellent joint support for your dog. They come with a soft suede cover that is fully removable and machine washable. Get it on Amazon This cozy dog bed is a great option for labs. This is great for dogs that struggle with anxiety or get cold easily. Get it on Amazon This luxurious sofa makes a great bed for your lab. A layer of faux fur over the top provides warmth and comfort. The entire cover is machine washable for easy cleaning. Get it on Amazon This is another one of the best extra large beds for labs and other large breeds. It comes in sizes ranging from small to XXL to ensure that your pet is comfortable. It is made with a thick layer of solid memory foam for excellent support, as well as soft pillowy bolsters that wrap all the way around for dogs who love to nest. The washable cover is very durable and is made with a soft cotton and polyester blend. It also comes with a waterproof liner, which protects the mattress in case of an accident. Get it on Amazon If your pet gets hot easily, this elevated dog bed is a great choice to help keep them cool. It also keeps them up off the floor to reduce pressure, and is easy for dogs to step up onto, even with mobility issues. The frame is made from a durable PVC, and the bed itself is made with a thick and tear-resistant cordura. Get it on Amazon This solid memory foam dog bed is very supportive and durable. An internal waterproof layer protects against stains and messes. Get it on Amazon Dogs who struggle with anxiety can really benefit from using a donut shaped bed. These beds help them feel protected and safe. This bed is a great option for larger dogs who want that sense of security without feeling cramped. It is made with a soft polyfill and is covered with a very soft and comfy faux fur. Get it on Amazon This bed combines the support of a thick orthopedic mattress with the snuggly feeling of a nest bed. Soft padded bolsters go all the way around the bed for extra support. A thick layer of orthopedic foam makes sleeping here extra comfy, and also minimize joint issues for older dogs. The polyester cover is washable and has a sophisticated quilted design. Get it on Amazon This is another excellent donut bed that will help your lab have a relaxing sleep. It comes in many different sizes and has a supportive donut design that helps to keep your dog warm. The faux fur cover feels extra soft and cuddly. The base is both water and dirt resistant, and the cover is removable for easy cleaning. Get it on Amazon This dog bed is another reliable elevated option for dogs who need something extra durable. The bed uses a durable textilene mesh that lets air flow through, but is still durable enough to resist scratching. The frame is a lightweight powder coated steel that is easy to assemble. These are some of the best dog beds for labs on the market. Frequently Asked Questions What is the best dog bed for labs? While there are many excellent dog beds for labs out there, the Big Barker is our top pick. What size dog bed does a Labrador need? Labs tend to be on the larger side, so they will need a large bed to match. Related Posts.

Things to do with your English Bulldog Louisiana is a great place to live with an English bulldog. The state has a diverse landscape, plenty of outdoor activities, and dog-friendly businesses. Hike the Trails Hiking is a great way to get some exercise and enjoy the outdoors. There are many hiking trails in Louisiana that are perfect for English bulldogs. Be sure to bring plenty of water and snacks for your dog, and take breaks often. Visit a Campground Camping is another great way to enjoy the outdoors with your English bulldog. There are many campgrounds in Louisiana that allow dogs. Be sure to bring a tent, sleeping bags, food, water, and other supplies. There are many places to fish in Louisiana, both in fresh water and salt water. Be sure to get a fishing license and follow all the rules and regulations. Go Boating Boating is another great way to enjoy the outdoors with your English bulldog. There are many places to boat in Louisiana, both on rivers and lakes. Be sure to bring a life jacket for your dog and follow all the safety rules. There are many places to swim in Louisiana, both in fresh water and salt water. Be sure to supervise your dog at all times and follow all the safety rules. Visit a Dog Park Dog parks are a great place for English bulldogs to run and play off-leash. There are many dog parks in Louisiana, both in urban and rural areas. Visit Dog-Friendly Businesses Louisiana has a number of pet-friendly businesses, including restaurants, hotels, and stores. These are just a few of the many things you can do with your English bulldog in Louisiana. With its stunning scenery, endless activities, and friendly people, Louisiana is the perfect place to create lasting memories with your furry friend. How do you breed for a healthier English Bulldog? Like all things in life, breeding for health is simply a matter of priority. We are blind to many of the breed priorities that distract other breeders from improving the health of the English Bulldog. We focus on health and personality and very little else. We are not interested in winning a blue ribbon in the show ring. Rather, we test for things like elongated soft palates, narrow tracheas, stenotic nares, luxation in the patellar tendons, heart defects, cherry eye, optic cilia, entropion, ect. We focus and prioritize creating healthy bloodlines, therefore our bulldogs are typically much healthier than the breed as a whole. After breeding for health, what other priorities are you focused on? Our true desire is to create the perfect family bulldog. We also believe a bulldog bred for the correct personality is essential to the family unit as well. A Bruiser Bulldog is bred for intelligence and playfulness. We want our bulldogs to be full of personality and some quirk. We believe a full personality along with a little stubbornness is the true North star of the bulldog breed and is what makes the unique among other breeds. We look for these personality traits in our adult bulldogs and continue to create bloodlines that reflect these qualities. What are the steps of your adoption process if I am located in Louisiana? Check out our available English Bulldog Puppies page. At times, we have available puppies but almost always have a waiting list as well. A quick look at our available puppies is the starting point to begin the process. Send us an email or give us call .If approved to adopt one of our puppies you are welcome to place a deposit to hold until your puppy is ready to go home. Greetings from the Wysongs! Northern Indiana based, Bruiser Bulldogs offers purebred English Bulldog Puppies for sale to loving adopters seeking to find a higher quality English Bulldog. As English Bulldog breeders , Mitch and Erica Wysong have dedicated themselves to a lifelong journey of changing the culture and societal pressures of poor breeding practices within the English Bulldog Community. Mitch and Erica believe in producing a healthy English Bulldog puppy first and foremost. Through years of research and development, Bruiser Bulldogs is leading a new movement away from the overdone, wrinkled bulldog that has been long plagued by health problems. By embracing a healthier, more athletic look they are able to ensure that each and every English Bulldog Puppy for sale by Bruiser Bulldogs is supported by a platform of health tested, clean genetics. Upon adoption, each family that takes on the responsibility of a Bruiser Bulldog enters into an active and vibrant communal family of bulldog owners. Mitch and Erica believe it is their responsibility to provide emotional and mental support for the lifetime of each and every English Bulldog puppy they produce. To ensure the success of every adoption, Bruiser Bulldogs will always be committed to helping Bruiser Bulldog adopters care for their English Bulldogs to the best of their ability. I am familiar with common and uncommon health problems they may face so when my boyfriend and I decided we were ready to adopt our own english puppy finding a reputable breeder that prioritizes health was most important to us. Erica and Mitch of Bruiser Bulldogs are just that. They are experienced, ethical and quality breeders. I was referred to them by my friend that I trust after I saw their gorgeous healthy puppy. Our Puppy Primrose is the light of our lives! Bruisers was there to assist us every step of the way. We would highly recommend Bruisers Bulldogs to anyone looking for their own happy, healthy pup! Leah H. We were lucky to have come across Bruiser Bulldogs and even more so the fact that they were near our family and hometown made it even better. We have had Clementine Callie for four months now, and she is a wonderful dog. Her personality is amazing, and I think part of it is breeding and the other part is Erika and her family lovingly raising the puppies in their home with plenty of attention and snuggles. I also was impressed that, rather than send the puppies out right at 8 weeks, Erika kept ours for a few extra weeks because she was tiny and not read to leave her mom yet. It's that care that differentiates Bruisers from other breeders. Emily R. Erica was easy to work with thru the entire process from application to adopting and now beyond as we host our new family member, Chief. Her on-call support and willingness to provide open, honest advice to all of our questions and concerns continues to be appreciated. We would highly recommend Bruiser Bulldogs to anyone looking for an English Bulldog to join their family. Elizabeth W. Lady L. They are experienced, responsive and knowledgeable about all things bulldog related. They went above and beyond for us and are truly dedicated to all of their pups! We love our little girl so much and would recommend Bruiser to anyone looking for a healthy beautiful bully. Jonathan E. Erica and Mitch are trustworthy, excellent communicators, fair, passionate, and produce the best bulldogs. We were at the top of the waiting list for months and Erica reached out every litter to see if we were finally ready for a bulldog. When we were, she was very easy to work with. Her knowledge on bulldogs is outstanding. We had many questions on the process and she always knew what was best for the puppy. We've had Penny formerly Blair for two months and she is very healthy, energetic, playful, and sweet. She is great with other people and dogs. We are so happy with our pup. When we are ready for bulldog 2, we will only consider Bruiser Bulldogs. Mitch C. Bowser was born April and is an integral part of our family. When we were first exploring English Bulldog breeders our biggest concern was the overall health of the dogs. We decided to work with Erica at Bruiser Bulldogs because we liked their focus on improving the breeds breathing abilities and the fact that the puppies are raised within her family environment before coming home with their new owners. Bowser also breaths clearly and our vet was impressed with his overall health from the moment we brought him home. All that said we know English Bulldogs have a predisposition to many health issues and that his current health can not predict the future. With that In mind its important to start with a breeder that open to answer any of your questions as Erica has ours, and that strongly believes in improving the breeds overall health profile. Adam B. My sister ended up finding Bruiser Bulldogs and we knew right away that they were the breeder for us. In September we ended up driving 9 hours to pick up two Bruiser bulldog puppies- one for my husband and I and one for my mom. Jackson and Penelope have been nothing but a joy. They are both very athletic and healthy. They are also HUGE snugglers and always want to be with you. It is an absolute pleasure having these two bullies in our lives! Erica is very knowledgeable about the breed. She is very hands on throughout the process and is just overall a kind and honest person to work with. With all that being said I cannot recommend Bruiser Bulldogs enough! Collyn C. One of the reasons we chose Bruiser Bulldogs was due to the claims about breeding for health. During our first visit at our vet's office, he told us that our pup was one of the healthiest English bulldogs he had ever seen. He is healthy, happy and social. Would recommend to anyone. Christina S. We seen our dog on their website and sent them an Email. Mitch called us and personally walked us through the process and made sure we had the right dog for our family. We couldn't be happier when we picked up our dog Ramsey, Erica made sure we had everything we needed and then some. They are truly amazing people who breed truly amazing dogs! Jim T. Two snorts turned to four and before we knew it, we had created our own tribe of frenchies. We are a boutique breeder. We operate a small, detail oriented operation. We Focus on producing quality dogs and providing round the clock care as opposed to just making as many puppies as possible. We focus on one or two litters at time. Our end goal is to produce french bulldog puppies that you can be sure were cared for at the optimum level of love and at a great value. She has produced healthy and beautiful french bulldog puppies. Her Champion bloodline goes all the way to Hungary. She is the foundation of everything that is Crescent City Frenchies. Khaleesi enjoys short walks, getting her belly rubbed and snorting as much as possible. Click on the link below to get to peek of her and other french bulldogs on Instagram. Khaleesi Mother of frenchies Is a Frenchie right for you? French Bulldogs are extremely popular. Many people contact us for a new born puppy yet have done very little to no research regarding the care that a french bulldog requires. Some issues related to this flat faced breed include, trouble breathing, snoring at night, and farting. Yes, you read that right. Frenchies are stinkers. We urge everyone to do their research before submitting an application for any of our french bulldog puppies. If you need a place to start your research, click the link below. Frenchie Info How to reserve a puppy Reserving one of our french bulldog puppies starts with the application process. None of our french bulldogs are sold with out answering the questions provided and multiple phone calls. We don't mind video chatting to show a puppy. It also gives us the opportunity to see the environment the puppy would potentially be in. Once the application is completed and accepted, you will be sent a formal contract and you can reserve your puppy with a deposit. Your puppy is now reserved! Take a look at the application in the link below. Your responses to the questions can be sent to crescentcityfrenchies gmail. I am familiar with common and uncommon health problems they may face so when my boyfriend and I decided we were ready to adopt our own english puppy finding a reputable breeder that prioritizes health was most important to us. Erica and Mitch of Bruiser Bulldogs are just that. They are experienced, ethical and quality breeders. I was referred to them by my friend that I trust after I saw their gorgeous healthy puppy. Our Puppy Primrose is the light of our lives! Bruisers was there to assist us every step of the way. We would highly recommend Bruisers Bulldogs to anyone looking for their own happy, healthy pup! Leah H. We were lucky to have come across Bruiser Bulldogs and even more so the fact that they were near our family and hometown made it even better. We have had Clementine Callie for four months now, and she is a wonderful dog. Her personality is amazing, and I think part of it is breeding and the other part is Erika and her family lovingly raising the puppies in their home with plenty of attention and snuggles. I also was impressed that, rather than send the puppies out right at 8 weeks, Erika kept ours for a few extra weeks because she was tiny and not read to leave her mom yet. It's that care that differentiates Bruisers from other breeders. Emily R. Erica was easy to work with thru the entire process from application to adopting and now beyond as we host our new family member, Chief. Her on-call support and willingness to provide open, honest advice to all of our questions and concerns continues to be appreciated. We would highly recommend Bruiser Bulldogs to anyone looking for an English Bulldog to join their family. Elizabeth W. Lady L. They are experienced, responsive and knowledgeable about all things bulldog related. They went above and beyond for us and are truly dedicated to all of their pups! We love our little girl so much and would recommend Bruiser to anyone looking for a healthy beautiful bully. Jonathan E. Erica and Mitch are trustworthy, excellent communicators, fair, passionate, and produce the best bulldogs. We were at the top of the waiting list for months and Erica reached out every litter to see if we were finally ready for a bulldog. When we were, she was very easy to work with. Her knowledge on bulldogs is outstanding. We had many questions on the process and she always knew what was best for the puppy. We've had Penny formerly Blair for two months and she is very healthy, energetic, playful, and sweet. She is great with other people and dogs. We are so happy with our pup. When we are ready for bulldog 2, we will only consider Bruiser Bulldogs. Mitch C. Bowser was born April and is an integral part of our family. When we were first exploring English Bulldog breeders our biggest concern was the overall health of the dogs. We decided to work with Erica at Bruiser Bulldogs because we liked their focus on improving the breeds breathing abilities and the fact that the puppies are raised within her family environment before coming home with their new owners. Bowser also breaths clearly and our vet was impressed with his overall health from the moment we brought him home. All that said we know English Bulldogs have a predisposition to many health issues and that his current health can not predict the future. With that In mind its important to start with a breeder that open to answer any of your questions as Erica has ours, and that strongly believes in improving the breeds overall health profile. Adam B. My sister ended up finding Bruiser Bulldogs and we knew right away that they were the breeder for us. In September we ended up driving 9 hours to pick up two Bruiser bulldog puppies- one for my husband and I and one for my mom. Jackson and Penelope have been nothing but a joy. They are both very athletic and healthy. They are also HUGE snugglers and always want to be with you. It is an absolute pleasure having these two bullies in our lives! Erica is very knowledgeable about the breed. She is very hands on throughout the process and is just overall a kind and honest person to work with. With all that being said I cannot recommend Bruiser Bulldogs enough! Collyn C. One of the reasons we chose Bruiser Bulldogs was due to the claims about breeding for health. During our first visit at our vet's office, he told us that our pup was one of the healthiest English bulldogs he had ever seen. He is healthy, happy and social. Would recommend to anyone. Christina S. We seen our dog on their website and sent them an Email. Mitch called us and personally walked us through the process and made sure we had the right dog for our family. We couldn't be happier when we picked up our dog Ramsey, Erica made sure we had everything we needed and then some. They are truly amazing people who breed truly amazing dogs! Jim T.

