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A Husky Lab Mix has high energy levels, and she needs to be exercised properly to stay fit. She also enjoys swimming, running in the park, and playing Frisbee, or any other interactive game. These dogs are suitable for active families, where running, jogging, camping trips, or hiking are common activities. I think having a yard where your dog can run freely is essential when dealing with this breed. Make sure you have a strong fence before bringing your future dog home, to prevent her from escaping. A Lab Husky Mix also loves to dig holes, so take all precautions if you have plants. It can be white, black, brown, golden, or any combination of these colors. Some have blue eyes, while others have eyes of different colors. The most common are eye and skin diseases, degenerative myelopathy , arthritis, hip dysplasia, and cancer. Besides potty training , obedience lessons can also help you bond easier with your dog while giving you the chance to remain in charge. This dog is very intelligent and in most cases you can train her yourself, especially if you start at an early age. Always use positive reinforcement and never punish your dog for not following your commands. Outside the shedding season, your dog needs to be brushed twice a week, to keep her coat beautiful and to reduce the amount of lost hair. Keeping your dog alone for too long can cause separation anxiety, sometimes also found in Huskies, but more common when it comes to Labradors. Get her some resistant dog toys to chew, and free access to the yard where she can play, run, and move freely. Make sure she always has a place to go in case of bad weather. If you work all day, ask a friend or a pet walker to take her to the park and make sure you also spend enough time with her when you get home. Conclusion As you can see, a Labrador Husky Mix is a great dog. Do you think you can handle such a dog? Or do you already have one? Let us know what you think about the Husky Lab Mix in a comment below. About Alexandra Animalso I was raised to be a dog person. My first Shepherd grew up as I did and wanted to be where I was at all times. I got my second dog as a 16th birthday present, and her loyalty for me was just as strong as my first. I hope that my contribution to Animalso will help others find dogs who give them that same unconditional love. Very easy to train. I disagree with many of the characteristics listed. Ours is lazy and does not like a lot of activity. The only issue we have is his obsession with children. He loves kids so much that if he can see them but cannot get to them he becomes so laserly focused and cry a very high pitch until they are out of sight. He wants to smell them and lick them on the face and generally hang out with them. Another dog approached and he chased him or her off in an aggressive manner. I had never seen him aggressive like that before. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. So, what do you get when you mix them together? An intelligent, social, and playful pooch that can accompany you on all of your adventures. If you are thinking of adopting a Husky Lab Mix into your family, here is everything you need to know. Husky Lab Mix Overview Size — 22 to 25 inches tall and 40 to 60 pounds Coat — Medium length, double coat, straight, color varies Shedding — yes Temperament — Intelligent, sociable, loyal, playful, and eager to please Trainable — Very trainable but can act up when bored Activity — Highly active needs at least one hour of exercise and intermittent daily activity Best For — Families and people with lots of time to spend with them and active lifestyles What is a Husky Lab Mix? They are different from a purebred Labrador Husky, which is a purebred dog native to coastal Labrador. It has the same wolf look as a Husky and, just like a wolf, howls rather than barks. Huskador Appearance Mixed-breed dogs are an unpredictable combination of the two parent breeds, so it is impossible to know exactly what they will look like before they are born. However, one Husky trait that is commonly inherited by Huskadors is heterochromia, which is two different-colored eyes. This is one of the traits that gives both Huskies and Huskadors their unique look. Although their final look is always a lottery, we can make a few generalizations about the appearance of Husky Lab Mixes. Size As both Huskies and Labradors are medium-sized dogs, their joint offspring will be about the same size. Huskies are the smaller of the two breeds, and the females are much smaller than the males. Male Huskies are between 21 and .Labradors are larger at 50 to 80 pounds and 22 to 25 inches tall. This means for safe breeding, the Labrador will pretty much always be the mother of the Siberian Retriever, as the mother needs to be the larger of the two dogs in order to avoid problems birthing the pups. So expect you Husky Lab Mix to stand between 22 and 25 inches tall and weigh 40 to 60 pounds. You can get a better idea of just how big the dog will be by looking at the size of the parents. Color Labskies come in a wide range of different colors including black, brown, yellow, white, grey, and copper. They can be one solid color, like Labradors, or they can be an unexpected mix, taking after their Husky parent. It is not uncommon to see white Huskadors with the golden ears of a Labrador, or white pups with the coloring over the ears and nose in black or brown. But any pattern or mix is possible. Coat Siberian Retrievers will usually have the short coat of a Labrador, as this seems to be a dominant gene that shows up in their mixed children. But they are also likely to have the straight hair that we are accustomed to seeing on Huskies. The dog will certainly have a double coat, as this is a feature of both breeds. Huskies have a particularly thick undercoat that helps keep them warm in icy temperatures, so a Huskador might also find themselves with one. But whether they inherit this winter warmer or not, Siberian Retrievers shed—a lot—especially in fall and spring when they change their coats. Regular brushing is essential for maintenance, as is a vacuum cleaner that is up to the task! Husky Labrador Mix Character The personality you get when you mix a Husky and a Labrador is unpredictable, but both are friendly dogs that love people, so you can be sure you will have a sociable, human-loving pup. Labrador Retrievers were initially hunting dogs bred to retrieve wild game. This means they have been bred to enjoy being around humans and to be pleasers, completing tasks in return for rewards. They are friendly, good with strangers, and easy to train, which means their behavior is controllable. Huskies are working dogs bred to pull sleds and hunt in cold climates. They can also be very vocal and bark a lot. These dogs are escape artists, which means you need to take extra care when building their homes and enclosures. A Husky Lab Mix can inherit any and all of these traits in different measures, but you can be sure the dog will be intelligent and trainable. Both breeds are also playful, friendly, and love people. They make great pets for family homes. Activity Levels Both Labradors and Huskies have a lot of energy, so you can be sure their offspring are also going to be high energy pups. They will need a minimum of one hour of exercise every day. These dogs will love and benefit from a quick game of fetch every few hours, which appeals to their retriever instinct. This regular distraction will also help keep them occupied enough that they are less likely to indulge in unwanted behavior such as chewing your shoes, digging holes, and finding their way under the fence. Yes, sometimes these dogs are just too intelligent for their own good! These dogs are ideal for active owners who want a companion on their adventures. And Husky Labs Mixes can go just about anywhere with you. They are personable enough to get on well in a crowd, they will have no problems with those long jokes, and they even love the water! These dogs tend to be great swimmers. Exercise As we have already said, Siberian Retrievers are very high energy dogs, so they need a lot of exercise. This means a minimum of one hour per day. They need exercise in regular bursts. As we have already suggested, take them out in the yard for a quick game of fetch a couple of times a day and you will have a much happier pooch. It will also help maintain their weight, which is important because carrying extra pounds can exacerbate many of the health problems common in these dogs. Intellectual Stimulation The pups of Huskies and Labradors are highly intelligent, which means they need a lot of intellectual stimulation. If not, they will get into trouble. Labradors tend to be chewers and will make short work of a lot of things in your home. Huskies are diggers and also seem to manage to get in or out of anything. So you may come home to find they are not where you left them. Puzzle toys can help keep your dog stimulated, but be aware that Huskadors will make short work of them. They are heavy chewers with powerful jaws, so you will be replacing that toy regularly. Another option is to look for more durable indestructible dog toys. The KONG Extreme is one of our favorite toys and can be mentally stimulating as well as highly durable. Companionship Huskadors need a lot of love and attention. They are not the type of dog you can leave alone at home for the whole day while you are at work. They will not only get into trouble, but they can develop separation anxiety and depression. This is not the type of dog for people whose houses are empty for most of the day. Grooming Both parent dogs of Siberian Retrievers shed a lot, so you can expect their kids to do the same. For this reason, they need to be brushed at least twice a week, and during their shedding seasons in fall and spring they will need brushing every day. This should not be seen as a chore, but rather as some nice bonding time for the two of you. What may seem like more of a chore is cleaning up all the hair they shed around your home. Commit to the fact that very regular vacuuming is now part of your regime, and get a specialist pet vacuum cleaner that has the power and the attachments needed to pick up all that hair. This means they do not need to be bathed too often. When you do bathe them, be sure to wash out all the shampoo and conditioner. This can easily be held onto by their hair, and if left behind can irritate their skin. But brushing is only the beginning of the grooming regime these pups need, not all of which will be such a pleasant bonding experience. They need their teeth brushed at least three times a week. Thankfully, this can be partially achieved with dental chew toys. They should also have their ears cleaned regularly, especially if they have the floppy ears of a retriever. Bacteria, yeast, and parasites live in the ear canal. Finally, make sure to trim their nails on a regular basis, at least monthly. This is often a job best left to the experts, as it is easy to cut too deep and hurt your pooch, which will only make them less cooperative next time as they will develop a fear of the clippers pretty quickly. If you are confident enough to do it at home, check out our list of the best nail clippers. We prefer to use a nail grinder called a Dremmel to trim our dogs nails. However, the Dremmel is something you should slowly introduce to your dog so he is not fearful of the sound and vibration. Diet Huskadors need a diet that is high in healthy proteins. Both Labradors and Huskies are natural carnivores, so they feel better when they have a diet high in meat and without excessive amounts of carbohydrates. Processed carbohydrates should be avoided for all dogs, but especially these. Husky Lab Mixes have a lot of energy, and that protein will help them get through their day. They should also have quite a bit of fat in their diet but not too much. You need to be careful about maintaining the weight of these dogs, as they can have heart and joint issues, and excess weight will just exacerbate these health problems. Husky Lab Mixes can have sensitive stomachs, which means that artificial coloring, rendered fats, and processed grains should all be avoided. Look to vary their diet by introducing novel proteins such as rabbit and venison. Puppies should eat special puppy food until about the age of one. Until they are six months old, feed them four times a day, and after that drop to twice a day. They will probably need to move onto special foods for senior dogs at about the age of 7, which is when they enter the second half of their lives. As a rule, dogs need 25 to 30 calories per pound of their weight per day. But while this is a good guide, listen to your vet and watch their weight to find their unique dietary balance. Check out our list of best dog foods for Huskies and best dog foods for Labs for some of our recommendations. Known Health Problems Dogs are just as unique as humans when it comes to the health problems they can develop, but some breeds are more prone to certain conditions than others. Husky Lab Mixes are susceptible to the conditions that are common among both Huskies and Labradors: Hip and Elbow Dysplasia — A condition that arises when the hip and elbow joints do not develop normally, which can cause extreme pain and arthritis later in life Eye Conditions — Various eye conditions including cataracts, corneal dystrophy, and progressive retinal atrophy, all of which can all result in blindness Heart Conditions — Usually a decrease in the effectiveness of the heart pumping blood throughout the body, which can lead to complications such as a build-up of fluid in the chest and abdomen Life Expectancy Husky Labrador Mix dogs have a life expectancy of 10 to 15 years. At this time, their energy levels will drop and they will need some changes in their diet and exercise. Check out our list of best dog foods for your senior dog for our recommendation of dog foods for older dogs. How To Train Your Husky Lab Mix Huskadors inherit a lot of intelligence on both sides, so they are smart dogs that are highly trainable, but they can be stubborn. For this reason, domination and punishment should never be used. It can cause these stubborn pups to dig in their heels and refuse to cooperate. The best way to train Husky Labrador Mixes is through positive reinforcement and reward. They are people-pleasers so they find this highly motivational. While these pooches are naturally sociable, it is a good idea to socialize them from a young age, especially with children. This helps them learn the care they need to exercise when dealing with smaller humans. They will also probably need to be trained to control their likely Husky-inherited tendency to bark. They will meet you halfway, but you need to fulfill your side of the bargain. Husky and Labrador mixes make great pets for families, as they will quickly become members of the family and get on well with kids. A family also often means lots of people in and out of the home to spend time with them. But they are perfect for anyone with a highly active lifestyle looking for a dog that can accompany them on all of their adventures. They will have no problems taking on challenging trails, being out and about all day, and even going in the water. So this is the ideal dog for someone who has the time and energy to give them a lot of love and attention. They will thank you with the same in return. This means you can meet the parents, which can help give you an idea of what kind of character the puppy will have. The breeder will also be able to share medical records with you, which can give you advance warning about the types of medical conditions your new pooch is prone to developing. If you are adopting a more mature Huskador, spend some time with them to see what they are like. As Husky Lab Mixes are still a relatively new breed, they are also relatively expensive. History of the Breeds Siberian Husky More closely related to wolves than many modern dog breeds, Huskies have long been sled dogs used in colder regions. They are bred for strength, swiftness, and to withstand cold temperatures. Their unique wolf-like look and friendly nature mean they are also extremely popular as pets. Labrador Retriever Labrador Retrievers were brought from Newfoundland to England in the 19th century and then trained and bred as hunting dogs. They are highly intelligent and love being around people, working, and pleasing their humans. This is why they are often used as assistance dogs, as they are both hard workers and incredibly loving and loyal. Yes, Husky Lab Mixes are excellent dogs, as they are intelligent, highly trainable, friendly, and loyal, plus they are great with children and strangers. If they are under-stimulated, they can have a tendency to act out, chewing and digging. Huskadors generally grow to between 20 and 25 inches tall and weigh between 40 and 60 pounds. If you would like a dog on the smaller side, choose a female, as they tend to be smaller than their male counterparts. If your Husky Lab Mix is playful and energetic, this is a sign that they are happy. When they start to become lethargic, this is often a sign that there is something wrong. The Verdict When you mix a Siberian Husky and a Labrador Retriever you get a very attractive dog that is also loveable, loyal, and a joy to have around. They are the ideal pet for families and anyone looking for a companion for their active lifestyle. These dogs do need a lot of love and attention and can suffer from separation anxiety. But if you invest in your Huskador, it is impossible to put a price on the unconditional love and companionship they will give you in return. 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. Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. Click here for more information on this characteristic Labsky Highlights The Labsky is a mixed breed dog. They are not purebreds like their Labrador Retriever or Siberian Husky parents. Labskies were first bred intentionally in the s. The Labsky is a medium- to large-sized dog with high energy. Labskies tend to love people and human contact. They are usually very friendly. The Labsky has a double coat that requires daily brushing. Their fur can come in white, black, yellow, brown, red and grey, and many times the coat will be a mix of colors. Labskies can have a high prey drive and might be best suited to homes with pets of the same size. The mixed breed dates back to the s, although their original country of origin has not been established. The Siberian Husky has existed for over years, and originated in the cold climes of Alaska and Canada. The Labrador Retriever has a history as a gun dog and was first developed in Newfoundland in the 19th century. These days, the Labrador Retriever has become recognized as one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States and frequently ranks as the most popular dog breed of all, according to the American Kennel Club. Even though the Labsky looks like a fancy, high-end designer dog, many of them end up in shelters so consider adoption if you decide this is the breed for you! Most weigh in at 40 to 60 pounds and range in height from inches. Labsky Personality Many Labsky lovers like to describe their dogs as very loyal and exceptionally active. With high energy levels, the Labsky thrives on long walks and will always be interested in physical play sessions. If you have access to lots of outdoor space near to your home, the Labsky will prosper and approach life with much vigor. At home, Labskies are seen as loving and loyal dogs who seek out company and enjoy being around people. A Labsky enjoys mental stimulation, and interactive toys can help keep the dog interested and alert. These dogs very much enjoy being around family and prosper in an environment with a lot of human contact. Labsky Health Labskies are generally farily healthy. The Labsky breed is predisposed to some of the same conditions that the Siberian Husky and Labrador Retriever also face. It is important to maintain good care and regular veterinary checkups. Some of the more common health problems Labskies suffer from include: Eye conditions. Its parents have a significant contribution on how it behaves so, start the process by looking at the background and origin of the Labsky. A husky lab mix is a designer dog produced by its two parent dog breeds, a Labrador Retriever and Siberian Husky. Designer dog means that the dog is a crossbreed between two purebreds. In this case, the crossbreed will not only inherit the looks from its parents but the characteristics and temperament as well. Labradors play particular roles that can be helpful for the community. About Labrador They are trained to aid people with disability. They have a charming personality that allows them to serve as a therapy dog. Labs are widely used in law enforcement agencies and other organizations in different parts of the world, mainly in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada. These groups use Labs as retriever-gun dogs. Their particular capability makes them suitable for hunting and sporting activities. Take note that Labradors vary in appearance and behavior, which is categorized into two types: English Labs are breeds that are more trainable, making them suitable for people who want a dog to accompany them during hunting. American Labs are more energetic, allowing them to be chosen to participate in field trials. They have a leaner body and longer legs compared to their counterparts. Labradors either have a chocolate, black, or yellow coat. These breeds are sometimes mistakenly called Golden Retriever, but take note that the latter has longer hair compared to Labs. Furthermore, the Labrador Retrievers weigh between 65 to 80 pounds for a male, and 55 to 70 pounds for a female. These breeds also require less maintenance because they only shed hair twice every year and may sometimes exceed during temperate climates. They can even get along with kids and families easily. This breed originated in Siberia in Russia. Most people use the Siberian Huskies in hunting and even in transportation by training them to pull sleds. Their loyalty enables them to feel closer to families and kids quickly. Unlike the Labradors, the Siberian Huskies have medium body size. Male huskies weigh 45 to 60 pounds while females are between 35 to 50 pounds. They also have a thicker double coat than the other parent breed of Husky Labs. Erect ears characterize them with markings. These breeds are also known for being energetic. Their thick coat allows them to withstand harsh weather conditions and frigid temperature, but it is also the reason why they need weekly grooming. Commonly, they have patterned colors on their body. Their paws, legs, tail, and face may be covered with white markings, and the rest of their body is black. Their coat could also be a combination of copper-red and white or white and gray, and in some cases, just pure white. You can rarely find a Miniature Siberian Husky with an agouti coat, which means that the body has other band colors. Their nose could be pointed or square, and their tails have very thick fur. Unlike other dog breeds that bark, this one usually howls. Considering the temperament of both parent breeds, husky lab Mixes are known to be energetic, which requires them to get plenty of exercises and an active lifestyle. They also need mental stimulation to make them entertained. They are people-oriented, which is beneficial for family members most especially if you have kids at home. It is recommended to expose them to socialization to reduce their anxiety and make them calm whenever they saw people or other animals. Bringing them for a long walk every morning is an excellent exercise for them. Other activities that will help them stay active are hiking, romping, and running. You can teach them these things most especially if you are training them to compete in sports. It reduces your stress in cleaning your home, and you can also save money from bringing it at the dog parlor. Brushing their coat about two or three times a week is enough to keep their skin beautiful. The average life span is 11 to 13 years, and between these stages, you will discover the milestones that your pet can experience. Take note that being a dog owner is also the same as parenting a child. It requires focus, determination, patience, and effort if you want to establish the dog with the character that you want it to possess. Although these breeds have natural traits and personality, it is still helpful to help them develop them. Before you decide to adopt a husky lab, make sure that you are entirely equipped with the life stages of this breed. It is the period that you need to take extra care of your puppy. Some of the body organs of the husky lab are not yet fully developed, so you need to be gentle when you want to hold them. It is also the time that these breeds are blind and deaf yet. The husky lab Mix have a delicate body during the neonatal stage. That means that they need to be kept beside their mother to obtain body heat. Most of the time, you can see them sleeping or being fed by their dog mom. You will also notice that their parent frequently licks them. It is a way for the dog to help their puppies eliminate. Their ears will open, allowing them to respond to sounds around them. They can also see a bit of light as they open their eyes. This time, they can already eliminate on without seeking help from their mother. Also, their mobility starts to be developed. You can see them striving to crawl since their strength is not yet enough for them to walk. They may sometimes try to stand up, but their force is not yet intact to carry their body, leading them to stumble. The husky lab will also start to recognize their parent and siblings. Small teeth will also grow, but it is not yet advisable to give them food to chew. However, you still need to be mindful when sudden loud noises occur because it can scare the pets or worse, it can even affect their development. You should continue to help them in the socialization process. As soon as they recognize people and other pets around them, they slowly show interaction. Their senses will help them see things clearly and respond to them. It is also a crucial stage for them because their razor-sharp teeth are beginning to lose. This development may happen between three to six weeks. The puppy will experience teething before he gets permanent teeth. READ - Five Amazing Things About the Teacup Pomsky 4 to 7 weeks — Socialization stage Since they can already recognize people and other species around them at the earlier stage, now is the time for them to socialize. Their siblings can contribute to their development during these weeks. It is also essential for them to interact with people for them to understand and follow the discipline being taught. This stage is also essential for both the Husky Lab and its mother. It is the perfect time for the mother dog to wean her puppies. Weaning is crucial because her milk supply is starting to dry up. You should also take note that you play an essential role during this process. You must hold the puppies from their mother dog for a few minutes a day as one way of training them to socialize. Let them mingle with their siblings so they will get used to it. It is also the perfect time to start feeding them. Let them eat in a clean pan. In this way, you are training them to eat independently. Since it is the first time that you are going to let the puppies eat food while it is also a growth period for them, it is essential to choose high-quality food specially formulated for them. Their teeth are not yet stronger enough to bite hard foods, so make sure to moisten it with warm water before giving. Take note that the process is new to them, so it takes patience to feed them with different food. If you think that your effort is not working, you might want to try other food flavors that are appealing to them. Some puppies may be picky eaters, while some dislike the taste of the food. Also, only give them a small amount at the start to avoid wastage. It is also crucial to keep in mind that this stage is not the best time to separate the puppies from their mother. Separating them at an early age will make them bark or bite because they will feel threatened and nervous. However, they are still sensitive to loud noises, making them feel threatened or terrified. That means that their socialization training should continue until this period. Worst is, they will have a traumatic experience when they are not taught properly, or specific scenarios are not controlled. One of the best ways is to avoid creating loud noises or threatening them. Also, prevent harsh discipline or rough play because it will let them learn to bite. Do you know that you can also train them through simple commands or words that they can easily recognize? Teach them actions like stay, sit, come, and down. In this way, you are also training them to follow instructions. The development of your husky lab puppy continues on this stage. You can notice that the pet will start to have better control of its bowel. His sleeping pattern is also changing, wherein he will have a better sleep at night. Keep in mind that husky lab puppies are prone to diseases during this stage. Therefore, you should make sure that their cage or sleeping area is always clean. Make sure that you have completed their entire vaccination to keep them safe from any illness. Despite this fact, you still need to impose the commands that you used to teach them. You might also feel stressed during this stage because it is also the time when your pet is starting to bite things like rugs, couch, or grasses. Instead, say no gently and buy them toys that they can play with. It is the time when they show their eagerness yet they could sometimes be bratty. It is normal for them to show confidence when you teach them anything most especially that they feel independent. They may bite, or you might get hurt if they are forced to counteract with you. Teething may also be stressful for them because they would find ways to relieve the pain they feel. To help them cope up in this stage of their life, give them soft toys so that they play with it and they have something to use to relieve the pressure. Keep them away from the things that they might chew. It is their way of finding relief, but you need to make sure that they will not go to places where they might swallow even a tiny object. It is dangerous for their digestive system and health. Since one of the parents of the husky labs is husky, you should expect that this type is difficult to housebreak. It is not surprising when the puppy adapts this trait as well. However, you should continue to make an effort to house train the pet. Reward him or give him praises when he learns to defecate or urinate outside the home. Although the personality and character of the husky lab mixes are slightly developed in this stage, you must still teach him the right attitude like being obedient and calm when strangers or other animals passed by. This breed is known to be energetic; therefore, you must allow him to do plenty of exercises and activities that will help develop his body tone. It is the period in which they have learned a lot of things. They are energetic and love to spend time playing with their siblings. However, you still need to take care of them to prevent them from getting injured. Now that you have established their mental and emotional maturity, you can now increase the training period and other activities that you want them to learn. It could include herding or agility. Although both parent dogs of the husky labs have hunting and sporting skills, it is still essential to train them consistently. In that way, they will learn how to use their natural skills correctly, and you can also enhance their performance at the same time. Commonly, the husky lab Mix stop their development stage before they reach their first birthday. As they become nine months old, you can also notice that their height increases while their body is leaner. Paying attention to their growth will guide you on how to train and teach them basic and advanced skills that they can use when they reach their full adulthood, which is between two to 2. Generally, male husky labs reach their full size when they are 36 months. They also mature emotionally until they are about two years old. It is why it is always recommended to teach your dogs the socialization and emotional aspects so that you can establish it before they get mature. Also essential to supply your Dog with supplements and nutritious foods during its development years. It is an excellent way for you to prevent diseases from attacking your pet. Remember that sickness can reduce the life span of this dog breed, so it is excellent when you boost his health. Make sure that you only choose high-quality foods that contain vitamins and minerals he needs to strive. They may inherit the diseases from their parent dogs, but you can still do something to prevent the occurrence of such illnesses. If you can do all of these guidelines, you are giving your pet a healthy and enjoyable lifestyle. Temperament The Labrador Husky is an unknown and often misunderstood breed. It is not a mix between a Labrador and a Husky, but a purebred dog native of coastal Labrador. It is similar in a lot of ways to the wolf. It does not bark, but can howl like a wolf. The objective in training this dog is to achieve pack leader status. It is a natural instinct for a dog to have an order in its pack. When we humans live with dogs , we become their pack. The entire pack cooperates under a single leader. Lines are clearly defined and rules are set. Because a dog communicates his displeasure with growling and eventually biting, all other humans MUST be higher up in the order than the dog. The humans must be the ones making the decisions, not the dogs. That is the only way your relationship with your dog can be a complete success. Height, Weight Weight: 60 - pounds 27 - 45 kg Health Problems -- Living Conditions The Labrador Husky are not usually recommended for apartments, however they can live in apartments if well trained and properly exercised. Exercise This breed needs to be taken on a daily long walk or jog. While out on the walk the dog must be made to heel beside or behind the person holding the lead, as in a dog's mind the leader leads the