What Is A Pocket German Shepherd

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Miniature German Shepherd Breed Overview

When it comes to the Miniature German Shepherd, there is more than meets the eye. In fact, a lot of people dont realise that this breed is not a purebred dog.

The common misconception with a Mini German Shepherd is that they are a smaller purebred German Shepherd. However, this is known as dwarfism and is very uncommon.

A purebred German Shepherd is usually mated with a smaller breed such as a Miniature Poodle or a Border Collie to create a Mini GSD.

The Border Collie and the Miniature Poodle are two breeds renowned for their intelligence, just as the German Shepherd is. However, these breeds are a smaller, medium-sized breed and therefore help create a miniature, fun-sized German Shepherd mix.

This breed is designed to have all the loveable characteristics of a German Shepherd but in a more compact size. They are suited to be both household pets as well as working dogs.

There is no exact date when the miniature German Shepherd appeared in the US.

Finding Miniature German Shepherd Puppies

It can be difficult to find breeders who specialize in specific crossbreeds.

Choosing to adopt a dog from a shelter has the advantage of allowing you to see exactly what kind of dog youre getting.

This can also be less expensive than buying from a breeder, and many of these dogs will already be trained.

Choosing to get a puppy from a breeder may also require some patience.

Dont be fooled by claims that miniature German Shepherds are rare.

This is a ploy used by unscrupulous breeders trying to charge more money.

Above all, ask questions and make sure the parents were health tested.

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How To Test A Purebred German Shepherd

Dogs are considered a best friend of a human one loyal and caring partner is German Shepherds. German Shepherds are working dogs that are too friendly in nature. It is a dog-loving family that does not want a German Shepherd puppy in their home. However, the reports have also shown that Purebred German shepherds are the second most favorite American dog.

Being a famous breed of dogs, many dog sellers also con their customers by selling the wrong breed as the Purebred German Shepherds, which can be a loss to the buyer. The seller can use the mixed breed or any other breed and sell it to you at a purebred rate and make a huge profit out of it. People who are keenly interested in buying a pure breed German shepherd should look at the measures that will help them save their bucks.

Pet Of The Week: Reina The Cute And Fluffy Great Pyrenees German Shepherd Mix

FAIRBANKS, Alaska – Not a cloud in the sky, and yet its time for Reina.

Reina is a big ball of fluff and affection who is looking for her new forever home. Heres what Britley Calkins, an animal handler with Fairbanks North Star Borough Animal Shelter, had to say:

Reina is a 3-year-old Great Pyrenees German Shepherd mix, who originally came to the shelter as a stray. So unfortunately, we dont really have much prior information on her.

Here at the shelter, she has been the sweetest girl ever. She is a big dog. If you are not familiar with the two breeds, we do recommend you doing some research prior to inquiring about adopting her.

She has been super friendly with her animal tenders. She has very loose, friendly body language towards the doggies next door to her. Again, we dont know how she does with other animals such as dogs, cats, pocket pets, or livestock. So, if you are choosing to introduce her to new friends, please be sure to do so in a safe, slow, and controlled environment. We also do not know how she does with children, so again just making sure that introductions are done safely.

Reina has done excellent at keeping her kennel clean here at the shelter, no accidents inside. She walks well on a leash, she does have a history of roaming so please just make sure that shes always on a leash when outside, or on a secure tie-out or fenced-in yard.

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What Are The Main Characteristics Of A Miniature German Shepherd

Like any other crossbred dog, Miniature German Shepherds can inherit the characteristics of either parent or both.

It is sometimes thought that crossbred dogs are more likely to inherit health problems than purebred dogs however, a puppy mixed dog can inherit all, some, or none of the health problems its parent breeds have.

Fact: Not all dogs from mixed breeds inherit 50% of their characteristics from one parent and 50% from the other. It can be heavily weighted towards the characteristics of one parent more than the other.

The Miniature German Shepherd puppy tends to have more of the classic appearance of the standard German Shepherd parent, but it is a smaller breed of dog.

The characteristics of Miniature GSDs are a combination of nature and nurture: genetics of the parents, the environment and the quality, type and amount of training and socialization.

Loyalty and companionship

Any mix of German Shepherd is likely to be extremely loyal and have a very loving temperament when trained and socialized properly. They will make a very caring and protective companion, for any dog lover. They can be very loving and affectionate dogs and enjoy company, and the more active their lifestyle the better.

Reputation:

The German Shepherd is a confident breed that looks fiercer than its actual behavior. Any German Shepherd or breed mixed with a GSD needs to be treated with caution and respect.