They have goofy personalities, they crave all the love and attention we like to give, and their pint-sized nature make them the perfect on the go companions. Notorious for taking naps just about anywhere, these lil' comedians will keep you smiling day after day. And it doesn't take much to keep these easygoing pups entertained, too! Just give them a good plush toy —and of course some of their favorite treats—and they're one happy camper. While Frenchies are incredibly popular and lovable companions—owning one of these breeds usually means plenty of visits to the veterinarian. If you're considering adding a French bulldog to your family be warned they are a brachycephalic breed, which means they can have trouble breathing and are susceptible to gagging and regurgitation, exercise intolerance, and obesity. If you're having a bad day or just need a reason to smile, here are 18 pictures of French bulldogs snuggling, smiling, and sporting their best costumes. I need some fashion tips from this doll ASAP. Stop and Smell the Flowers I can't tell which view is more beautiful … harleyishandsome or the garden. Just kidding, Harley is one of the most beautiful Frenchies we've ever seen! If your dog loves sniffing flowers too, brush up on dog-safe plants, shrubs, and trees. Beep Beep! Get in loser, we're going shopping for treats! The Perfect Cuddle Buddies Something about dogs and cats cuddling just makes me tear up every. A little bit of water, some sun, lots of treats, and a bunch of hugs and kisses! This photo is transporting me to Disney World , and I'm totally here for it. Triceratops Frenchie Sorry for the mix-up. This is supposed to be an article about cute French bulldogs. This is clearly a Triceratops. Don't know how this photo snuck in here. Fin-tastic Run for your lives! Joy the shark will smother you with cuteness and kisses! If you love dogs dressed as sharks, you should check out these hilarious aquarium pups. Here are the best treats for training your dog , according to a professional dog trainer. Passion for Fashion Can someone get me the number for these dogs' stylist?! I need to look as fly as they do when I go out for happy hour. Party Animal loganouioui is clearly the life of the party. I mean, that face just screams "Let's dance all night long! Congrats on your epic stick score bulldogbuddha! But Allorathefrenchie is so darn cute in her little bow that we'll let her wear pink all day every day. Sweet Potato Dogs are actually a lot like sweet potatoes if you think about it. Both are squishy, the perfect size, and sweet in the best way! Not saying I'm totally jealous of a dog … but I'm jealous of a dog. You deserve all the bones and sun Dilla! There's so many adventures to be had buddy! Catching Some Rays Do not disturb, too busy tanning and being too adorable for words. Don't forget the doggy sunscreen mr. Was this page helpful? Small Breeds 13 French Bulldog Pics and Fun Facts You Probably Don't Know This breakout breed is super popular, and it's easy to see why when you check out these hilarious pictures and fascinating trivia. By Amber L. Drake Amber L. Drake Amber is a professional writer and published author. She is also a professor of biology and veterinary sciences. Learn about our Editorial Policy. Updated August 11, Copied! Frenchies are a combination of English bulldogs and certain French terriers, and they come with an adorable bundle of personality and affection. Learn a little more about the breed in this engaging slideshow. Just look at those big eyes and stout legs. Who wouldn't want to give this little fellow a snuggle? French Bulldogs Make Wonderful Family Companions The Frenchie's endearing personality makes them suitable companions for both children and adults. They're gentle, loving, and loyal. You couldn't ask for anything more from your pup. Small Is a Relative Term Frenchies may be small dogs, but try telling them that. These dogs think they're three times bigger than they are! The average adult Frenchie weighs about 20 to 25 pounds and is solidly packed with muscle. Sinkers, Not Swimmers It's a fact that Frenchies are not great swimmers. Their stout bodies and muscular build mean that they tend to sink no matter how hard they paddle. Also, their short snouts make it hard to breathe in the water. If your dog will near water, be sure they have a life vest on for protection. They're Prone to Obesity Although more energetic than their English cousins, French bulldogs are still prone to gaining weight. This can lead to other health problems, so caretakers need to monitor their pet's weight throughout their lifetime. Quick Tip Give your dog an appropriate portion of food each day and split it into three meals to control how much they eat. Frenchies Are The Life of the Party French bulldogs are exuberant companions, but they are known to celebrate life a bit too much sometimes! This little fellow is enjoying a well-earned nap. This trait makes them susceptible to heat stroke. You have to make sure they stay cool in hot weather. Quick Tip When it's really hot out, limit walks with your Frenchie to sunrise and sunset and make sure they always have access to water. No Airlines For the Frenchie Many commercial airlines don't allow French bulldogs to fly, at least as cargo. The low temperatures in the area beneath the plane cabin can be detrimental to their health, and the air quality up high can make it difficult for Frenchies to breathe. They're Very Vocal Whether they're giving a yip or a grumble, French bulldogs enjoy talking to you. That's just how they like to communicate. However, despite being vocal, they aren't big barkers. They Need Help Breeding Due to their unique body structure, it's hard for Frenchies to breed naturally. Most are bred via artificial insemination for this reason. Need to Know Frenchies also have a hard time during birth, so vets schedule C-sections for the majority of dogs. Are you InTheKnow? Sign up for our newsletter featuring all the latest stories and products we love. Invalid email I agree to receive email communications from LoveToKnow. If you scold them even the least bit, they will mope around the house for hours. Even telling them "No" could hurt their doggy feelings, so watch out and keep training positive. Do You Smell That? French bulldogs can be a tad bit stinky with their excessive farting. These little guys are gassy regardless of what their diet is, but if they eat table scraps, watch out! They're Weird Sleepers Frenchies are odd sleepers and tend to lie on their stomachs with their legs sprawled out behind them. It's very cute, but it can look a little strange sometimes. Don't worry, though, because this is normal behavior for the breed. They love life and live for their people, and you'll never have to wonder how your Frenchie is feeling. They're sure to make you smile and keep you entertained. And those alert ears! Frenchies are making a big comeback popularity-wise , climbing up the list of the most popular dog breeds in the United States in recent years. If you bring one of these puppies home, you might learn to understand their adorable language before they start to learn your human words. This may not be apparent, as French Bulldogs take to training slowly, but they do love you. They may have breathing issues As adorable as those smooshed faces are, the French Bulldog is a brachycephalic breed , meaning they have shorter snouts than other dogs. This can lead to breathing issues, especially when it comes to swimming or flying in an airplane. If you want to take your Frenchie for a swim , be sure to have them geared up with some puppy floaties, and stay close to them, as they literally cannot keep their snout — or the rest of their body — above water. Some airlines will not let brachycephalic breeds fly. Being in a small, hot area under a lot of stress can make breathing very difficult for these dogs and can even be fatal. As fancy as French Bulldogs are, the jet-set lifestyle was not made for them. Frenchies have something of a reputation for not only breathing issues but also for being gassy. Prepare to grab some non-toxic air fresheners and open up some windows! They can be champion couch potatoes and incredibly playful French Bulldog puppies can grow very accustomed to living in the lap of luxury. French Bulldogs can be incredibly silly and playful. These charming images are perfect for a range of projects, from websites and social media to marketing materials and product packaging. At our stock image library, we offer a vast collection of high-quality French Bulldog puppy images that will suit all your creative needs. Our collection includes a wide range of different French Bulldog puppy breeds, poses, and settings. Whether you're searching for playful and adventurous French Bulldog puppies or a more formal and sophisticated style, we have the perfect French Bulldog puppy image for you. Whether you're designing a website or social media page, creating marketing materials or print ads, or producing packaging for your products, French Bulldog puppy images are sure to add a touch of charm and personality. These images are also great for personal projects, such as creating greeting cards or designing wall art for your home. Practical Advice on How to Use French Bulldog Puppy Images Effectively When choosing French Bulldog puppy images for your project, it's essential to consider the overall style and tone you're trying to convey. If you're creating a playful and lighthearted project, go for more playful and animated images; if you want to convey a more sophisticated and elegant vibe, choose more formal-looking shots. It's also crucial to make sure your chosen French Bulldog puppy image is of high quality and resolution. Poor-quality images can ruin the overall look and feel of your project and can even damage your brand. At our stock image library, we provide all the French Bulldog puppy images you need to make your project stand out. So, whether you're designing a website, creating social media graphics, or producing print materials, our French Bulldog puppy images are sure to bring your project to life. Browse our collection today and find the perfect French Bulldog puppy image for your next creative endeavor!

Tax included. Shipping calculated at checkout. Add to Cart This Golden Retriever with Easter eggs and bunny ears art is an original design you won't find anywhere else. It is great idea to make funny decoration on Easter holiday Instant Download File You will get a direct download after checkout, and an emailed link. Not physical item will be sent. What You Get Three dog designs - three images of a golden retriever with Easter eggs and bunny ears, in color and black and white image. Downloaded ZIP folder including such formats: SVG vector files can resize and transform DXF vector files can resize and transform PNG raster files with transparent background, saved in dpi and has 10 inches on the long side All vector objects and letters are in curves. This digital artwork can be used by any software compatible with included file formats. Make sure you have a program for unzipping. It is forbidden to upload designs to ecommerce sites. If you want to make products with this design please read the terms of Basic License or Extended License contact me to discuss the license. Dimensions Overall : .Target does not represent or warrant that this information is accurate or complete. On occasion, manufacturers may modify their items and update their labels. We recommend that you do not rely solely on the information presented. If you have a specific question about this item, you may consult the item's label, contact the manufacturer directly or call Target Guest Services at .Description This Golden Retriever Puppy is the best toy for your kids indoor play. High-quality plush materials, sparkling eyes, expressive face, and soft furry body are features certain to make our stuffed. Dog lovers of all ages will appreciate this luxuriously soft stuffed animal. The perfect way to show you care. Report incorrect product info. Estimated ship dimensions: 22 inches length x 21 inches width x 16 inches height Estimated ship weight: 0. This item must be returned within 90 days of the date it was purchased in store, shipped, delivered by a Shipt shopper, or made ready for pickup. See the return policy for complete information. Ask a question. Look no further than our collection of Easter puppy images! With a range of adorable puppies dressed in Easter-themed costumes, you're bound to find the perfect image to add some personality to your greeting cards, social media posts, or website. Whether you're looking for a cute puppy sitting in an Easter basket, dressed in bunny ears, or holding an Easter egg, our collection has it all. Each image is expertly crafted to capture the essence of Easter and the cuteness of puppies. Choose from a variety of different breeds and colors to find the perfect one for your project. Why Choose Easter Puppy Images? Adding Easter puppy images to your projects can take them from good to great. The images are attention-grabbing, playful, and evoke feelings of warmth and joy. If you're looking to make an impact with your Easter marketing campaigns or want to add a touch of whimsy to your home decor, Easter puppy images are an excellent choice. They can be used in a variety of settings, from children's books to digital ads, and are sure to bring a smile to anyone's face. First and foremost, make sure the images fit the tone and brand of your project. For example, if you're designing a B2B marketing campaign, using an image of a puppy might not be the best fit. Secondly, be mindful of image resolution and quality. Low-quality images can detract from an otherwise well-designed project. Lastly, be creative with how you use the images. Try incorporating them into unexpected places, like the background of a website or the front of a t-shirt. In conclusion, Easter puppy images are a versatile and playful addition to any Easter-themed project. With our collection of high-quality images in a range of formats, finding the perfect one for your project has never been easier. Follow our best practices for using images correctly, and have fun bringing some extra cuteness and joy to your holiday projects.