way, and that leader needs to be the human. During that time they need to be brushed and combed daily. Origin The Labrador Husky is native to coastal Labrador. The dogs were used as sled dogs to carry heavy loads. Inuits first lived in Alaska - AD. Over the centuries, the Labrador's ancestor had become cut off geographically from the other northern breeds. To maintain the desired qualities of strength, vigor, stamina and intelligence inherent in their dogs, the descendants of the Thule Inuit had allowed the Labrador to breed with the native wolf populations. This practice continued until the invention of the snowmobile, when dogs were no longer needed to pull heavy loads. Your Lab Husky should also visit the vet regularly. You can then wean if off that brand slowly and introduce new food while steadily increasing the ratio. To ensure your Lab Husky mix cub gets all they need to grow up big and strong, try one of the best puppy food brands or some of the best dry dog food for small dogs. A Husky crossed with Lab pup should be fed three to four times daily. Once it hits six months, feeding can be dropped to just two times a day. Keep feeding your dog with puppy dog food until it turns a year old. This is because this feed is designed to have more protein, something that a growing puppy needs. Once your pet turns a year old, it should then be fed about 2. That is when you can switch to the best dry dog food that undoubtedly all adult doggos enjoy. It contains ocean fish meal, salmon, potatoes, sweet potatoes, and peas. Give this to your dog if you want it to have a shinier coat. Nutro Max Large Breed Adult Dry Dog Food: One of the best makers of dog food today, Nutro Max uses fewer ingredients in its feed to reduce the number of digestive issues a dog might develop. It uses real chicken as its main source of protein. Once your pooch reaches a certain age, their bones and overall health become more frail, and they need food that can give them all the necessary nutrients. We have ample suggestions of the best senior dry dog food brands that you could offer your aged pooch. They will also benefit from additional vitamins and minerals, so we suggest including the Nutra Thrive dog food supplement in their diet as well. Your Lab Husky mix will need regular exercise to stay fit and burn off excess energy. This dog needs a long walk twice a day. It also enjoys running around the park and playing Frisbee. This crossbreed has a natural affinity to water and loves to swim. Its webbed paws make it a natural in this activity. Any interactive game will suit this dog perfectly. Families with an active lifestyle and those who love the outdoors will be good matches for the Husky Lab mix. You can even take it hiking or camping. Labs have a particular gene that has been linked to weight increase. This hybrid dog will thrive in homes with a yard where it can run freely. It also loves digging holes so you might have to rearrange your garden. Keep your dog engaged and entertain with these toys — KONG Extreme: Kong toys never fail, and this extreme version of a beloved toy will keep your Lab Husky mix happy for hours. Fill it up with treats, stand back and watch your dog chew on it for hours. Nina Ottoson Dog Tornado: This interactive toy is a bit pricey but well worth the expense. Trixie Dog Activity Chess: This toy will reward your dog with snacks in exchange for its smarts. Hide treats within the movable pieces to keep your pet busy. Your dog will have a great time knocking the ball around or playing fetch with it. It also squeaks, so the more auditory-inclined canines will be interested. Mammoth Flossy Chews: Your Husky Lab hybrid will love tugging and playing this cotton blend, three-knot toy. It comes in different sizes, including an extra large one for massive and strong dogs. Husky Lab Mix Training Obedience training is a must with a Husky Lab mix, and it should start as soon as you bring your dog home. This training will help you develop a positive relationship with your pet while also enabling you to remain in control. A Husky Lab is a very intelligent canine, and a responsible and patient owner can train their Huskadors themselves. This will go easier if the lessons are done at an early age. Fortunately, this stubborn streak can be tempered with heaps of positive reinforcement and repetition. Socialization training is also crucial for this dog. Make sure you start socializing your puppy as soon as you bring it home. Invite your friends over or take your pet to different places. The idea is to let it interact with various people and animals. To make training easier, consider the following tips: Positive reinforcement is best. This is a better strategy with this breed. Do not punish your dog for not obeying your commands or forgetting its training. Set up regular playdates. Playing with others do is a way to keep them entertained, socialized, and mentally engaged. Invest in puzzle toys. Make sure you have lots of engaging toys and puzzles on hand. Labrador Husky Mix and Families A Lab Husky mix is a great family dog, as long as everyone is on-board with the proper way of handling and training it. Consistency is key to ensure this dog is trained and socialized properly. This dog suits all types of owners, from single households to families with small children. But you have to make sure you have the time and energy for this dog. You should ask yourself if you have the patience and dedication needed to provide it with the best possible life before getting one. This magnificent dog is not the pet for busy employees or those who are away from home for long hours. The Husky Lab mix is a unique dog and a fantastic companion. It needs someone who will love it back; someone who will dedicate the time and effort to ensure its physical and mental requirements are met. Finding a healthy Husky Lab mix puppy. Labs are working dogs , born with a job to do. As you might guess, that job typically involves the second word in their breed name — retrieving! These dogs were bred to work closely with hunters to flush out and collect downed prey. Labs are loyal human-focussed dogs. They make for fun-loving, affectionate, and playful pets. Huskies are working dogs too. Historically, they helped out with hunting and gathering food, firewood, supplies, and other necessities. These dogs were bred specifically to cohabitate and collaborate with people. Overall, they make for wonderful, loyal pets and guard dogs. But as he grows up, each day will bring new surprises. Only time will tell which breed-specific traits he has inherited from his Labrador Retriever and Siberian Husky parents, respectively. Your Husky Lab mix full grown may weigh anywhere from 40 to 60 pounds. He is likely to be athletic and powerful. Both parents grow up to about 24 inches in height, so you can expect a medium to large dog. He may have facial and body features that lean more towards the Lab or the Husky. He could have brown eyes, blue eyes, or even one of each! Coats and Colors Labs are well known for their different coats, and mixing a Lab of a certain color with a Husky could lead to a Huskador that has a dark coat. Shedding and Grooming The Labsky dog tends to shed. A lot. The reason for this is simple: the Siberian Husky grows a double-thick coat as protection against the freezing Siberian climate. This means that even a Lab Husky mix who inherits more Lab traits will still shed more than your average Labrador, although likely less than your average Husky. Now, if your dog inherits more Husky traits, you can look forward to a jaw-dropping level of shedding at least twice a year as your pup sheds his thick undercoat and prepares to regrow it. But regardless of which end of the shedding spectrum your pooch tends towards, the best way to control Lab Husky mix shedding is to brush your dog regularly. You can use a tool called an undercoat rake to make the shedding process much more comfortable for your dog and more manageable for you. Take time once or twice per week to groom your dog. This will give you some control over when and where the hairs fall out. Also, it gives you some regular enjoyable bonding time with your pup. Husky Lab Mix Temperament Lab Husky mix temperament is where you will find the most uncertainty, since any puppy can tend more towards the temperament of one parent breed or the other. Your puppy may exhibit a calmer Labrador temperament or a more high-strung Husky temperament. While they are likely to be smart, Husky Lab mix puppies could take after the Lab parent and be a quick, eager learner during training. Or they could be more stubborn and even inconsistent, like the Husky parent. A Huskador puppy could also have a more reserved personality, like a Husky. Alternatively, you could end up with a naturally exuberant Lab-leaning pup that reminds you of the canine star of Marley and Me. Labs tend to bark only as needed. Huskies, on the other hand, tend to bark at anything and everything. Your pup could fall anywhere in between the two. Digging is another issue , as Huskies are big on digging. Labs are known for chewing on anything they can find, which could also be an issue for your Siberian Retriever. He will likely be very loyal and somewhat protective, however. Socialization is an important part of raising a well-behaved member of any breed or mix. From the day you bring him or her home, have plenty of visitors to the home. Take your Huskador to a number of different locations to familiarize him with other environments. Try to get your pup to meet as many different people, vehicles and animals as possible. Socialization is important to the well-being and good behavior of every breed, even ultra-friendly Labs. Huskies, as mentioned, tend to be a bit more reserved, so socialization is vital for this mix. Training and Behavioral Traits For decades, dog training was all about establishing the pack leader. Leading trainers taught that there were only two choices: either your dog was the alpha, or you were the alpha. However, we know differently now. For a dog, there is no such thing as alpha, or dominance, or pack leader, or even anything similar to any of these concepts. As long as you provide your dog with his daily required resources, your interspecies family life is likely to go quite smoothly overall. In fact, the purebred Siberian Husky breed is known to exhibit some of these traits far more frequently than purebred Labrador Retrievers. This can make training more challenging and time-consuming if your Labsky puppy tends more towards the Husky side of his parentage. But whether such behavioral traits show up in your puppy or not, these behaviors are never about winning dominance over you or becoming the pack leader. These traits are either inbuilt breed-specific characteristics, or fear-based responses to perceived scarcity of needed resources. Ultimately, your puppy is dependent on you for every need that he has. Understanding this can eliminate your concern over alpha-type struggles. Huskador Exercise The Husky Lab mix comes from two active, energetic, working dog breed parents. Boredom can be a real problem for these dogs, as they are literally bred to stay active all day, every day. Often, they perform very physically demanding jobs! So you can pretty much count on the need to keep your Siberian Husky Lab mix dog active and busy. Otherwise, she may develop her own itinerary of fun activities to pursue. Lab Husky mix dogs also have webbed paws and a natural love of water. Swimming is a great activity for them. So is any game of fetch that involves retrieving a bobbing toy from the water. They also love to run and will eagerly enjoy long runs off-leash if your situation permits. Lab mixes are at risk of hip dysplasia, so be careful with younger dogs and keep their exercise at appropriate levels. Health and Care A Lab and Husky mix puppy may inherit known health issues from either the Labrador or the Husky gene pool. Therefore, it is critical to conduct health testing when selecting a designer dog puppy. This is the only way to know if breed-specific congenital health issues may be present. Each breed may have health issues that are inherited or acquired along the way. Labrador Retrievers are prone to a few health issues that can be protected against in future generations through health testing. The most prevalent are hip and elbow dysplasia, as well as progressive retinal atrophy. Siberian Husky dogs are known to be prone to a few health problems including cataracts, glaucoma, arthritis and heart problems. Predicting Life Expectancy Generally speaking, the Labrador Retriever has a life expectancy of 10 to 12 years. The Siberian Husky, in turn, has an average lifespan of 11 to 13 years. These statistics would indicate a Lab and Husky mix might live anywhere from 10 to 13 years, which is generally considered an accurate lifespan range for these designer dogs. We recommend reaching out to these rescue societies to ask about any Huskador dogs in need of adopting. Here are a few to get you started.

Aug 14, Share German Shepherd Dogs GSDs are highly intelligent and athletic dogs, and they need to be both mentally and physically stimulated to stay happy and healthy. This can be achieved through regular, directed interaction with your pooch through training and games or, even better, a combination of both. While training is an essential aspect of raising a well-behaved and healthy German Shepherd, games are also vital to their overall health. From physical, athletic activities to mind games for German Shepherds, there are so many to choose from to keep your GSD stimulated. Read on for 12 of our favorite games to play with your German Shepherd! The 12 Best Games for German Shepherds 1. Frisbee Image Credit: kscholl, Pixabay Another classic game for playing outdoors, frisbee takes fetch to another level. Begin by throwing the disc short distances at first and getting your GSD to bring it back to you, and then gradually increase the distance. You can also roll the frisbee vertically on the ground for them to chase. Fetch Fetch is a classic game to play with any dog, but there is a huge variety of ways to play it. Simply throwing a ball or stick and getting your GSD to bring it back is not as easy as it seems, so it is a great opportunity for training. For younger dogs, you may need to use a treat or reward to get your dog to release the ball, and this can take practice. For large and athletic dogs like GSDs, try to use a toy that travels farther for a more extreme version of this game. Puzzle Games German Shepherds are highly intelligent animals, so mind games are important for them too. There are a ton of puzzle toys on the market, most of which involve hiding treats in closed compartments for your pooch to find. Your GSD will need to figure out how to open the various compartments to access the treat, and you can increase the difficulty as they progress. Begin on the easiest level and move up from there. The game can be played indoors or outdoors, so it is great for any living situation or age of dog. Once they catch on to the game, you can make the hiding spots more widespread and difficult. Hide and Seek Hide and seek is not only fun for kids, but it can also be an exciting game to include your GSD in! In the beginning, you may need two people, but once your GSD learns the game, you can play it just with your pooch. Begin by hiding in easy places, and give your pooch plenty of praise when they find you. Gradually find harder places to hide. This game is not only fun but will also teach your pooch patience and obedience. Even though these classes are generally worth it, you can do it at home too. By simply using common items in your home like chairs, boxes, towels, and toys, you can set up your own agility course and teach your GSD to walk through it. However, if done properly, the game will not make your dog aggressive and can be a great method for training. The game should be initiated by you only, and the toy available to your dog only during the game. Also, any skin contact, biting, or nipping ends the game straight away, and you must walk away with the toy immediately. Ring Stacking For advanced, intelligent dogs that have mastered other puzzle games, ring stacking is a great new challenge. Your dog will need to have mastered basic commands in order for them to play, and even then, it may take a while to master. Magic Cups Magic cups is a fun game to play indoors when the weather is bad. All you need are three plastic cups and a treat or a small handful of kibble. While this game is not physical in any way, it is a great way to stimulate your GSD mentally. Place the three cups upside down with treats hidden underneath one. Let your dog see which one has the treats. Once they find the treat, shuffle the cups and let your dog try again. Once your pooch gets the hang of it, you can make the game harder by not letting your dog see you shuffle the cups or by simply adding more cups into the mix. You can train your GSD to bring you individual toys on command, providing great mental stimulation for your pooch. Begin with just one toy, and toss it for your dog to retrieve while vocalizing the name of the toy. Once your dog learns the name reliably, you can add other toys into the mix. Soccer All dogs love balls, and German Shepherds are no different. Soccer is great because it uses large balls that your pooch cannot run away with and stimulates their hunting and tracking skills. You can play the game with your pooch in mid-field trying to get the ball from you or put them in front of the goalposts and teach them to stop the ball without biting it! Soccer is great exercise and an excellent training method for your GSD. Once they get this basic routine down, you can make it more challenging by making them stop mid-run or throwing the toy and making them wait for your command before running to fetch it. Final Thoughts Some games are great for exercising your German Shepherd, while others are ideal for mental stimulation. Some are great for both! They are also very intelligent and need lots of mental stimulation. Many German shepherds are involved in dog sports, work in law enforcement, for the military, and other agencies. However, many more are simply family pets of those that love the breed. Playing games also fulfills another requirement of German shepherd ownership, which is spending lots of time with the dog. German shepherds require lots of socialization and companionship. As a herding dog, they were bred for their loyalty and ability to protect a herd. This characteristic causes them to form a strong bond with their owner and they do best spending time with their family. Some games that German shepherds love, will burn off some energy, and as a bonus give their brain a zap of dopamine are: 1. Fetch Although basic, German shepherds have a high prey drive and most love to play fetch. Playing fetch is also great because it burns off a lot of pent up energy. You can kick up fetch a notch by alternating toys or only using favorite toys. Try throwing a treat stuffed toy, Frisbee, plastic stick, and toys that bounce and tumble like Westpaw Zogoflex and Kongs. Hide and Seek Like the name implies, you hide a toy and your dog finds it. German Shepherds have scent receptors so they are naturally adept at this game. It is especially good for dogs that can no longer engage in high impact activities. For those that can, reward the dog by throwing the toy then hide it again. Urban Agility Urban agility is a noncompetitive fun sport that can accommodate nearly all dogs. You simply set up an obstacle course and balancing equipment in the yard and train your dog to weave, jump, balance, and more. There are urban agility trainers, books, articles, and YouTube videos to give you ideas on what your dog might enjoy. Tug Teach your dog to tug which means, tugging enthusiastically, releasing the tug toy, and bringing the tug back after you release it. Tug should be fun and exciting for both owner and dog and it can be used as a training tool, to burn off energy, as a reward, or just for fun. There is a huge variety of tugs on the market so no doubt there is a tug for all dogs. Search and Rescue This game reinforces the stay command and also challenges your dog. This game works well with more than one person who can help restrain the dog or when multiple hide. Nosework Teach your dog to find objects, food, or scents using essential oils. As your dog gains more confidence, you hide the scents in more challenging locations. You can learn more at the National Association for Canine Scent Work and there are books and videos available on the subject. This game is super rewarding because it is very mentally challenging. Pick Up Time You can teach your dog to pick up nearly any toy and drop it into any basket or box. This game is also useful for teaching your dog to pick up their own toys or other objects on command. Relatively easy to learn, this game is immediately rewarding and can continuously switch up as you teach your dog to pick up and put away new things. Have fun with these game ideas and be sure to share with your family and friends. Playing Fetch Most German Shepherds love to play fetch. Trust me! The activities involved in this game are simple and effective. When you are playing fetch, you are throwing an object for your dog to chase and bring it back. GSDs naturally enjoy chasing! Playing this game allows your dog to satisfy its urge to hunt. You could use a tennis ball, light frisbee, stick, or toy to play fetch. Choose an object that travels farther to make it a great game. German Shepherds can do this for hours without getting bored! This keeps your GSD entertained and active. Reward your GSD whenever they come running to you with the object. This fun game causes your dog to spend a great amount of energy in a little time. Of Course, that means your GSD gets great physical exercise too. However, make sure to use a soft object because hard ones can damage their teeth and jaws. Furthermore, avoid quick starts and stops of chasing an object. It may cause strains on their joints. So limit playing this game daily. Learn more about the game by watching the following video: 2. Ring Stack Ahem! You must have patience to play this great game with your German Shepherd. Ring Stack is your best bet if you are looking for a game with a lot of mental stimulation. When your dog becomes bored, it is better to play a mind game. First, you must find a set of rings and a stick. Make sure to use a ring stacking toy safe for your GSD. A wooden and dye-free ring stacking toy is the best option. Your dog should know how to fetch and retrieve to play this game. It is better to start this game with only a few rings. You have to guide your dog to pick a ring first. Next, you direct them toward the ring stacker to put the ring onto it. Give your GSD a treat again. Moreover, ring stack is extra challenging, and you can play it indoors. Cool, right? Your German Shepherd will take a few weeks to understand this game. Check out the following video to find out more: 3. Agility Training Does your German Shepherd need some serious exercise to release its energy? If yes, agility training is one of the best games for GSDs to relieve their liveliness. Wait till you hear how awesome this game is! Cannot find an agility training course in your area? Do not worry! You can do this at home too. Set up your agility course by using tables, chairs, towels, poles, and a few toys. You must guide your GSD to walk through, jump over, or duck under these objects. So many exercises! After a while, you should change the agility course style and guide your dog again. This game has a variety of fun activities. It is a terrific way to keep your GSD entertained, happy, and healthy. Check out the following video to learn more about the game: 4. Alright, let the dog do obstacle training. It is an effective and fun way to make your GSD coordinate with you. Both you and your dog can enjoy this game. Now that you know about agility training, it is easier to understand how this works. You have to organize an obstacle course to play this game. The obstacles can be anything. For example, you can use chairs, wheelbarrows, pieces of wood, or piles of clothes. You can also create an indoor obstacle course if it is a bad weather day. Keep the obstacles between you and your German Shepherd. Call your dog toward you. Make sure to treat your dog to lure them through the obstacles. Make it more difficult when your dog succeeds in the first few rounds. Then, after a while, increase the number of obstacles. This game works well for both adult GSDs and puppies. Treasure Hunt If you are looking for the easiest games for German Shepherds, treasure hunt is the best choice. It is one of the mentally challenging and fun activities. Then, you have to hide them in some places. First of all, get your German Shepherd to sit and wait. Then let your dog watch the process. To begin with, hide the treats somewhere accessible for your dog to find. Next, give a command and encourage them to find it. This game is super easy for your GSD because they have a great nose. Remember to treat your dog once they have found the treat. Most dogs love this! Once your dog understands the game, keep the treats somewhere more difficult. Believe me! This game will entertain both you and your German Shepherd. Of course, your dog is going to love it! Well, your German shepherd is an intelligent dog. So they can bring you toys if you teach them. The name game is a fun way of teaching your dog about the names of the toys. It is also one of the great mind games for German Shepherds. Now give them the toy saying the name of it. Moreover, give them a treat whenever your dog takes the toy. Finally, when your dog learns the name of one toy, begin to name the next toy. Fun fact: After playing this game over a few days, your dog will be able to know the names of many toys. After a while, put the toy on the floor and ask your dog to pick it up. Your German Shepherd will do it. Now you can ask your dog to bring any toy in a single order! You are face to face with your dog throughout the game. To play Tug of War, you only need a rope with knots. First, let your dog grab one end of the rope with its teeth. Then you have to hold the other end. All you have to do is drag the rope. Of course, your dog will work harder to keep the string. When playing this game, you can give commands like take, stop, or release. Playing tug teaches your GSD to obey commands. However, this game does not involve treats. Remember, you should have great strength to play this game. Also, make sure to leave the rope and leave immediately if your dog starts biting or snapping. Watch the following video to learn about Tug of war: 8. Just like kids. You must ensure your dog obeys commands such as sit and wait before playing hide and seek. In the beginning, there should be two people to play this game. First, ask the other person to give your dog the sit and wait command. Then you can go and hide. Start by hiding in a place that is easier to find. Remember to praise your dog when they find you. After a while, make the game harder. Once your German Shepherd learns to obey the sit and wait commands. Then you can play the game with your dog alone. This game is entertaining and teaches your dog to use its senses. More importantly, it instructs your dog to be patient and obedient. Just the way you want your German Shepherd to be, right? Check out this excellent video of playing hide and seek: 9. This game is super easy and involves mental stimulation. All you need is three cups and yummy treats. To begin with, have your dog sit and wait near the cups. Place treats under one cup and leave the other two empty. First, let your dog know which cup the treats are in. After a while, shuffle the three cups. Then, let your German Shepherd try again. You have to ask your GSD to find what cup the treat is under. Give your dog a treat for each guess in the first few rounds. In the following rounds, stop giving treats if your dog guesses the wrong cup. But, it takes a few games for the dog to understand this. Your German Shepherd will learn soon. You can add more cups to make this brain game harder. This cup game will keep your dog entertained and mind excited! The following are some of the games Brain Training For Dogs includes. Target train. Names for your toys Playing the Name That Toy game: This game for German Shepherds begins with only one toy if your puppy or dog is new to the game. As you play with the toy and toss it for retrieval, begin to name the toy as your dog picks up the item. You can name the toy whatever you want, but remember to always use the same name. When your puppy learns the name of one toy reliably, give the next toy a name. You can even begin to introduce new toys that you bring home with their name almost immediately when your puppy catches onto the Name That Toy game! I like to use my laundry basket and a small pile of towels. Use your treats to lure your puppy through, around, over, and under your homemade obstacle course to burn off their energy. As your puppy learns the routine, you can increase the speed to use up even more of those puppy zoomies! Even adult German Shepherds love this game, especially on a rainy or snowy day. Over time, increase the number of obstacles you create on your course, always keeping in mind your environment and staying safe with your dog. Fun Games to Play With Your German Shepherd These fun activities are also considered brain games, also known as mind games, for your German Shepherd because they challenge him to think and make mental connections. Just enjoy playing games with your German Shepherd and see where the fun takes you! These games to play with a German Shepherd also have many benefits, like: reducing boredom decreasing unwanted behaviors and keeping them busy giving you a chance to bond with your best friend and are perfect for a rainy or snowy day Every German Shepherd owner should play a few of these brain games a week, preferably at least once daily! Some puppies can even strain their necks and backs with a vigorous game of Tug-of-War. And, even my adult German Shepherd who weighs almost 90 pounds has suffered a neck pull when someone played a rough game of tug with her. Playing these common games too frequently, especially with a puppy, could tear cartilage, damage their tendons, and cause microscopic tears in the muscle which take longer to heal. Furthermore, even if you have a full-grown adult German Shepherd, the quick starts and stops of chasing a toy to Fetch place immense strain on their joints and may damage them over time. Limit your games of Fetch and Tug-of-War games to a couple of times a week, preferably for no more than minutes. Besides… Who needs a regular game when you have these awesome games to keep your German Shepherd busy? What games can I play with my German Shepherd? And these fun German Shepherd games will leave your dog begging for more! Pick several activities off the list and try them a few times a week. Which one of these fun German Shepherd Dog games will give your pet a grin a mile wide? Start with the lowest stars, especially if your dog is new to brain games or you have a puppy. Game Level of Difficulty 1 — 5 Fun Factor 1- 5. For the most part, you let the puppy decide his own activities at this stage. Your puppy, at this tender age, does not need exercise; he needs activity. Indoor play consists of informal activities in which you educate your German Shepherd to avoid dangerous behavior while satisfying his need to be active. At this stage, it is more about mental activity games and basic training as opposed to physical activity. This nifty little toy is excellent for young pups. Here are some low-impact games that are appropriate for a German Shepherd puppy at 8 weeks of age: Puppy the Explorer Let your GSD explore the indoors while keeping a close eye on him. This also presents an excellent opportunity to teach him to follow you. You must do this organically. Wait for him to get in his explorer mode and start walking beside him. Remember not to exceed a period of 10 minutes of exercise in the second month and stop whenever your pup shows signs of being tired. The minute mark is the maximum duration, not the minimum. Initially, your puppy will get tired after a few minutes of walking around and exploring. In each subsequent week, he will be engaged for a few more minutes. You might need to use jazz hands to get his curiosity. Once your pup starts following your palm with his head, simply tap his nose and hug him. At this point, you might be tempted to start moving your arm out of his reach to prolong the game. Follow the Wiggling Toy This is the ideal transition exercise that I would start around the tenth week of indoor play. For this, I recommend the Pacific Pups Rope Toys Set from Amazon, not just because it is budget-friendly but because you can use toys of different sizes as your German Shepherd puppy continues to grow. Once you have him sitting close to you, introduce the rope toy and place it on the floor with your hand holding onto one end. Your job then is to make sure he takes at least four steps before he catches the rope toy. Again, this is a high-engagement, low-impact exercise that builds up the foundation for medium-impact activities later on. Jaw and Bodyweight Exercises Recommended age: 3 — 4 months Maximum duration: minutes per day, twice a day Risk factor: low Things to avoid: sprints Your German Shepherd puppy is now three months old; he is building on his training according to the standard puppy training methods, and you can start to interact with him more physically. Still, his growth plates remain open, and you still need to avoid exercises that strain the joints, especially ones located around long bones like limbs. At the same time, your German Shepherd has more energy and may want to exercise more than is good for him. As a result, your role has shifted. Here, instead of letting your puppy have the toy once he follows it and grabs hold of it, you play a small tug of war with him. If your GSD is used to getting the toy after following it, he may get too defensive when you tug it. I recommended the toy set for this reason precisely. The final thing worth remembering about this game is that you always lose! You place the rope toy on the ground and let your German Shepherd puppy follow it as you move it around. Once