Popularity:

Trainability:

Power and intelligence:

Socialization:

Purpose:

Behaviour:

Where To Find Miniature German Shepherd Puppies For Sale

Buying a Mini German Shepherd takes time and careful research to find a reputable breeder. When it comes to designer dogs in general, you want to take extra care and look out for buzzwords such as teacup or purebred.

Breeders that guarantee their puppies will exhibit specific characteristics, look a certain way or grow to an exact size are providing false information. No one can guarantee how a mix will turn out.

Instead, a worthy breeder will introduce you to the puppys parents and share their medical history. The breeder should be able to present health clearances for hip dysplasia and other common diseases.

For a German Shepherd crossed with a border collie, puppies cost up to $950 while a Poodle cross can cost up to $900.

Check out these Miniature German Shepherd breeders for available litters.

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What Is A Miniature German Shepherd Anyway

German Shepherds have a lot of appeals. Theyre loyal, easy to train, yet love to play. Their size can put off many potential owners, however. A full-size German Shepherd needs a lot of room to play and run something a lot of people just dont have.

Thats where the miniature German Shepherd comes in: all of the beauty, loyalty, and intelligence but in a smaller size.

Before you start searching for miniature German Shepherd puppies, however, make sure you know what youre getting.

There is no such thing as a purebred miniature German Shepherd.

A mini German Shepherd is usually the result of crossbreeding a German Shepherd with a smaller dog breed.

The German Shepherds dominant genes usually come out in the form of their coat colors and patterns as well as some physical characteristics like the ears. This is why mini German Shepherds often look just like small versions of their purebred mom or dad.

The type of small dog bred with the German Shepherd will impact what a miniature German Shepherd will look like.

Hip & Elbow Dysplasia

German Shepherds are among many breeds prone to elbow and hip dysplasia. Dysplasia happens when the joint is malformed and unstable. These abnormalities can happen in the socket, ball, or both. Either one of these conditions can cause premature osteoarthritis as well as laxity in the joint. About 20% of German Shepherds eventually develop hip and/or elbow dysplasia.

Hip or elbow dysplasia can be moderate to severe and it tends to be an expensive problem to treat. Anti-inflammatories, a special diet, and a heated bed may help a dog with dysplasia. Sometimes surgery is necessary which may involve hip replacement.

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Appeal Of The Miniature German Shepherd

Despite ranking as the second most popular breed in the U.S., many people feel the German Shepherd is too big for them.

Theyre a powerful, active breed who needs plenty of exercise and room to move.

If you live in an apartment or a small house, space could definitely be a reason for wanting a miniature German Shepherd.

Perhaps you have young children and would feel more secure around a smaller, more manageable dog.

Then theres the cuteness factor.

Theres no question that smaller dogs tend to be more adorable.

Therefore that makes them more appealing to many people.

The oversized round head and big eyes associated with little dogs engenders a feeling of caretaking behavior in people.

This phenomenon is known as baby schema.

So lets find out how you get miniature German Shepherd Dogs.

Skeletal Health And Supplementation

Musculoskeletal disorders are debilitating conditions that are often associated with genetic makeup, malnutrition, and stress-related events. Some breeds like the German shepherd, are predisposed to a variety of different skeletal disorders, including but not limited to: canine hip dysplasia, Cauda equina syndrome, and osteoarthritis. These conditions can be a result of poor breeding or induced by intense exercise and poor diet.

Canine hip dysplasia is an orthopedic condition resulting from abnormal development of the hip joint and surrounding tissue causing the instability and partial dislocation of the hip joint, resulting in pain, inflammation, lameness, and potentially osteoarthritis of the joint. German shepherds are genetically predisposed to CHD and the University of Veterinary Medicine in Germany found its prevalence estimated to be approximately 35% of veterinary cases associated with the disorder.

Osteoarthritis is one of the main contributors of musculoskeletal pain and disabilities that commonly affect German shepherds. Mechanical stress, oxidative damage and inflammatory mediators combine to induce the gradual degeneration of the articular cartilage in the joint, resulting in reduced muscle mass, pain, and locomotion.

Vitamins such as A and D also have crucial roles in bone development and maintenance by regulating bone and calcium metabolism. Adequate levels should be incorporated into a German shepherd diet to promote a healthy musculoskeletal system.

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The Temperament And Personality Of A Mini German Shepherd

The appearance of a miniature German Shepherd can be really up in the air depending on the pups parents. When it comes to your mini German Shepherds personality, however, theyll probably lean more toward a purebred German Shepherd.

Miniature German Shepherds tend to be very intelligent, loyal dogs great for support, family dogs, and tasks. These dogs tend to inherit the German Shepherds innate loyalty and excellent trainability.