Tear stains appear in certain breeds more often than others, and they can indicate a lot of different things. What are tear stains? The stains are often accompanied by discharge, but not always. Epiphora , a condition that comes from excessive tear production or the inability to properly drain tears, is usually the source of the stains. Epiphora can have a variety of causes and can be acute or chronic. The reddish stains appear when porphyrin, a pigment found in tears, builds up under the eyes. Stains that are brownish or rust-colored may be the result of a yeast infection on the skin under the eyes that is able to thrive because of the constant moisture from tears building up on the skin. What are the causes? The eye produces tears to flush irritants and stay clear. Normally, tears then drain away through small holes near the eye and get sent down the throat. Epiphora is the result of abnormalities in this process. Here are a few medical reasons that a dog might develop epiphora : Glaucoma: Causes fluid buildup in the eye and damages the optic nerve. Conjunctivitis : An inflammation in the lining of the eye that can result in mucous, pus, or discharge. Eye infections : Caused by bacteria, viruses, parasites, or irritants like smoke or shampoo. Irritant exposure: Secondhand smoke, dust, and allergens can cause the eyes to produce more tears. Teething: In puppies, teething can be accompanied by excessive tears. Ingrown eyelashes : Usually hereditary and appear more frequently in certain breeds. Inverted eyelids: Entropion is a condition where a portion of the eyelid is inverted, resulting in eyelashes rubbing against the eye. This causes irritation, scratches, and eye damage. Shallow eye sockets: More common in brachycephalic dogs dogs who have shorter snouts. Ear infection : An infection in one ear can cause the eye on the same side of the head to produce tears more than usual. Scarring: Scars from past eye infections or eye damage can affect the ability to drain tears, causing build-up. Improper diet and stress: Lifestyle has an effect on epiphora. Consult your vet to form a balanced diet and work to reduce anxiety. These can be seasonal, food-related, or the result of using plastic food and water bowls. Which dogs get tear stains more often? Photo credit: Getty Images You may notice dogs with white or lightly-colored fur have tear stains more often, but this is mostly because the tear stains are just more visible against those colors. Photo credit: Getty Images Some breeds, however, are more likely to develop eye problems as a result of heredity and genetics. Brachycephalic dogs tend to have shallow eye sockets, which can cause the eyes to bulge. You may especially notice the inability to fully close the eyelids when your dog sleeps. Shih-Tzus , Pekingeses , Malteses , and Pugs are among the short-nosed breeds that commonly develop eye problems. Photo credit: Getty Images Poodles and Cocker Spaniels , along with other breeds, are more genetically likely to have imperforate puncta, a condition where the holes near the eyes that drain tears do not properly develop. This causes tears to build up, and stains are more likely to form. How do you treat and prevent them? Photo credit: Getty Images Treatment for epiphora is as varied as the causes , which is why you must see a vet or eye specialist before you attempt to treat it yourself. Your vet will determine the cause and form a plan to treat the condition. If the cause is an irritant, a simple eye flushing may be enough to reduce tear production. In cases of an eye or ear infection, your vet might provide you with medicated drops or antibiotics. For genetic conditions or issues with eyelashes or eyelids, surgery or electrolysis could be required. If the cause is allergies, you may need an antihistamine or a change in diet. Some vets may recommend a supplement like this one to aid with epiphora. You can also find wipes specifically formulated to aid in the removal of tear stains. Do not switch to a grain-free diet without talking to your vet, as it may be linked to certain heart conditions. What else can you do? Photo credit: Getty Images In the meantime, you can take steps to make sure your dog is more comfortable. Clean the area affected by excess tears with a paper towel soaked in warm water. Use a dog-safe eyewash to remove irritants, and you may want to consider an Elizabethan collar if your dog is pawing at their eyes to avoid further damage. As for removing the stains, there are many products on the market that claim to do so. Usually, these are a waste of money and can even be harmful to your dog. Generally, wiping away the tears frequently will reduce the presence of porphyrin, the pigment that causes staining, as well as any yeast infections that might occur. You can clean the fur with colloidal silver, which is safe near the eyes. It may take a few weeks before you see a reduction in tear stains, but over time, this will help. Products that are not safe around the eyes include hydrogen peroxide, topical vinegar, and makeup remover. Does your dog have tear stains under their eyes? How do you treat them? Let us know in the comments below! DogTime Editors. Those unsightly reddish-brown markings around a dog's eyes. Because there are so many causes of tear stains on dogs, any pup can get them. But you won't always notice them. Tear stains on white dogs are the most obvious, but not every white dog is going to get them. Some dog breeds are more prone to tear stains than others, regardless of their color. What Causes Tear Stains on Dogs? First, a quick overview of what causes tear stains on dogs. Generally speaking, dog tear stains are caused by a condition called epiphora. Which simply means the dog is either producing excessive amounts of tears or has poorly-draining tear ducts. Over time, a pigment called porphyrin, builds up under the eyes, resulting in the characteristic red-brown stains. Darker tear stains may also be the result of a yeast infection that has developed on the skin under the dog's eyes thanks to constant moisture. Many of the causes of epiphora are minor and not something to be concerned about. Allergies, for instance, or untrimmed hair around the dog's eyes. Other causes are tied specifically to the dog's breed. If you notice ongoing tear staining, we recommend checking with your vet to identify any potential health issues. Dog Breeds with Tear Stains The dog breeds most prone to tear stains fall into one of several categories, but can also fall into more than one category — like the Poodle, which falls into three! These categories are: Breeds prone to congenital tear duct abnormalities Breeds with long facial hair White dog breeds It's also worth noting, some dogs, like German Shepherds are prone to allergies, one of the main causes of tear stains. This is a list of the most common dog breeds that are prone to tear stains. If you're considering getting a less common dog breed, you may want to check with a breeder to see if tear stains are a known issue. Flat-faced breeds typically have round, bulging eyes. And while many humans find this look endearing, it does make it more difficult for the dog to close his eyelids fully. Resulting in regularly irritated, watering eyes. To make matters worse, many dogs with flat faces also have narrow or crooked tear ducts, making it nearly impossible to drain all that excess water. Breeds Prone to Congenital Tear Duct Abnormalities Poodles, Cocker Spaniels, Golden Retrievers, Labradors A common congenital condition among these breeds is imperforate punctum also called punctal atresia , which basically means the tear ducts are underdeveloped. You won't always notice the tear stains, however. For instance, on a brown Lab or dark Poodle. But there's a good chance they're there. And, as a result, tear stains. Additionally, for some of these breeds, like Cairn and West Highland Terriers, their coarse hair will sometimes start to grow inwards, making eye irritation even more of a problem. It's so common, it's almost a cliche. Almost any dog breed that is primarily white like the Samoyed or Bichon or can be white like the Poodle has a chance of showing tear stains at some point in their life. It's simply part of having an all-white dog. Size Doesn't Matter Though many of the dogs most prone to tear staining are small, there are plenty of large dog breeds with tear stains. A white Standard Poodle is as likely to show tear stains as a tiny Maltese. And a pound boxer has the same flat-face issues that a pound pug does. Have a dog with tear stains that won't go away? Andy fact checks and writes for Pure Pet Food while also working as a full time veterinarian. Working with high profile veterinary professionals and nutritionists, Pure Pet Food are changing dog food for the better. They are usually the result of the dog producing too many tears or having an inability for the tears to drain away as normal. What are tear stains in dogs? Some dogs produce too much of a pigment-containing molecule that can be found in dog tears and cause the staining. These molecules, known as porphyrins, contain iron, which is responsible for the red colouration, which gets darker when exposed to sunlight. Porphyrins are usually excreted via the digestive system but in dogs, they are also removed from the body in urine, saliva and tears. Darker coated dogs can also suffer from tear stains, but the marks are harder to see on the dark hair. For this reason, it is important for go to your vet so they can perform a check-up when the signs of dog tear stains are first noticed. What causes tear stains in dogs? The answer to what causes tear stains in dogs is usually an excessive amount of tears on the face, either from too many tears being produced or the tears not draining away properly. This could be the symptom of a serious medical condition or indicate an infection, so it is important to see your vet if you notice signs of tear stains for the first time. Possible medical causes Glaucoma — a serious condition that causes a build-up of pressure in the eye and can damage the optic nerve. Eye infection — infections by bacteria, viruses or parasites can cause a discharge from the eye. Ear infection — may cause the eye on the same side of the head to tear more than is usual. Ingrown eyelashes — these can rub against the surface of the eye, causing irritation and damage. Entropion — a condition where the eyelid rolls in, causing the eyelashes to rub against the eye and causing irritation. Mechanical causes, due to the dog's body construction Large tear glands — larger glands produce larger volumes of tears. Small tear duct openings — each eye has a tube running from the eye into the nasal cavity to drain the excess tears via the nose. Small openings to these ducts reduce their effectiveness and the excess spills over into the hair. Blocked tear ducts — as for small duct openings, blocked ducts cannot remove the excess liquid from the eye. Some breeds of dog such as Poodles and Cocker Spaniels have a tendency for the drainage holes not to develop properly. Scarring — if there has been previous infection or eye damage, tear drainage may reduce. Hair around the eyes — if hair keeps getting into the eyes, it can wick the tears away, drawing the moisture from the eye and down to the skin. Shallow eye sockets — particularly in brachycephalic dogs breeds with short muzzles such as Pugs, French Bulldogs or Pekingese , eyes can bulge and protrude, sometimes so much that the eyelids never close completely, even when sleeping. Other possible causes: Irritant exposure — irritants like dust or smoke can cause the eye to water attempting to remove the irritating substance. Allergies — allergic reactions can cause the eye to water excessively. Poor diet and stress — Anxiety and stress can cause a number of issues. Cheap, low-quality foods can often be a problem. Teething — when puppies are teething, they produce more tears and tear stains may become apparent. It is a good idea to have your vet check that there are no other issues causing the tears but, once they have finished teething, the problem often goes away. Signs and symptoms of tear stains in dogss The most obvious sign of tear stains in light coloured dogs are the red marks in the hair below each eye. These are much harder to see in darker coated dogs, and it may be that the damp hair from excessive tear production or the tears being drawn away from the eye into the fur are the easiest symptoms to see. There may be a discharge from the eye, depending on the cause of the tears, but this does not happen in every case. If your dog has stains that are brown rather than red, particularly if there is a noticeable odour, then they may have a yeast infection that can be caused by the skin being constantly damp under the fur. How to treat tear stains in dogs If the cause of dog tear stains is a medical one such as infection, your vet will prescribe medication as required to treat the condition. For cases such as entropion, the treatment may involve surgery to stop the eyelids rolling in. In the case of allergies and irritants, once the allergen or irritant has been identified and removed then the excess tears should be reduced. Anti-histamines may be needed if it is not possible to remove an allergen completely. Some of the mechanical causes are permanent and so need management. Preventing tear stains in dogs with these kinds of problems involves keeping the face scrupulously clean. Wiping the face with a warm damp cloth, at least twice a day removes tears and reduces staining. Keeping the area around the eyes trimmed will stop hair going into the eye to irritate it. This also stops tears keeping the skin damp, preventing secondary yeast infections. You can use organic unrefined coconut oil for dog tear stains under the eyes, as it provides a gentle water repellent coating, stopping stains and protecting the skin. Use porcelain, glass or stainless steel food and water bowls, as plastic bowls can become damaged and harbour bacteria which may cause irritation. Common advice on how to clean dog tear stains recommends warm water and cotton pads to clean the area, and this is the safest tip for how to remove dog tear stains naturally. If the stains are stubborn, a dilute boric acid solution like contact lens cleaning solution may help. There are many other tips given in various places on how to get rid of dog tear stains, but often include substances that may cause more harm than good. What is the best dog food for tear stains? First and foremost, a high-quality and filler-free diet has long been established as the best dog food for tear stains. Similarly, if your dog has any sort of allergy or sensitivity, it can make them produce more tears and cause staining. Providing your pup with a nutritional diet that avoids common irritants like artificial additives will help to minimise the risks of irritation and excessive tears. Sadly, some dogs simply have smaller ducts and shallow eye sockets, predisposing them to tear stains. Breeds like bulldogs and pugs are more likely to have blocked ducts or unsightly stains. A quality, balanced diet will help to improve their overall health and strengthen their immune system to prevent future infections and irritations which can exacerbate the problem of tear stains. As excessive tears are often caused by inflamed skin , it is important to find dog food that helps to alleviate the skin sensitivity. The best dog food for tear stains , and overall skin health, will have natural ingredients that are less likely to cause irritation and a limited list of ingredients that allow you to easily monitor everything your dog is eating and avoid any known allergens. Kibble dry dog food can be a problem for dogs who suffer from tears stains since it contains a lot of fillers, a long list of ingredients, and often uses artificial flavours and preservatives. The ultra-processed nature of the food makes it less nutritionally viable and more likely to cause irritation too. Pure has proven to be a awesome dog food for tear stains, and plenty of pups are looking prettier and feeling happier and healthier after eating Pure. Bulldogs like Frank have reduced tear stains and look perfectly handsome, while white pups like Bronte or Charlie have seen their tear and mouth stains much improved after a few weeks. We are what we eat, and it shouldn't be any different for our pets. Summary: What Causes Tear Staining? The excess tearing itself can be caused by any number of health issues. From conjunctivitis to eye injuries, to puppy teething and growth, allergies, ear infections, ingrown eyelashes, and poor diet. Further, if your dog is already prone to tear stains, stress can exacerbate the problem. There may be an underlying issue that needs to be addressed. If your vet finds nothing wrong then you can move to other options. There are a variety of liquids, powders, and even dietary supplements that all claim to reduce tear stains. Some seem to work quite well. However, many of them have questionable ingredients and you may not want to use on your dog. Some people will even go to the extreme of putting their dog on antibiotics to get rid of tear stains! This is typically for show dogs and is a rather ridiculous step to jump too. Antibiotics should be saved for life-threatening infections and not used for cosmetic purposes. Learn more about the potential damage of antibiotics in our post about probiotics. If this happens, you may want to trim that whisker. But if he has a whisker poking his eye, it is best to trim that whisker. As always a species-appropriate, raw diet is the best option for optimal health, longevity, and getting rid of tear staining! Adding blueberries to the diet has also proven helpful for some dogs with tear staining. Grain seems to be a huge culprit of tear staining so be sure to avoid those for your dog. If possible notice what stresses him, children, other dogs, having company, going to the vet, cats, etc. Once you are aware of what stresses your dog then you can start to counter-condition your dog. So, that he will no longer be stressed under those conditions. Counter-conditioning is the best way to help your dog get over his stress. Seek the help of a trainer that uses positive training techniques, for the fastest results. Summary: Any dog may at some point experience tear staining. Tear staining can be the result of a health concern, stress, poor diet, or other issues. They are quite unsightly. However, in most cases tear staining can be cured with simple dietary changes and stress reduction. More Health. Add to cart Milk of Magnesia One of the most popular homemade remedies for Golden Retriever tear stains is milk of magnesia. It works along with a couple of other ingredients to help treat and prevent tear stains in dogs. A tablespoon of each should be enough. Mix those together thoroughly. Now, I know you might be worried about using hydrogen peroxide since it can be a bit strong. Besides, the peroxide is necessary because it takes away the color and reverses the pigmentation. Second, start adding small amounts of cornstarch to the mixture. The formula should look like paste. Take this paste-like mixture and spread it through the tear-stained areas around the eyes. Give the mixture a few hours to work its magic. After that, grab a warm, damp towel and wipe it off. Some foods are full of preservatives, chemicals, additives, coloring agents, and all kinds of harmful ingredients. You also want to avoid products that are soy, grain, or carbohydrate-based. Instead, you should look for high-quality foods that contain balanced, whole-diet nutrients. Premium-quality foods can help keep tear stains away. You should also avoid beef-based protein sources for some time and see if the tear stains get any better. Tap water practically screams tear stains, along with a bunch of other health issues. It contains more minerals than any other kind of drinking water. And guess what? Instead of tap water, you want to give your Golden Retriever bottled, filtered, or purified water. All you need is a small filter attached to your kitchen sink or even inside your water pitcher. Coconut Oil Coconut oil is amazing. It has anti-inflammatory properties that are perfect for soothing away anything irritating your pup. The pH level also inhibits bacterial and fungal growth, therefore preventing infections. Infections are another top cause of tear stains. In other words, apple cider vinegar helps treat tear stains and also prevents them. Its taste. If you notice your Golden Retriever is starting to avoid its water bowl, the reason might be the pungent taste. If that happens, cut back on the vinegar a bit and add small, gradual amounts every now and then. After all, dehydration is a much more important problem than tear stains. Grooming This last one might seem a bit off, but you should consider it. You know who your eyes get watery if something gets inside it? The same happens to dogs. Having their fur constantly get in their eyes leads to irritation and tearing. Eventually, tear stains develop. Even better, take it to a professional every now and then and have them pamper your pup. It might just go a long way in preventing tear stains. Dog tear stains are often a symptom of a larger problem and a significant warning sign owners need to pay attention to. What Are Tear Stains? They are caused, in the most direct sense, by porphyrin—a reddish-brown pigment found in tears. Porphyrin is produced as the body breaks down iron. This molecule is excreted through many different pathways, including the gut, saliva, urine, and—you guessed it—tears! All dogs produce some amount of porphyrin in their tears, but some produce more than others. Dogs with light-colored fur are more likely to have visible tear stains from excess porphyrin than dogs with darker coats. No matter what color the coat, visible tear stains are a sign that your dog has more porphyrin in their system than is normal. What Causes Tear Stains? There are a number of health issues that can cause your dog to produce too much porphyrin. Some of the causes are relatively benign while others can be a sign of a serious problem. Tear duct malformation, bulging eyes, shortened muzzle, and eyelid malformation can all cause excessive tear production. But this does not mean that every dog with a squished face is destined to live with tear stains. Tears that contain a normal amount of porphyrin should not leave behind large, dark stains, even if there is an excess amount of tears. But if the amount of porphyrin is even slightly elevated, those extra tears will cause stains to form quicker than they would in a dog that sheds fewer tears. If your dog suffers from entropion, has bulging eyes or a shortened muzzle, or has a tear duct issue and suffers from tear stains, there is likely something else going on inside their body that needs to be addressed. While most people will point out structural issues as a cause for tear stains, the truth is that a predisposition to excess tear shedding acts only as an advanced warning system. Irritants Much like a genetic predisposition and structural malformation, irritants can cause your dog to shed more tears than normal. Smoke, dust, allergens, corneal abrasions, and other eye irritants can all cause excess tear production. Just as with structural problems, these issues alone are unlikely to cause large, dark tear stains. If your dog has tear stains and is producing more tears due to an irritant, you should work to both eliminate the cause of the excess tears and the cause of the excess porphyrin. Infections One of the most common causes of excess porphyrin in tears is excess bacteria or yeast in the body. That is because many bacteria and yeast produce porphyrin as part of their metabolic cycle. Often, tear stains are a sign that your dog has an infection in their eye, tear ducts, mouth, or other nearby location. Ulcers, conjunctivitis, untreated corneal abrasions and nasolacrimal obstructions are commonly associated with the sudden appearance of tear stains. Similarly, yeast infections in the folds of skin near the eye or inside the body can cause tear stains. Other times, excess porphyrin is the effect of systemic bacterial and yeast imbalances rather than a concentrated infection. Liver, egg yolk, sardines, and deep green vegetables all contain a high amount of iron. Many commercial dog foods, especially those containing few quality meat ingredients, will add an iron supplement to their recipe. Consuming iron-rich water can also cause an excess of porphyrin production in the body. City water is typically monitored for excess iron levels and treated to reduce levels as needed. Wellwater, on the other hand, commonly has high levels of metal in it. If this is the kind of water you use, it is worth testing it periodically for iron and other metals. In addition to causing tear stains, excess iron in the diet can also cause iron toxicity. When consumed in high amounts, this metal begins to accumulate inside organs and can easily damage the gut, liver, and brain. Gut Bacteria Imbalances As we covered above, imbalances in the body can lead to an excess of porphyrin-producing bacteria and yeast. Often, these imbalances start in the gut. Many harmful bacteria, including E. Bacteroides and other porphyrin-consuming probiotics are commonly found in the canine gut. These good bacteria are also responsible for keeping yeast populations in check. This can lead very quickly to the formation of tear stains. There are a number of factors that can cause gut bacterial imbalances, including allergies, poor diet, and stress. Antibiotic use is often associated with an initial reduction in tear stains followed by a sudden resurgence of stains. This is because these medications kill off both porphyrin-producing bacteria and beneficial bacteria. Once the medication is stopped these two types of bacteria repopulate the gut at different rates, allowing pathogenic bacteria a chance to take over. Talk to Your Veterinarian If your dog suddenly develops tear stains after not having dealt with the problem previously, your first action should be to take them to the vet. Often, the sudden onset of tear stains is a sign of a bacterial infection in or near the eye. Your veterinarian should examine your dog for signs of infection, scratched cornea, glaucoma, or other common eye infections and problems. If the issue is an infection, your dog will likely be placed on antibiotics. In this case, make sure to follow our protocol below for rebalancing the gut microbiome once your dog has finished the round of treatment. Address High Iron Intake If your dog has always suffered from tear stains or if the problem suddenly presents itself after a move, it is a good idea to have your water tested for high levels of iron. This can be done easily using any number of water quality testing products. If you do find that your water has a lot of iron in it, you should install a purifier on your drinking water tap or switch to bottled water for you and your dog. For this, we recommend AnimalBiome microbiome testing. This test can easily be done from home by collecting a fecal sample from your dog or cat and sending it into the AnimalBiome lab. Foods with excess amounts of carbohydrates are one of the leading causes of non-antibiotic-related gut imbalances in dogs. These types of foods also tend to be the ones that have added iron supplements, which only compounds the problem. By switching your dog to a higher quality diet that features quality meats as the primary ingredient, you can help their gut heal and reduce excess porphyrin production. Oral Tear Stain Treatments There are a number of tear stain treatments available on the market. Many oral tear stain treatments work by targeting the bacteria that produce porphyrin. In fact, one of the most famous tear stain supplements used to contain a prescription antibiotic until the FDA cracked down and forced them to change their formula. Instead, we suggest treating the root of the problem using the methods mentioned above. Topical Tear Stain Treatments While oral supplements tend to be a mask for deeper problems, topical treatments can be useful in removing old tear stains as you fight to prevent new ones. There are plenty of these treatments on the market to choose from, as well. Leave it there overnight and then wipe the area clean in the morning. Repeat as needed until the tear stain disappears. These unsightly stains are almost always indicative of an infection, an imbalance, or excess iron intake. If your dog is exposed to irritants or has structural eyes issues, tear stains will be more pronounced but still usually indicate a deeper issue. Luckily, most of these issues can be resolved with a little investigation and hard work.