he grabs hold of it, you use your arm strength to keep it in place. Do not try to pull it too hard. It is also essential that you gradually move up the tug of war in time and position. Gradually you can move the tug toy slightly above the ground. Throughout this, make sure your dog is on a leash because you do not want to encourage grabbing and dashing. Ultimately, you have to let your puppy win! As soon as you release the toy, he gets to have it for a while. This is also the best stage to train him to release objects on command. Make sure your GSD is on a long leash before you start this activity. Associating running with playtime is risky. A long loose leash allows you to bring him back to you gently. Be prepared to spend a lot of time negotiating with your GSD. I suggest playing tug before this because it builds trust. When you roll the ball on the floor, your puppy will get it. You cannot expect him to bring the toy to you. You simply tug the leash gently and bring him close to you. Then, you hold the ball in place. You should not pull it away. That will only cause your German Shepherd to bite down on it harder. When you have it firmly in place, your dog will try to wrestle it free but will eventually let the ball go. You can encourage this by just talking to him in a reassuring tone and using training treats. As soon as he lets go of the ball, put it on the ground and roll it. As GSDs take pleasure in high-engagement activities, the activity itself becomes a reward. In my experience, this will always be a mixed bag. Some dogs never stop giving pushback at the retrieval stage, while others let go of the ball the moment you extend your arm toward it. Tunnel Dash The Weaving Wonder Games for German Shepherds can include everyday objects that you can find around your house and are fun activities that give your German Shepherd mental stimulation and exercise. Try a few of these activities for German Shepherds and see which ones your dog loves! Hide-and-Seek Treats Hiding their food helps your dog use their noses to explore. Mental stimulation with a food hide-and-seek game keeps your dog sharp by using their noses source. You can use this game indoors or out in your yard or garden. Now hide a few pieces around the house or yard while they watch, and encourage them to find the food. German Shepherds have a keen sense of smell, and many learn to track. Puppy Puzzles This German Shepherd activity teaches your dog to use their nose and brain together. Food puzzles are activities that keep your dog working for their reward. Use this stimulating mind game to introduce them to puzzles. Next, place their food in the puzzle. Show them how to find food and encourage them to find the food on their own. If you want to feed your dog the right foods, then read this list of healthy, tasty treats for German Shepherds. Break your treats into small pieces, no larger than the size of your pinkie nail to keep their nutrition in check. The Special Delivery activity uses common mailing items as hiding places for their treats. Use a clean box that came in the mail. Place pieces of kibble or treats inside the brown paper wrap. Squish the brown paper or paper towels together to wrap around the kibble. Encourage your dog or puppy to look for their food. When they are finished, refill the brown paper packaging or paper towel balls and start again. Another simple and easy game to put together is a bottle treat dispenser. The bottle slides and moves on the floor to make the game more interesting for both puppies and adults. And, of course, supervise your German Shepherd during games at all times. Save a large water bottle. Make sure it is clean and dry. Let your dog turn, paw, and shake the bottle so the kibble falls out. Repeat when empty to finish their meal. Replace the bottles regularly as they become dirty or worn. The larger the opening, the easier the food will fall out. Brain Training for Dogs Brain Training your German Shepherd keeps them mentally stimulated and physically engaged, ensuring they have a pawsome time! Brain training your German Shepherd is an activity that increases their mental stimulation and is fun for both you and your dog! You can use brain training to help teach your German Shepherd manners and basic obedience at the same time. But… You can read more on my helpful review: Brain Training for Dogs Review to learn all about this engaging playtime program. Setup this game by doing this: Place a few bits of their food or treats in the muffin tins and a ball over the top to cover the cups. You can leave some muffin tins without a tennis ball to make the game easier to start or for puppies learning about brain games. When your dog is finished, refill the muffin tins. To make the game interesting, leave some tins without food, but still cover the compartment with a tennis ball. This makes your dog use his nose more and gives them a surprise when they find the food in some compartments but not in others. Frozen Kong Delight By far, my German Shepherd enjoys this mental exercise the best, as the food seems to last longer and keep her quiet. Get out your trusty, indestructible German Shepherd-proof Kong toy. Place a mixture of moistened kibble in the center. I like to add a few spoonfuls of unflavored Greek yogurt mixed into the food for extra encouragement. Set this in the freezer for a few hours to stiffen up. When frozen, give it to your dog for a tasty mealtime surprise! If you buy a few Kongs, you can keep them in your freezer for times when you want or need to keep your German Shepherd busy and entertained. Trust me, the Kong toys make for engaging playtime ideas for German Shepherds and can stand up to their rough play. Tupperware Surprise These old plastic food storage containers make useful indoor activities for your German Shepherd. Put them to use with this game. Place several pieces of plastic food storage containers upside down, without their lids, over a handful of kibble. You can put the food storage containers all in one room or place them in multiple rooms for a seek-and-find activity. Encourage your dog to go find the kibble, and help them find the first few to get them started. They must figure out how to turn the container over with their paws or nose, which is tricky for some dogs, especially puppies. Use this mental exercise inside or outside, depending on the weather. This game also uses empty cardboard tubes from paper towels or toilet paper. Place their kibble on brown shipping or craft paper, or even a clean paper towel. Next, wrap the kibble up securely and place the wrapped kibble inside the cardboard tubes. Encourage your dog to explore the tubes. You can see my German Shepherd enjoying the game of finding treats in cardboard tubes. As simple as this sounds, the activity keeps my German Shepherd busy as she delicately removes the kibble from the boxes or toilet roll tubes filled with kibble and paper. No worries. This game really gets an active Shepherd moving and keeps them occupied! Start slowly and toss one ball away from you. While your dog goes to chase that ball, get another ball toy ready in your hand. As they return the first ball, toss the second ball across the grass for them to have another sprint. Only play a handful of rounds, and then let your dog have a rest and some water to avoid them overheating. Instead, use these summer activities to exercise your German Shepherd in the heat. Place their kibble meal or another dry treat inside the toy to help provide a challenge to their minds and bodies. As your dog chases the toy around and works to get their reward, they burn calories and have to use their brain power to work the food loose. You can wash this treat dispensing toy, so if your dog is a first-class drooler, you can easily clean their germs away. This is a mentally-stimulating game for an indoor German Shepherd activity for a puppy or even a bored German Shepherd. Tunnel Dash Collapsible tunnels can make for an exciting and fun backyard activity. Owners of our high-energy breed will appreciate teaching their dog both indoor agility to challenge their minds and outdoor agility to challenge their minds and use their energy! You may have to entice your dog through the tunnel by placing them at one end and having them wait while you walk to the other. But German Shepherds love this type of stimulation and are expert tunnel runners! The Weaving Wonder From German Shepherd puppies to seniors, almost every dog enjoys learning how to become a weaving wonder! If your dog enjoys high-energy activities, then add to your agility set by using these easy-to-set up weave poles. Your athletic Shepherd will love to use their brains and their agility to figure out the best way to quickly maneuver through the weave poles. Begin by walking ahead of your dog through the weave poles and have them follow you. Reward them frequently in between poles in the beginning. When they make it to the end, celebrate and reward them again. Eventually, have your GSD make more turns of the poles before the reward. Learn all about the right ways to exercise your German Shepherd for complete health and fitness. Your dog or puppy has many senses they need to use daily. They can see, hear, touch, smell, and think. Many dogs living in our modern, busy lives lack mental stimulation. In the wild, your dog would work alongside their pack or alone to track down prey using their senses. They would then plan an attack, using their mental abilities. Using all these senses during play helps your dog gain confidence in themselves and in their abilities. New experiences ignite portions of their brains to keep them engaged in their environments. An engaged dog is a happy, better-behaved dog! Include 2 or 3 new activities for your German Shepherd a week to begin. You ready for more? From nutrition tips to exercise tricks, this guide has it all. Trust me, your German Shepherd will be wagging their tail with joy! So, what are you waiting for? Grab your free guide now and continue fun adventures and activities with your German Shepherd! She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. Puppies German Shepherd puppies are incredibly playful. So how do you play with a German Shepherd puppy? This article will examine the best way to play and entertain your German Shepherd puppy, providing example games to play and activities to do. The best way to play with a German Shepherd puppy is through short bursts of low-impact physical activity. This will keep their growing bones and joints safe from injury and malformation. Additionally, play games that sharpen their motors skills and hone their natural abilities. All dogs have a maximum tolerance for exercise, and playtime counts towards that limit. Most will play for as long as you allow them. Thus, you need to pay attention and keep them from overexertion, especially during activities that involve plenty of physical movement. In general, young dogs should have two sessions of exercise per day where each session is about 5 minutes per month of age. So, a German Shepherd puppy of around 2 months old should only get 10 minutes of playtime twice a day while a 6-month-old pup can tolerate two minute sessions. By the time your GSD is a year old, they should be able to tolerate hour-long sessions of play or exercise. Keep in mind, however, that these are general guidelines. You need to keep an eye on your dog and determine their own tolerance to avoid serious consequences like overheating and overexertion. Like children, individual dogs have different preferences. Use play as a means to strengthen their motor skills, nurture their sense of curiosity, and build their confidence. The best toys for young German Shepherds are interactive ones that stimulate their senses. Especially exciting are treat dispensers and squeaky toys while teething toys provide tons of comfort. They also love balls that they can grasp and chase after. They also love playing with people and other animals. Doing this often will help prove each of these commands and ensure they will obey no matter the situation. Have fun with the Obedience Shuffle by randomly asking for each command and rewarding your dog every time they obey. Make it increasingly difficult for them by adding distractions in between. Hide-and-Seek Hide-and-Seek is an excellent game to play with your German Shepherd puppy because it requires some concentration, sniffing, and running. It also primes them to think of you as the best reward. To play this, ask your dog to stay while you hide. Release them from their stay position and respond with excitement and praises when they find you. Hide in easy-to-find spots at first and find more difficult hiding places as your pup picks up on the object of the game. You can start by keeping your pup in a down position as they watch you hide the treats. When they understand the point of the game, you can make it more challenging by keeping them in another room and letting them in only when all the treats are hidden. It also requires very little space and involves more concentration and nose work. To play the shell game, take 3 cups and some treats, and sit across from your dog. Place the cups upside down on the floor and keep a treat under only one. Shuffle the cups before arranging them in a row. Turn over the first one your pup touches. If they get the right one, let them have the treat. If not, re-shuffle the cups and play again. Find-and-Retrieve Find-and-Retrieve is not just a game of obedience and concentration. This game involves teaching your dog the proper names of things, finding those things on command, and handing them over to you. To play this game, start by teaching your dog the name of one toy. Then, make the game more difficult by asking them to retrieve the ball from other places. Here are other things you can do to interact with your puppy, strengthen your bond, and help them to develop physically, mentally, and emotionally: Walking Walking can be a good way for your GSD pup to learn more about the world outside of your home. Allow young pups to walk at their own pace and try not to be too harsh on the lead. Let them stop to sniff and interact with whatever they might find interesting. This will form a huge part of their socialization. German Shepherds typically like water if they are exposed to it and learn how fun it can be. Swimming is also an excellent way to have fun with your growing dog since it is easy on the bones and joints. Being in water will also help strengthen muscles for even better skeletal development. Puzzle Toys Puzzle toys for dogs are not only excellent for mental stimulation but also for independent play. Depending on the toy, it could also help prime your German Shepherd for nose work, combat boredom, and control their impulses. They can compete in these companion sports as early as 6 months old or you can simply join local clubs to engage in these activities for fun. This helps avoid issues like hip and elbow dysplasia in the future. Until your German Shepherd has developed into adulthood, you should generally avoid activities that involve plenty of jumping. Staircases and other steep angles are safe enough for regular use but not as a means to exercise. Additionally, when running or walking, opt for turf and soil rather than concrete. Final Thoughts Discovering the best ways to play with your German Shepherd puppy will help you develop a strong bond and learn to communicate with one another. These games will also help stimulate their intellect and develop a love for learning. Learning how to discipline your GSD puppy correctly will teach them to respect your leadership and stay on their best behavior.

For this reason, we included these online Boxer breeders for you to check as well. Thus, you can also check a Boxer breeder here. The great thing is that it has an online marketplace to search for a Boxer puppy from any of the states. Since they cover all kinds of breeds, you may find an available puppy through this website. Another thing to note is that you also need to prepare for other costs. In short, aside from the actual cost of the puppy from a breeder, you still need to spend money on other items. Like a new baby in the family, your pup needs some items and some changes. A new puppy at home is a concern for all the family members. Thus, they need to prepare for it as well. As you have your meeting, try to make a schedule of tasks and distribution of responsibilities. Prepare your home. Preparing a home for your Boxer puppy means making it a safe place to play and live. Thus, you need to secure every item that can potentially harm your pet. Moreover, you need to secure your items that your pet can damage, such as shoes, carpets, floor mats, and so on. Shop for supplies. Like all other puppies and babies, Boxer pups needs items for its daily life. The essential things it needs would be beddings, food, and food bowls. You also need to buy a leash and collar for identification. Create a schedule. Besides your pet, you also have your responsibilities. Try to schedule how your pup should do for the day and when you need to pay attention. The great thing about creating a schedule is that it will benefit both you and your pet. Choosing a Good Boxer Seller and Breeder The best Boxer puppies only come from those who take an extra mile in caring for them. Below are certain qualities that you should look for in a Boxer puppy breeder. The Boxer breeder should only breed Boxer puppies. A single breed should be the first thing to remember when searching for a reputable Boxer breeder. Every breed has a mating season to which they breed. If the Boxer breeder sells quite a lot of pups but only has a pair of parents, you can think that it forces the parents to mate so they can have puppies to sell. The Boxer breeder should train pups in their first weeks. Every reputable Boxer breeder gives all the pups around eight weeks at least to stay with their parents. In such a time, the breeder should train the pups before it moves to its new home. The Boxer breeder would continuously be in touch. Other states. For the complete list please see our Boxer Breeders List page. Boxers are best known for their short coats, but they also come in long-haired varieties. Prices vary on the type of coat. The price of a boxer puppy may also vary because of the place you get the Boxer. For example, most breeders in or around Connecticut charge significantly more than a breeder who is located in another state or country. Prices will also fluctuate depending on whether or not the puppy is show-quality. Boxers are known for being loyal to their families and being intelligent. They are generally very friendly with children, strangers, and other animals unless they have been trained to be aggressive American Kennel Club. They require moderate exercise but do best in homes where someone is around during the day because they do not like being left alone especially if they have never been apart from them before. Overall these characteristics make the Boxer a great family pet. These clearances can be found by looking up the parent dogs on the OFA website offa. They should also show you where and how they were raised and keep them until they are at least eight weeks old to ensure that they have been properly socialized, which is crucial for a Boxer puppy. Ask about any hip or eye problems in their lines Where and how many generations of champion bloodlines do they go back? This is usually more important for those who want to breed their new puppy as it shows they have a lot of knowledge about the breed and can provide you with knowledgeable information. Are there any known health problems in their lines? Most responsible breeders will be able to tell you that they care for all of their dogs and even give them regular check-ups and if not, this is a red flag. Visit Your Connecticut Boxer Breeder in Person In order to find a responsible breeder, it is important to do some research. A decent Boxer breeder should be more than willing to tell you about themselves and their dogs. When you visit your Connecticut boxer breeder in person, look for cleanliness and organization of the house or kennel. The area should not have any bad odors, and the puppies should appear healthy with shiny coats and bright eyes. They may be very active, which is normal but if they seem lethargic this could be an indication of illness or improper nutrition. It is also recommended that you ask for references from previous customers as well as veterinarians who have seen these dogs before. This will help ensure that you make a good investment when looking for a Boxer puppy. Questions to Ask Ask for References from Your Boxer Breeder in Connecticut Once you have found a breeder that meets the previous criteria, it is time to ask for references. A responsible Boxer Breeder will be able to provide any information about their dogs that you request. Ask them if you can speak with past customers of theirs so that you can find out how they were trained and cared for as well as the personality of these dogs. This way, you are making sure that this potential dog is right for your family before you make any final decisions. References can also be found online. If you find nothing, this may be a red flag since anyone can put anything on the internet. Make sure to contact them directly instead of through their website or Facebook page to avoid scams or other dishonest sellers who use these outlets for marketing purposes only. This allows you to get a more honest opinion about the breeder and their dogs without worrying about repercussions later on. We all know that there is little recourse for unsatisfied customers but rest assured knowing that these people will not hesitate to give you an honest answer if given permission to speak freely. Meeting past customers will also give you a better idea of what type of dog they have put into your family. Meeting the previous owners allows you to look for certain traits in a potential puppy, such as energy levels or age appropriateness. Another good way to find out about your breeder is to ask them if they have a veterinarian that they use for their dogs. A responsible boxer breeder should be able to provide you with this information without hesitation since taking care of their animals is important to them. If the Boxer Breeder does not have any sort of medical history available about their lines, this might be a red flag. If they are unwilling or unable to answer these questions, this could also mean that they are hiding something from you or do not know the answers themselves. These individuals may be backyard breeders or puppy mill owners who are looking to make a quick buck and care little about the health of their animals or their customers. A few signs that your Connecticut Boxer Breeder is unethical include: They Do Not Have References- If you ask your breeder if they can provide any references from past buyers and they refuse, this could mean several things; Either they do not know how to get in touch with them unlikely or there is something wrong with these dogs that no one wants to talk about. Inquiring further will help you identify which it is but under either circumstance, it is best not to work with this kind of breeder. They Have Inflated Prices- Another way to spot an unethical boxer breeder is by the prices that they have listed on their dogs. If these Boxer dogs seem much more expensive than other breeders you have looked at, this might be a sign that something is wrong with them. This could involve health issues or genetics, but it is likely just a scheme to get more money from you without putting in the proper amount of time and care into these animals. Very Little Information about Their Breeding Program- Ethical and good Dog Breeders will do everything that they can to supply you with as many details about their breeding program as possible. They want you to feel safe and comfortable knowing what types of treatments the dog will receive and what they will be born into. There is no excuse not to provide you with this information; if your Lab Dog Breeder does not, then move on to another one. If you want a full-bred Boxer dog, make sure that you tell them before you purchase the animal. Many responsible breeders ask their customers for preferences when it comes to the age or sex of their dogs so that they can match up your needs with the right puppy. Responsible breeders will not only be able to answer this question, but they should also be able to provide you with information on what type of issues other puppy owners have experienced. If the breeder claims that all of their Boxer Dogs are healthy, then you should push for further explanation. If none of the puppies or adults have any medical concerns then that should be something that makes you feel safe. However, if there were previous owners who dealt with anything severe in the past, this information should still be available somewhere. This can include genetic conditions or simply problems with allergies or skin rashes. How to Prepare Your Home for Your Boxer Puppy When you look at a breed as hearty as the Boxer, it can be easy to underestimate how much work and time this dog will need to be happy and healthy. However, if treated properly and cared for well by their owners, these dogs can make excellent pets; which is why it is so important that you take the following steps before bringing your pup home: The biggest thing that you want to do before you bring your Boxer home is to make sure that the living conditions are appropriate for this breed. You will want to have a large, fenced-in yard where your dog can move around freely and play. If you live in an apartment or condo, then it may be time to start looking into other options; Boxers need room to run which cannot be provided adequately in these types of environments. Another important thing that needs to be prepared is the area where your puppy will sleep at night. Not only should it be isolated from any drafts or cold air, but it should also provide warmth during the winter months. Be sure to look into buying bedding or blankets specifically designed for dogs if necessary. Your Boxer will also require training as soon as possible. This breed is known for having extremely high intelligence, but it does not come naturally to them; you will need to work hard to train your Boxer Puppy and give them boundaries that they can grow up comfortably within. You should start this process as early as possible so that it becomes second nature by the time your pup turns into an adult and needs more rules and regulations than just potty training. Potty Training Your New Boxer Puppy The most important thing that you need to teach your new Boxer is how to use the potty appropriately. You do not want to deal with any accidents in the house, and making sure they are trained properly will ensure that this does not happen. The best way to accomplish this is through crate training; it may be a very foreign concept for many owners, but it is also one of the most effective methods when it comes to house-breaking puppies. It is recommended that you put your Boxer Puppy into a crate at night while you sleep and then carefully take them out first thing in the morning so that they can use the bathroom right away. Do not allow them too much time without being taken just before bed because they might make a mistake in your absence. Another important step that you should take is to keep your puppy on a strict schedule; this means taking them out for walks regularly and making time every few hours to play with them, feed them, and then let them use the bathroom once more. This will ensure that they do not have accidents inside of the house because their body will be used to getting into the habit of relieving themselves outside. You need to make sure that there are no areas where they can get injured or choke on something by accident. I love animals and love helping people adopt a pet. It all started when attending Missouri State University and I began volunteering at an animal shelter. Nowadays, boxers have become popular for most pet owners. It is because despite their medium size build, they are considered as working dogs. They were first developed in Germany. Later, they were bred around the world. The American Kennel Club is one of the major dog registries. They have strict guidelines to the kind of dogs that are bred to be registered. History of Boxer Puppies Boxers were first bred in Germany. They were made to be working, guard dogs because of their muscled, lean build. In the 19th century, they were bred to be bull baiting dogs. Later, they became helpers for butchers and keeping cattle under control in slaughterhouses. Boxers came from the line of bullenbaiser breeds which are now extinct that are paired with bulldog and mastiffs. It is possible that boxers were also cross-bred with terriers and Great Danes. Boxers actually got their name from how they play with their forepaws. Others say their name comes from the German word boxl, the slaughterhouses they came from. Boxers were not popular in America until after World War I. Since then, they were the first dogs to be used as police dogs. They have also been used as seeing-eye dogs. Characteristics of a Boxer Dog Appearance Boxers are typically medium sized dogs with a short back and tail. Some are also larger built. They are built with a solid body that usually stands at attention. Their jaw also has an underbite, which means their teeth protrudes outside their mouth. They are actually made bred working guard dogs. They have a square-head that makes them look menacing and intimidating. However, boxers are not as fierce as they appear to be. Male boxers can weigh up to 65 to 80 pounds which is around 30 to 36 kilograms and can grow up to 25 inches. Females, however, can grow up to 21 inches and weigh lower than male. Females would weigh around 22 to 30 kilograms. They have a broad chest and a short, muzzled, snout. Their bodies are usually taut and tight with muscles that are usually noticeable. The ears are supposedly cropped but most are naturally folded. Most of the colors of a boxer would be brindle, mahogany or fawn. Some may or may not have white flash markings seen on their chest area. So, it is not difficult to groom them. Temperament Boxer dogs are highly intelligent. They like to stay busy and active. They love to be around people and are not loud barkers. They only bark when they see something unusual. When this happens, it is important to always take note. However, they do give out sounds like snorts, grumbles and small growls. These are actually just their way of talking. A lot of people find these sounds adorable. They also snore frequently when they sleep. Even with their menacing looks, boxers are actually friendly and playful. They are affectionate towards their owners. Not only that, they are fiercely loyal to their owners and will guard their family and their home from strangers. They are also known to be affectionate to children as well. This makes them a good companion for owners with families. Boxers are great with other pets. They easily get along because of their witty, high energy behavior. However, it is important to keep them away from neighboring animals outside the house. They are known to attack other animals randomly. They also can be aggressive to their own species especially towards the males. It is important to always keep them supervised at all times when they are outdoors. Also, they should already begin socializing with other pets at a young age. Boxers are also stubborn. They can usually get away from trouble. They would also pout once they feel they are not getting what they want. Because of this, potential boxer owners should always show the dogs that they are the ones in charge. Health Issues Any living being can be prone to various health problems. Unfortunately, unlike most dogs boxers have a shorter lifespan. Moreover, boxers can live at most 10 years. Majority of the diseases reported that boxers are prone to are cancer and heart disease. They can also contract digestive diseases, eye diseases, skin tumors and even allergies. They are also prone to back and knee problems, including arthritis. Also, boxers are known to slobber excessively. It is because of their loose lips that they slobber and drool naturally. It is not something to be worried too much about. However, it is important to also keep your boxer dogs away from high amounts of heat. When boxers eat, they gulp in air and as a result causing an excess amounts into their stomach. The excess gas, of course, needs to be released. Hence, there are some digestion problems. This can be remedied, though, by a change in their diet. There are pet stores that specialize in meals intended for boxers. These puppies are also sensitive to extreme temperatures even when they grow older. They are very prone to heatstrokes. Make sure that they get ample amount of water and shade when they are taken outdoors. At the same time, they also cannot be in extremely cold temperatures. Activities and Training Boxers are bouncy, playful and active. Because of this, they need to be outdoors all the time. They cannot sit still when kept indoors for long periods of time. They constantly need long walks daily. They should also be kept physically active and mentally fit. The kind of vigor boxers have are suitable for large families with children. They are also good for individuals who live an active lifestyle and high energy. People who like sports and games are a good match for these pups. Pet owners are expected to be jumped by them because of their bouncy and bubbly personality. Training boxers is not usually a challenging task for breeders. This is because boxers are smart and intelligent. They can learn very quickly. They can easily understand and do what is expected of them. However, training should be done consistently. Because they are strong-minded, boxers usually would play the leadership role. They are usually like that especially if they are around other pets in the house. They are reliable when it comes to keeping things in control with other pets. Getting a New Puppy When you keep a boxer, you are assured of a loyal, devoted dog that will stand by you all the time. In addition to our selection of designer and purebred puppies for sale, we offer expert dog training, professional pet grooming and the best pet supplies, pet foods and pet products available at the low prices.