With their medium size and energetic yet loyal personality, miniature German Shepherds are often well suited to:

• Apartment living
• Living with kids
• Emotional support animal

Just keep in mind the less desirable personality traits of the other dog breed may be dominant.

The Loyal German Shepherd

The German Shepherd is sharp as a tack and completely dedicated and in love with its family. Its a working dog used for rescue, police work, and therapy.

Ranking as the 3rd most intelligent, you get a well-rounded dog that is not only stunningly beautiful with its thick coat, confident stance, and communicative features, but an excellent guard dog that will protect at any cost.

It can weigh up to 88 lbs with a height of 25 in and has a lifespan of up to 13 years.

For further insight into German Shepherd growth, take a look at this guide and chart.

With the Shepherd breed, hip dysplasia is a common health issue that is seen in the Miniature variety as well. Shepherds are also known to suffer from a neural disease called degenerative myelopathy and endocrine pancreatic insufficiency, which is a digestive disorder.

Other, less common mixes

• German Shepherd and Miniature Pinscher
• German Shepherd and Miniature Schnauzer
• German Shepherd and Miniature Dachshund
• German Shepherd and Yorkshire Terrier mix

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Training A Miniature German Shepherd

You are lucky that this Mini GSD is very intelligent and therefore your puppy should learn new commands quickly.

Just like their parents, they make excellent students. In fact, your puppy will learn those basic sit, stay, no commands in no time. Obedience training and household training should be simple and take no time at all, once again making them a perfect family pet.

The key to training your puppy is to keep the training simple and consistent. Whilst being fun, be patient and encourage positive behaviors through positive reinforcement training.

It is important that you cover all of the bases when it comes to training. So be sure to incorporate mental stimulation and socialization too:

• Mental stimulation is important as it diminishes any unwanted behaviors from arising. Such as boredom which may lead to unwanted chewing and barking in any pup.
• Begin socialization at an early age and be sure to introduce your pup to changes in environments, new objects and a range of people.

Once they are old enough, try out puppy classes and doggy day care so they can befriend fellow canines.

Being a smart breed, their brains need to be kept engaged. You can provide stimulation through exercise, training, bonding and games.

The Amazing German Shepherd

In the late 19th century, various strains of German dogs were combined to create the ultimate herding dog.

Today the breed is better known for their military, police, protection, and guide dog work.

A well-socialized German Shepherd Dog makes a wonderfully loyal family pet.

This is a well-muscled dog with a deep chest and strong hindquarters, and he is longer than he is tall.

Their double coat of medium length comes in a variety of colors.

They have a long muzzle, confident head carriage, and pointed ears.

The male stands from 24 to 26 inches and weighs from 65 to 90 pounds.

The female is somewhat smaller, standing from 22 to 24 inches and weighing between 50 and 70 pounds.

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Which Type Of German Shepherd Is Right For You

Ask yourself this

Your answer lies where the two needs meet

Next, you need to find a breeder that understands their lines and breeding programs.

You don’t want someone who breeds for the sake of breeding.

All lines have some issues, and thats true for any other breed of dog too.

But if you know exactly what you want, go to the right breeder and let them know, you will get the right German Shepherd breed type for your family.

What Does The Mini German Shepherd Look Like

Youre probably expecting a carbon copy German Shepherd, but thats just not the case with any crossbreed since you never know what youll get.

The Mini German Shepherd is undoubtedly smaller than the standard one, weighing up to 50 lbs .

German Shepherds have distinct color patterns that include sable, black, white, black & red, black & silver and black & gold. Any combination of these colors can be inherited by the Mini.

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Introducing The Miniature German Shepherd

The Miniature German Shepherd is a cross of a German Shepherd with a Collie or miniature Poodle, also known as Mini Shepherd. Its a small to medium dog breed at about 15 to 20 inches tall, weighing about 50 pounds. The average lifespan of the Miniature German Shepherd is 9 to 13 years.

In this post, were going to zero in on a rising star- the Miniature German Shepherd.

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Food And Diet Requirements

A breed the size of a Miniature German Shepherd, requires approximately 30 calories per pound of body weight per day.

This means that on average, this breed will require 1,500 calories per day. Although this may change in response to many factors such as their age, sexual maturity, size, activity level and season.

So this breed will require three cups of dry kibble per day. You should try split these feedings up into multiple daily servings, try feeding your dog once in the morning and again at night.

Like other Shepherds, this breed may be prone to hypothyroidism so be sure to make sure their kibble has been fortified with adequate vitamins and minerals.

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