Please call or email for an appointment. If you are looking to make a deposit for a puppy, please fill out our contact form and we will send you an invoice in which you can then make your deposit payment. Micro Goldendoodles and Mini Goldendoodles are renowned for being the perfect small, adorable pet that will help make your life feel whole! Not only do they have a gentle temperament that makes them an ideal family dog, but they also can serve as great service and therapy dogs. Goldendoodles are a cross of Golden Retrievers and Miniature Toy Poodles…and the end result is an adorable, loyal pet that is an ideal choice for people of all ages. Notably, the minis we offer weight somewhere in the vicinity of 20 to 35lbs, growing to be as tall as inches at the back. Meanwhile, our micro Goldendoodles are the smallest of the dogs we offer, as the tiniest ones weight just 8 pounds, and the biggest max out at .Please keep in mind, each litter is unique, and that will have the biggest impact on their final size. These dogs are super friendly, loyal and loving, making them an ideal family pet! For more information, check out our Goldendoodle FAQ page. These dogs typically weigh between 10 and 25 pounds and stand around inches tall at the shoulder. They are known for their playful and affectionate personalities, as well as their low-shedding coats. One of the benefits of the Micro Goldendoodle is their hypoallergenic coat, which makes them a great choice for people with allergies. They are also highly trainable and respond well to positive reinforcement training methods. These dogs are social and enjoy spending time with their families, making them great companions for children and other pets. The Micro Goldendoodle is a relatively low-maintenance breed for grooming and upkeep. They require regular brushing to prevent matting and tangling, but their low-shedding coat means they do not need frequent baths. These dogs are generally healthy and have a life expectancy of around years. The Micro Goldendoodle is a fun-loving and friendly breed well-suited for families or individuals looking for a smaller, hypoallergenic dog with a gentle disposition. Showing 1—12 of 32 results. Please tell us a little about your home and family: family size, who the puppy is for, house type, indoor or outdoor, fenced yard.We estimate they'll be between lbs fully grown. If you were to breed a Golden Retriever with a Mini Poodle you'd likely get a Medium Golden doodle at around lbs fully grown. If you breed Standard or Medium Golden doodles or Golden Retriever with a Toy poodle you're likely going to get a Mini Goldendoodle that's estimated to be between lbs. Because Teacup Goldendoodles and Micro Goldendoodles are so much smaller than the Golden Retriever; it takes multiple generations to get to the size of a Teacup Golden doodle or Micro Goldendoodle. So for our example, let's say we breed a Mini Goldendoodle with a Toy Poodle. Depending on the size of the parent dogs you can either end up with a Toy Golden doodle ranging from lbs fully grown, or you can possibly have Teacup Goldendoodles that are estimated to be between lbs. Then finally you have a Teacup Goldendoodle and you breed it with a Micro or Teacup Poodle 5 lbs or under and you end up with Micro Goldendoodles that are estimated to be between lbs fully grown. Here's the sizing breakdown to simplify it. Need help finding the right supplies? Goldendoodle Generations In understanding Goldendoodle Generations, I find it easiest to look at the percentages of Golden Retriever and Poodle and do the math to figure out what generation the puppies will likely be. Micro Goldendoodles Are you in the Frederick, Maryland area and looking for ethical breeders that offer Goldendoodle Puppies for sale? Are you interested in having a playful puppy as a perfect loyal companion? If the answer is yes, you have found a great resource to take care of all your puppy needs. We offer the best Goldendoodle puppies for sale in Maryland. Why we choose grain free diets for our puppies Cows, goats, deer, elk, etc. Cows, goats, deer, elk, etc. Whereas, your dog has a single stomach made to digest meats and fats. Feeding your pup grains could cause them to miss out on important nutrients, causing them to become malnourished and have weakened immune systems. We recommend carrying this diet over into your home for your future puppy so that they can continue to grow and lead the healthiest life. You can visit or purchase Great Lakes Pet Food online at greatlakespetfood. We guarantee the genetic health of our Golden puppies for thirty days, and if you choose to use Great Lakes Pet Food the guarantee will be extended to two years. We like to provide proper education backed with logic and science so that you can feel confident that your cuddly puppy is given only the best! Our Promise We are so happy that you are interested in our Puppies! Here at Breezy Hollow Puppies, we promise to make the entire process the best and easiest experience for you and your family. We take pride in our ability to provide excellent care to our happy puppies. We value giving the puppies nurturing environments that will allow them to be socialized and most of all the healthiest puppies. We keep our facilities safe and sanitary by following breeder standards in order to provide exceptional puppies for you! I started my business in with my family by my side. We reside on a beautiful farm in Dauphin County, PA. Our passion is preparing our puppies for loving homes and giving each individual customer a unique and easy sales experience. Breezy Hollow Puppies strives to raise happy and healthy puppies. We would love to hear from you! Omar would love to find your new fur-ever friend! Feel free to contact Omar at with any questions, comments, or concerns! Goldendoodles Puppies for sale in Maryland and surrounding areas. Contact Us.

Imagine you could come home to a lovable, dedicated, companion for life! If you knew what to look for when buying a German Shepherd puppy, you could find your next best friend. Before you buy your new best friend, read this information so you know what to look for in buying a healthy, quality German Shepherd puppy. I group them into major categories. Will you show him in conformation? Do you want to work with him in Schutzhund or herding? Or do you want a confident and alert companion? Know exactly what you want from your puppy. These dogs are the least costly since they have a trait that prevents them from winning in conformation competitions. These flaws rarely matter to most pet owners. And many minor faults like flat withers or slightly smaller offset ears will probably go unnoticed by most owners. The vast majority of GSDs are family pets. These dogs make great pets as long as they have sound temperaments! They breed some dogs for certain traits that are highly desirable but considered a fault. For example, long-coat or plush-coat GSDs. Show-quality dogs have good temperament and health. You usually buy them for their breed standard qualities that make them able to compete in confirmation or show events. A show-quality dog may cost significantly more if they have the traits desirable to win at a show. This group comes from Championship show lines with a long history of winning. If you plan on showing your Shepherd this is the quality you want. Beware of any breeder who claims they only raise competition-quality dogs. Even the best breeders produce many pet-quality dogs and if a breeder says they only breed perfect dogs, this is a red flag to not buy from them. The GSD is a herding breed, and the working-quality dogs excel at working trials such as scent competitions and Schutzhund. Other work includes climbing and jumping competitions or searching and tracking. They need mental stimulation to keep them occupied and take a lot of time to handle properly. These dogs are better with experienced handlers since you use them for high drive working and competition. They require hours and years of training and preparation for you to have total control during competition. We base this decision on preference. With the correct upbringing and training, both sexes are loyal companions and good with children. They may grow into more dominant dogs, so a confident handler is more desirable. Males may hike their back legs to mark their territory. This can occur on any object — chairs, walls, couches or even your leg. I suggest an extra bout of socialization during this stage, especially with other well-behaved dogs. So they may be better for the first-time owner. Unspayed females come into season every 6 months, so they must receive monitoring and watch to avoid unwanted pregnancies. Their season time can vary from as little as every 4 months to every 9 months. They can attract males to your property and on walks that will harass them if not spayed. Certain breeders and organizations will deal only in a certain coat length and color. The standard coat length is a short coat with double layers. Guard hairs on the top cover a softer underlayer of hair that provides warmth and protection. But there are many coat lengths available depending on your liking. Look online at the different GSD coat lengths to get an idea of what type of fur you want your dog to have. The longer the fur the more grooming involved. The color you choose is a matter of individual taste. Keep in mind the color of many Shepherds alters from their puppyhood to around 2 years of age. Your dog may become lighter or darker. Perhaps they will lose some of their markings as the color fades into the adult pattern. The best way to know what color and patterns your dog grows into is to see the parents of the litter. If the father is unavailable, then ask for photos. Why should you care where your dog comes from if you only want him as a pet companion? You want to get a dog that will live a long and healthy life from a source that has quality puppies. These tips will help you make the best decision on what type of pup fits in your life. Newspaper and Internet Classified Ads Newspaper and internet ads are in abundance. Many backyard breeders hide behind ads online or in local papers. But some breeders who use newspapers and classified ads are reputable and knowledgeable. The problem is you need to visit them to find out, and this can take time to sift through them all. Try the following more reputable suggestions to save yourself time. Dog Care Professionals Ask dog professionals for recommendations. Check with your local veterinarian, groomer, and boarding kennel personnel if they know reputable breeders in town. These professionals are good sources of quality leads. Use the same caution that you will for a classified ad. Verify their suggestions. Many of these organizations regularly receive puppies they need to re-home. While you might not know the full pedigree of the dog, purebred GSDs find themselves in shelters and rescues from no fault of their own. These organizations are a good resource for your first pup. Before adopting, find out as much information as you can. Was the puppy exposed to children? Did he live with other dogs or cats? A well-organized shelter or rescue helps you choose a German Shepherd match for your lifestyle. Start with looking online for GSD rescues and local shelters. Dog Clubs Dog clubs are local and national. These groups put you into contact with registered breeders through their own programs. They can give you the name of the GSD club contact closest to you for breed contacts. Dog clubs also have dog shows open to the public. This is a good time to watch the breed in action and to ask around for quality breeders. While using a dog club to connect you with a reputable breeder is not the only choice, it is one of the more reliable. If you are using a breeder to choose your German Shepherd puppy, this section will help you know the good from the bad. Use these tips to stay safe. Are selling overpriced or under-priced dogs. Lie to you and say you can make money off your new puppy by breeding them, despite them having flaws. Tells you that the GSD is a dog for everyone, with no disadvantages. Breeds multiple types of dogs and claims to be an expert on them all. If a breeder lets their mothers get pregnant more than once a year, this affects the quality of the puppies, so ask how many litters the mother has. These breeders selling unhealthy puppies also will refuse to take bag their dogs if you need to return them for any reason and have no contracts. They have healthy puppies and will answer your questions and have you make multiple visits. Openly show you where the mother and pups spend their time, including their garden or yard. Tells you the up and downs of owning the breed. Have all pedigree and vet paperwork on hand for your review. Specializes in breeding only GSDs source. They openly share this information with you. They have screened their dogs for health issues and can confirm this with documentation which they proudly give you a copy. Healthy mothers are given rest from breeding, and a reputable breeder gives their mothers time off from reproduction. Ask if your breeder if they are willing to take back their dogs if you cannot keep them, as this is standard for a quality breeder with a good reputation. Make sure your breeder has a written contract with detailed information and health guarantees. These are expected for safe breeding practices. How to Buy a German Shepherd Puppy Following this guide gives you the best chance of buying a German Shepherd puppy that suits your lifestyle. Know what you want from your GSD and where to find quality dogs. Learn what to look for when buying a German Shepherd puppy to stay safe from a sick pup and a bad breeder. German Shepherds have their own unique set of challenges. They are a large, active, and intelligent breed that requires an understanding owner who is willing to train their GSD using positive techniques. Devote yourself to their overall health to see the best results and help give you and your dog a lifetime of happiness. Remember, your pup will need mental stimulation to keep their brain active , a gentle exercise program , and need daily love and affection. Buying a German Shepherd puppy is a choice for your whole life that will bring you many years of joy and excitement! Found this helpful? Share it! She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. Are you at home to devote time and training to their growth? What open space environment is your home? German Shepherds are on the no dog list in apartment buildings. Do you have a family with other pets? Also, a good breeder will ask you why do you want this particular breed? The breeder should be concerned that a German Shepherd puppy is being placed within the best living environment. Here are some insights to help you bring home the perfect German Shepherd puppy: Types of German Shepherd Puppies Pure-bred German Shepherd puppies are available in a variety of colors and built. The typical description is light brown and black. Black: Rare and beautiful. Their coloring is either all black or a deep dark bluish hair tint. Panda: their coloring consists of black, white, and tan. This is their natural coloring, not contributed to being a mixed breed. Sable: A unique coloring of this breed consists of light black, grey, tan, or gold. As puppies, the Sable German Shepherd puppies are fully tan. As they age, fur begins to develop stronger natural colors. White: No, this German Shepherd breed is not due to albino coloring. Though rate, white is their natural coloring. This German Shepherd puppy will be smaller in size, whether male or female. The reason for this question is that German Shepherds are intelligent and engaging breeds. They can be trained to thrive in any situation and climate. Their ability to cope in any situation is amazing. German Shepherds make great companions, protective family pets, and they are hard workers. Knowing how to choose a German Shepherd puppy, you are wondering what things you should look for. In other words, you are looking to see if it has a good temperament. German Shephard puppies demand and exhibit affection rather aggressively. Parental Traits If you are choosing a puppy from a kennel or a breeder, inquire about its parental background. You want to know if both parents were healthy and friendly. Carefully Examine the Puppy You want to look again for a puppy that is active and healthy. To choose the best German Shepherd puppy, you must become an amateur canine detective and examine the puppy closely. Here are things to look for: A German Shepherd puppy should not look thin. Instead, they should look full-bodied. Their eyes should appear bright and clear. Also, you must invade their personal space by examining their butt area to make sure it is clean. Their nose should be clean and not runny. Their teeth and gums look healthy. Their hair coat should not have bald spots and should not be matted. Your German Shepherd puppy should be free from odors. Pick a puppy that has a good gait, and their tail is up and actively wagging. All puppies need their mothers when they are very young. A German Shepherd puppy can be purchased when they are between the ages of eight and twelve weeks old. If you decide on an older puppy, just make sure that it has retained its socialization skills with both people and other animals. Make sure that the puppy has gotten all its vaccinations and deworming medication. However, within 48 hours of purchase, take your German Shepherd puppy to your vet for a complete exam. The Kennel or Breeder Environment Whether you are purchasing your German Shepherd puppy from a kennel or a private seller, look at the conditions of both. How does the kennel look to you? Both kennels and private breeder yards should be clean, and all puppies should have clean water. Please do not buy a German Shepherd puppy from a breeder where the conditions are unclean. How Instinctive Are You? Many potential dog-owners state that they knew that this was the one when they first saw their puppy. We all have instincts; therefore, you will know what the right buying environment is when you look at the puppies. If you get a feeling that something is not right, leave and find a different breeder. When you purchase your German Shepherd puppy and bring that bundle of joy home, you want to feel confident that you have made the best decision. After all, the relationship with your German Shepherd puppy can last easily for up to thirteen years. Male vs. Female German Shepherd There are many people who only choose a German Shepherd puppy because of their gender or appearance. What is most important in purchasing any puppy is their physical and mental stability. Gender and looks should never be a deciding factor when choosing a dog that will live in your family for the next 12 years or more. Please perform thorough breeder research so that you can choose the right German Shepherd puppy that will fit into your living lifestyle for years to come. Do you want to select a female puppy for future breeding? If not, both your male and female German Shepherd puppy should be spayed and neutered. Female German Shepherds are found to have a sweeter temperament than their male counterparts. Male German Shepherds are more territorial. They also are a little more stubborn and proud. Male German Shepherds are generally larger than their female counterparts. The male can grow to a height range of up to 26 inches. Meanwhile, the female can grow to a height of up to 24 inches tall. Their weight will range from a full-bodied 75 to 95 pounds. When you are trying to decide whether to purchase a male vs. They make excellent watchdogs. Socialize Therefore, if you are going to be around other individuals each day, your German Shepherd puppy must be trained to accept people outside their family unit. Introduce your German Shepherd puppy to strangers so that they will feel comfortable in front of people. By introducing them to strangers, will help them stay calm. They do not like to be left alone for too long. Because they were originally bred for herding, German Shepherds have high energy and thus require physical and mental stimulation. Make sure you have the time and patience