Characteristics Life Span As pointed out in the intro paragraph Shepradors generally live between 10 and 12 years, and sometimes they can reach the age of .However, they tend to be cautious with strangers, thanks to their German Shepherd ancestors. Caring Grooming: their shorthaired coat needs regular brushing: every day in the shedding season spring and autumn and three-to-five times a week in the rest of the year. Activity level With two highly energetic parent breeds, these dogs need an active life, so be ready to spend several hours a day keeping your pet busy. A Labrador Shepherd is generally 20 to 26 inches tall cm. Besides being active, you should have a large house, with a yard to provide her with enough space to move around. The Labrador Shepherd likes cold climates rather than hot weather, so be sure to have the ability to keep her comfortable all year. Further Reading Top 10 Dog Sports 2. They have it in their blood, and can successfully do police work, including searching, tracking, rescue, or guard work. If you care about your flowers and plants, you should also consider building an enclosure to keep your dog away from them. When you bring her inside, provide her with toys and games to keep her busy. She will enjoy any activity that stimulates her mind, such as dog puzzles or training sessions. The vacuum cleaner will be your new best friend German Shepherd Lab Mix is a double-coated breed, which means they have an undercoat next to the skin with longer hair over the top. Dogs from this crossbreed shed a lot, especially when the seasons change. If you want to keep her hair shiny and healthy, you should take time to brush her for at least minutes, three-to-five times a week. A consistent brushing schedule will help you reduce the amount of hair around the house. Besides brushing, you should include in your schedule: cleaning her ears once a week , brushing her teeth at least three times a week , and cleaning her eyes when needed. While this sounds like a lot, on the other hand, she only needs to take a bath about once a month. Exercising her on a concrete surface could help you keep her nails in good shape and reduce the number of visits to the vet. Always buy non-toxic toys, and substitute them with new ones as soon as they start deteriorating to avoid accidents. Your dog will need some strong toys, adapted to her age. Most hybrids tend to have a balanced personality, but as your puppy could be the result of more crosses , she may not inherit the exact characteristics you want in a dog; your future dog is prone to a series of health issues, caused by her bloodline. Obesity, hip and elbow dysplasia, eye diseases and diabetes are a lot more common with these dogs, but she could also develop epilepsy, skin allergies, bloat or cardiovascular diseases, these being common among Labradors and German Shepherds. From my point of view, most estimations work well for average dogs. You should buy your dog from a responsible breeder In most cases, a Labrador Shepherd has high potential and is a great candidate for the title of the perfect family dog. However, as mentioned before, hybrid dogs could have unpredictable coat colors, personalities, and health issues, so buying your puppy from a reliable source is as close as you can get to a clear image about your future dog. Generally, this hybrid can be 26 inches 66 cm tall and can weigh up to 88 pounds 40 kg. Taking into account the height and weight of its German Shepherd and Labrador mix parents, this crossbreed is a medium to a large-sized dog. So measurements can still vary more or less from that range. Good news for you! It will shower you with love and loyalty, and make you proud with its intelligence and playfulness. Do you think you can deal with this? Shepradors has a life expectancy of 10 to 12 years, but some of them can reach this age. We all want our pets to live longer and spend more years with us, so read this section to avoid and better prepare against genetic illnesses. Conclusion As you could see above, when buying a Sheprador you get the best of two great breeds. I think that this mix of German Shepherd and Labrador Retriever makes for the perfect family dog — kind, loyal, patient with children, and protective. However, they have endless energy and require a lot of time and attention, which makes them suitable for active families only. So are you ready to handle such a dog? Leave us a comment below and tell us about your personal experience with this unique crossbreed. My first Shepherd grew up as I did and wanted to be where I was at all times. I got my second dog as a 16th birthday present, and her loyalty for me was just as strong as my first. I hope that my contribution to Animalso will help others find dogs who give them that same unconditional love. But I adopted my little Hank recently and he seems both very playful and very cuddly. He likes to snuggle a lot but is very active too. Just wondering if I should expect him to go crazy one of these days? We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. It is, therefore, no surprise that some breeders are starting to mix the two. Considering whether a German Shepherd Lab Mix is right for you? Read on for everything you need to know about this amazing mixed-breed dog. Lab German Shepherd Mix Overview Size — 22 to 25 inches tall and 50 to 80 pounds Coat — Medium length, double coat, color varies Shedding — Yes Temperament — Intelligent, active, and loyal, but can be wary of strangers Trainable — Highly, but prone to destructive behavior when bored Activity — Highly active needs two hours of activity per day Best For — Families and people with active lifestyles and lots of time to spend with them What is a German Shepherd Lab Mix? As these dogs are roughly the same size, the mother can be of either breed as long as she is larger than the father, to ensure against any difficulty in the birthing process. Sheprador Appearance As is the case for most mix-breed dogs, it is a bit of a gamble what you will get when these two come together. They might have the pointed ears of a German Shepherd or the floppy ears of a Labrador. There is nothing to do but wait and see. But luckily, both German Shepherds and Labradors are attractive dogs, so however they turn out they should be handsome. That said, we can make a few generalizations about the appearance of Shepradors. Size As both German Shepherds and Labradors are medium- to large-sized dogs, you can expect their mixed offspring to be the same. German Shepherds are the larger of the two and are usually between 50 and 90 pounds and 22 to 26 inches tall. Labradors are only a little bit smaller, at 50 to 80 pounds and 22 to 25 inches tall. So expect your German Shepherd Lab Mix to stand between 22 and 25 inches tall and weigh 50 to 80 pounds. You can narrow this range down a bit by looking at the size of the parents. Color The color of these gorgeous mixed-breed dogs is also highly variable, and you might end up with a pooch of a solid coat color, like Labs, or striking mixed coloring, like German Shepherds. A lot of this depends on the color of the Labrador parent, whether they are yellow, black, or chocolate. As a general rule, the darker the lab parent, the darker the coat of the pup. But you also get white German Shepherd Dogs, which can result in striking white Shepradors. Coat When it comes to coat length, you should expect in most cases that your Lab German Shepherd Mix will have a shorter coat, like that of a Labrador. This seems to be a dominant gene, and the vast majority of German Shepherd Lab Mixes end up with this type of coat. The dog will certainly have a double coat, as this is a feature of both breeds. The undercoat will be soft and fluffy, and the guard coat rough. This does mean that they shed—a lot. This is not the type of dog to have at home if anyone in the household suffers from allergies. Shepherd Lab Mix Puppy Lab German Shepherd Mix Character While temperament is again unpredictable with mix-breeds, both German Shepherds and Labradors are intelligent, active, and loyal dogs, so you can expect their offspring to share these traits. German Shepherds are very intelligent and have a natural protective instinct. They have a tendency to guard whatever they consider to be theirs. Labradors were originally bred as gun dogs, to retrieve the wild game of hunters. As such, they are very obedient and tend to be pleasers, and they like nothing more than spending time with their humans. As both breeds are intelligent and highly trainable, you can expect these characteristics to appear in a Sheprador. However, whether they will be a guard dog that can be aggressive with strangers, or a pleaser that is great with children, you will have to wait and see. While dogs are a mix of nature and nurture, if you want to take a Lab German Shepherd mix into a family home, or if you are a first-time dog owner, you will want to be careful about which individual dog you choose. Activity Levels However their personality turns out, you are going to have a dog with a lot of energy. These larger dogs that are used to working need around two hours of exercise each day. Their intelligence also means they get bored easily, and when they do get bored, they can have a tendency toward destructive behavior, which means digging and chewing. They do best with active owners with whom they can go walking, hiking, and running. Whether these dogs will like swimming is a coin toss. While Labradors love the water, German Shepherds are a bit more wary. But their size and adventurous nature mean they can be trained to love the water. So you have a good chance that your Lab German Shepherd Mix will be a swimmer. These dogs are loyal and love being around their humans. You will find them at their happiest and healthiest when you make them part of the family and shower them with love. Exercise Ideally, your Sheprador will need around two hours of exercise per day. This might be more than just a long walk, as their high energy levels mean they will like to run as well. They will enjoy tackling tough trails with you at their side, and the retriever nature of Labradors also means this breed is likely to enjoy a good game of fetch. Bear in mind that these dogs will need this level of exercise rain or shine, or they will become frustrated and start engaging in destructive behavior. This is not only bad for them in general, but can put excess pressure on their hips, which are also prone to issues. Intellectual Stimulation German Shepherd Lab Mix dogs are invariably highly intelligent, which makes them easy to train but also means they get bored very easily. When they do get bored, they are smart enough to find trouble, and you may come home to quite the scene. These dogs need to spend time with people to occupy their minds, and they also benefit from intellectually stimulating games. But expect them to make short work of these challenges, as they are chewers. You will be getting them new games quite often. Companionship Labradors need a lot of companionship, and this is a trait their offspring with German Shepherds are likely to share. Not only will they get bored and start acting up, but they can become depressed. Grooming Both German Shepherds and Labradors are shedders, so you can be sure their Sheprador offspring will be as well. This is just a fact of life with Shepradors. They will need to be brushed at least twice a week, and as often as once a day during the shedding seasons fall and spring. As well as brushing, invest in a good quality vacuum cleaner that has special functionality to help you pick up dog hair. These dogs are also likely to enjoy jumping up on the couch for a snuggle and a snooze. Invest in coverings and be sure your swanky vacuum cleaner has an attachment for upholstery. Their coat is not the only part of their grooming to attend to. You need to clean their teeth three times a week, with a brush or with dental treats. Finally, trim their nails every three months. This is both for their health and the health of your home, as their nails can damage your floors. For a big dog like this, it can be a good idea to take them to the vet to get their nails clipped. But if you feel confident to do this at home, check out our list of the best nail clippers. Diet German Shepherd Lab Mixes are big dogs that have lots of energy, but they also have a tendency toward obesity, which means they have to get their energy from good sources. This means high-quality protein and fats over carbohydrates. Preferably this means meals made from quality meats rather than meals or byproducts. When looking at the ingredient list, look for named meats at the first ingredient. Lab German Shepherd Mixes also benefit from novel proteins in their diet, as they can be prone to allergies. Dogs tend to develop allergies to the meats they eat the most, which often means beef and chicken. When they are puppies, Shepradors should be fed three times a day, and this should be cut down to two times a day from about four months of age. As a rule, dogs need 25 to 30 calories per pound of their weight per day, though you should watch their individual weight and energy level to see if you need to adjust their meals up or down. You can also check the label on your dog food to get a rough estimate of how much you should be feeding your Sheprador. Of course the amount will also vary depending on how often you exercise your dog. Known Health Problems While there is no limit to the number of health problems that a dog of any breed can develop, or they might not develop any at all, some dog breeds are more prone to some conditions than others. German Shepherd Lab Mix dogs have the potential to develop the health problems that are common in goth German Shepherds and Labradors. These include: Hip and Elbow Dysplasia — This is a condition where the hip and elbow joints do not develop normally and that can cause extreme pain and arthritis in later life. For more information check out our list of Glucosamine for Dogs. Progressive Retinal Atrophy — This is a group of degenerative diseases that affect the eyes and can lead to blindness. Shepradors are also prone to eat whatever is put in front of them, so you need to be conscious of what you are feeding them. Gastric Dilatation Volvulus — Poor diet can lead the stomach to dilate and expand, in turn leading to a twisting of the stomach that is life-threatening. It can block the flow of blood to the abdomen, leading to rupture of the stomach walls, and put pressure on the diaphragm thereby inhibiting the lungs. Degenerative Radiculomyelopathy — This is a condition that affects the spinal cord and leads to progressive weakness of the hind limbs, and eventually paralysis. Panosteitis — This is an inflammation of the outer surface of the long bones in the legs, resulting in a shifting lameness and making bones more susceptible to breaks. Allergies — Dogs can be born with allergies or develop them over time. Dogs often develop allergies if they eat the same foods consistently. Underactive Thyroid — The thyroid manages hormones, and an underactive thyroid is unable to secrete the required hormones. This can result in weight gain, lethargy, and cold intolerance. At this time, their energy levels will drop and they will need some changes in their diet and exercise. GSD Lab Mix Puppy But no matter how well trained they are, if they are left to get bored for too long, they can engage in some pretty destructive behavior, such as digging and chewing everything in sight. You have been forewarned. The highly assertive nature of German Shepherds means they do not respond well to domination training. They are likely to revolt when subjected to punishment. The best way to train a Labrador German Shepherd Mix is through positive reinforcement. Labradors are pleasers that love to make their humans happy. This means their offspring are also likely to feel the same way. So they will respond rapidly to training based on rewards for positive behavior. Deal with this behavior early, with specific training for dealing with children and strangers. They are very active and need lots of attention, so they need to be in households that support this. But they do great with adults and kids, so they can be a great family pet. Remember that German Shepherd Labrador Mixes need around two hours of exercise every day, so they need someone who can commit to that level of activity. But at the same time, it means they are the type of dog you can take on all of your adventures if you like hiking and trailing. They also need attention and stimulation throughout the day. If anyone in the house suffers with pet hair allergies, this is another reason Labrador German Shepherd Mixes are not the right dog for you, as they shed a lot. Consider something like a Labradoodle or Goldendoodle instead. Also, ask for medical records of the parents, to see what health conditions the pup might be prone to in the future. If you decide to adopt a mature dog, spend a bit of time with them to see what their temperament is like. History of the Breeds German Shepherd German Shepherds originated in Germany in the late 19th century as a sheep herding dog. But, because they are very intelligent, trainable, obedient, and strong, they have since moved into many different working roles including police, military, search and rescue, and disability assistance. German Shepherds can have a reputation for being aggressive, but they are more alert and wary than aggressive. They can have a tendency to become overprotective of family and territory. But if socialized and trained properly, this tendency should be highly manageable. German Shepherds are the second-most popular dog in the United States and the seventh-most popular dog in the United Kingdom. Labrador Labradors, also known as Labrador Retrievers, were initially used in Newfoundland as fishing dogs to retrieve fish that had gotten away. Because they are incredibly friendly but also intelligent and therefore easy to train, today Labradors are favored as disability assistance dogs, often helping individuals with blindness, ptsd, mobility issues and autism. Labradors are the most popular dog breed in the United States. They are intelligent and therefore easy to train, and loving and loyal, so they will quickly feel like part of the family. However, they do need a lot of exercise and attention, so adopting a Sheprador into your family is a commitment. German Shepherds have a reputation for being aggressive, but it is not really deserved. They are natural watchdogs and reserved around strangers, but they are not aggressive dogs that are likely to attack. They are also intelligent and easy to train, which means easy to control. Beagles, Poodles, Boxers, Golden Retrievers and Spaniels are all extremely friendly dogs as well, many specifically bred to be companions. They do best with active people or families who are full of people to love them. Like all dogs, they will do their best when they are cared for properly. This means training them appropriately, exercising them, keeping them mentally stimulated, and feeding them well. But these loyal pooches will repay your care and commitment with a lot of love and affection. 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. Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. Click here for more information on this characteristic German Sheprador Highlights The German Sheprador is a mixed breed dog. The main colors of German Shepradors are black, white, red, cream, blue, and grey. Sometimes their coats are solid, and sometimes they have a mix of colors. While they are not a good choice of dog for allergy sufferers, their coats are pretty easy to care for. A good brushing per week will probably do the job. Many German Shepradors absolutely love to run and play in the snow. Their double coats also help to keep them cool during hot summer months. German Shepradors make excellent family companions and watchdogs. Protective in nature, they will alert when strangers approach. They can easily become board, depressed, and frustrated, which will result in unwanted behaviors. German Sheprador History The German Sheprador dog breed may have existed naturally over the years, but designer breeders started intentionally mixing German Shepherds and Labradors in North America, possibly in the s. Breeders wanted to mix the two parent breeds to minimize health problems that affect many purebreds as well as create an ultimate family companion and watchdog. They continued to create German Shepradors as demand for the mixed breed pups climbed. Even though the German Sheprador got their start as a designer breed, some have ended up in shelters or in the care of rescue groups. Consider adoption if you decide this is the dog for you. Check your local shelters, look up German Sheprador rescues, or check with breed-specific German Shepherd and Labrador rescues, as they sometimes help to re-home mixed breeds. German Sheprador Size As the German Sheprador is a relatively new mixed breed, there are few standards when it comes to size. That said, as a mix between German Shepherd and Labrador parents, you can expect the German Sheprador to be on the large side. Most weigh in at 60 to 95 pounds and range in height from 20 to 27 inches at the shoulder. That said, many can be smaller or larger. German Sheprador Personality German Shepradors make excellent family companions and watchdogs. However, once they befriend you, you have a friend for life. These pups hail from a line of two working parents. Their German Shepherd parents regularly work as military, police, and guard dogs, while their Labrador Retriever parents have jobs as hunting and guide dogs. German Shepradors like to work and need to have a job to do, whether big or small. Give them a sense of purpose, and this dog will earn their keep ten fold. They are highly trainable, and thrive on positive reenforcement. Do not leave them alone for long periods. While most are generally healthy, some may be prone to a few health issues, which is why it is important to maintain good care and regular veterinary checkups. Your vet can help you develop a care routine that will keep your dog healthy. German Shepradors are prone to weight gain, and they have high energy levels. Make sure your dog gets at least one hour long walk per day with several shorter walks mixed in. Hiking and other adventurous activities are also recommended. Check their ears for debris and pests daily and clean them as recommended by your vet. They should not be clicking against the floor. Your groomer can help with this. You should brush their teeth daily, as this mixed breed is prone to tartar build-up. Normal play on grass is fine, as is puppy agility with its one-inch jumps. Crate and kennel training should start in puppyhood. German Sheprador Feeding An ideal German Sheprador diet should be formulated for a large breed with high energy. They have a tendency to gain weight if they are overfed, so you should stick to a regular feeding schedule and not leave food out during the day. Limit their amount of treats, as well. They usually have medium length, dense coats, and while they are not a good choice of dog for allergy sufferers, their coats are pretty easy to care for. A good brushing per week will probably do the job and bathing is recommended every few months with a mild shampoo. Too much bathing can strip the coat of its natural oils. Their double coats do shed quite a bit. You will definitely want a vacuum on hand. You will need it. Have you tried robot vacuums? See if the Eufy RoboVac is right for you! Their double coat gives them an edge when it comes to extreme weather. Many of these dogs absolutely love to run and play in the snow. Their double coats also helps to keep them cool during hot summer months. Keep in mind they are an indoor dog and need to live indoors. Like all dogs, however, German Shepradors need to be trained how to behave around children and vice versa. As with every breed, you should always teach children how to approach and touch dogs, and always supervise any interactions between dogs and young children to prevent any biting or ear or tail pulling on the part of either party. No dog, no matter how friendly, should ever be left unsupervised with a child. Learn more about this awesome breed by reading about their parent breeds the German Shepherd and Labrador Retriever. German Sheprador Rescue Groups It may be hard to find a breed-specific rescue for German Shepradors because they are a mixed breed. However, you may want to try German Shepherd Dog or Labrador Retriever breed-specific rescues, as they often care for mixes, as well. Here are some rescues you can try:. There is no way to find out if your puppy will develop any of these conditions. All you can do is to take care of your dog properly to prevent some of these severe medical conditions. Your growing dog should maintain a healthy weight because extra weight can be an additional weight on its spine. The ideal dog nutrition will also depend on any nutritional needs of your dog. If you are training your dog, never give treats as a reward. This encourages obesity and will only cause more problems for your dog. Here are top dog food brands that your German Shepherd Lab will surely love. Its core ingredients include ground brown rice, lamb meal, white rice, and chicken. It is all natural and contains no preservatives. Even a picky puppy will surely love this dog food. Precise Holistic Complete Large Breed Adult Formula Precise Holistic contains chicken, brown rice, chicken fat, and oatmeal and is considered the best organic dog food for large dogs. This comes with extra calcium and phosphorus needed by dogs to achieve its full, large size. This is a portion of irresistible dog food for large breed dogs such as your Lab German Shepherd mix. Just like any other dog, never give your German Shepherd Lab the following human food. Not all human food is safe for dogs. Alcohol Chicken bones or cooked chicken bones Grapes or raisins Salty foods and junk food Chocolate, coffee, or tea Onions, chives, and garlic If you want your dog to grow strong and healthy, you need to give them the best care in the world. So, start with their nutrition! That means you need to stay away from the worst dry dog food, and try out the best dry dog food instead. Your hairy friend comes from different parents and therefore you can experiment with the best dry dog food for small dogs or best large breed dry dog food. Our puppy friends need nutrition that is full of proteins and easy to digest. You can look for some ideas in the best puppy food brands. Senior dogs, in their grandpa style, need food which contains moderate protein levels as in the best senior dry dog food. Because of this, you need to spend ample time in a day to exercise and to walk this dog otherwise; it can develop destructive behavior. Play with your dog regularly to develop a strong bond with your pet. Remember that this dog will love to swim because of its Labrador Retriever lineage. A local dog pool or a pond would work great with your dog. If you have a large yard, an old, large vat will work great just for him to play and cool off. All dogs love to fetch and play Frisbee. Use other kinds of toys like large ropes so you can play pulling games. Use a giant ball for fetches like an old football or a tennis ball. Here are a few ideas 1. This is available in six sizes so you will surely