Help with a new puppy

[bigdave8301]

Hi all,
My fiance` and I just got a pup today, and I don't know if there's a rule against this on your forum, but I read where someone else had asked you if you had any idea what type of pup they had. We're kind of in the same spot. We rescued it from a shelter and he's 7 wks old (he was a stray). Beyond that we really don't know much. He seems very smart, and is very vocal so far. He can also play well. I was just wondering if anyone could help us identify it so we could better learn how to train/raise it while it's still young. Any help at all would be great, because right now all we know is that he's house-trained himself for the most part since being here and likes puppy chow. Thank you again, we appreciate it so much. I have a pic of him attached also - David and Devin Jo

[Rivsky]

Welcome to GP and congrats on the new addition to your family.

Awww he's adorable! What's his name?

Did you get a chance to see his mother or were the pups completely abandoned? I'm just asking because 7 weeks is usually considered too young for pups to leave their mother and littermates.

It's a bit hard to tell just from the headshot but from that photo I'd hazard a guess at staffy x. You'll probably have more of an idea what possible mix he could be as he starts to grow up some more.

[Punkygirl0101]

He is very cute! I also see staffy, but I am unsure of his size from the picture.

Also:

likes puppy chow.

I just thought you should know Puppy Chow is NOT a good food to be feeding a puppy (Purina brand in general is bad). For the health of your puppy, I highly suggest switching to a higher quality puppy food. High Quality food is just one thing you can do to help your dog live a better, healthier life.its one of the most important aspects of raising a dog.

[bigdave8301]

Thank you, we fell in love with him as soon as we saw him. All of the other dogs were lab/rottweiler x, he was probably as big as those pups, but that tan really made him stand out for us (and he whined when we walked away). His name's Ezekiel, we call him Zeke for short. I really don't know any backstory besides the warden had just picked him up; I'm guessing he's a complete abandon. As far as high quality dog foods, what would you suggest? We'd like to have him as healthy as can be. Currently he's ravenous and his ribs are showing somewhat, which breaks our hearts. The personnell at the kinnel told us they thought he might be part boxer, but we didn't see that (a friend of mine has one is the only way I know lol). We're gonna get him to the vet for a check-up ASAP. Also, I took a few more pics, but am currently reading up on the staffy. Also he's about 15 to 17inches long at this time from rump to nose. Thank you again - David and Devin Jo

[Swiftwind]

Zeke is so cute! I think he looks like a Labrador x German Shepherd... but it's too hard to make a proper guess at this stage, as they change and grow so much in the first year of their life.

[Punkygirl0101]

Innova, Cannidae, Wellness, Chicken Soup, etc, etc, etc. I would visit the dog nutrition forum, there are tons of threads on high quality foods.