to own a German Shepherd puppy. In patiently taking time with their active habits, it will work out to your benefit. They become loyal and loving breeds, especially when raised in a family setting. Remember the TV show Dog Whisperer? The host always referred to a dog requiring a pack leader. German Shepherds must learn that you are the pack leader. If not, they will take the dominant lead, and this is not good. They must be trained and actively exercised to be happy. German Shepherds love to explore and investigate everything. If you live in an area where there are porcupines, lookout. Young German Shepherd puppies will probably come home with quills all over their body. Well, you would be wrong. A German Shepherd puppy will want to correct this wrong and approach another porcupine! Grooming a German Shepherd puppy is simple and easy. Yes, they do shed year-round, so brush them occasionally. But mostly keep their nails trimmed, their teeth and ears cleaned. Dog breeders believe that to help your new German Shepherd puppy adjust from a litter to your new home, they should be crate trained. They need to feel safe and comfortable. Crate training is a learning experience for a German Shepherd puppy, but it eventually helps them get used to a family who perhaps must go off to work every day. Further Reading. Do further research into these local German Shepherd breed clubs in your area. Whether you get information from their websites or contact them directly for help, local breed clubs are a great way to get the names of reputable breeders in your area. Veterinarians come into contact with a lot of different types of animal care-givers, from breeders to shelters to individual owners. Because they know so much about animal issues in the community, it's a good idea to talk to a few vets in your area for ethical breeder recommendations. Also consider speaking to other German Shepherd owners, dog groomers, or dog trainers. If you visit a breed show, talk to owners and trainers about who they've had good or bad experiences with. A good breeder won't have a variety of breeds available for adoption. Look for a breeder who specializes only in German Shepherds. Your best option is to find a breeder who has years of experience with the German Shepherd breed. They should be able to answer your questions about development, temperament, and training easily and without hesitation. A key marker of a good breeder is the amount of effort they put into early socialization. Puppies need to be taught from an early age to live harmoniously with humans. If a breeder keeps litters isolated away from the home, the puppies will not be used to the sights and sounds of a normal household, and won't be used to human interaction. This can become a problem by the time they are old enough to be adopted. Make sure the puppies spend at least some time in the breeders' home with them. The more time they spend with humans, the more you can trust the breeder. An ethical breeder will never try to breed a female who hasn't reached sexual maturity — about 2 years of age. Mothers should also be given enough time to recover from pregnancies and being separated from their litters as they get adopted. Females should be healthy and alert. Never adopt a puppy from a breeder who breeds a young or unhealthy female, or who doesn't give mothers time to recover before breeding them again. Puppies should never be sold or separated from their mothers before 8 weeks of age. The breeder should have begun the puppies' vaccination and deworming processes before adopting them out. Make sure that's happened, and ask about any health problems the vet may have reported in these early checkups. Ask if the breeders have their dogs tested for the Degenerative Myelopathy DM gene. This can determine whether a common inherited disease in German Shepherds is present in the litter's bloodline. Dogs with DM suffer from progressive paralysis, particularly in the hind legs. Note that being AKC-registered does not mean that you are getting a healthy animal. It means that the owner paid money to the AKC to register the dog. While experts recommend against breeding animals with known genetic problems, an OFA certification will give you proof. Be aware, though, that there's no guarantee of health in any animal. There's always a chance that two dogs free of known genetic diseases can still produce a puppy with genetic problems. The breeder should be evaluating you as a potential owner, just as you're evaluating him or her as a breeder. No good breeder will just hand over a puppy without being sure that the new owners will be able to provide it with a good, healthy life. Ask the breeder what they look for in a good owner, and whether they've ever turned potential owners away. The breeder should be able to answer these questions without even having to think about it. You might also ask the breeder for references so you can contact other families who have dogs from previous litters. A reputable breeder should ask questions about your dog background and experience, your lifestyle, and your family to guide you in making the best decision. As difficult as it may be, a good breeder will be willing to turn you away if they think you're a bad fit for their particular puppies. For example, if the litter has particularly inactive parents, the puppies may not be a good fit for your highly active lifestyle. If you get turned away, ask if the breeder can point you to other options and litters so you can expand your search. Also ask if they have any unborn litters coming up that may be a better fit for you. Be patient and don't get discouraged. With enough patience and legwork, you'll find the right puppy. Don't lie to a breeder just to get a puppy, though. Trust the breeder's decision-making process. You don't want to end up with a dog who doesn't fit your needs. Avoid any breeder who offers to cut you a "deal," who has unclean or smelly kennels, or who acts suspiciously in any way. Trust your instincts. A breeder who's in it just for the money has the wrong motivation, and likely isn't interested in the welfare of their dogs. Make sure the dogs are not crowded into cages. They should have plenty of room to stumble around and explore their surroundings. Part of the time, puppies should be kept in the home to expose them to household environments. There should be adequate food and water for all animals on the premises. Kennels should be cleaned daily. Although it may be that a dog had an accident just before you arrived, be suspicious of a kennel that looks like it hasn't been cleaned recently. If a breeder doesn't have a return policy, it suggests they don't really care what happens to their dogs once they leave their property. That's not a good sign! Also find out what kind of documentation you would get with your puppy. Would you get registration papers and pedigree papers? Negotiate for what you want if it's not included in the contract. Be very wary of a breeder who will not discuss the chance that a puppy may need to be returned. Does the contract require you to take the puppy for a vet visit within a set time? Does it cover hereditary issues for life? For only a certain period of time? What does the breeder agree to offer? Trade for another puppy when one is available? Are there restrictions on the activities you can do with your dog that will invalidate the contract or guarantee? Are you purchasing a show prospect puppy or a pet quality animal? Does the breeder have strong feelings or even bans about the vaccinations, foods or supplements for your puppy? Are these opinions based on solid science? Of course, you have already read a lot of books with advice on how to choose the right puppy of a German Shepherd, east European, as well as a Newfoundland, Rottweiler, Spaniel, or Spitz puppy. You understand what is the fundamental difference between these breeds and why a Retriever puppy will never become a VIP bodyguard, and a black terrier will hardly ever pass for a draft husky. Why Opting For a German Shepherd Puppy Is a Good Choice The German Shepherd is prone to learning from a very young to deep old age, while many other breeds cannot boast of this, even if their appearance is more perfect than that of a German Shepherd. The most well-known characteristics that a German Shepherd owns are: pronounced protective and guarding instinct; the ability to make independent decisions, and active actions, and at the same time be completely submissive to the owner; sociability, playfulness, and curiosity; lack of aggression signs towards others and deep affection for the owner; a willingness to happily take on tasks, learn, and remain completely fearless when faced with unfamiliar surroundings or unforeseen difficulties; In addition, the Shepherd dog is calmly confident and features strong nerves, combativeness, and assertiveness which are the main qualities of a good service dog. Perhaps, due to this set of breed characteristics, few larger and more ferocious breeds can compete with a GS, both for guarding the house and as a personal protector. It is not recommended to take puppies under 4 weeks old from their mother. This applies not only to GSs but other breeds. At the age of one month, the baby has already been given all the necessary vaccinations. However, only a person who can devote a lot of time to raising a puppy can afford to take a Shepherd at such a young age. In addition to 6 meals a day, and socialization, the new owner will need to complete 1, different tasks, which require, above all, a lot of time. If there is no time, it is worth finding a puppy aged 4 to 6 months. And it is advisable to take such a teenager from a nursery that focuses on breeding German Shepherds and not all the breeds at once. It happens that a puppy stays in the nursery because the money deposit was given for it but, for some reason, people could not pick up the reserved puppy. If the grown-up German Shepherd puppy constantly lived in an aviary and was deprived of close contact with people and the outside world, owners who have not previously dealt with this breed should not choose such a youngster. These young dogs are for experienced cinologysts. Lack of socialization can be corrected but it cannot be fully eliminated. Testing for the Puppy and Its Future Owner You may already know how to choose a purebred German Shepherd by external signs under the age of 3 months. Simple tests will help you choose a puppy with the desired character. Visit the breeder at a predetermined time when the puppies do not sleep or, conversely, are not hungry. You are taking a future friend for life, and enthusiastic emotions with such a choice are inappropriate. When buying a new friend, inspect the litter meticulously. Pay attention to the following: eyes do not water; traces of diarrhea under the tails are not observed; wet noses are without purulent crusts; legs are straight and strong; fur is clean, reminding of the plush; on the skin under the coat, there are no signs of peeling and scabs; all puppies are active and well-fed; the body is elastic and strong to the touch; the puppy has a pleasant dog smell; the mother is not exhausted; bowls and bedding are clean; there is enough heat and light. Of course, the owner of the dog mother has already taken her to the next room. Those who paid attention to the unusual sound are yours. Throw carefully, of course a tennis ball at the puppies. Those who were not afraid and did not try to escape are yours. Those who, having scouted the situation, did not begin to whine , pressing themselves onto the floor, but hurried towards the bedding are yours. Pay attention to those who have shown interest in a new object. The best are those who took and dragged it. Keys and money are the dirtiest household items. This testing method was used 20 years ago. Today, it is dangerous for the health of puppies! Invite those who dragged the rubber duck to pull a piece of fabric. If the baby dog willingly starts the fight, not letting the cloth go when you pull it towards you, they are good boys or girls. Turn the puppy you like on its back and hold it with an open palm for a few seconds. A clear alpha leader is easy to identify by its non-calming behavior for seconds, and even trying to bite you in this position. It may not be your choice! You will get too many problems associated with the puppy, or it will never be possible to completely subdue it. The puppy that squealed, pulled back its paw, and did not lose its interest in you is yours. The one who barks trying to drive brothers and sisters away from the bowl is not for you. The one who gives up its place at the feeder is also not yours. Yours is the one who, regardless of the obstacles, has taken its place and calmly devours food, without moving from its point, snapping, and running around the bowl. Now, you have at best 2 or 3 puppies left in front of you. You need to select the fat-footed one who will try to get out through the opening without panic and squealing. The tests are simple, but they will allow you to select a good puppy and raise a real working German Shepherd from it without unnecessary costs and nerves. Talk to the breeder. Such puppies are sold at a more reasonable price, but the puppy card for them is mandatory to be filled out as well. If you are given puppies for free, in the absence of their mother, there is a reason to seriously consider whether it is a Shepherd dog at all, even if their mother has pedigree documents. This is not a dog of one owner! The versatility and flexibility of this breed are proven by the fact that GSs accept a new family and a new environment without any problems. The main thing for it is to have its own business — to serve a human! Of course, parting with the former owner seriously affects the condition of the dog, but it will not have a destructive effect on its psyche. And the sooner you engage the German Shepherd in work, the more chances you will have to become a new God for it. If the German Shepherd was properly brought up and grew up surrounded by people, it has working characteristics in good conditions, and the reputation of its previous owner is beyond all questions, such a dog will be quite useful to your family. Finding out the previous story and background of an adult GS why it is refused, what the complaints about its behavior are, and other prompting questions is a must! The reason may be the saddest and most trivial — the previous owner died, and relatives are not able to either support or care for the dog. David W. I admire German Shepherds. They are magnificent dogs! I have been dealing with dogs, namely German Shepherds, throughout my life. I have been working part-time as a dog trainer and instructor for about 5 years, dealing mainly with German Shepherds. So I know a bit about these animals. Therefore, I decided to share my knowledge and experience about this fantastic breed. If you need help with advice and care tips or want to know more about German Shepherd dogs, welcome to this blog. Discover the online program that more than 57, dog owners have used to rapidly transform their dog into a well-behaved, obedient furry friend. Below I'll list a few tips to help you choose your own GSD puppy by considering the following things, in no particular order: 1 Carefully look at the puppy's parents, all the littermates and any other relatives onsite - It's really important to make sure that both parents are friendly, healthy and active. One important thing to keep in mind, many nursing bitches can be a little "down" and maybe even undernourished when feeding a large litter of puppies, however she should still be friendly and curious about you. Another important tip: make sure both parents have been OFA certified. Chances are very high that you may regret bringing home a sickly puppy later. Overall, young German shepherd puppies should be playful, clean and odor-free, full bodied but not too chunky and have bright clear eyes, a clean nose, clean anus and a full hair coat no mats or bald patches. All puppies of any kind need their mothers very early on. They need them to nurse and they also need them as teachers to model behaviors for the puppy that they will need to know later on in life. It is also important to make sure that the puppies have gotten all their first vaccinations and wormings. Overall, the best time to get a German Shepherd puppy is basically sometime between eight to twelve weeks of age. If you find a GSD puppy that you want and is older than twelve to fourteen weeks just make sure that it has been received a lot of socialization with people and other "critters". The overall setup of the kennel area should be that of a well kept area for all the dogs and puppies. Never buy a puppy from a breeder that keeps their animals in dirty, filthy or nasty conditions. If you sincerely feel as if something is not right with the breeder, the breeders objective in selling the puppies, the surroundings or the puppy itself, step back. Give yourself time to really think about the entire situation. You never want to get a puppy of any kind on impulse! When you bring that new GSD puppy home, you want to be confident in the fact that the entire process of choosing a German Shepherd Puppy has been as stress free as possible and that you have just made the best choice for both you and your new GSD puppy because this is a new relationship that can last, easily, eight years or more. They had little pictures of cats on them. Then I took one out and he ran around in circles. This guide will help you learn how to select the best German Shepherd puppy to add to your family. Is a German Shepherd right for me? This is the first question you should ask yourself before you even consider bringing home a new German Shepherd puppy. You need to evaluate your personal and family lifestyle by asking yourself the following questions: Where do you live? German Shepherds are often on the restricted breed list for apartments. Do you spend much of your time at home, or do you have an active work and social life? Are you willing to spend more time at home on the weekends and evenings during puppyhood, even if it means missing social events? Do you love traveling a lot? If so, will you take your puppy with you? If not, do you have someone or someplace you trust to watch your dog when you travel? Is your whole family excited about the idea of a new German Shepherd puppy? Are you already active or willing to become more active? Do you have time in your schedule to devote to training? Knowing the answers to those questions will help get you a couple of steps closer to deciding whether or not a German Shepherd is the right choice for you. Important things to know about German Shepherds: German Shepherd dogs are sometimes affectionately known as German shedders. German Shepherds shed all year long , however, they blow their coats twice a year during which time they will shed exponentially more. When considering getting this breed, you should be comfortable having a dog that sheds. Trimming their nails , cleaning their ears, brushing their teeth, and brushing their coat regularly is sufficient. Of course, during the shedding seasons more frequent brushing will be needed. German Shepherds were originally developed for herding sheep. Accordingly, they have the desire to work and respond best to proper training from a young age, and an active lifestyle. German Shepherds are known to be clingy, so be prepared to have a shadow following you around the house and maybe even in the restroom. German Shepherds are good with kids and are great family dogs. However, they need proper socialization and training at a young age so they can learn how to behave around both kids and adults. German Shepherds require a lot of mental stimulation and have high energy levels, especially as a puppy. As much as I love Allie, she was more than a handful as a puppy. I have seen instances where people underestimate the time, energy, and training a German Shepherd puppy requires and get overwhelmed after bringing their puppy home. These people end up giving up their puppies. It breaks my heart to know these awesome dogs are given up because of a lack of knowledge when selecting a breed of