find the best size for your medium to large-sized Lab German Shepherd mix. It is indestructible so your dog will undoubtedly spend hours playing with it. It is made from durable materials that will never break or chip. This is indestructible, and your dog will surely love to play with this over and over again. It is soft but is made to be indestructible. Your pet will surely love to chew on this soft bone. This will be his favorite toy in no time. Lab German Shepherd Mix Training The Lab crossed with a German Shepherd is a brilliant dog, but it may need more than simple traditional training techniques to train this dog. The following tricks will help you make your dog obey you in no time. The Clicker Technique Learn how to train your dog using a clicker. Press this, and you will hear an audible click, a sound that dog loves very much. The clicker may be used in all kinds of tricks, but the most common is for positive reinforcement. Just click the clicker when your dog can follow the trick and then click again if you want to repeat the behavior. Invest in a good clicker which is available in most pet stores online. This can contribute to obesity and other health problems related to being overweight. Reward good behavior by patting your dog, playing with him or giving him a good scratch. Tell your dog what a good dog he is and combines this with a lot of pats as reinforcement. Every dog takes his time so you must be patient. His bed should at the same place where he found it the first time while his food bowls should also be in the same area. Consistency is the key to training dogs important stuff. Also, consider talking to everyone at home regarding your rules and commands to reinforce consistency in training your dog. Train Your Dog In A Familiar Environment Dogs like the Lab are easily distracted; therefore you must train your pup in a quiet and familiar environment first before you take him out for further training. Start inside a quiet room with only you and him. You can train him outdoors once he is less distracted to noise and the presence of other pets and people. You may also opt for professional training for your Lab German Shepherd mix dog if you want your pup to grow up and become a service dog or police dog. German Shepherd Lab Mix and Families Lab German Shepherds can be great family dogs because these dogs love to be with their masters and to please them every way they can. These are patient with children and will never roughhouse or bite. They can even tolerate toddlers and very intense games like dress up and role play games. Lab German Shepherd mix dogs will love to be with other pets and even other dogs. They are not domineering and will never cause a fight. The Lab German Shepherd mix may become anti-social and may become aggressive with people or other dogs when they are not introduced to people and other pets early on. Your dog should be trained first and exposed to other dogs and people to prevent this untoward behavior. Origin of the Black Lab German Shepherd Mix Designer dogs — the result of deliberately crossing two different pedigrees — are a relatively recent phenomenon. But the Labrador and German Shepherd pedigrees both go right back to the 19th century. And understanding their individual histories provides important insights into German Sheprador temperament. Labrador history Labradors were originally bred as hunting dogs, to retrieve fallen waterfowl from the water. Breeders selected breeding dogs for traits which made them great at this job: a strong build, a thick waterproof coat, and an enthusiasm to learn and work in a team with their handler. The best Labs were also gentle and chilled out companions once the hunting day was over. Which is why Labradors exploded so successfully onto the pet scene, and into service roles as well. Unlike Labs, GSDs needed to be able to work confidently at a distance from their handler. They also used to double up as watch dogs and guard dogs, alerting their owner to the arrival of anything unfamiliar, which might be a threat to their flock. Like Labradors, they also proved to be remarkably versatile, and succeed in a wide variety of roles — including police work, military work, narcotics detection, and service roles. What to Expect From a Black Lab German Shepherd Mix The whole purpose of establishing pedigrees for purebred dogs is to ensure that all the puppies descended from that pedigree look and behave in a reliable way. Inevitably, mixing breeds creates possibilities for unpredictable results. Puppies inherit traits from both of their parents at random. Designer dogs with parents who have a lot in common are easier to predict. Puppies from parents who either look very different, or were bred for very different purposes, are more variable. Black Labs can also carry the genes for chocolate and yellow coloring. Some Labs also silently carry the genes for markings like tan points. These genes hark back to when Gordon Setters contributed to the foundation of the breed. So a black Lab German Shepherd mix puppy might be black or dark brown, and have markings including sable shading or tan points. How big do German Shepherd black Lab mixes get? Labradors and German Shepherds are both medium to large sized dogs. Labs weigh 55 to 80 pounds, and GSDs weigh 50 to 90 pounds. For both breeds, females tend to occupy the bottom end of the weight range, and males the upper end. So, a black Lab German Shepherd mix could weigh anything between 50 and 90 pounds too. Their weight will be partly determined by all of the following: the general parameters of the breed the size of their parents their sex and environmental factors, like receiving adequate nutrition in puppyhood. Do black Lab German Shepherd mix dogs shed? Labs and GSDs both have thick double coats — ideal for insulating them against harsh weather conditions whilst working. So, one thing we can say for sure about the black Lab German Shepherd is that they too will be high-shedding dogs. Regular brushing, and seasonal grooming with specialist tools like a Furminator can help to keep your house clear of discarded fur. They also have a strong retrieving instinct — or in other words they like to carry things around in their mouths! Black Labs in particular have traditionally been favored for working roles, so they tend to be focussed and easily motivated to engage in training. German Shepherds are often described as courageous and loyal. They have strong herding and guarding instincts. Part of this is an innate distrust of unfamiliar people. Although, they are devoted and affectionate to their human family and regular guests. They are also very smart, and capable of picking up new cues quickly. But they are both talented problem solvers and quick learners. Sheprador puppies are sure to be smart and trainable too. So, the training and socialization you do with them while they are young will be very important. Puppies under 12 weeks old readily form positive associations with new things, if they have a good first encounter with them. Socialization is particularly important for German Shepherds and their mixes, because they are naturally inclined to be wary of strangers. It gives them the confidence to interact calmly with the world when they are older. Typically friendly breeds like Labs still need socializing too. And very friendly individuals will also need teaching how to greet people calmly, without jumping up or getting over excited. German Shepradors also need methodical leash training from a young age — being dragged along the sidewalk by a large dog is no fun! Exercise Labs and GSDs are both athletic dogs which have been bred to be mentally and physically active for several hours a day. An adult Lab GSD mix dog needs at least 2 hours of walking per day. At home, they enjoy additional games of fetch, tug and scent work. Training and puzzle feeders like Kongs and sniffle mats are valuable for providing mental exercise. A Sheprador is also likely to enjoy dog sports like fieldwork and advanced obedience training. Black Lab German Shepherd Mix Health Just like in every other respect, Sheprador health is a mixed inheritance from both of their parent breeds. Labrador Health. This will help you to recognize the nature of the Sheprador a little better. This gave us the Labrador we have come to know and love in modern-day society. Your black Lab pup could weigh as much as 80 lbs, reaching heights of 24 inches. The black Labrador Retriever is an ideal companion because they are always eager to learn and a pleasure to train. These loyal fur babies come from a long line of useful working hounds. Did you know that up until the s, the lovable Labrador was pretty much only black and was intentionally bred to go along on hunting and shooting expeditions? Read next: black dog breeds. The Temperament of the Black Labrador Retriever These sweet-natured furballs are generally pretty active. They love to play and learn. They especially love meeting new people, and they have a strong sense of family loyalty. The American Labrador, or hunting Lab, is built with a daintier frame and tends to possess a bigger drive for retrieving. These doggos are successful at field trials and competitive activities such as hunting. Some Labs, however, are bred specifically for the show ring. Black Labradors are an asset in hunting and sporting communities, and although the popular choice was black, that has shifted slightly in recent years. Where hunting dog owners still do prefer a black coat, those wanting a Lab as a pet or in a show certainly have a preference for a lighter shade. Breeders today sell predominantly lighter-colored Labs, such as yellow, fox red, and chocolate. These good-tempered hounds can be proud members of your family for 12 years or even longer with a healthy diet and the right exercise regime. Standing tall at about 26 inches at shoulder height, this fuzzy friend is clad in a glossy coat and outlined with curvaceous, athletic proportions. A star student, the German Shepherd is delightfully reliable, courageous to the core, and a loyal companion to have by your side. Looking for more intelligent GSD mixes? Getting to Know the German Shepherd The beloved German Shepherds are loyal to the point of putting their own lives on the line when it concerns protecting their loved ones. German Shepherds are extremely courageous but are also one of the most intelligent dog breeds. But when they mean business, these hounds can give a cheetah a run for their money. Looking for a smaller companion? Read more about the most intelligent small dog breeds. The Temperament of the German Shepherd Stout-hearted German Shepherds have been described as the canines that lead the ranks of royalty. Moreover, their character is what sets them shoulders above the rest of the hairy hounds. They have, however, been noted to display a distant, cool quality that does not always bode well for making new friends. However, they still continue to be devoted guardians and valuable team members. Want a protective GSD mix? Yup, you guessed it. A hound that is a blend of two fantastic pups. Both bring enthusiasm and athletic abilities to the table. Labradors, for example, were originally bred as hunting hounds to retrieve fallen fowl from the water and aided as companions on the hunt. Two of the most popular doggos in America are the Labrador and the German Shepherd, so they make for a popular choice among breeders interested in exploring hybrid breeds. These designer pooches are the result of crossing two pure-blooded canines. The Nature of the Lab and German Shepherd Mix When mixing two different dog breeds, each with its own unique nature, there is a possibility for random and unexpected results. This is because traits are passed on and inherited randomly. We can, however, predict that a Sheprador puppy, much like any other hybrid, will inherit the best features from their parent dogs. Despite this, of the batch of hybrid Sheprador pups, some will display more of a German Shepherd personality, and others, more of a black Lab Retriever. Labradors are a very big success in the service and work industry, and to have as domesticated pets in the family home. Their gentle, laid-back nature was an asset to their human companions after a long day of hunting. Born and bred as herding dogs, German Shepherds make excellent security dogs and prefer to work at a distance from whoever is in charge. A handler or herder will get alerted by their German Shepherd whenever something suspicious poses a threat. Labradors are not similar in this regard. But like the lovely Lab, German Shepherds are incredibly versatile creatures and excel in any task they take on. Both doggos are gifted in service or military posts and even in the detection of narcotics. Socialization of the German Shepherd Labrador Mix An essential part of parenthood, when it comes to owning a dog, is socializing your pup. This process allows your pooch to get used to other animals and people. It also helps them to get to know new places and activities. Believe it or not, this is even more reason to prioritize socialization so as to ensure that when they do inevitably interact with other animals or people, they do so in the best way possible. The German Shepherds in your Sheprador will mean they are loyal to the end when it comes to their favorite humans, but they can definitely be wary of strangers. Luckily through early socialization during puppyhood, they can learn good habits. Socialization can even include having people over at your house so they can become used to new voices and faces. Getting them used to small children is also essential to avoid any unwanted accidents out of fear or nervousness. And, of course, if you have other pets, the earlier you introduce them to your Sheprador puppy, the better. Anything new should ideally be introduced earlier rather than later. German Shepherd Labs are likely to inherit this friendliness from both of their parents. Proper socialization will ensure that all parties are comfortable and that your pooch has the confidence to get out there and interact in a healthy way. Read more about why puppies whine so much and why puppies lick your face. Additionally, you should also be sure that you have lots of free time for games and activities that your dog can join in on, such as garden games or even jogging and hiking. These pups can get bored easily and become destructive if they are not properly stimulated. These dogs are really great with children, much like their parent breeds. If properly socialized as puppies, they are truly a joy to have around kids supervised, preferably. So if you have family members who can share the responsibility of entertaining these hounds, then that would be ideal. They are some of the least-aggressive dogs out there, thanks to the Lab in them. But, supervision is important because of their size and slight clumsiness. They can easily knock over a small child in the excitement of fun and games. As you can tell, these doggos are definitely on the needier side and require plenty of love, attention, and care. And not to mention, you are guaranteed a lifelong companion and proud family member. The Appearance of the German Shepherd Lab Mix When one combines these two brilliant pedigree pets, you are likely to end up with a lb hound offering servant-hearted companionship and a diligent, working spirit. Your German Shepherd mixed with Lab will stand tall at about 25 inches and will display the high intelligence and athletic ability of their parent breeds. However, predicting the coat pattern and color of the Sheprador puppy that will emerge from the breeding is not an easy feat. Predicting the inherited physical appearance of any dog is tricky enough as is. So, for the most part, the looks and personality of your Sheprador can be quite a gamble, as with any designer breed. This will simply make your precious pup all the more unique and special. But, if you are specific about the traits of your Sheprador pup, then a reputable breeder will be able to follow the genetic line of the parent breeds and make a rather accurate prediction. These physical and personality traits are a lot easier to predict when the parent dogs — in this case, German Shepherd and Labrador Retriever — are quite similar in nature, which they fortunately are. German Sheprador Coat Labradors have tight, short hair, while German Shepherds have a medium-length, double coat. They can also have longer coats that are wavy. Shepradors are not exactly low-maintenance dog breeds when it comes to grooming. True to its parent breeds, the Sheprador has a double coat consisting of a super warm undercoat and a coarser outer coat to protect them from the elements. These dogs historically worked outdoors, so adequate protection from the heat or the cold was essential. Due to the gene for long coats being recessive and very unusual among Labradors, your Black Lab German Shepherd Mix will most definitely have a neat, short coat like its Labrador parent. This means that even if their German Shepherd parent has a long coat, it is highly unlikely to be passed on to their puppies. However, a lint roller will definitely be your best friend when it comes to maintaining furniture and clothing. Consider also how this handsome hairball may affect any existing asthmatic or allergic conditions. The other main concern when it comes to apartment living is the exercise needs of these dogs. So, if you are available for a rigorous daily walk and plenty of playtime, then it can work. As long as these hounds have the opportunity for daily energy expenditure to keep them happy and healthy, all will be well. Other than that, they will be in their element if they can curl up on the couch for movies and naps with their favorite humans. Like most crossbreeds, mixed breeds are usually healthier than their purebred parents. So if your Sheprador takes after their German Shepherd parent, then you may encounter spinal problems that lead to arthritis and hip dysplasia as they get older. The silver lining is that the good health of the Labrador balances out the potentially compromised health that German Shepherds sometimes have, and the result is a stellar, mostly-healthy Sheprador pup. Elbow Dysplasia: Elbow Dysplasia is characterized by lameness in the forelimb and results in limping. Progressive Retinal Atrophy : This ailment affects the photoreceptor cells of the dog which causes them to deteriorate over time. It eventually leads to blindness. In addition to these conditions, Labradors are also prone to allergies. However, there are no DNA tests to detect this predisposition, so your best bet is to check with your breeder about a family history of allergies. It results due to a lack of von Willebrand factor protein vWF. Hypothyroidism: Marked by an underactive thyroid condition, this endocrine disorder in dogs is rather common. It causes bodily functions to slow down, and warning signs include lethargy and weight gain. Cataracts: German Shepherds are prone to eye problems like Cataracts. It occurs when the dog develops cloudiness in the eye, which disturbs its vision. It causes abnormal blood clot formation. More About the Health of Your Black Lab and German Shepherd Mix While this breed has some health concerns in its parent breeds, these can be detected early on with screenings. Other than that, conditions like obesity can be prevented by pet owners. The best thing you can do with your Sheprador puppy is to find a reputable breeder and ask many questions. Find out about the parent breeds, what their health and medical histories are, and be sure to ask for health screening certificates. Life Expectancy of the Sheprador Now that we know what health issues to look out for, what is the lifespan of these hounds? Labrador Retrievers live between 10 and 14 years, whereas German Shepherds typically live less long, between 9 and 12 years. Exercise Regime for the German Shepherd and Lab Mix With black Labs and German Shepherds being high-energy, athletic animals, combining the two of them results in a grown Sheprador in need of at least 2 hours of walking a day. These two types of dogs were bred with the initial purpose of being active and physical for several hours each day. They are excellent work dogs and will likely chew your furniture or dig up your rose garden if left ignored or indoors for prolonged periods of time. In addition to going for walks or runs, playtime with your Sheprador can include tug of war, fetch, and working on developing scent detection. In addition to needing lots of playtime and physical stimulation, they also need a lot of mental stimulation. This can include dog puzzles and dog toys — they are very mouthy pups, so multiple chew toys, or anything to clutch in their jaw, for that matter, will suffice. Not to mention, these hounds will be in their element with doggy sports like obedience training, agility work, and fieldwork. They are hard-working and love any opportunity to learn something new while pleasing their favorite humans. Both parents of the Sheprador were bred to spend several hours a day being mentally and physically challenged. And take note that no amount of fetch games with a ball launcher will be too much for these playful canines. Dietary Requirements of the Labrador and German Shepherd Mix In order to ensure you have a Sheprador with a happy and healthy life, you should be sure that you feed your pooch the right dog food. Not all dog food on the market is high quality, so carefully selecting the right brand is important. In general, a good rule of thumb is to opt for food with all-natural ingredients and high-fiber dog food that includes fruits and vegetables. Also, make sure they have a diet high in protein. You should also avoid food with filler ingredients, artificial flavoring, and preservatives. The Labrador side of these hounds will certainly mean they come with a big appetite and a love for snacking. Due to this, Shepradors are very prone to weight gain and overeating. To avoid gulping down their dinner, it may be best to invest in a slow feeder. If Shepradors are allowed to become overweight, they will suffer from joint problems, hip dysplasia, and, later on, arthritis. This mixed breed is quite widely accessible and is luckily not as pricey as other, more fashionable crossbreeds. The best route is to research reputable breeders and follow recommendations. Shepradors are not extremely expensive dog breeds. Adopting a Sheprador If you are struggling to find a reputable breeder or you simply have your heart set on a Black Lab German Shepherd, then rescuing is a great option. Be sure to check out your local shelters and adoption agencies. These pups have so much love to give and deserve a second chance at a happy home. They are also easily adaptable and should slot into their new environment and family without too much fuss. Remember that they flourish on positive reinforcement and rely on learning and training in order to thrive. Like with any relationship, there will be highs and lows. But, for the most part, the pros will likely outweigh the cons when it comes to the Black Lab mixed with German Shepherd. Cons of Owning a Sheprador They can inherit serious health issues: this is emotionally and financially stressful, but health screenings can, fortunately, help predict and prevent inherited issues. They need lots of exercise: without sufficient exercise and a generally active lifestyle, these hounds will grow restless, bored, and unhappy. They are likely to shed heavily: without a frequent brushing and sweeping routine, your pooch will leave your home in a blanket of hair. Pros of Owning a Sheprador Shepradors are outgoing with loyal personalities: your Sheprador is always eager to play, engage, learn, and meet new people, which makes them great companions. They are great family pets: affectionate and loving, Shepradors want to belong in your family and feel needed on the team. The dogs are excellent security dogs: the Sheprador is innately a protector and a watchdog and will alert you of any threats to your safety. Final Thoughts on the Sheprador There you have it, folks — the brilliant, blended Sheprador that we all adore. This razor-sharp, athletically-inclined hound is a sure companion to have at your side. They are eager to please and easy to train, which will make them a pleasure to have around in the home or on the job. You cannot go wrong with parenting one of these fur babies unless, of course, you have a problem with too much loyalty and brilliance. Looking for more GSD crossbreeds? Take a look at these posts next:.

TikTok user fbombermommer shared the video of her two dogs on July .The footage shows Hope, the German shepherd, slowly stalking toward the other dog, named Captain America. Hope can be seen using every ounce of her hunting ability to sneak up on her prey, until they finally get close enough to boop each other's snouts. Once the drama has been created, then playtime can begin. Hope leaps away in excitement. Since the video was posted, it has been viewed more than 2. Hope is seen stalking towards her brother, Captain America, in the viral TikTok video. Their owner said in a subsequent TikTok video that the German shepherd often does this as a bullying tactic to initiate play. The American Kennel Club describes them as loyal, courageous, confident and highly intelligent. They may look intimidating and regal most of the time, but the AKC adds that they can also present as very aloof and have a rather silly nature at times. As much as this breed loves to work, these dogs also need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to keep their minds occupied. Daily exercise and extensive play sessions will keep them content and enriched, avoiding any unwanted behaviors. Which Nose Butter Is Best? Which is Best? Tin or Tube? Nose Butter is available in five sizes of tins and three tube sizes. Why so many? Dogs come in all sizes from Chinese Cresteds to Tibetan Mastiffs, so choose accordingly. The dog breed labels celebrate canine diversity and our dog geekness. Every Dog Nose or 3 Cute Puppies are general labels. It's not rocket science, but there are tips that make application faster and easier for you and your dog. The crusty stuff is actually skin and hurts your dog if you pick it off, just like us pulling a scab off a skinned knee too soon. If you stop using Nose Butter, the dryness and crust will probably come back. When our hands are really cracked and dry we can use lotion to get them in shape, but we can't slather lotion on our hands once and be moisturized for life. Like cutting your dog's toenails.Nose Butter is part of their health care regimen. That stung! It's not that your dog dislikes Nose Butter we hope not , they DO dislike being held tightly and restrained. Bully and flat-faced breeds already have compromised breathing systems due to their adorable flat faces. If held tightly they will struggle to protect their breathing. Toy breeds know they are small and will often put up an unbelievable tussle to get away. Dogs are often triggered by being held tightly or controlled. This may come from puppy play, when they wrestle and play-fight. It's not fun for dogs or us to have siblings pile on and make us feel helpless. I'm looking at my three sisters. Also, keep the mood upbeat and fun. Make a game of applying Nose Butter and follow it up with treats and most dogs can be won over. Customer Reviews.