dog. Although they are a handful if you are willing to put in the effort they are in my opinion one of the best breeds of dog to own. German Shepherds are too smart for their own good. They learn things scary fast and sometimes get themselves into trouble because of how smart they are. They learn your routine and habits, and they also learn when and how they can get away with mischief. German Shepherds are incredibly loyal and become very connected to their owners and family. German Shepherds are typically loving and affectionate. From the second I met Allie she greeted me with a wet tongue to the face. That is still her favorite greeting she will kiss anyone that will allow her to get close enough. German Shepherds need training. They need to know that you are the leader and in charge. If not, they will quickly take over the role of being in charge and that is where problems arise. A bored, untrained, not active German Shepherd can become one of the stories you sometimes hear on the news about a GSD being aggressive. In most of those cases, the problem was with the owners and not the dog breed as a whole. Adoption or Breeder? First, you need to decide if you are going to adopt a German Shepherd puppy or buy one from a breeder. Here are some of the benefits of adopting: Rescue puppies are often already sociable, at least partially trained, and loving dogs. Therefore, you will save a lot of time on house training your new puppy. Older puppies or dogs are likely to be calmer than a younger puppy. You are saving the life of a dog that might not have otherwise found a home. The cost of adopting is typically much cheaper than buying a puppy from a breeder. If you decide to get a German Shepherd puppy from a breeder, here are a few things that can help you identify a good, ethical German Shepherd breeder: Ethical breeders care about the health and wellbeing of the puppy and are not just in the business for money. Ethical breeders always make sure that only healthy dogs breed together and follow a strict breeding program where they ensure that breeding and puppy spaces are clean. They should also have papers showing the age of the parent and the family tree of the puppy. Ethical breeders will happily show you around their entire setup; they should have nothing to hide. Ethical breeders will happily answer as many questions as you have to ask. You want to select one that will be compatible with you and your family. Consider the following when picking a puppy from the litter: Choose a puppy that is sociable around you and other puppies. Pick a puppy that walks confidently with its head high and tail up and wagging. Choose a puppy that has clear eyes, ears , and teeth, walks evenly, and appears clean. Basically, choose a puppy that looks healthy. Look at the personalities of the puppies. Choose a welcoming puppy that wants to greet you as opposed to one that retreats or appears shy. Ask to interact with each puppy one by one after seeing them with their littermates. That way you can get a better sense of how the puppy responds to you without distractions. If possible, visit the litter at least three times before making a final decision, this will allow you to determine the personalities of each of those little fluff balls, and see which would best fit into your family. How old should a German Shepherd puppy be when you take it home? Any puppy should be at least 8 weeks old before being separated from their mother. By this timeline, their sensory organs will have also developed fully which will help you to spot any deformities or medical issues. Be wary of any breeder that will allow you to take your puppy home before 8 weeks old. How do you puppy proof for German Shepherds? German Shepherds are naturally active and tend to explore the world with their mouths, especially during their adolescent period. So, before you can bring your new puppy home, there are a few things you can do to puppy-proof your house: Get rid of any poisonous plants or put them out of reach of your new puppy. Cover electrical cords with cable wraps or PVC pipes. Buy a new laundry basket that has a lid, no holes, and is tall. Make sure both your kitchen and bathroom trash cans have lids. Your new puppy will dig around for anything to bite, like chicken bones, diapers, used hygienic products, or even a disposable razor. If possible, you should buy new trash cans that only open when a button is pressed. Store all the chemicals in secured cabinets or even better on high shelves. German Shepherd puppies have strong teeth and can open plastic containers by biting through even the toughest of plastic! Put away any small items or toys that are small enough for your puppy to swallow. Think of small kid toys like Legos or dollhouse furniture that could be dangerous for a curious puppy. Find a safe spot for your shoes. Whether in a closed closet or in the laundry room behind a closed door. I remember losing a pair of brand-new shoes because I forgot to put them away and Allie thought chewing them was a fun idea. Bringing home a new German Shepherd puppy The period of bringing a new German Shepherd puppy home and introducing them to your home and family takes time and above all, patience. If possible, plan to take off work for at least a few days after bringing your puppy home. I picked up Allie on a Saturday, and then took most of the following week off to spend time getting her adjusted to her new home. Remember, your new puppy has been taken from the only family it knew, and you are now their new family. That first week home was a good week of bonding with Allie. It helped her feel comfortable with her new life and allowed me to really get to know my new beautiful energy filled puppy. The best tip for a smooth transition when bringing your German Shepherd puppy home is to begin crate training and potty training as soon as possible. As a breed prone to separation anxiety , you want to give your GSD a zone to feel safe, comfortable, and content to be on their own. While the initial steps of crate training can be time-consuming, it can make the difference between a dog that is a joy to own, and one that can never be left on their own — so, be the dog parent your pooch deserves and put the time in! New German Shepherd puppy checklist and things to buy It is important that your new puppy feels welcomed into their new home. Some items are ok to be left with your puppy, and other items are more dangerous or will be destroyed. This checklist will help you to know what to buy when getting a puppy. New German Shepherd Puppy Checklist. One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a German Shepherd puppy is what their personality and temperament are like. German Shepherds are just like people. They each have their own personalities, and some are able to get along with other dogs better than others. In fact, how your German Shepherd puppy interacts with other dogs and people will mostly come down to their individual personality. This will mean that your German Shepherd puppy will need less training, and a lot of your interactions with one another will come more naturally. The best puppy for your home may not be the biggest, prettiest dog in the litter! How to get started Before you can worry about choosing the best German Shepherd puppy for your home, you will need to find a breeder. You will need to opt for a German Shepherd breeder who has a good reputation. So you will need to do your research to find the right breeder for your needs. You may even need to travel a fair way to find the perfect breeder. Even if your German Shepherd breeder is located several states away, it will be worth the trip. If you put in the right amount of time and effort now, it should pay dividends throughout the next few years. Here are a few handy tips to help you find the right breeder to buy a German Shepherd puppy from. Talk to your German Shepherd breeder One of the first things you should do is to give the German Shepherd breeder a call. You may be surprised to learn that quality breeders will actually require this to ensure that the puppy is going to a good home. They may not be as interested in the health of the puppy and their new home as they should be, and are more concerned about making a profit from their dogs. The breeder will want to ensure that you have the right space to accommodate your German Shepherd puppy. Have you got any kids? Training your new puppy and giving them the right amount of socialization will be essential for keeping your family safe. Do you have a fenced outdoor space? Your puppy will need to have a good amount of room so they can run around and play. They will need regular exercise to stay fit and healthy. Why do you want a German Shepherd? The breeder will want to know what purpose you want a German Shepherd puppy for. It could be as a pet, for added protection, or to show competitively. Do you have any other pets? This will be an important factor as you will need to know how to introduce your new puppy to other animals. It will also be crucial to know if you have any other pets which could pose a danger to the puppy. What do you do for a living? If you have to work away for long periods of time so that your puppy is left alone for large portions of the day, the breeder will want to know this. Can you afford the financial responsibility of this puppy? Dogs are a financial commitment. This may seem like too much of a personal question, however, it will be important to establish that you can properly care for your new dog. Questions you can ask your breeder There are far too many unethical breeders around. Some irresponsible breeders will take shortcuts when it comes to breeding, which will leave you with dogs who have behavioral and health issues. Do you raise other breeds of dog? This can show you whether they have been bred from healthy dogs. Have you got any references? A good quality breeder should be able to give you these easily enough. Have you got a pedigree for the puppies? This is essentially a family tree of the puppies. A good quality breeder should be able to produce the proper lineage of your new puppy when asked. If the breeder attempts to charge you for this, or says they will give it to you another time, be very wary. Every breeder worth their salt will give you this guarantee as a written contract. How often do you breed your females in a single year? This will allow them to properly recover from giving birth, and help to maintain great health. Have you got a detailed medical history for the puppies? A reputable breeder should be able to give you proof of any health screenings that their puppies have had. This is essential for healthy dogs. Could you explain to me if German Shepherds have any health issues they may suffer from as adults? Puppies should never be taken home if they are less than 8 weeks old. In fact, more than half of the states in America have laws to prevent this from happening. There are several laws which dictate how old a puppy needs to be before it can be adopted or sold. There are only 3 which actually allow puppies to be sold under 8 weeks old: D. These laws are in place for a reason. This is to ensure that all puppies have been properly weaned from their mothers and that they are able to eat without help. Puppies will also need to have been properly socialized before they can leave their mothers. Their mothers and siblings can help to socialize the puppy properly. Most of the behavioral problems in adult dogs can be traced back to this lack of discipline and not having been socialized properly. To make sure that you have a healthy puppy, you will need to choose a puppy that is being sold in accordance with the laws of their state. This will mean buying a puppy that is at least 8 weeks old, if not older. Even if you happen to find a puppy in D. Male or female puppy Perhaps you already have a preference for the gender of your puppy. You will need to understand that the two genders actually have distinct differences. Here are a few things for you to consider to help you make a fully informed choice. Female German Shepherds 1. Physical appearance Typically, female German Shepherds will be much smaller than males. They will also have a less muscular stature. Dominance A female dog will display less behavioral dominance than a male dog will. Family bonding Female German Shepherds are more likely to bond with the whole family rather than a single individual. Territorial A female German Shepherd will be much less territorial than a male dog will be. Male German Shepherds Male dogs will tend to be much larger than females. They are also more muscular. Dominance Males will display a lot more dominance than females. Single person bonding A male German Shepherd is more likely to bond very closely with a single person instead of a whole family. Territorial A male German Shepherd is more likely to be territorial. This means they could be more likely to wander off in an attempt to expand their home turf. Possessive These males tend to be on the more possessive side than their female counterparts. This could be over their food, their favorite toys, or even you. It will be important to give them correct training to teach them not to be aggressive towards you. They should be able to socialize better with others, too. But the best way to find out if your prospective puppy will be the right fit for your home is to do some proactive investigating. This can also be a great indicator of their future behavior, too. You should never force the interaction. If the puppy is reluctant to come near you and interact with you, then you will be better off choosing a different pup. Tests for your German shepherd puppy 1. Eye contact When you look directly at your puppy, does it look back at you? If your puppy stares back at you, this is showing confidence. If your puppy avoids eye contact then it may be anxious, scared, or have a vision issue. Clapping your hands This can indicate how social your puppy is. If it comes towards you and tries to interact with you, this is a great sign. This shows that the dog is eager to socialize with people. Call out to the puppy Do they come towards you at the sound of your voice? This is a fantastic sign. Pet the dog It will be important to note how the puppy interacts with your physical touch. If the puppy is affectionate and loving, this will be another great sign. If they bite or growl at you, this will likely be an indication of a bad temperament. The dog will have to be trained out of this. Play ball Bring a ball with you when you meet your puppy. Roll this towards the dog and see how the puppy interacts with it. Does the puppy follow the ball? Bring it back to you? Or does the dog keep the ball for itself? Puppies that are more dominant will keep the ball for themselves. They will also be reluctant to give the toy back to you. A more submissive puppy is likely to be frightened of the ball coming towards them. A more independent dog will likely show very little interest, if they show any at all. Puppies with an even temperament will show some interest in the ball, will play with it, but will also be willing for you to play a part of the game without showing any aggression. Searching for a more sociable dog? Keep an eye out for the puppy that brings the ball right back to you and asks you to play more. This puppy will be a fantastic candidate for training as well as other exercises. Roll the puppy When the puppy has come over to you, you can try to gently roll them onto their back, then hold them in place. Watch how the puppy reacts to you. Do they relax under your touch, or do they resist you? A dominant puppy will be more likely to resist you. It could even try to bite you or growl at you. An even-tempered puppy will resist at first, but will submit to you after a short time. Pick up your puppy You can physically pick up the puppy by gently holding it under its chest with an open hand. Lift the puppy up, and see what it does. Does the puppy stay relaxed or does it struggle? A struggling dog is likely to be dominant or scared. A puppy that stays perfectly relaxed is showing that it trusts you and that it is confident. This is a similar test to holding the puppy on its back. Chances are the puppy will react immediately. Any resistance or trying to pull their paw away from you could be a sign of an aggressive temperament or dominance. A puppy that accepts your actions will show a more submissive temperament. They could even lick you! Create an unexpected noise This could just be a sudden shout or banging some pots and pans. The important factor will be watching how the puppy reacts to a sudden noise. Do they show interest? Are they scared? Aggressive puppies could try and bite you and growl at you. Visit the puppy parents Most breeders will have both puppy parents in the same place. Some of them may only have the mother with the puppies because the father was on loan from a stud or a different breeder. Either way, the mother of your puppy should be with them when you pay the dogs a visit. If one of the parents appears aggressive, this could show you that you need to do some more training with your new puppy. A dog that displays more dominant tendencies will need proper training to take the edge off these behaviors. Choosing a female German Shepherd will also be a good choice. Puppies will have their off days, just like humans do. It will be important to visit your new puppy a few times and spend at least 30 minutes with them so that you can see what they will be like. They will likely prefer it to someone who only pays their puppy one visit before collecting them! This is a good indicator that the breeder wants their dogs to be matched with the right owners. If there are other people in your household who will be living with the German shepherd puppy, such as kids or a partner, you will need to bring them along, too. Your new puppy will need to get accustomed to the people it will be spending time with. It will be much easier to transition your puppy to living in your home. You should also bring some treats along for your new puppy each time you visit. These are all positive reinforcements that can allow your new puppy to get used to you and encourage them to bond with you. It will also be a good idea to bring something with you that you can leave behind for the puppy. This could be a new toy or a blanket that smells like you. This will allow the puppy to get used to your smell, which can also make the transition easier. They will also be very well acquainted with the mother of the puppies and have knowledge of the father. So your breeder should be able to help you choose the right puppy for your needs, and match the right personality to you. In summary So there you have it! Choosing the right German Shepherd puppy for your needs is certainly more challenging than it first appears. The most important goal is to choose the right dog that will fit in well with you and your family. As long as you do the proper research beforehand, you should be able to find the right dog for your home. Remember to ask the right questions when you find your breeder to make sure that they are a good person to buy a dog from. Be sure to visit your new puppy several times before you bring them home. As long as you take this responsibility seriously, you will have laid the perfect foundation for a fruitful relationship with your new puppy. Final thoughts Where do I start? The first thing that you have to do before you can pick out the best puppy, is to pick out the best breeder. This may come easily, as you may already have a breeder in mind that you trust and who has a good reputation. But chances are that you will have to do your research. And there is also a good chance that you may need to travel some distance to the right breeder. Even if the breeder is several states away, consider making the trip. Getting a new GSD puppy is a significant life commitment. The effort and time that you invest now in going about this properly will pay off for years to come. Here are some important things to look for in a breeder once you locate one that you are interested in pursuing. Call the breeder and have a conversation The first thing to do is call the breeder and have a conversation. A quality German Shepherd breeder will actually require this. They will not permit someone to just show up and purchase one of their dogs and take it home. They will ask you questions such as: Why do you want a GSD puppy? This will aid them in helping you choose. Where do you live, in an apartment or in a home? They will want to ensure that the puppy will not be in a cramped space. Do you have a yard, and is it fenced-in? They will want to make sure that the puppy will have adequate room to exercise as it grows. Do you have children in your home? They will want to make sure that you understand the importance of socialization and training to keep your family safe. Do you have other pets in your home? They will want to make sure that you know how to properly introduce the puppy to other animals, and whether any other pets you have may actually be a danger to the puppy. What type of work do you do, does it require you to be away from home for long periods of time? Because GSDs do not do well alone, they will want to make sure that you have adequate time to devote to your dog. Are you financially prepared to take on a GSD? While this may be a bit of a personal question, it is important to know that you are financially able to care for a GSD. They are expensive to care for, and it is fair for a breeder to ask this question. If a breeder does not ask you some form of these questions, then perhaps think twice. It may be an indication that they are more interested in profit than raising a quality puppy that they care will go to a quality home. Questions for you to ask the breeder: How many different types of dogs do you raise? Can you provide me with a pedigree of all of your puppies? A pedigree is essentially a family tree for your puppy. A good breeder should have a detailed pedigree for any dog they sell. Beware of any breeder that wants to charge for this or says that they will provide it at a later date. Do you have references? They should provide you with several without thinking twice. All reputable breeders will offer this guarantee in the form of a written contract. Do you breed your females more than once a year? Female GSDs should not be bred more than one time per year. This allows for adequate recovery time and maintains good health. Can you provide me with a detailed medical history for your puppies? Health screenings are essential for puppies, and a reputable breeder should be able to provide proof of these. Can you explain any potential health issues for GSD which may come up later in life? A knowledgable breeder should be able to clearly explain conditions like hip dysplasia and other health issues more common in GSDs than other dogs. If the answer to any of these questions comes up as unsatisfactory, move on. It is simply not worth the risk of pursuing the breeder any further. Unfortunately, there are far too many unethical breeders who take a lot of shortcuts which results in dogs prone to both health and behavioral issues. Why is this? You should never take home a puppy that is less than 8 weeks old. More than half of the states in the U. And out of those states, only 3 permit a puppy to be offered for sale under the age of 8 weeks. The reason for these laws is primarily so that puppies are properly weaned from their mothers and able to eat on their own. In addition to weaning, puppies need to be initially socialized by their mothers as well as their siblings. So a puppy will be taught that these things are bad during these 8 weeks. If you remove a puppy from the litter too early, they may not learn these lessons and develop behavioral problems as they get older. Much like a spoiled child that never learns, often times the source of an ill-behaved puppy can be traced to a lack of discipline at a young age. So to ensure that you have a healthy puppy, that is also sold in accordance with state laws and regulations, understand that it must be 8 weeks old see link above for exceptions — regardless of state law exceptions, waiting 8 weeks is good practice. Decide whether you want to male or female You may have a personal preference for either a female or a male German Shepherd puppy. It is important however to not necessarily just go with your gut on this one. Take a moment and understand some general differences between the two genders. I will explore this issue more in-depth in another post, but here are some important general points to consider. Territorial: Males are naturally more territorial than females. This may give them more of a tendency to wander off in an effort to broaden their territory. Very possessive: Male GSDs are generally more possessive than females. They may be possessive over food and bones, toys, and you! Dominance: Male German Shepherds tend to be more dominant than females. This may result in more of a proclivity towards aggressive bullying behaviors to make sure that it is understood that they are the boss. Dominance requires training to keep it in check. Singular bonding: Male GSDs tend to bond more closely with one person rather than a group of people like a family. Territorial: Females are therefore more welcoming and less territorial than males. They are also less likely to wander off as they have no desire to expand their territory. Dominance: Females display less dominant behaviors than males. Non-singular bonding: Females are more likely to bond with a number of people in a family rather than an individual person. So, how do I choose between the two? This question comes down to the purpose for which you want a German Shepherd. If you are looking for a dog to have trained in protection and are looking primarily for a four-legged security system for your home, then a male is a good choice. However, if your primary interest is to just have a family pet that socializes well with others, then a female is probably right for you. Testing the puppy There is no better way to determine whether or not a specific puppy is the right one for you than to actually get hands-on and doing some investigating. However, even before you begin any interactions with a puppy, make sure that you are testing the correct one. Never try and force any interaction, begin with puppies that are naturally drawn to you. Just like with people, you cannot force a match and expect fruitful results. So be patient and make sure at very least that the puppy is not aversive toward you before you being. The tests: Clap your hands: Does it run away or does it come? A more timid dog may, however, be apprehensive to approach. Make eye contact: When the puppy is looked at, does it stare back at you? If the puppy looks directly at you, it is showing confidence. Vocally call the puppy over to you: Does it come to you right away? If it does how not, however, this could show a behavioral issue or hearing problem, or it could be an indication of another illness as well. Pet the puppy: How does it respond to your touch? However, if it meets your touches with biting or growling, then this is likely an indication of an uneven or bad temperament. It will not just grow out of this, it will have to be trained out of it. Bring a ball with you to test with the puppy: Roll the ball and see what the puppy does. Does it follow it and then bring it to you? Or does it take it away for itself. A more dominant puppy will just take the ball and keep it for itself, reluctant to give it back to you. On the other hand, a more independent puppy may show no interest at all. And one that is submissive may actually be frightened. If you are looking for a very sociable puppy, look for the one that brings the ball right back to you to play some more. The puppy that brings it right back is also an ideal candidate for training in retrieving and other exercises. An even-tempered puppy will show interest in and play with the toy, but it will also allow you to participate and take the toy back without showing you any aggression. Roll the puppy over: Once the puppy comes over to you, gently roll it onto its back and hold it in place. Do not be forceful but be firm. See how the puppy reacts. Is it resisting, or is it just relaxing? A puppy with a more dominant personality will take the path of most resistance, and it may growl or attempt to bite at you. And the even-tempered puppy is the one that may resist for a short time but then submit to what you are doing. Pick up the puppy: Physically pick up the puppy by gently holding it underneath its chest with an open hand. Lift it up high, even above the height of your head and hold it there. What does the puppy do? Does it struggle, or does it stay relaxed? A puppy that struggles may be fearful or dominant. On the other hand, a puppy that stays absolutely relaxed is displaying confidence in itself and trust in you. Hold on to a paw and press it gently: This is somewhat similar to holding it on its back. If there is a response to be had, it will happen immediately. Resistance or pulling the paw away may show dominance and temperament towards aggression. The even-tempered puppy will be you curious as to what you are doing. It may investigate a little and might even lick you. Make an unexpected noise: Whether it is banging a pot and pan together or just yelling, create an unexpected noise. See what the puppy does, does it show fear, interest, or aggression? A fearful puppy may run away or even whimper. While an aggressive-tempered puppy may actually growl and try to bite you. An even-tempered puppy will simply look surprised, and may even want to investigate a little bit further. Meet the parents A lot of breeders will have both the father sire and the mother bitch of the puppies on site. However, some of them will only have the mother because sometimes the father is on loan as a stud from a different breeder. But the mother for sure should be on site, and you should get an idea of what she is like. In the case of my last German Shepherd, I was able to meet both parents. His mother was very kind and sociable and eager to be petted. While on the other hand, his father was clearly dominant, and not a dog to be messed with. Because of my prior experience and knowledge, my GSD turned out exactly as I thought he would — fairly sociable yet wildly protective of me. This was all right because I knew what to expect and I was able to train my dog properly to take the edge off of some of his more dominance behaviors. However, my choice was an informed decision based on years of experience. If you are new to owning a German Shepherd, this may not be an ideal combination. I would recommend for a new German Shepherd owner to consider making sure that both parents are more docile, and possibly even lean towards acquiring a female for your first German Shepherd. Visit the puppy on more than one occasion Just like people, puppies have their on days and their off days. You will not be able to get a very accurate picture of how your puppy will be on one short visit. In fact, with my last dog, I visited him at least 4 times and stayed for at least 30 minutes with him each time prior to taking him home. A good breeder will have no issue with you doing this, and in fact, will prefer it. They want their dogs to be well-matched with their new owners, so this is common practice. The puppy should become accustomed to the people it will soon be spending its entire life with. So the more familiarity that you build now in this phase, the easier that puppy will transition to home life with you and your family. All of these steps are positive reinforcement for your new puppy and will build familiarity and a bond even before you arrive home. Also, bring a small blanket or clothing item and ask the breeder to leave it with the puppy. This will allow your puppy to become familiar with the scent of you and your home. Making for a better transition. So by default, this knowledge enables the breeder to be very good at placing the proper puppies with the proper personalities. Remember to stay focused and not lose sight of your primary objective, which is to select the right puppy for you and your family. If you take the time and care to do your research and ask the right questions, you will come together with the right puppy for you. But remember, this is just the beginning of a major life commitment. So take this step of choosing the right GSD puppy seriously, and you will have laid the foundation for a loving and rewarding relationship for years to come. May not even be aware of the breed standard. Breeds to any convenient dog. Strives towards the ideal. Often helps to define it. Does not need to promote establishment; sells to brokers, pet shops, etc. Often rescues only to attain more stock. Rarely attends shows or trials. Shows and trials to objectively test breeding stock. Often judges, provides seminars, writes articles, and willingly mentors serious Hobby Breeders. Knowledge Often pretends to know some. May share false or incomplete information. Studies continuously. Impacts the breed for many decades with knowledge of dogs over many generations. All pups sold have full breeding rights. Yes, and diligently follows up on progeny. Keeps up with health and temperament issues affecting the breeding and provides in-depth guarantees No need to; mostly supplies brokers and pet shops. Meets minimum standards as required by state law. May refuse to acknowledge most problems. Maintains a solid support system — accepts full responsibility for every puppy produced. Performs health testing for all breeding stock for genetic diseases affecting the particular breed. No interest, may offer papers as proof of quality. Papers alone are not proof of quality. No interest. May provide undocumented paperwork for appearances sake. Is unfamiliar with health testing usually statements of good health are stated to impress consumers. Intensive testing always a priority. Often initiates club sponsored seminars and clinics. Maintains records on all dogs in gene pool including progeny. Often supplies brokers and pet shops, records unavailable. Dogs and puppies are often auctioned off in lots, records unavailable. Focuses mostly on current dogs, no records or knowledge of genes. Attempts to continuously track every puppy produced. Bases entire breeding program on extensive gene pool data. Clean environment always maintained Minimum standards vary greatly in cleanliness. Minimum standards maintained for state inspections. Conditions may vary greatly depending on available income, usually makeshift accommodations. Clean, healthy and mentally stimulating environment. Expected longevity with any particular breed Will continue as long as the sales are coming. Depends on popularity of specific breeds. Unrealistic expectations — easily disillusioned. On a mission-plans to stay for the long haul. Health guarantee provided No, it cuts into profits. No health guarantee beyond proof of first set of vaccines, if that. Not qualified to give advice if a problem arises. Offers written guarantee and is available to answer questions to new owners. Good knowledge of history in dogs. Extensive knowledge of health history, offers replacements to owners of genetically affected dogs. Ability to meet the parents of the litter If available, may be in poor physical condition. If available, dogs are not used to contact with people. May or may not be well loved and cared for companions, often unwilling to show entire litter or parents to buyer. Shows friendly mother and entire litter in clean environment; stud dog too, if in residence. Helps buyer choose appropriate puppy. Can explain how breeding was planned to emphasize specific qualities and can speak at length about how puppies compare. What you can expect after purchase Nothing, may not be able to contact at all. No concern for dog after sale is final. Available for questions, and wants to keep in touch. Will take back dog or puppy at any time. After purchase will help with training and grooming, available for all questions and knows the answers. Price Priced according to market, but is marked up from original source for profit. Mid-range to move puppies quickly. High end of mid-range. Price will not reflect all that is invested. Use only physically sound, mature dogs of stable temperament for breeding. These characteristics are rarely, if ever, determined before the age of two for females. Continue to educate themselves regarding genetic diseases pertinent to the breed including, hip and elbow dysplasia. Documentation of hip and elbow screenings should be available to prospective puppy buyers. Apply the same high standards to outside bitches sent to their stud dogs as they apply to their own breeding stock. Temperament testing of a litter before puppies are offered for sale is encouraged. Take appropriate steps to have each puppy examined by a licensed veterinarian for general health prior to placement. Each puppy should be vaccinated and de-wormed by a veterinarian. Endeavor to gain personal knowledge of the temperament and health of every dog they breed, or to which they breed, in order to gather information on which to base future breeding decisions. They share this information fully and honestly with other breeders and with prospective buyers. Sell breeding prospects to knowledgeable, ethical and experienced persons or are willing to help educate and guide novices. Do not engage in misleading or untrue advertising and do not use GSDCA membership as a marketing tool. Do not sell, supply, donate or surrender any dog for which they are responsible to a pet shop, catalogue house, wholesale dealer in dogs, Humane Society or to a laboratory. They should have reasonable assurance that each individual receiving a dog will provide a home with appropriate shelter, restraint, control and responsible care. Encourage puppy buyers to go to puppy obedience classes to help their puppies to become better canine good citizens. The achievement of a Canine Good Citizen certificate should be encouraged. Since homeowners insurance and local laws vary greatly, a refusal to let you visit the kennels may not, in and of itself, be a bad sign. You should ask for and receive a satisfactory explanation. The puppies are not social or look sickly. How to read those ads. A few more things to look out for. Anyone can buy a puppy from a champion, but it does not mean that they have any other interest in the breed but to bank on the name and make money. Having a Champion in a pedigree is like having a billionaire relative. AKC registration does not guarantee quality. AKC papers are much like the title of a car; papers are issued to the junked Chevy on blocks in your yard just as easily as they are on a brand new, shiny Jaguar. AKC does not control breeding, approve litters, or guarantee temperaments. AKC Registration is automatic if you buy from a reputable breeder — they will provide all necessary paperwork when you buy a puppy. There are several groups that are registering dogs, even mixed breeds, for a fee. This registration means nothing, and is of no value to you. Are there too many defects for the animal to be bred? Shop with care. Rarely will a good breeder have the luck to own both dogs for the perfect litter. There are some good and very reasonable reasons to have both parents on site. However, you need to ask the right questions and understand why this is true. They might be, they might not. Are they too big to be cute anymore? Need more money? Is there a problem? Usually because there are more on the way. Be very wary of this one. Will a Breeder Ask Me Questions? Conscientious breeders want the best available home for their puppies. This determines the amount of time you will have available for your new addition. There are very important items that should be supplied by the breeder. Breeders will typically give you the following items: A signed pedigree A current Health Record; including de-wormings and vaccinations. American Kennel Club registration papers or application Sales contract. The type of contract varies and must be mutually agreeable to the breeder and buyer. Much depends on what you expect from the puppy show, pet, or performance. Feeding schedule including the type and amount of food. Copy of OFA certification of sire and dam, if available.