Since an English Bulldog puppy is so expensive, scammers do flood the market unfortunately. Let me share some tips on how to be safe when purchasing an English Bulldog Puppy for sale. Do not give any money without seeing the puppy in person! Do not purchase an English Bulldog puppy online. See him or her in person, see how they have been raised, hopefully in a nice, well kept home, NOT a puppy Mill. You will also know everything is legitimate as well! Very important! If it sounds TOO good to be true, it probably is! The puppy that you see online cheap, is most likely a scam. Ask questions! Does Mom and dad live on the premises? Is the puppy Akc registered? Has the puppy had her first shots? Do they have any health problems? Is the puppy micro chipped? You may think this is a good thing, however, if the puppy is lost, the puppy will be scanned and the BREEDER will be on file as the owner. Now you have to wonder if the breeder will contact you or keep the puppy. Understand where you can go to buy your English Bulldog Puppy! You can go straight to the AKC website. Put in your zip code and they will list the closest breeders with puppies. These will be legit. The breeder had to register their litter prior to being able to post in the classifieds. You can also look in your local newspaper, but again, go see the English Bulldog in person! Writer Bio This article was written by the CareerTrend team, copy edited and fact checked through a multi-point auditing system, in efforts to ensure our readers only receive the best information. See More Animals. Should you get a young puppy, an older puppy, or an adult dog? Where can you buy or adopt an English Bulldog? English Bulldogs are an extremely common breed in the United States. Out of breeds in the American Kennel Club, where 1 is most popular and is least popular, English Bulldogs rank 4th. Unfortunately too many people acquire one on impulse, falling in love with the cute puppy and not appreciating all of the serious health issues. Bulldogs may be turned over to Rescue because they're aggressive toward other dogs. Or perhaps the owner can't stand the snorting and snuffling sounds, or how often their dog has to visit the vet due to the health problems inherent in the breed. Other Bulldogs are given up simply because of changed family circumstances. Adopting From Public Animal Shelters and Humane Societies English Bulldogs are sometimes found here, but Bulldog Rescue groups keep their eyes peeled on shelters and humane societies across the country. When an English Bulldog turns up at a shelter, the rescue group typically moves in quickly to take the dog. Buying From a Dog Breeder You can buy an English Bulldog from a show breeder, who breeds Bulldogs to match a detailed standard of appearance for the dog show ring. You can also buy an English Bulldog from people who "just breed pets" or "just had one litter. Be sure to read the article to learn more about these people. Sadly, that's because breeders aren't doing the tests — probably because they know their dogs can't pass them. But they breed those dogs anyway. And people buy the puppies. And the cycle continues. Lots of English Bulldogs are seen in pet shops. I have plenty to say about buying a puppy from a pet shop! Which puppy? A lot of people make the mistake of buying an English Bulldog without doing much research, only to later discover that these dogs have a lot of special needs. In this guide, I will lead you through all you need to know before buying an English Bulldog, and also what to look for, particularly with the breeder. What should I know before buying an English Bulldog? Although English Bulldogs are known to be sweet, loyal, and very people-centered, they are also prone to a host of health problems. This is the most important aspect of all… you need to be prepared for the potential for high vet bills. These specific needs can make them time-consuming and expensive dogs to keep. Unfortunately, far too many English Bulldogs end up abandoned once they develop costly health problems. As a result of decades of breeding to ensure a flat nose and stout figure and those famous wrinkles , English Bulldogs are unfortunately prone to a few genetic disorders. These include hip dysplasia, brachycephalic syndrome, and ventricular septal defect, where a hole develops in the heart. However, many of the other conditions that plague this breed are avoidable with a little foresight and care. As they are a brachycephalic flat-faced breed, they find it harder to breathe than other dogs. This is especially true in summer when they are prone to heat exhaustion. Additionally, they are also predisposed to a multitude of skin conditions. If the folds around their face are not kept clean, it can cause bacteria growth that can result in irritation and even infection if left for too long. With that said, these are charming and loyal dogs. Full of personality and affection, they make perfect family pets and ideal companions for the right owners. This next step will depend on whether you want to adopt an adult English Bulldog or a puppy. Each choice has its advantages and disadvantages, so it depends on which one will suit your lifestyle better. Buying English Bulldog puppies Aside from the cuteness overload, arguably the best advantage when it comes to buying an English Bulldog puppy is that you can train them early on to fit in with your lifestyle. However, if you have the time, experience, and patience to get through those initial months of training, you will have the opportunity to build an excellent bond with your new pup. Buying a puppy can present a lot of challenges, but providing you know what to look for, it will be a rewarding experience! By ensuring that they are getting adequate training from day one, you can help them to avoid bad behaviors. In a similar vein, by making sure they are getting the right healthcare early on, you can ensure that they avoid any unnecessary health complications. Buying an English Bulldog puppy from a reputable breeder also means that you can be sure about their heritage. English Bulldogs are not cheap from the get-go, but as puppies, they will require plenty of trips to the vet for all their initial check-ups and vaccinations. Buying an adult English Bulldog Buying an English Bulldog who is fully grown means that there will be fewer surprises. On the downside, any bad habits they have developed will be firmly ingrained. Buying an adult English Bulldog who has already been trained can be a lot easier. The only challenge here is that it may take some time to find the right dog to fit your needs. On the flip side, there are also plenty of adult English Bulldogs looking for a home who have behavioral issues. Although some of these issues are minor and may only need remedial training to correct, there is also the risk of encountering more severe behavioral problems. A dog who displays fearful or aggressive behavior may take years of training to correct and is not a task for an inexperienced owner. The only danger here is that you may not be adopting a purebred dog. Aside from this, there are also dedicated rescues just for English Bulldogs. How to buy an English Bulldog Arguably the most crucial step you can take when choosing to adopt an English Bulldog puppy is to ensure that you are going through a reputable breeder. An honest and dedicated breeder will always put in the time and effort to ensure that any puppies they are raising are as healthy as they can be. The puppies should be socialized from a young age, and the breeder should have no issue with you coming to visit the kennels. This is where you do not want to hunt for a bargain. English Bulldogs are expensive to breed, owing to the unique complications and special needs involved with this practice. Although you could go for a cheaper puppy, you risk adopting a dog with severe health issues. As a general rule of thumb, a cheaper dog can end up costing you far more in the long run. Also, many good breeders should be able to provide you with a bill of clean health before you adopt, and they should offer you a guarantee. Once you adopt, they should give you at least two days so that you can get your new puppy checked out by your own veterinarian. If you find any unexpected health issues within this period, the breeder should be willing to offer you a refund or to replace your puppy. What to look for when buying an English Bulldog puppy Once you have settled on a reputable breeder, now comes the best bit: picking out your new puppy including what to look for when buying an English Bulldog. For one, you need to ensure you pick the happiest and friendliest puppy in the pack. If the puppy is curious and shows confidence when approaching you, that is an excellent sign. Instead, enter the enclosure where the puppies are kept, and sit down to observe them. As hard as it can be, resist the urge to reach out for any of them, and instead allow them to come to you. Doing this also allows you to observe their behavior. The puppy that you pick should be friendly, easy-going, and well natured. Other signs to keep an eye out for include: Clean eyes and ears: The puppy should not be squinting. Red eyes in particular can be a sign of a serious problem. Look for a straight tail that shows no restriction while moving: Additionally, the tail should not be pointing down. These can all be an indication of screw-tail — a malformation of the vertebra in the tail. This condition can result in severe discomfort for the dog, and expensive treatment later on down the line. See how often you should walk your English Bulldog. Where you can, avoid puppies with abnormal coloring: This type of coloration includes chocolate, black, blue, and lilac. All of these colours are clear indicators that the puppy may develop severe health issues as it grows older. Decide on a male or female puppy: In general terms, males tend to be more energetic, whereas females can be more relaxed. Be cautious if the price is too cheap. An unusually low price could be the sign of an unhealthy English Bulldog puppy. That said, by keeping an eye out for some of these signs, you are more likely to be adopting the healthiest puppy that you can. English Bulldogs only have 3 to 4 puppies in a litter and only should be bred a handful of times over their lifetime. Questions to ask an English Bulldog breeder Before you settle on buying an English Bulldog and have ticked off all the things you should look for, please, please, please question the breeder extensively. Ask how many litters the mother has had: an English Bulldog should only really have 1 litter a year, preferably only one every couple of years. More than that is a warning sign that she has been bred more than she should have been. Make sure your breeder is knowledgeable: on looking after his breed. Also Google the breeder first to see what other people have said about them. Ask if the puppy has been assessed by a vet: You also want to be sure the puppy has had the right vaccinations. Injections should be sorted out by the breeder before the puppies are available to buy. By doing so you can see what the puppy might grow up to be like and whether the mother is healthy. Ask if the parents have had health checks: This will also help you decide whether the puppy will grow up healthy with no genetic traits. Things to look out for on the health check include hip problems, cataracts, cherry eye, deafness, and soft palate problems. The best breeders will be transparent and honest. Ask how old the parents are: A mother younger than 3 years old ca present a problem as health problems might not yet have appeared yet. Try to buy an English Bulldog puppy whose mother is older than this age. Ask where the puppies have been living:You want to buy an English Bulldog puppy who has been socialized a little. Ask how often the puppies have been handled: Puppies that are handled from a young age will also be easier to train. Conclusion Regardless of these issues and health concerns, English Bulldogs are beautiful and sweet companions. They are full of personality and will be sure to make you laugh with their confidence and quirkiness. However, they do require a lot of care and attention… and any potential problems can be reduced providing you know what questions to ask and what to look out for when buying an English Bulldog puppy or adult dog. I write about the things we've learned about owning dogs, the adventures we have, and any advice and tips we've picked up along the way. Recent Posts. Contact Us Buying A Bulldog The Definitive Guide English bulldogs are the mascots of choice for many colleges, organizations, and even military branches. Bulldogs are mostly docile and well-behaved, choosing sleep over other popular canine activities. For those looking to purchase a bulldog, there are several considerations that must be made beforehand. Below are some tips on how to shop and buy a Bulldog puppy, what to look for in a breeder, and what to consider when purchasing a dog. What should I expect to pay for a puppy and how do I choose a reputable breeder? Many are surprised to find out that bulldogs are an expensive breed. In fact, quality puppies will set you back anywhere from two to four thousand dollars. But, there is a reason for this. Bulldogs are the result of specific and selective breeding process especially when it comes to champion dogs and bulldogs that represent the breed well. There are huge expenses for the breeder as well such as progesterone testing, stud fees, c-sections, milk formula, vaccinations, de-wormings, puppy checkups, special diets, whelping gear, etc. Choosing a dog because of a smaller price tag could cost you more in the long-run. You should search for a reputable English bulldog breeder. But where to start? One of these requirements is health testing. This way at least you know that you are dealing with Breeders who are conscientious about producing healthy puppies. Do not look to purchase puppies through Craigslist, Social Media Sites, Pet Stores or the Walmart parking lot yes, I have seen them for sale in parking lots! Breeders who sell thru these venues are generally profiting and are not truly dedicated to the breed. These puppies are often poorly bred which results in an unhealthy puppy. A reputable breeder will be available to you for the long haul and eager to help with any questions or concerns throughout your bulldogs life. Look for breeders who can provide you with a complete pedigree of your dog, a health guarantee, and a bill of sale. Finally, never have a bulldog shipped to you. Since they are brachycephalic flat-faced , they are less likely to survive the shipping process compared to other breeds. What should I know about Bulldog health and Cost? You should know beforehand bulldogs can have minor but common health concerns, including cherry eye and skin allergies and require excellent veterinary care so before buying a puppy make sure to have the puppy checked out by a Vet. A reputable and responsible breeder will have a clear and transparent health guarantee listed on their website and give you hours to get the pup examined at your own vet just in case there are any costly or life-threatening conditions outside the minor issues common to bulldogs that can be easily treated. Check to see if they will replace the puppy; refund you in the event something is untreatable. Caring for a female dog in heat is messy and time consuming, and male dogs with their testicles intact tend to be more headstrong and have more of a tendency to lift their legs and mount yours than neutered males. Finally, decide on appearance. White bulldogs resembling the University of Georgia mascot are very popular, but the breed standard also allows for dogs to be brindle or red. Black or blue colors however, are not part of the breed standard. The English bulldog is a great breed, but be sure to know what to look for in a breeder and in a puppy before purchasing. Finally, if a puppy is not your thing, there are many bulldog rescues throughout the country that can provide you with an adult dog. Whatever method you employ, remember to take your time, do your research, and always opt for quality over cost. For detailed information or to have a question answered by a breeder click here. Since then they have been dedicated to responsible Bulldog breeding and passionate about breeding as well as competitively showing English bulldogs.

This article is not going to go into the depth of canine coat color genetics, but rather keep things simple and within reason for most people. At the end of this article, I will add links to some sites that will be helpful for those interested in the genetics of coat colors. I want to start with our basic Labrador colors and their variations. Later we will discuss the so-called Silver and White Labradors and also talk about mismarking or unusual colors that can happen in the Lab. Black Labradors are solid black. A small white spot on the chest is permissible. Sparse white hairs in between the toes and footpads are common in some of the blacks. Some mature black Labradors will have a red or orange hue to their coats at certain times of the year. This is known as casting. Casting can occur when the Lab is shedding and the hair is dead but also can be a result of bleaching from prolonged exposure to the sun. Eye color on chocolates can range from yellow through brown. Darker coat and eye color are most desirable in chocolates. Washed out chocolate coats and light eyes are not attractive for this breed. The chocolate coat is hard to maintain in one uniform color. The sun easily bleaches the chocolate Labrador, giving him the appearance of various shades of the chocolate color scattered throughout the coat. Keeping the chocolate Labrador out of the direct sun or the use of mink-oil with sunscreen lightly spayed on the coat will help the chocolate Labrador look his best at all times. YELLOW: Yellow Labradors can range is shade from a very light cream all the way to a rich dark red color known as "fox red" with various darker shading along the ears, top line, tail and hocks. A small white spot on the chest is permissible, however will not be noticeable in the lighter shades of yellow. Yellow Labradors should have black pigment on the nose, lips and eye rims with the exception of newborn yellow as they are born without pigment but within the first few days of life, the black pigment will begin to come in. We call a yellow Labrador without pigment a "Dudley". The black pigment on the nose of mature Labs can fade in the winter-time to a brown or pink color, this is very different from a true Dudley, it is very normal and the black pigment will return with warmer weather. Yellow Labradors that lack black pigment all together will have brownish or pinkish colored eye rims, foot-pads, nose and lips and they will never turn black. Dudley Labradors is a direct result from the yellow Labrador inheriting two sets of chocolate genes we refer to as "bb". So technically speaking, you can look at this as a "chocolate dog in a yellow coat" or an "eebb". Unfortunately Dudley Labradors are disqualified from being shown and was excepted until the revised AKC standard in .The FCI or "world" standard does not disqualify for lack of pigment. One more note. .What a shame!! Nevertheless, this does not make any Dudley Labrador inferior. They are Labradors true and true. This does not mean that I think it is okay to breed a Dudley Labrador, rather saying that they are normal in every way with the exception of having the pigment of a chocolate. If you choose to breed your Dudley Labrador, then do so back to a quality black Labrador. Sounds confusing but it really isn't. To help simplify this, I have copied and pasted a paragraph courtesy of the Vet DNA Center that gives you some idea of how many color combinations can be seen within the breed. However, there are 9 possible reported genotypes what you cannot see for the E and B loci and therefore 81 possible breeding combinations. A small white spot, stripe or patch on the chest is very common and does not lessen the quality of a Labrador, nor indicate it is not pure bred. Sparse white hairs can appear on the tips of toes, between the footpads, on the heels, near the groin, and under the neck. However, if white spots are large and white markings are highly noticeable, then this is not typical and could indicate the dog may be mixed with another breed. Scarring can also result in white hairs on a Labrador. Splashing is described as a black Labrador with tan or yellowish hairs on the legs and sometimes neck and chest. This mis-marking looks as if the black lab ran through a mud puddle and was splashed with muddy water, hence the name Splashing. This is a mis-marking that had been noted in the breed for many generations. It is not wise to breed any Labrador that is splashed, as this will only perpetuate the gene for years to come. It does not affect the dogs ability to be an excellent pet or hunting companion. The black and tan is a serious fault and under no circumstance should this color be perpetuated. Mosaic is a very rare condition in which results in improper cell division that effects the color of the dog. Such dogs can be yellow with small or large black patches. I have only produced one Mosaic to date. Again, this is very rare and seldom happens. I tell people without trying to sound rude, that there is no such thing as a pure white Labrador. The color yellow is the correct term, but when people see a Labrador that is of the very light cream shade, they instinctively say, White. I have produced many Labrador pups that could be classified as white when pups but they always mature to have the tale-tale signs of shading of some from or another, either on the ears, back, etc. The shading is very pale and almost unnoticeable and pigment as black as coal but I am sorry to say, it is still classified as yellow and not white. The gene that produces pure white such as seen in the Maltese, white German shepherds, white boxers and other breeds does not exist in the Labrador. I do understand how people can easily use the term white lab when they see a pale yellow but white is not a term to be truly associated with the Labrador breed. Most of the "White Labs" being advertised from backyard breeders are lacking in suitable temperaments, proper size and seem to have more health issues. Thus said, breeding for a "specific color" will not allow you to advance in any other area. My best advice, stay away from persons advertising "White Labradors". It is nothing more than a sales pitch and is something frowned upon amongst reputable breeders, and other fanciers in the Labrador community. There absolutely no such thing as a pure bred silver, charcoal or champagne Labrador. These are dogs that early in the 60's and 70's, two kennels that bred both Labradors and Weimaraners began advertising Silver Labradors. The dilute gene is normal in the Weimaraner breed. It does not occur naturally in the Labrador. Those professing to breed and advertise dilute Labradors are misrepresenting the color of the dog on the AKC papers. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. If you are a Labrador owner or thinking of introducing a Labrador into your family, you may have heard of a Dudley Labrador. There is quite a lot of mystique around these special pups, which means they can sometimes struggle to find a home or your breeder might ask for a premium for the pup. Read on to discover everything you need to know about these handsome dogs. They are just as good a choice for a family dog as any other type of Labrador. What Is A Dudley Labrador? A Dudley Labrador is a Yellow Labrador that is born without any pigment in their nose, eye rims, and feet, so they appear pink. They will have pale-colored eyes as well, usually blue or teal. There are three recognized colors of Labradors, black, chocolate, and yellow. Each of these dogs has two genetic loci that affect their pigmentation. The first of these loci is called the B loci, and can be BB, Bb, or bb. Any Labrador that inherits a BB or Bb will be black. Dogs that inherit a bb can be chocolate or yellow. Whether they are chocolate or yellow depends on the Ee loci, which can be EE, Ee, or ee. Of these dogs with the bb loci, those that inherit EE or Ee will be chocolate, and those that inherit ee will be yellow. But, those few pups that inherit both bb and ee loci will not only be yellow, but they will also be a Dudley Labrador. So, Dudley Labradors are a natural genetic occurrence, but they are relatively rare. There are also other Labradors that have reduced pigmentation, such as Black Labradors with a chocolate nose. This type of reduced pigmentation is just natural variation within the normal color range of Labradors. Pink Nose Lab All Labradors are born with pink noses. For the majority of Labs, their noses will turn black or brown during the first few weeks of their lives. However, because Dudley Labradors have less melanin, their noses, the rims around their eyes, and their feet stay pink for their entire lives. Dudley Labradors are not albinos, because this lack of pigmentation does not affect every part of their bodies. But Dudley Labradors are not the only pink nose Labs. As Labradors age, the pigmentation in their nose reduces. This pigmentation is produced by an enzyme called tyrosinase, which makes melanin. As this enzyme becomes less effective, their nose can turn pink as they enter their advanced years. This is completely normal and is not anything to be concerned about. This is more likely to happen in colder temperatures, as the enzyme works better in hotter climates. But if a younger Lab, which is not a Dudley, develops a pink nose when they are younger, this can be a sign of a medical problem such as a bacterial infection, allergy, or skin condition. In this case, it is an indication that you should talk to your Vet. Beyond their distinctive nose, Dudley Labradors are no different from any other Labradors. They have the same temperament and intelligence. They also have the same life expectancy and are predisposed to the same medical conditions as other Labradors, but they are not prone to any additional medical issues as a result of their distinctive noses. There has been some recent research into whether the color of Labradors influences their trainability or other behavior; responding to the anecdotal evidence, Chocolate Labradors tend to be more hyperactive, aggressive, and difficult to train. The study found there was no difference in the trainability or intelligence of Labradors based on their color. There is some evidence to suggest that Yellow Labradors, like Dudleys, might be slightly more aggressive towards other dogs than Black and Chocolate Labradors, but the difference seems to be negligible. There have been no specific studies carried out to see if Dudleys are different from other Yellow Labradors in terms of their intelligence and behavior. The one area where Dudley Labradors are different from other Labradors is they are not eligible to be show dogs or breeding dogs. Their pink noses are marked as a fault in the ring, which excludes them from competition. They are also not recognized within the Breed Standard by the Kennel Club. This means that the dog can also not be registered for breeding. From the AKC website: The nose should be black on black or yellow dogs, and brown on chocolates. Nose color fading to a lighter shade is not a fault. A thoroughly pink nose or one lacking in any pigment is a disqualification. So, while Dudley Labradors make an excellent pet for the home, they are excluded from competition and breeding. Dudley Labradors can be bought from all the same places as other types of Labradors, but they are pretty difficult to get hold of. Secondly, knowing the restrictions on Dudley Labradors when it comes to competition and breeding, many breeders will specifically control to exclude Dudley Labradors. If you are desperate to have a Dudley Labrador, you could ask a breeder to attempt to breed one for you. But you should expect to pay a significant premium for this service. You are more likely to find a Dudley Labrador among the litter of a non-professional breeder whose Labrador has become pregnant. If they are selling the pups, they might also want to charge a bit extra for the Dudley, as it is likely to be unique among the litter. So, long story short, actively hunting down a Dudley Labrador can be a challenging process. If your Labrador happens to produce a Dudley in their litter, or you come across a Dudley that needs adopting, they make excellent household pets. Yes, Dudley Labradors are relatively rare as you need a very specific genetic combination to produce a Dudley. Also, many breeders control for this gene and exclude it when creating new pups, as Dudley Labradors are excluded from showing and are also excluded from the breed registry. Dudley Labradors have the same life expectancy as all purebred Labradors , so around twelve years. The genetic quirk that gives Dudley Labradors their pink nose does not have a detrimental impact on their health. Are Dudley Labradors Albino? Like albinos, the pink nose in Dudley Labradors is caused by a lack of melanin, but they are not albino, as this does not affect the other parts of their body, and their skin and hair still contain pigment. Dudley Labradors suffer from all the same health issues as all purebred Labradors, but they are not susceptible to additional health issues as a result of their pink nose. Their nose may be more prone to sunburn than those of other Labradors. For this reason, extra precautions should be taken to avoid developing skin cancer in that area. Dudley Labradors will have light-colored eyes to match their noses, usually blue or teal. Their eyes will never be described as green, as this is not a color recognized for Labradors by the Kennel Club. The only purebred dog recognized as having green eyes is the American Pit Bull Terrier. As Dudley Labradors are considered among Yellow Labradors, Chocolate Labradors are actually the rarest color Labradors, though they do occur almost as frequently as Yellow Labradors. Black Labradors are roughly twice as common as the other two colored Labradors. Anecdotal evidence suggests that Chocolate Labradors are more hyperactive, aggressive, and harder to train than other types of Labradors. But recent research suggests this is not the case and that it is not possible to determine the trainability or character of a Labrador based on color. There is some evidence to suggest that Yellow Labradors might be more aggressive towards other dogs than Brown or Black Labradors, but the variation is too low to be considered highly significant. In fact, one of our puppies that we trained for nearly 2 years was a Dudley. After 2 years of training Dublin became a service dog and worked for another 6 years. In my experience there has not been any noticeable difference in the behavior of a Dudley Labrador vs other Lab colors. Final Thoughts Dudley Labradors are gorgeous Labs that lack pigmentation in their nose, the rims around the eyes, and paws. As a result, they have a pink nose, rather than the black or brown nose that characterizes most Labradors. This is an entirely natural, though slightly more rare genetic occurrence among Labradors. But, for some reason, these special Labradors have been excluded from the competition circuit, and they are also not recognized by the Kennel Club for breeding. But, despite this, these pups, if you come across one, make an excellent family dog. They are just as loving, intelligent, and playful as other Labradors. If you have any experience with Dudley Labradors, please share it with the community using our comments section. 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. Are Dudley Labs Rare? Yes, they are considered rare dogs because they require a specific type of genetic combination to be created. Breeders often prevent this type of Labrador from being created because Dudley Labs are not recognized by most kennel clubs, like the United Kennel Club or the American Kennel Club. They are also excluded from being registered as part of the breed because they are rarely produced. Yes, Dudley Labs make fantastic family dogs, just like any Labrador Retriever. Even though they can be highly active, Labs are a favorite among those looking for all-round dogs. A Dudley Lab is a friendly, outgoing, and active dog. Once properly trained, they would fit inside any home, even one with other pets and young children. They are more than happy to greet new people but will also be protective of their families when the need calls for it. One thing to keep in mind though is that these dogs are active and energetic. They require daily exercise or some form of physical activity to keep them busy; otherwise, they will turn destructive. They have been known to chew on furniture, carpets, and other things in the home when they have a lot of pent-up energy. You can stop them from doing this by giving them a toy they can carry around or chew on their mouth to keep them busy. This lifespan is about the same as any regular Labrador Retriever. As for health issues, a Dudley will suffer the same health problems common among chocolate, black, or yellow Labrador varieties. These include: Hip Dysplasia This is a heritable condition. For the latter, an X-ray will be required for the animal to be diagnosed. This results in a lot of pain for the animal and could lead to stiffening of the joints. The dog will be unable to move or bend the affected joint. This condition usually shows up on dogs as young as four months old. Epilepsy The Dudley Labrador can suffer from epilepsy, causing a mild seizure in the animal. Although it can be horrifying to watch a dog suffer seizures, the prognosis is usually very good. Acute Moist Dermatitis This causes the skin of the animal to become red and inflamed due to a bacterial infection. This skin problem is easy to treat with antibiotics, medicated baths as well as clipping and clearing out the hair in the affected area. Sunburn The only special thing owners need to keep in mind with a Dudley Lab is that they can be prone to sunburn because of the lack of pigmentation on their noses. Never use human sunscreen as it may be toxic to dogs. You can find specialty sunscreen for animals at your vet or pet shops. They are similar to any regular Labrador. Give them enough attention, healthy food, plenty of exercise as well as tons of love, and they will offer you the same devotion and affection in return. Prices for a Dudley Labrador can vary depending on the breeder. When it comes to money spent on a new Dudley Labrador puppy, expect to spend a lot more during the first year than in succeeding years. New dogs will require a lot. This includes new items, vaccinations and more. Again, this amount will vary because the prices and circumstances will be different. Sometimes you could be getting your Dudley for a specific purpose instead of as a regular family pet, and this will mean specialized training or other necessities you would need to spend on. However, you can occasionally find them among Labrador breeders or even in the rescue or adoption system. Here are several breeders you can check out: The Labrador Club — The Labrador Retriever Club is an organization and community dedicated to the Labrador breed. They have a breeder directory sorted by state to make it easier for you to get in touch with possible breeders when looking for a Dudley Lab. Ashland Labradors — A breeder based in Nashville, Tennessee that specializes in breeding Labradors of correct and low-key temperaments and ones that would make fantastic family companions. They are based in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Led by founder Donna Stanley, they specialize in the Labrador Retriever and ensure they are house-trained and with low-key temperaments. Marble Mount Kennels — Based in Greenview, California, this breeder has been in operation for 25 years. They focus on six traits when breeding their Lab puppies: great personality, beautiful looks, high hunting desire, proven pedigree, highly intelligent, and natural pointing instinct. If you prefer to rescue or adopt a Dudley, they do show up in the system. Lab Rescue — A non-profit organization that helps rescue, foster, and find forever homes for abandoned, abused, neglected, or surrendered Labs, particularly in the areas of Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Virginia, and North Carolina. American Lab Rescue — An all-volunteer non-profit, they not only focus on purebred Labrador Retrievers but also Labrador mixes. They focus on helping homeless dogs, whether puppies or adult dogs. Labrador Retriever Rescue of Florida — Started in , this non-profit rescue focuses on rescuing Labradors and placing them in the right homes. Southern Skies Rescue — Not only does this rescue center focus on Labradors but also on other working dog breeds. They rescue these animals from high kill shelters and also taken in owner surrenders and strays. They are based primarily in Huntsville, Alabama. Based in Southern California, they can accommodate adoptions in this area only. The rescue focuses on abandoned or unwanted dogs and features an all-volunteer staff. Finally, always check with quality local breeders or animal shelters in your area to see if they have any Dudley Labradors available. Should You Get a Dudley Lab? A Dudley Labrador is a loving and gentle dog. They have an amazing temperament and will make fantastic pets. Not really. The only similarity the Dudley Labrador has with an albino is the lack of pigmentation around the nose, paws and eye rim areas. This lack of melanin does not affect the skin, fur, or other parts of the body. These areas will still contain pigmentation, so they cannot be classified as albinos. Can a Dudley Lab Compete in Shows? What Is the Rarest Labrador Color? Even if you see them fairly often, the chocolate Labrador is actually the rarest color type among Labradors. Their pink noses make them stand out at first glance, but they carry the same friendly, outgoing, and energetic personality as any other Labrador Retriever. Finally, a Dudley Lab serves as a fantastic family pet thanks to their intelligent and playful personality. These dogs care for their humans and will be a loyal companion to you and your family if you welcome them into your home. My passion for animals started at a very young age as I grow up on a farm with several horses, cows, cats, chickens, and dogs on our property. Glad I did. This trait is recessive, meaning that both parents must carry the gene for it to be expressed in their offspring. While some people may mistake a Dudley Labrador for an albino dog, this is not the case. Albino dogs have a complete lack of pigment throughout their entire body, including their eyes. Dudley Labradors, on the other hand, have normal pigmentation in the rest of their body, but lack it in specific areas. Another way of explaining this is that their natural pigmentation is diluted, but still present. They are just as healthy and friendly as any other Labrador Retriever. However, some breeders may charge more for Dudley Labradors due to their unique appearance. But remember that by rights, breeders should not ask more Dudleys. This is because the color is a fault and even they are disqualified from showing. If breeders ask more for a Dudley, it is part of the trend to ask higher prices for dogs with rare colors, like lemon Beagles , or Lilac French Bulldogs. In conclusion, Dudley Labradors are a fascinating variation of the beloved Labrador Retriever breed. While their pink noses and lighter coat color may set them apart from other Labradors, they are just as lovable and loyal as any other dog. They are known for their pinkish nose and light-colored eyes, which set them apart from other Labradors. The Dudley variation is caused by a recessive gene that affects the production of pigment in the nose and eyes. This gene is present in Labradors, but it is usually masked by other dominant genes that produce a black or brown nose and dark eyes. Dudley Labradors are therefore relatively rare, and their distinctive appearance has made them popular among dog enthusiasts. The history of Dudley Labradors is not well-documented, but it is believed that the first Dudley Labrador was born in the early 20th century. The breed gained popularity in the United States in the s and s, and since then, breeders have worked to preserve and promote the breed. Today, Dudley Labradors are recognized by some kennel clubs, but they are not officially recognized as a separate breed, but it is not a color most Kennel clubs allow for showing. They are still considered to be Labrador Retrievers, but with a unique variation in appearance. Breeders continue to work to produce healthy and well-tempered Dudley Labradors, and the breed remains a popular choice for dog lovers who appreciate their distinctive look. This is due to the lack of melanin, a pigment that gives color to the skin and hair, in the nose and eye areas. While the Dudley gene is rare, the term only applies to yellow Labradors. Some chocolate or black labs may also have a brown or pinkish nose and some people also call these dogs Dudleys, but they are not really. In the picture below you can see a chocolate lab that may be mistaken for a Dudley because of its lighter nose. Remember, breeding two Dudley Labradors together can result in health issues, such as skin cancer, due to the lack of protection from melanin or color dilution alopecia. When it comes to the genetics of Labrador retrievers , the color of their coat is determined by two specific locations on their genes, called loci. There are two important ones to know about: the B loci and the Ee loci. BB or Bb: If the Labrador inherits these combinations, it will be black. EE or Ee: If the Labrador inherits these combinations, and it has bb from the B loci, it will be chocolate. Now, the Dudley Labrador is a special case where the Labrador inherits both bb from the B loci and ee from the Ee loci. This unique combination not only makes the Labrador yellow but also gives it specific characteristics that make it a Dudley Labrador such as a flesh-colored nose instead of a black one. Help Dogs In Need Our blog posts aim to provide comprehensive, accurate, and objective information on all types of dogs, helping our readers make informed choices that fit their lifestyle. We don't endorse any specific breeding practices, but advocate for ethical breeding and dog welfare. We encourage exploring adoption first. Countless wonderful dogs, from all breeds, await their forever homes in shelters. Remember, with AdoptDontShop, you can give a deserving rescue a second chance at happiness. Are all Labradors with Pink Noses Dudleys? The pink nose in a Labrador is often confused with the flesh-colored nose of a Dudley, but they are actually different. Dudley Labrador: As explained earlier, a Dudley Labrador has a flesh-colored nose, lips, eye rims, and feet. This is a genetic trait that comes from inheriting both the bb combination from the B loci and the ee combination from the Ee loci. These specific genetic factors result in a lack of pigmentation in these areas. Age: As some Labradors get older, their noses might lose pigmentation, leading to a lighter or pinkish color. Injury or Illness: An injury to the nose or certain health conditions can also lead to a loss of pigmentation, resulting in a pink appearance. Dudley Labradors are medium to large-sized dogs with a muscular build. They typically weigh between pounds and stand inches tall at the shoulder. Male Dudley Labradors are usually larger than females. Dudley Labradors have a distinct appearance that sets them apart from other Labradors. They have a pink or flesh-colored nose, lips, and eye rims, which are caused by a lack of pigmentation. Their eyes are usually hazel or green, and their coat color can vary from yellow to chocolate. The lack of pigmentation in their nose and lips can cause them to be more prone to sunburn and skin cancer. Coat Type Dudley Labradors have a short, dense, and water-resistant double coat that is easy to maintain. They shed moderately throughout the year but may have heavy seasonal shedding. They require regular brushing to keep their coat healthy and shiny. Bathing should only be done when necessary to avoid drying out their skin. They are eager to please their owners and are very loyal. These dogs are also very intelligent, ranking as the seventh most intelligent dog breed in the world, according to Dr. Studies show that many labs have a variation on the POMC gene which is linked to weight gain and hunger, leading to obesity in some cases. However, this also makes them highly trainable as they have a strong food drive. Studies have shown that Labrador Retrievers have a special affinity for water. In fact, they are often more attracted to water than to social stimuli. A pilot study published in ScienceDirect found that these dogs are more attracted to water than to social stimuli. Chocolate labs were more agitated when ignored and showed more excitability than black labs, and lower trainability and noise fear than both yellow and black labs. Dogs exercised for longer periods showed less aggression, less fear of humans and objects, and lower separation anxiety than dogs that were not as active. In other words, as dilute yellow labs, Dudleys can be some of the most trainable and easy companion dogs, but they may still need a lot of exercise if they come from working dog or gun dog bloodlines. Health and Lifespan Dudley Labradors are generally healthy dogs with an average lifespan of 10 to 12 years. However, like all breeds, they are prone to certain health issues that potential owners should be aware of. One of the most common health concerns in Dudley Labradors is hip and elbow dysplasia, which can cause pain and mobility issues. Obesity is also a concern, as excess weight can exacerbate joint problems and increase the risk of other health issues such as heart problems. Atopic dermatitis, a skin condition that causes itching and inflammation, is another common issue in Dudley Labradors. This can be managed through proper grooming and diet, as well as medication if necessary. Other health issues that can affect Dudley Labradors include various types of cancers, limber tail, myopathy, and CCL Disease. Liver issues like shunts and nasal parakeratosis are also possible. To ensure the best possible health for a Dudley Labrador, it is important to provide them with regular exercise, a healthy diet, and routine veterinary care. Regular check-ups with a veterinarian can help catch and manage any potential health issues early on. Caring for a Dudley Labrador When caring for a Dudley Labrador, it is important to remember that they require the same level of care as any other Labrador Retriever. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to their unique physical characteristics. One thing to note is that Dudley Labradors have a pink nose and light-colored eyes, which makes them more susceptible to sunburn. It is important to apply sunscreen to their nose and provide them with plenty of shade on hot, sunny days. Another thing to keep in mind is their coat. Dudley Labradors have a yellow or cream-colored coat, which can be prone to matting and tangling. Regular grooming, including brushing and bathing, is necessary to keep their coat healthy and shiny. When it comes to exercise, Dudley Labradors are active dogs and require daily exercise to stay healthy and happy. This can include walks, runs, or playing fetch. However, it is important to avoid overexertion, especially in hot weather. In terms of diet, Dudley Labradors require a balanced diet that is appropriate for their age and activity level. It is important to provide them with high-quality dog food and avoid overfeeding, as they can be prone to obesity. Overall, caring for a Dudley Labrador requires attention to their unique physical characteristics, but with proper care and attention, they can live happy and healthy lives. Training and Behavior Dudley Labrador is a highly trainable breed of dog that responds well to positive reinforcement training techniques. They are intelligent, eager to please, and enjoy being given tasks to do. Early socialization and training are essential for Dudley Labradors to become well-behaved, obedient, and happy pets. Dudley Labradors are known for their friendly and outgoing personalities. They are excellent with children and make great family pets. However, they can be overly exuberant and may accidentally knock over small children. It is important to supervise interactions between children and Dudley Labradors to prevent any accidents. Dudley Labradors have a high energy level and require regular exercise to keep them healthy and happy. Daily walks, runs, or playtime in a fenced yard are recommended. They also enjoy activities such as swimming, hiking, and playing fetch. When it comes to training, Dudley Labradors excel in obedience, agility, and retrieving. They have a natural instinct to retrieve and enjoy playing fetch. They are also excellent swimmers and enjoy water activities. Positive reinforcement training techniques such as clicker training, treat training, and praise are effective for Dudley Labradors. In conclusion, Dudley Labradors are highly trainable and make great family pets. Early socialization and positive reinforcement training techniques are essential for them to become well-behaved and obedient. They require regular exercise and enjoy activities such as swimming, hiking, and playing fetch. They are known for their pinkish nose and light-colored coat, which can range from cream to yellow. While they are not recognized as a separate breed by the American Kennel Club, they are still highly sought after by families looking for a friendly and loyal companion. Families who choose a Dudley Labrador as their pet can expect a friendly and affectionate dog that loves to play and cuddle. They are great with children and other pets, making them an ideal family dog. However, it is important to note that Dudley Labradors may be more prone to skin problems and sunburn due to their light-colored coat and pink nose. Therefore, it is recommended that they are kept indoors or in shaded areas during peak sun hours. Dudley Labradors are also known for their intelligence and trainability. They excel in obedience training and are often used as service dogs due to their gentle nature and willingness to please. They are also great at retrieving and can be trained to hunt or participate in dog sports such as agility or flyball. In conclusion, Dudley Labradors are a wonderful choice for families looking for a friendly and loyal companion. While they may require some extra care due to their light-colored coat and pink nose, their intelligence and trainability make them a joy to have as a pet. Dudley Labradors and Other Pets Dudley Labradors are a popular breed of Labrador retrievers, known for their unique pinkish-brown nose and light-colored coat. Dudley Labradors are generally friendly and sociable dogs, making them great companions for other animals. With proper training and socialization, Dudley Labradors can coexist peacefully with other pets in the household. Some pets may be more territorial or aggressive, which could lead to conflicts with the Dudley Labrador. Where to Get a Dudley Labrador Breeders When looking for a Dudley Labrador, it is important to find a reputable breeder who takes good care of their dogs and follows ethical breeding practices. Some reputable breeders to consider include: Labrador Retriever Club: The Labrador Retriever Club is a great resource for finding reputable breeders in your area. They have a breeder referral program that can help you find a breeder who follows ethical breeding practices. They have a list of breeders who have been screened and meet their standards for responsible breeding. They have a breeder referral program that can help you find a breeder who specializes in Dudley Labradors. When choosing a breeder, it is important to ask questions and do your research. These organizations often rescue and rehabilitate Labradors, including Dudleys, and work to place them in loving forever homes. Lab Rescue of the LRCP: A non-profit volunteer organization that rescues, fosters, and finds homes for abused, neglected, and abandoned Labrador Retrievers. More details can be found on their website. Lus Labs: Specializing in rescuing and rehoming Labradors and Labrador mixes, Lus Labs provides a safe and loving environment for dogs in need. You can explore available dogs on their website. American Lab Rescue: Dedicated to connecting Labradors with the right families, American Lab Rescue has a list of available dogs, including potentially Dudleys, on their website. Labrador Retriever Welfare and New Forever Homes Group: This Facebook group serves as a community where individuals can connect to share information about available Labradors, including Dudley Labradors, that are in need of new homes. You can join the group here. These organizations are committed to the welfare of Labradors, and they may be able to help you find a Dudley Labrador to rescue and make part of your family. Conclusion In conclusion, Dudley Labrador is a well-known and highly respected breed of dog. With their friendly and loyal nature, they make excellent family pets and are often used as service dogs due to their intelligence and trainability. Throughout this article, we have explored the history, characteristics, and behavior of Dudley Labradors. From their origins as a variant of the Labrador Retriever breed to their unique coat color, Dudley Labradors have captured the hearts of many dog lovers around the world. It is important to note that while Dudley Labradors may have a different coat color than traditional Labradors, they are still the same breed and should be treated as such. It is also important to note that while they may be in high demand due to their unique appearance, responsible breeding practices should always be followed to ensure the health and well-being of the dogs. In summary, Dudley Labradors are a wonderful breed of dog that make great companions and service animals. With their friendly and loyal nature, they are sure to bring joy to any family that welcomes them into their home. A Dudley Labrador is a Labrador Retriever with a pink or flesh-colored nose and eye rims instead of the typical black coloration. How rare is a Dudley Lab? Dudley Labs are relatively rare, as the pink nose and eye rims are a recessive gene trait. What is the difference between a Labrador and a Dudley Labrador? The primary difference between a Labrador and a Dudley Labrador is the coloration of the nose and eye rims. Labradors typically have black noses and eye rims, while Dudley Labradors have pink or flesh-colored noses and eye rims. Other than this difference, Dudley Labradors are physically and behaviorally similar to other Labradors. However, they may not be eligible for certain conformation shows or breeding programs that prioritize black-nosed Labradors. Are Dudley Labs worth more? There is no definitive answer to this question, as the value of a Dudley Labrador can vary depending on factors such as age, health, training, and pedigree. However, it is generally not considered a desirable trait for breeding or showing purposes, which may affect the perceived value of Dudley Labradors. Can I breed a Dudley Labrador? Yes, Dudley Labradors can be bred, but it is important to note that the pink nose and eye rims are a recessive gene trait. This means that breeding two Dudley Labradors together can result in a higher likelihood of producing puppies with health issues or other genetic defects. It is recommended to breed Dudley Labradors with black-nosed Labradors to reduce the risk of these issues. Final Thoughts Dudley Labrador is a beloved breed of dog that has captured the hearts of many people around the world. Throughout this article, we have explored the various characteristics and traits that make Dudley Labradors stand out from other breeds. We have learned about their unique coat color, their love for swimming and retrieving, and their intelligence and trainability. Potential owners should be prepared to provide their furry friend with plenty of physical and mental stimulation to ensure they remain happy and healthy. In conclusion, Dudley Labradors are a fantastic choice for anyone looking for a loyal and loving companion. They are intelligent, friendly, and playful, making them an excellent addition to any household. With proper care and attention, Dudley Labradors can make wonderful pets that will bring joy and happiness to their owners for years to come Tamsin De La Harpe Author Tamsin de la Harpe has nearly two decades of experience with dogs in rescue, training, and behavior modification with fearful and aggressive dogs. She has worked closely with veterinarians and various kennels, building up extensive medical knowledge and an understanding of canine health and physiology. She also spent two years in the animal sciences as a canine nutrition researcher, focusing on longevity and holistic healthcare for our four-legged companions. Tamsin currently keeps a busy homestead with an assortment of rescue dogs and three Bullmastiffs. Got Questions? Breeding Labrador puppies with reduced pigment. Labrador Pigmentation Genetics All puppies are born with bright pink noses, which usually become darker in color over the first few weeks of their lives. A few yellow Labradors noses will remain the same pink color, some other noses will darken but only to a light brown shade, others will become completely black. The melanin in the nose cells will depend upon the genes that your puppy has inherited from his parents. Yellow Labrador noses come in a variety of shades, from pink, to brown, to black. Yellow Labradors will have one of three possible gene combinations in order to be yellow. Resulting in a darker color being shown on the skin. A Labrador with eebb will have a brown or paler nose. The tone of this nose will depend upon the shading of colors in their parents genetic backgrounds. It is possible to have adult dogs DNA tested, to find out whether they carry the right genes to produce Dudley puppies. Some show Labrador breeders will have this test carried out as a lack of pigmentation in yellow Labs is marked as a fault in the show ring. Beautiful Jack, the pale nosed Dudley Lab. Photo kindly provided by his loving owner, Rachel York. But many Labrador noses turn pink when they advance in years. This process is known as depigmentation and is quite common and not usually a cause for concern. When the yellow Lab is younger he will have a black nose and dark rims around his eyes. But as he ages and his coat begins to turn a little white in places, he may also lose pigment in his nose. Tyrosinase becomes less effective as your dog grows old. However, you may find that the fading of his nose is less noticeable in the warmer weather as the pigment producing enzyme works better in the heat. If your Lab cuts her nose, the resulting scar might be pink and not black or brown. Dudley Labradors are no different to their dark nosed Labrador friends. However, if you are going to buy a Dudley Lab puppy then you will need to be aware of a couple of things. Low pigmentation is linked to sunburn due to increased UV sensitivity. This is not a big deal if you live in a mild climate, and you can discuss with your veterinarian how to help your dog to reduce the chances of burning on those occasionally hot summer days. The show ring also penalises yellow Labradors for their pale noses, eye rims and feet. However, if you are looking for a loving family pet or working dog then a Dudley Labrador can make just as much of a wonderful companion and hard working friend as any other Labrador Retriever. Are you wondering what a Dudley Labrador is? A Dudley Labrador is a unique-looking Lab that has a slightly different coat color than the traditional black, yellow, and chocolate Labs. Dudley Labradors are not uncommon, but they are fairly rare. They were first bred in the late s and have since become popular with Lab lovers looking for something a little different. Although they do not have any specific health concerns, their unusual coloring means that potential owners should be aware of the fact that their coat is more prone to sunburn than traditional black or chocolate Labs. We also cover some important facts about owning a Dudley Labrador, including what to look for when choosing one and how to care for them once you bring them home. Keep reading to learn more about this distinctive breed! A Dudley is a rare outcome among the several possible breeding combinations that might result from Labrador breeding. Regular yellow Labs are born with pink noses, but very quickly after birth, they start to change color. Even though Dudley Labs are classified as yellow Labs, they are still considered purebred Labrador Retrievers. Unfortunately, Dudley Labs cannot currently be categorized as show dogs. They are robust, muscular canines ranging from medium to huge. Men typically weigh 65 to 80 pounds, but women typically weigh 55 to 70 pounds. Male canines can reach heights of .Dudley Labradors have a broad skull, solid cheeks, and a powerful muzzle. They also have even-sized noses that are black in color, while others have pink noses. The muzzle is slightly pointed at the tip and becomes broader toward the eyes. Their thick, full tail is carried level with their back and has sleek fur on them. They have straight, short, thick coats. They are protected from water, cold temperatures, and various types of ground cover by soft, weather-resistant undercoats. Labradors were the typical Newfoundland water dogs used as duck retrievers. They often went out on boats with fishermen, retrieving the fish that fell off the trawl. Their coats helped them to stay buoyant and warm in the cold waters. These tails helped them fulfill their primary function of retrieving better by acting as strong rudders when swimming. Dudleys also tend to be very loyal and protective of their families, but they are not usually aggressive toward strangers. Dudley Labs are excellent family pets and make great companions for active families. They may be a bit slower to mature than other Labradors, but they usually reach full physical and mental maturity around the age of two or three. Due to their intelligence, Dudley Labs can also be taught various useful tasks. Some are even trained to be service animals for those with physical disabilities. According to a UK study, Labrador Retrievers have an average life expectancy of 12 years. The survey also revealed that cancer and musculoskeletal conditions are the most typical killers of this dog breed. Although it looks excessively brief, it is typical for canines of their size. Larger dogs typically live less time than smaller dogs. The oldest Labrador known to humans was 19 years old. Also, have regular vet check-ups and take them to get vaccinated as needed. Health Concerns The health of the dog as a whole is unaffected by the Dudley nose. The same health problems that affect other Labrador Retrievers can also affect Dudley Labs. Although they are more prone to sunburns due to their lack of pigmentation, this could be a severe issue for dogs living in warmer climates because prolonged sun exposure increases their risk of skin cancer in later life. To protect their delicate noses in the summer, keep your Dudley Lab puppy out of the direct sunlight and apply dog sunscreen. Like all dogs, regular veterinarian visits are also important to ensure that you can address any underlying health problems early on. Obesity, ear, and joint issues are the most prevalent ailments afflicting Labrador Retrievers. Because they are driven by food, labs are more likely to be obese than other dog breeds. The likelihood that the dog will develop metabolic and respiratory illnesses, bone issues, arthritis, and heart and liver disorders increases with weight. When they are pleading with you for more food, it may be difficult to say no to their gorgeous expressions, but you must be strong and tell them when enough is enough. They are unique and special little pups that need extra care to stay happy, healthy, and active. Sunburn and hyperkeratosis are the two conditions they frequently experience due to their sensitivity and lack of pigmentation. The skin ailment hyperkeratosis causes pink noses and paws because it produces too much keratin. The skin becomes thicker and harder, eventually cracking and developing various illnesses. To maintain the smoothness and ensure the protection of the lovely pink nose, you should get an excellent nose balm. Additionally, spending money on paw balm is necessary, which will shield labs from infections and skin diseases. Taking them for walks and hikes is a great way to give them the physical activity they need. Playing fetch, Frisbee, or other games with your pup is also a great way to have fun while encouraging them to move and burn off energy. Positive reinforcement is usually the most effective way to train them and help establish a strong bond between you and your pup. Regular training can also help strengthen their problem-solving skills and allow them to learn useful tricks. A combination of high-quality dry or wet dog food and fresh vegetables and fruits should make up the bulk of their diet. Always provide them with clean water throughout the day and check that their food has all of the necessary nutrients for their age, size, and activity level. Dudley Labrador Retrievers are special and unique dogs that need a little more care and attention than other breeds. With proper nutrition, exercise, grooming, and training, your Dudley Lab will be a wonderful companion for many years to come. However, they can also be quite spirited, so their training needs to be consistent and patient. Start basic obedience training as soon as you bring your Dudley puppy home, and use positive reinforcement whenever possible. Teach your pup the basic commands such as sit, stay, come and leave it. Be patient and consistent while training your pup, and reward them with treats or toys when they understand a command. You can also use games to keep them engaged and entertained while they learn. Socialization is also important for Dudley Labs and should start from an early age. Introduce them to different people, other animals, and new environments so that they become comfortable with them. Dudley Labrador Retrievers are wonderful companions that need consistent training and love to be around people. With patience and dedication, you can have a happy and well-trained Dudley Labrador Retriever. A: Many Labradors have a liver-colored nose that is unique to their breed. The darkness of the liver-colored nose can range from light brown to almost black, depending on the individual dog. However, Dudley Labradors typically have pink noses due to a lack of pigment. Q: Does a black Labrador have a higher risk of health issues? A: Black Labradors generally have the same risk of developing health problems as colored Labradors. However, some studies have shown that black Labradors may be more prone to certain conditions, such as hip dysplasia and eye problems. Q: What Labrador has a brown nose and a black nose? A: Most Labradors have black noses, but some may have brown noses. In particular, Dudley Labradors are known for having a pink nose due to a lack of pigment. Some Labradors may also have white markings on their noses which is another unique trait of the breed. Q: Can a golden retriever and a Labrador have puppies together? A: Yes, golden retrievers and Labradors can produce offspring. However, the puppies may not be purebred, and it is usually not recommended as there can be health risks associated with a cross-breed. Q: Can I use paw pads for teaching my Labrador Retriever? A: Yes, you can use paw pads for training your Dudley Lab. They are a great tool to help teach basic commands as well as tricks. Additionally, paw pads are a great way to keep your pup entertained and help build their confidence in new situations. Q: What breed standard should I look for when buying a Dudley Lab? This includes a broad chest, strong legs and feet, a short coat that is thick and glossy, a pink nose, and a well-proportioned body. Additionally, Dudley Labs should have an even temperament and be excellent with children. Final Words Dudley Labrador Retrievers are fantastic pets for families and individuals alike. With their intelligence, loyalty, and friendly disposition, they make wonderful companions. However, it is important to be patient and consistent when training a Dudley Lab and give them lots of love and attention. With the right care and training, your Dudley Lab will be a loyal and loving companion for years to come. Please read our description and rules before posting your pictures. This group is open to the public and does not require an invite. For those of you that have never heard of a Dudley Labrador let us explain. A Dudley Labrador or liver-nosed yellow is one that has a lack of or light pigmentation on the nose, eyes, muzzle, and eye rims. Normally, a yellow Labrador will have black pigmentation on these areas, but Dudleys do not. It is a somewhat rare genetic trait that affects only yellow Labradors. This is not the same condition that creates a "snow nose" or "winter nose" where the originally black pigment will fade from the nose as the dog ages. For more information on Dudley Labradors please click below: www. Photos posted should be of yellow Labradors with light brown liver or pink pigmentation on the face and light brown, green or yellow eyes. Other dogs in the photos are fine, but there should be at least one Dudley in the photo. Chocolate Labradors, even though they can have the same pigmentation as a Dudley, are not considered Dudley Labradors. Yellow Labradors only. Please only post Labradors that have light pigmentation completely. If photos of dogs other than true Dudley Labradors are posted they will be deleted. Flickr's rules strictly prohibit using your account for commercial purposes of any kind. See Flickr's Community Guidelines for information. Rules: 1.