What Vaccines Do Puppies Need? Core Versus Non-Core Vaccines CORE vaccines: Some infectious diseases of dogs are so common, debilitating, easily spread, or can be spread to people zoonotic that vaccination against them is deemed of critical importance. The first three are often administered as the combination DA2P shot. NON-CORE vaccines: On the other hand, there are diseases and conditions for which there are vaccines, but either because of their limited geographic distribution meaning they don't affect all parts of the country equally , lesser severity, specific lifestyle risk factors, or other reasons, they are not automatically recommended for every dog. The Benefits of Vaccines The benefits of vaccines far outweigh any risks. Vaccines are very effective and safe. Their use has notably decreased the morbidity and mortality associated with many infectious diseases. Per a study, there were only .Adverse events were more typical among smaller dogs and those receiving multiple vaccinations at one visit. Vaccine Safety Before I jump into which vaccines your puppy may need, it's critical to know that where they get their vaccines is equally as important. This is because individuals and organizations that aren't regulated, like veterinarians are, buy vaccines from places that may not know how to handle them properly. They may allow the vaccines to get warm, and this inactivates them. Or people transport them and don't keep them temperature-controlled or leave them in a vehicle for too long. In both these cases, the vaccines are essentially useless. Where you get your vaccines matters, and your veterinarian is trained and regulated to administer them properly. Puppy Vaccines By Age 6—8 weeks of age In some cases, your puppy will already have received some of these vaccines before you pick them up. Check with the people or organization you're getting your puppy from to confirm which vaccines your pup received and when. See the safety note above. This information is important for your vet to have to know best how to structure your pup's initial vaccination series, as all these puppy vaccines need to be given in a series of initial shots followed by booster shots. This vaccine may be administered as a DA2PP, which is the same thing but also includes protection against Parainfluenza an important but non-core vaccine to help protect against a highly contagious respiratory virus. If your puppy is only receiving its first vaccine or is a toy breed, your veterinarian may administer the Bordetella at the next appointment. The Bordetella vaccine comes in three different types, intra-nasal, oral, or injectable. Depending on which type of vaccine your veterinarian uses will determine if it needs to be boosted in 2 to 4 weeks. This vaccine is often recommended for dogs who will go to dog daycare, puppy classes, dog parks, dog shows, be boarded, etc. Dog Flu There are two different canine flu vaccines available, each protecting against a different strain of dog flu. If this is the first dose of this vaccine your pup is receiving, they will need another vaccination in 2—4 weeks, depending on which vaccine they are given, for the best protection. Again, this non-core vaccine is suitable for dogs who will go to puppy classes, grooming, dog parks, dog shows, travel, be boarded, etc. However, the facility needs to be clean, and all pups in attendance need to have also received their first veterinary-administered vaccines and deworming. Check with your vet and your puppy training facility of choice on timing, and see this position statement on puppy socialization timing from the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior. Meet some not all other dogs: A puppy can usually also start to meet other KNOWN and healthy puppies and adult dogs at this point in locations that are safe and clean. Avoid: Sidewalks, parks, pet stores, doggie daycare, groomers, and other areas or settings frequented by other unknown dogs. Socialization of puppies is critically important for their emotional and behavioral development, and it isn't just about them being "social" with other dogs or even people. There are many "non-social" things that young puppies need to be properly exposed to early on. Check out our Pupstanding App with its fun, easy-to-use checklist to help socialize your pup. Either way, it's an important visit. This vaccine may be administered as a DA2PP, which is the same thing, but also includes protection against Parainfluenza an important but non-core vaccine. Kennel Cough The initial vaccine can be given at this age if necessary or desired, depending on the type of vaccine used intra-nasal, oral, or injectable. Depending on which type of vaccine your veterinarian uses will determine if it needs to be boostered in 2 to 4 weeks. If this is the first dose of this vaccine your pup is receiving, they will need another vaccination in 2—4 weeks, depending on which vaccine they are receiving, for the best protection. Avoid: Sidewalks, parks, pet stores, daycare, and other areas or settings used by other unknown dogs should be avoided. Shopping malls and home improvement stores can be great places to socialize your puppy without excessive risk of contagious dog diseases. However, keeping your pet in a stroller or backpack lessens your pup's chances of being exposed to diseases. Your goal is to remove any trace of fecal matter before your pup licks their paws or contaminates your care or home. Their booster shots at this visit are important to build their immunity and help protect them from these diseases. This vaccine may be administered as a DA2PP, which is the same thing but also includes protection against Parainfluenza an important non-core vaccine. State and local regulations determine the age at which all dogs must be vaccinated for rabies. See below for more detail on what this vaccine covers against and why you or your vet might want to consider it. Note: Because Lepto can be devastating to both your dog and you it is zoonotic , and also because all dogs can be at risk including even indoor-only dogs and those that never leave their backyard , your veterinarian may highly recommend and consider this vaccine "core," and may recommend starting the initial series in the 9—12 week age range rather than 12— 16 weeks old. See below for more detail on what the Lepto vaccine covers against and why you or your vet might want to consider it. Where your puppy can usually go and what they can usually do after this 12—16 week vaccine visit: Play with unknown dogs: Following this visit, a puppy can usually begin to expand their circle of friends to include unknown dogs i. Still avoid: Daycare centers, fields, and parks including dedicated dog parks should still be avoided. Where your puppy can usually go and what they can usually do after this 15—17 week vaccine visit: Freedom! One week after this final puppy vaccine visit, most pups have enough vaccine protection against the common vaccinable conditions to be able to get a full groom and go to the dog park, doggie daycare, pet stores, and other places where large groups of unknown dogs frequent and congregate. Of course, it's still a good idea to keep an eye out and avoid any obviously sick dogs. Booster vaccinations will be needed throughout their life. The frequency and types of vaccine boosters your dog will need throughout their life are influenced by their lifestyle, where you live and travel to with them, how common certain diseases are in your area and at different times of the year, and a host of other factors. For some dogs and some conditions, titers blood tests measuring the level of antibodies in your dog's system may help to determine vaccination intervals and may be preferable. This is a discussion to have with your vet. Titer Testing for Dogs A titer is a test that is done using a sample of your dog's blood to measure the level of antibodies to a specific disease. Antibodies are proteins made by the body as a response to antigens. Antigens are foreign substances or stimuli to the body, such as viruses, bacteria, or vaccinations, that cause the body to mount an immune response. Vaccine titers are used as a screening tool to determine whether or not to revaccinate for a particular disease. If a vaccine titer comes back high, this indicates that your dog, if exposed to that disease, should be able to fight it off. The problem with titers Vaccines are given either yearly or every 3 years. With titers, there is no way to predict what the levels will be in three to six months, even if they tested high at the time of the titer testing. Many factors can affect the immune system and its level of resistance. Factors such as disease, stress, or medications can impact it, and therefore there is no consistency over time regarding what the antibody levels could be. This could put your dog at risk until you go in for another titer test. Rabies is a vaccine required by law in all states. There are only certain states that allow titers for medical exceptions. Every puppy is different. Similarly, some puppies are born with deficiencies in their immune system, or their immune system may develop more slowly because of dietary or other factors. Maternal immunity is protective but can interfere with a puppy's vaccinations. Over the first few weeks of life, maternal immunity begins to decline, and by about 12 weeks it is generally gone. However, some puppies are provided protection by maternal immunity as old as 20 weeks. The vaccines are given as a series to give the maternal immunity time to wane while their own immune system is fully developing in response to and in conjunction with their shots. Missing a Vaccine or Booster Shot Dog owners should be aware that missing or delaying a vaccine in a series for more than 4 weeks puts a puppy at risk of disease. During the initial series of a vaccine, if you delay a booster more than six weeks or miss one, an additional booster vaccine will be needed 3 weeks after resuming the series. For example, if you miss the third vaccine in the DA2P series, a vaccine will be given and then boosted again in 3 weeks. Note: You may need to restart a series two vaccine doses 3 to 4 weeks apart for yearly vaccines that are not boosted within 1 year and 6 weeks from the last vaccine given. Vaccine-Preventable Diseases in Dogs The core vs. Your veterinarian is your best resource for helping to determine which vaccines your new pup would benefit from and when. They are the only ones who have the medical training and understanding, as well as the first-hand knowledge of your dog and your environment necessary to best guide you. Note that some of the vaccinable conditions listed below can be zoonotic, meaning that they can also infect and cause disease in people. The bacteria is transmitted through the air or direct contact, especially when an infected dog coughs or sneezes. It can also be spread by contaminated clothing, bowls, beds, and other communal surfaces such as cages or kennels. What Shots Do Puppies Need Did you know that vaccines work the same for dogs as they do for you and me? By triggering the production of antibodies, vaccines allow the body the chance to build up immunity to a disease, virus, or bacteria. However, while vaccines are certainly effective, they do not make us immune to the possibility of contracting the illness we were vaccinated for—they just make us and our furry friends less likely to suffer severe symptoms. Puppy Pro Tip: Core vaccines are those which are recommended for all dogs, regardless of lifestyle factors. On the other hand, non-core vaccines are not necessarily recommended for all dogs, and are evaluated on a pup-by-pup basis by your vet; non-core vaccine recommendations are based on factors such as: lifestyle, health conditions, location, risk factors, etc. Bordetella Known to cause a highly infectious form of bronchitis in dogs, Bordetella is nothing to mess around with! Some pups become so ill from the bacterium that they suffer from serious side effects, including vomiting, seizures, and rarely death. The good news is, Bordetella can be avoided! Simply ask your vet about the different options for vaccination—which usually include a nasal spray or a traditional injectable vaccine. What makes distemper so contagious is the fact that it spreads easily through respiratory droplets in the air, as well as through shared water and food bowls that have been contaminated. For these reasons, the canine distemper vaccine is considered a core vaccine. The symptoms of distemper are often on the serious side and range from coughing and vomiting, to diarrhea, seizures, paralysis, and even death. Because there is no cure for canine distemper, the best thing you can do for your pet is vaccinate them! Hepatitis While unrelated to human hepatitis, canine hepatitis affects your pup in largely the same way—by attacking the liver, kidneys, lungs, eyes, and spleen. The symptoms can range from congestion and fever, to vomiting, stomach swelling, and severe liver pain. Like distemper, there is no official cure for canine hepatitis. Symptoms can often be managed in milder forms; however, more severe forms can be fatal. Because of the risk of fatality, this is considered a core vaccine. Additionally, this is considered a core vaccine. This infection is insidious, as the early stages produce no symptoms. However, in the later stages of the disease, a heartworm infection can cause breathing difficulties and lethargy in your pup. For the health of your pup, it is important to start the preventative medication as soon as your vet deems it appropriate to do so. Kennel Cough Also known as Infectious Tracheobronchitis, Kennel Cough is the all-encompassing name given to a set of symptoms that include dry, harsh coughing, and— occasionally—gagging, retching, and a loss of appetite. Rarely, it is fatal. Kennel cough is often caused by either Bordetella, Parainfluenza, or both. Kennel cough is highly contagious and can be transferred between dogs that are in close proximity. Leptospirosis Caused by a bacteria that exists naturally in soil and water all over the world, Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease— meaning, it can spread between animals and humans —that can have severe consequences. Serious side effects include diarrhea, vomiting, fever, weakness, infertility, and even kidney and liver failure. Lyme Disease As with humans, canine Lyme disease is contracted through a bite from an infected tick. In dogs, symptoms of infection can include swollen lymph nodes, fever, loss of appetite, and even limping. If left untreated, Lyme disease can lead to neurological disorders in your furry friend. There are antibiotics which can be administered if diagnosed quickly; however, if you have already received the vaccination, your pup has a much better chance of quick recovery. Parvo attacks the gastrointestinal tract and can lead to fever, vomiting, and bloody diarrhea. Because Parvo causes extreme dehydration in dogs, it can become fatal as early as hours after contracting it. Unfortunately, once Parvo is contracted, there is no cure. The serious symptoms— combined with the lack of a cure for Parvo— are a part of what makes it a core vaccine. Canine rabies is one of the most serious diseases your pet can get—it invades the central nervous system and eventually leads to death if immediate treatment is not administered. The good news is, the rabies vaccine is considered a core vaccine and as a result, most states have regulations requiring rabies vaccines to be administered regularly; simply talk to your vet to learn more. Usually, this means regular vet checkups and puppy vaccinations. This is especially important if you have other dogs or other pets in your household. Otherwise, you may want to bring a stool sample with you when you first see the vet. Ask your vet to clarify what, if any, samples you should bring with you. This article is intended as a general guide for puppy vaccinations. If you have any specific questions or concerns relating to your puppy, please consult your licensed veterinarian. Most puppies should be vaccinated starting at 10 weeks old. Some vets may recommend annual booster shots. There is significant debate on whether booster shots every year are necessary or if they do more harm than good to the immune system. Speak to your vet and share your concerns about booster shots. Vaccines are meant to keep your puppy from catching a specific disease. Just like children are vaccinated against measles or chicken pox, puppies are vaccinated against rabies, distemper and other common but dangerous diseases. However, if you live in an area where certain diseases are more frequent, then there may be other legal requirements for vaccinations. The American Animal Hospital Association and the American Veterinary Medicine Association both recommend that your puppy be vaccinated against these core potentially fatal and non-core not as deadly diseases. Your vet will also be able to recommend vaccines that are the most appropriate for your puppy so be sure to ask. This is why the rabies vaccine is required by law. Once your puppy has been immunized for rabies, you can expect to bring your dog in for a booster shot once a year or once every three years, depending on local laws. Death or chronic kidney problems are the unfortunate results of canine hepatitis. Parvovirus is a life-threatening illness that attacks white blood cells. In puppies, parvovirus can damage the heart muscles and cause death or chronic heart problems. Canine distemper does not have a known cure. Vaccination has significantly cut down on the spread of canine distemper. Your vet will have more knowledge about your dog and local infections, and should be able to recommend one or more of these vaccinations: Lyme Disease can be passed on to dogs from tick bites and typically causes joint inflation, arthritis and lameness. However, Lyme disease can be treated and very rarely causes death in dogs. Kennel Cough, a mild respiratory tract infection, can be caused by the parainfluenza virus or the bordetella bacterium. Coronavirus causes puppy diarrhea. Puppies younger than 12 weeks are at the highest risk for mortality. Giardiasis is caused by the parasite species giardia that lives in the intestine. Dogs usually catch the parasites from one another through infected fecal matter. Distemper is related to the measles virus and is part of the four recommended core vaccinations. Leptospirosis is contagious to humans and can be caught from infected water, soil or other animals. Soreness at the injection site is the most common side effect of vaccinations. But if you do notice changes in behavior, skin rashes, high fever, vomiting or signs of dizziness, call your vet right away. As to costs, it depends on where you live and the number of vaccines you choose to give your dog. Found this article helpful? Share with other dog lovers or let us know your thoughts in the comments section below. You May Also Like.