Here are some things to consider: Size Do you want a big or a small golden? Sex Do you want a male or a female? Style Or a stocky, blocky-headed golden retriever? Color Do you want a dark gold or red golden , a cream-colored golden , or something more in the middle? Personality Do you want a calm golden or more of an energetic one? Nobody will be able to tell you what you want out of a dog but yourself. Consider your lifestyle, home, whether or not you have kids , what you like to do on the weekend, etc. If you want to get a good feel for what a puppy will be like, look at their parents. Temperament and health are hereditary and no puppy test or observation will be as accurate as what their parents are like. So that being said, pick a good breeder that is breeding dogs that resemble what you want. There are two important things here: Talk to the breeder and tell them what you want Observe the puppies and look for the puppy that resembles what you want Talk To The Breeder The breeder has spent the last eight weeks with the puppies and knows them best. By telling them what you want they can help you decide the right one for you. But assuming the decisions lays in your hands, this next section will help you out. Selecting A Puppy From The Litter When we went to pick our puppy from the litter we knew exactly what we wanted: a big, calm, sweet boy. He had probably worn himself out trying to impress them because two days later we were wondering what happened to that calm puppy as a fluffy little tornado was tearing around our apartment! Are they submissive? This might give you some insight into their personality. Take note of their energy levels. Consider how your puppy interacts with people. How are they with you, whoever is with you, and the breeder? Are they fearful? A friendly dog will be outgoing and interested in you. Toss your keys or a toy. Put the puppy on their back. Either cradle them in your arms on their back, or roll them on their back on the floor. A dominant pup may squirm a lot, but a well-adjusted pup should calm down shortly. They should be ok with being handled. Shoutout to Vet Street for a few of the tips above. In addition to choosing the right puppy, you also want to choose a healthy puppy. Now even if you have your checklist and run each pup through these tests, it may all go out the window if a puppy picks you. But as we tried to give each puppy a chance and interact with all of them, Oliver kept coming back to my wife and nuzzling his nose into her to tell her that he was the one. Conclusion When picking a puppy you first want to decide what you want. Then pick a breeder that breeds dogs that resemble what you want. When it comes to actually picking the puppy from the litter, talk to the breeder about it and try to see which puppies match up with what you want. However, know that puppies may be different than how they initially appear. And finally, you might not even need to worry about picking the right puppy because the right puppy just might pick you. Have any questions about picking a golden retriever puppy from the litter? Let me know in the comments below! And if you know someone who is about to pick up a puppy, please share this with them! Related articles:. However, picking the right puppy from a litter can be overwhelming and stressful. So, what is the easiest way to pick a golden retriever puppy from a litter? An excellent way to see how your potential puppy will turn out is to take a look at his parents. Most importantly, ask the breeder a lot of questions before adopting. This article may contain affiliate links and loyalgoldens may earn a commission if a purchase is made. Unlock your goldens natural intelligence and see just how quickly problem behaviors disappear. This is the best at home dog training I've ever used! A responsible breeder is your best bet for a healthy puppy. A dog breeder like this will cut corners and overbreed in order to get as many viable Golden retriever pups to sell to unsuspecting puppy buyers as possible. Even if the price for a golden retriever puppy appears to be less initially, the potential long-term health and behavioral problems involved with a puppy from a genetically unhealthy litter will quickly surpass the cost of a puppy from a good breeder. Some of the best ways to find a quality golden retriever puppy breeder is to get referrals from your local veterinarian, a good friend, or a local golden retriever club. You can also find an excellent golden retriever breeder by attending professional dog shows. When you look each puppy over, you want to look specifically at their eyes, coat, build, and skin. Look at their eyes. They should look focused and clear. You want to keep an eye out for any golden retriever puppies that rub their eyes or appear to struggle with their vision, such as squinting. Touch their coat. The coat of your new perfect puppy should be shiny and healthy. Examine their build. Take a look at the overall shape of each puppy. Check to see if they are favoring one foot more than another foot. These could be signs of a more serious health issue. Check their skin. You want to keep an eye out for any flaky skin or skin with bald patches. Look for redness or signs of irritation. There are also instances when a puppy with anxiety will chew or scratch at their skin until the fur falls off. Things to look for when choosing a puppy from a litter. Even the runts are going to be bigger than a lot of other breeds. Many people wonder if the runt of the litter is a good choice when choosing a golden retriever. The runts are typically the pups who are weaker and smaller than the others in their litter. The mother produces the nutrients the litter needs to survive. The runts will be at greater risk of having weaker immune systems and getting infections. Choosing a medium-sized puppy will reduce your chances of getting a runt, an overeater, or a bully overly dominant pup. When it comes to temperament and size, there are differences between females and males. The most significant difference is going to be their size. A male dog will get slightly longer and taller than females, but they will also weigh more. There are also small differences in their faces. They can also come across as more territorial, but this is a very slight difference as well. While the females will still love you unconditionally, the males will be twice as doting and loving. Watch the way each member of the litter interacts with the others. This will tell you how your puppy will react to the other dogs or animals in your home. Extremely shy puppies may not have been socialized well so far, and could grow up to become distrustful dogs that are full of anxieties. Speak with the breeder or the owner of the litter. Ask them tons of questions about how socialized the puppies have been with other dogs and pets so far in their young lives. Make Sure the Golden Retriever Puppy Is the Correct Age Golden retriever puppies should stay with their mothers for eight weeks before being adopted and taken home. As mentioned earlier, the mothers produce vital nutrients that a new puppy needs to survive. If the puppy is taken away too soon, it puts them at greater risk of infections and other complications. It can also increase their anxiety, aggression and make them over-protective of their toys and food. Discover how to train your Golden Retriever by playing games : 21 games to play with your Golden that will make them smarter and better behaved! Before seeing the litter, research what a golden retriever puppy of eight weeks looks like. It will vary depending on the dog, but this will help you establish a clear idea of what the puppies will look like when you see the litter. The size and temperament of the parents are passed down to their offspring. What is the temperament of the parents? How does the puppy in question behave around dogs outside their litter? What kind of food are the puppies used to eating? Have the puppies all been dewormed? Are the puppies socialized with other animals besides dogs, such as cats or birds? Summary Adopting a puppy is a significant milestone for a family. How will we ever decide? Our Selection Process If you have ever chosen a puppy from a breeder, you were probably given a thirty-minute time slot, a pile of ten puppies and no behavior or temperament information. You likely chose your puppy based on color or gender, or both. You might have chosen the first puppy who came up to you, the puppy lying by himself over in the corner, or the puppy who kept crawling into your lap. Maybe you chose the runt because you felt sorry for her. Every single puppy has a purpose. Some dogs are meant to hunt or search, others are meant to perform valuable tasks, and still others are meant to offer comfort. Most dogs are meant for lifelong companionship. Service dogs and therapy dogs serve very different purposes. The testing and selection process for each is different, as is the training. A dog can never truly be a family pet AND a service dog. A therapy dog can never be an emotional support animal and a family pet, because an ESA is bonded to one person while a family pet divides his time with various family members or friends. Candidates for our therapy and service dog programs are chosen first We do not consider gender or color when temperament testing or placing dogs into our programs We can not control the number of puppies in a litter, nor the number of males and females in a litter. We usually take three male deposits and three female deposits prior to the birth of the litter. Once the litter is born and we know how many puppies we have, we accept additional deposits. We follow a puppy protocol from the day puppies are born, exposing them to different sounds and surfaces. We hold them in different positions and we move them around increasingly. We work with their pressure points and we use essential oils to relax and stimulate them. We construct these profiles based on observed behaviors during weeks such as barking, growling, shyness, food assertiveness, independence, maturity, patience, motivation. Temperament testing occurs during week 6. If the family with the third deposit on the list wants a pet, we will suggest the puppy ies that most closely match their family profile. If the puppy they wanted was selected by the family with the first deposit, they may then move to their second choice. A family who makes the LAST deposit in a litter may not get their first choice, however we do our very best to accommodate everyone. While families may have a color or gender preference, we suggest being open-minded and willing to consider the puppy with the temperament that best fits you and your needs. We do our best to get the right puppy for you, and we are unable to allow a family to wait until pick up day to select a puppy. Above everything, we must ask our families to trust us during this process. Our experience with goldens and goldendoodles, and the relationships we have with our families, have made us what we are today. If you do not feel comfortable with the selection process, please seek another breeder. By placing a deposit, you are agreeing with our testing and selection process. Your deposit is non-refundable, but it may be forwarded to a future litter. The selection process differs from those of other breeders and priority is given to our program. We make every effort to match puppies which best fit family profiles that are submitted in online puppy applications. We cannot determine the number of puppies or the number of males and females in a litter. When necessary, placement decisions will be made according to the order in which deposits are received. You love me when I am not lovable. You find me in the darkness. You keep my secrets and lick my tears. You teach me to live like someone left the gate open. But simply picking a Golden Retriever from the litter might not be quite as easy as it seems, remember, this pooch would be with you for the rest of its life, so you have to be sure that the Golden Retriever pup you are selecting is just right for you and your family. There are a lot of things to consider, and lots of questions to be answered: What color should I pick? What temperament would I want? Should I pick a male or female Golden Retriever? Lots of questions that require answers. Your experience with the beautiful Golden Retriever should be enjoyed. First off, is Golden Retriever the right dog for you? I assume that you probably did a lot of research on the Golden Retriever breed before picking a reputable breeder to patronize or work with. The Golden Retriever is quite energetic and clingy, and as such does require a lot of time and attention. It requires a lot of exercises to keep from being destructive and for an adult Golden Retriever, an average of hours would be required daily to properly exercise the breed. And for those allergic to dogs or dog coats, the Golden Retriever might not be the best breed for you. This is because the Golden Retriever is a moderate to heavy shedder during shedding season. You might want to consider a Labrador Retriever, checkout our comparison for more detail: Golden Retriever Vs. When trying to decide what sort of Golden Retriever is best for you, answers to these questions would be needed. Male or Female Golden Retriever? This sort of decision might be quite easy for some and incredibly difficult for others. This is because to some, any gender is good enough they have no preferences , while for the rest, specific reasons or purposes could cause them to favor a particular Golden Retriever gender over the other. Both the male and female Golden Retrievers are very lively and equally playful at this stage of their lives. The only slight difference, however, that might occur or might be noticeable between both breeds might be size, as the male Golden Retriever is only slightly bigger or larger than the female when looking at the same litter. As both Golden Retrievers approach their individual sexual maturity, you might begin to notice a lot more differences. A lot of generalization is done between both, the male and female genders of the Golden Retriever breed. Some might say that the male Golden Retriever is a lot more hyperactive and could be harder to train than the female Golden Retriever, or that the female Golden Retriever matures quite faster than the male Golden Retriever, but again, these are all generalizations and speculations. Another popular generalization or myth is that the female Golden Retriever is a lot more independent and affectionate than the male Golden Retriever, again, it could still just be a myth. What Size of the Golden Retriever should I pick? As we already stated earlier, the gender of the Golden Retriever has a huge impact on the size of the Golden Retriever. Golden Retriever males are bigger than Golden Retriever females when comparing two Golden Retrievers from the same litter. What style of the Golden Retriever should I go with? Deciding on what Golden Retriever style you would like is equally important. Are you looking for an athletic Golden Retriever or a slim Golden Retriever, or are you in search of a more stocky and blocky-headed Golden? What Color of Golden Retriever should I go with? Of course, the Golden Retriever has a variety of different coat colors that you could be interested in. Some of these colors are; red-gold or dark gold, or perhaps, maybe a cream-colored Golden Retriever. Either way, there are some interesting Golden Retriever colors to choose from. What sort of personality should I look for? This is yet another decision that can only be made by you. The personality of the Golden Retriever you choose is quite important, so you definitely need an answer to this question. Are you looking for an energetic Golden Retriever dog or a calmer and more gentle companion? You might be searching for a friendly and outgoing Golden Retriever or perhaps a shy or reserved Golden Retriever. The breeder should know them best, being that they have spent approximately 8 weeks with the puppies. The breeder should be able to tell in each litter which of the Golden Retriever puppies is more dominant, which is shy, which is, which barks a lot, which is calmer, and of course, which of the Golden Retriever pups is most energetic. So, by simply telling him what exactly you are looking for in a Golden Retriever, he should be able to make helpful suggestions and recommendations. This is quite common in breeders today, they usually do the picking for you based on the requests and information you give them, which I personally feel is better. These 6 tips would be quite beneficial in deciding which Golden Retriever puppy is best for you. Does it dominate the other Golden Retriever puppies or is it a more submissive puppy? Try to notice the energy levels of each Golden Retriever pup A great way to figure out the temperament of a Golden Retriever pup would be by checking out their energy levels. A Golden Retriever pup that spends half its time barking and the other half running around is a clear indication that it is anything but calm. Notice how your chosen pup reacts or interacts with people In addition to watching how your pup reacts with other littermates, you also have to watch how they react with people. When you interact with them, how do they react, also watch their interaction with the breeder and basically strangers? Do they react in a curious manner? Are they quite fearful? Or are they the outgoing and friendly type that seems to be quite interested in interacting with humans? Try tossing a toy or your keys at the pup This is a great way to identify how alert your Golden Retriever puppy really is. Once you toss your keys or a toy at the pup, try to notice how quickly your Golden Retriever reacts to it. Does your pup run after it? Or does it follow the toy or keys with its eyes? Try putting the Golden Retriever pup on its back As you pick and cradle the Golden Retriever pup, you could try placing it on its back while in your arms or placing it on its back while on the floor. For a dominant Golden Retriever pup, it should squirm or struggle a bit, while for a more submissive and calmer puppy, it should also struggle for a bit but shortly relax. Try Caressing your Golden Retriever puppy You could try caressing your chosen Golden Retriever pup by gently rubbing its ears, tails, paws, and mouth. A calm Golden Retriever puppy should be cool with it. Note: Be sure to check the health of your chosen pup before choosing. Also, your Golden Retriever might pick you. This is not new, as some dog owners have shared their various experiences. Some pups could run up to you all sweetly and cute looking for a cuddle, some could pee on you while others might even go as far as peeing on you, but all in all, when a puppy picks you, you would know. Final Thoughts Picking a Golden Retriever puppy that is just right for you and your family is not an easy task, but it is quite important as this dog would be with you for a huge part of its life. So do ensure you stay attentive when choosing. Ensure that your chosen pup is quite healthy, ensure they are well tested and strong. Following all the steps listed above should be enough to help you when selecting a Golden Retriever pup. In all you do, please ensure that you shower your new Golden Retriever with so much love and care. Drink a lot of water, eat well and of course, always stay devoted to dogs. While the puppy mills and commercial breeders almost always have puppies available and will let you take your pick, the people you really want to buy from are the hobby breeders who are breeding for themselves. Hobby breeders are always looking for great homes for dogs but they sometimes cannot let you know until the puppies are about 8 weeks old who is available. And the good breeders often have waiting lists. My comment to people who are puppy shopping is that if you can walk in and get a puppy, be alarmed. The AKC has a breeder list on its website but you should be advised that there are no criteria for quality used by AKC or most other websites. The Golden Retriever Club of America grca. So the standards may vary but there are standards. It's a good place to start. Go to some dog shows or obedience trials and watch people to see how they interact with their dogs. Plan to talk to multiple breeders to choose the one whose values are in line with yours. If the people you meet are not people you want to have a 12 plus year relationship, then keep looking. Because when you buy a dog from a reputable breeder you are entering into a relationship. This dog will live with you and your family for many many years. This is not a decision to take lightly. Indian Trail Golden Retrievers breedings produce a sweet and loving disposition in a puppy. We breed for conformation, as well as personality. We take special care in matching our stud dogs with our dams to produce beautiful, healthy, and long lived dogs. A Golden Retriever puppy should have bright eyes, a thick lush coat, a black wet nose, and clean ears. A puppy should have several puppy shots and be wormed by the time they are ready to go to their new homes. A Golden Retriever puppy should have both parents cleared by OFA for elbow, hip, eyes, and also have a heart clearance. These are weaknesses in Golden Retrievers created by over breeding and breeding too closely. Regardless of what you want your puppy to be- an obedience dog, a show dog, or a loving pet, you as a buyer need to make sure that the breeder follows strict breed guidelines. At Indian Trail Golden Retrievers, located in Connecticut, we take extra care to have all our breeding dogs screened and cleared for any possible health or hereditary problems, which will provide new puppy owners the best puppy available. Your puppy should reflect your family. Active families should choose an active and outgoing puppy that will thrive in a busy household. A puppy needs plenty of activity, and your puppy should be inquisitive, playful, and not shy. All new puppy families should plan to bring their puppy to puppy classes, it is as important for the owners as for the puppy. The investment in puppy school will reap endless benefits. Consistency in training, both for the owners and the pup, will make your pet expedience most fulfilling. Each puppy has an individual personality, and the fact that our puppies are home raised, helps us match pups with their prospective families. We have found that many pups choose their new families. Puppies just love children, and the bond will last for your dogs life. Remember that puppies are puppies, and they will pull on shirts, pants, hands, and your house will have to be puppy-proofed before you new puppy arrives. Puppies will be teething. They will need plenty of chew toys. Puppies will chew furniture, toys, shoes, whatever they are allowed to chew. Damage to your belongings is not the puppies fault, but the owners. Training and correct confinement, such as crating when they are not with you, will help to give a positive experience. Plan to spend time with your puppy. They will require a lot of exercise. The more positive activity you give your puppy, the less time and energy they will have to get into trouble. Our puppies love to retrieve. We take hikes, and just spend time outdoors playing tug of war. Consider how an Indian Trail Golden Retriever puppy will complete your family. This could cost you thousands of dollars in medical bills down the road. On the other hand, when you buy the animal from a licensed Golden Retriever breeder, you can pick out your future puppy with confidence. Not only will proof of his pedigree show that your breeder is certified, but it will also verify that your puppy is a true Golden Retriever. The best puppy breeders take pride in providing healthy dogs through careful genetic research. They should be so confident in their work that they offer you a health guarantee , which will tell you what to do if your puppy faces any unforeseen health issues. Since breeders are there from the day the puppies and their parents! And picking the right pet for your family starts with finding a breeder you can trust. No matter how nice they seem or how attractive their website looks, you should always do a little bit of research before choosing a Golden Retriever breeder. Here are important points that all breeders should address: Image Source Does the breeder give back to the breed? Breed preservation should be the primary goal of Golden Retriever breeders. They should participate in keeping the species alive through membership at a Golden Retriever breed dog club, a performance club, or an obedience club. What type of experience does the breeder have? Do they stay true to the pure genetic traits of the breed? Do they provide health screenings and health guarantees? Can you meet the puppies and parents in person? How many litters do the females have each year? Female Golden Retrievers can have up to two litters per year. However, breeders who follow ethical practices will only allow the females to have four to six litters in their lifetime. A female can breed between the ages of two and eight. Once you choose a breeder that seems like a good fit for you and your family, you should write up some questions to ask them. And in return, expect some questions about you, your lifestyle, and your home! One of the first things any breeder you inquire about should provide is a list of former buyers. Reviews posted online are one thing, but being able to talk with customers directly speaks volumes about the legitimacy of the breeder. When you speak with their former customers, ask questions about their buying experience and how their dog is doing years after purchase. Puppies should receive some level of preventative care that is appropriate for their age. Newborn puppies up to eight weeks old should stay with their mothers, but they will also receive their first round of core vaccines during these few weeks. They should have a yearly examination by a licensed veterinarian that will perform vaccines, flea, tick, and heartworm prevention, as well as general health checkups. A reputable, passionate breeder will be more than happy to receive updates and questions about their puppies well into adulthood. With that being said, the breeder should also provide a health guarantee. A health guarantee states that you are not financially liable for any genetic issues in the puppy, as long as the health condition is verified by a certified veterinarian. This is an essential point that you might not think twice about. A good Golden Retriever breeder will ask questions to determine if your household is a good fit for their puppy. Image Source 1 Why do you want a dog? This is a simple yet important question that you should have an answer to. Golden Retriever breeders that dedicate their livelihood to continuing the pure genetic bloodline will want to know what appeals to you about these energetic companions. Additionally, the breeder might ask who will be walking, feeding, and playing with the dog. Golden Retriever puppies require tons of attention, especially during the first two years of their lives. If the breeder asks this, they want to know how your children will be participating in the handling of the puppy. They also want to understand how you plan to introduce the puppy to other pets so they can coexist safely within the same home. No matter how nice a breeder may seem, you want to avoid accidentally contributing to backyard breeders or a puppy mill disguised as a reputable breeder. Doing so can cost you thousands of dollars in medical bills and years of potential heartbreak. Here are some of the most critical and obvious warning signs of an untrustworthy breeder. Less experienced breeders will charge on the lower end, and more experienced breeders usually with generations of pure genetic proof! Additionally, some of the best breeders will only sell trained puppies to ensure their pooches are family- and forever-home ready. Therefore, you should receive standard documentation upon adopting your new Golden Retriever puppies, such as care instructions, registration papers, vaccination records, and necessary contracts. The contract may also state that you agree to surrender the puppy instead of adopting him out to a shelter or the pound. Some warranties will say that the breeder should have the right to reclaim the puppy in an unexpected situation like this. If you do ask for references, and they give you a list of written reviews instead of contact information for former clients, this is a red flag. A refusal for a tour means that the breeder knows potential clients may be turned away by the environment. If you are invited to tour a facility, learn about what a professional kennel should look and smell like first. The bottom line is, you need to do plenty of research.

Puppy food is high in protein and basic nutrients and as such will help your dog gain that much needed weight. You might choose to begin feeding your pregnant pooch puppy food when you discover her pregnancy or if you know that your dog is prone to weight fluctuations, you might decide to wait until weeks before its whelping the birth. Moreover, you should choose the puppy chow that you plan on feeding your puppies. This will make it easier for the puppies to transition to puppy food — in terms of their overall health and more specifically their GI balance. Begin when they turn 3 weeks old. Over the next 2 to 3 weeks, you'll feed them puppy food more and more and they'll nurse less and less. Do not rush weaning for any puppies that are slow to eat on their own. This can lead to malnourishment. It's better to let them continue to nurse from their mother and slow the puppy weaning process a bit. Most likely, if you place the puppy in front of its food, it will eat it. Some puppies, on rare occasions, may resist eating the puppy chow. Simply pick up the puppy and place it in front of its food. Do this once or twice. Eventually, your puppy will chow down on the food. Start by separating the puppies from their mother for 1 hour, 2 or 3 times a day. Take the mother to another part of the yard or house. Leave the puppies with their food bowls. During the weaning process, monitor their health. Make sure that they are gaining weight equally. Check for vomit and diarrhea. Consult your veterinarian if any problems or questions arise. As with all the other steps, the key is gradual change. This will help her digestive system cope with the change and it will continue to give her milk the nutrients of the puppy chow. Over the next couple of weeks, switch her entirely back to her normal adult dog food. At around 7 weeks old your puppy should be completely weaned. They should also be eating dry puppy food and drinking water. Below is baby english bulldog puppies week by week. Variables such as temperature, air movement, and nutrient intake must be tightly controlled. Puppies are kept separate from their mother to ensure they are not laid on nor neglected. Your English Bulldog Baby at this age, most often do not have their eyes open yet. Instead they rely on their sense of hearing to know where their mom is and the other littermates. Week 3 The third week of life is a big week as major, physical development and progress are made during this week. The baby bulldogs should begin cracking their eyes open and begin developing their new found eyesight. Increased visibility adds a small level of independence that is certainly appreciate. The young puppies are now able to locate their mother and nurse more consistently on their own. During this week, we most often make the decision to leave the litter with their mother permanently. Mom will take on the responsibility of not only nursing the puppies but also cleaning up after them. This also means we are able to get a full night of sleep! What do we look for in a good Bulldog mother? Bulldog mom has to have a genetically clean pedigree history. We make sure each bulldog line that we produce has the best chance to stay healthy and happy. Bulldog mom has to have a great personality. We demand that all the bulldogs we own are extremely confident and great with both children and other pets. Breeding bulldogs with great personalities is very important as many social traits are passed from the parents to the baby. Bulldog mom has to have a great maternal instinct. Because the babies are so vulnerable we try to select and keep female English Bulldogs that show endearing and caring traits towards their babies. Week 4 Week four is our walking week! While bulldog puppies do begin to walk earlier at times, typically during week four we begin to see some major walking. The new found mobility is a joy to watch but does present some different types of responsibility as our bulldog puppies certainly can get themselves into trouble! During this week, we will start to perform some basic socialization steps to ensure that they are prepared for their new homes. Week 5 The puppies are now able to run, chew, and yes, sometimes bite! With the physical progress there are certainly ample teaching opportunities to develop these little guys into well behaving bulldogs. During this time we continue to analyze each puppy socially and develop unique, social profiles of each bully. The puppies start to focus less on physical survival and devote much of their time to playing with their littermates. This is a great learning environment for the puppies! This mushy treat quickly becomes a favorite for the pups. A robust bulldog puppy can now weigh around 5 pounds. The puppies will also undergo their first round of vet checks to ensure they are developing physically sound bodies. Socially, we continue work with the puppies to ensure they are exposed to the many different environments of the new homes they will be going to all while balancing a high level of biosecurity to ensure they are not exposed to harmful diseases to ensure for a healthy English Bulldog! The puppies are now old enough and confident enough in themselves to begin developing expectations. Being held and being fed are no longer special occasions rather they are rights to life that are demanded. We continue to provide the high level of care that we hold ourselves to while developing flexibility within each bulldog pup. Week 8 The theme for week 8 is adoption preparation. We will make a decision with our vet the age in which the bulldogs are able to be taken home. The primary variable within this decision is physical development. Most of our bulldogs will go home right around the end of week 9 all the way to week .It simply depends on the bulldog. At this point we encourage our adopters to finish prepping for their puppy. 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.