best puppy food for toy poodles

We have some fun facts about these misunderstood dogs. They are devoted and loyal. They need lots of play and strong toys Pit Bull puppies love to play, and they love to chew. Chew toys are a must, and they should be strong chew toys, as Pit Bull puppies have strong jaws. They are not like the original bull-baiting dogs Bull-baiting was a cruel sport that involved putting dogs in fighting rings with bulls, and it was outlawed in .The Pit Bull was bred for this purpose. The aggressive tendencies of the breed have since been almost completely bred out in modern times. Now, Pit Bull puppies are not aggressive unless they are taught to be, especially not toward humans. They need training and socialization Pit Bull puppies tend to be stubborn and bossy, but they are very smart and highly trainable. Their brains soak up tricks like a sponge, but they need discipline and consistency. They should also meet plenty of other dogs early in life to socialize and prevent aggression. Rottweilers , Doberman Pinschers , and other breeds have all been similarly discriminated against at one time or another. Studies have shown that Pit Bulls in general have more pleasant temperaments than several other breeds, but some cruel people use them in dog fighting rings, giving them a worse reputation. These medium-sized pitties range from 35 to 70 pounds and are considered easy to train. They'll do anything that you want them to do," says Greenwood, who grew up with the breed. Pitties have a playful nature and enjoy spending time with their families. With the proper training and daily exercise, they make great pets. These dogs can weigh up to 80 pounds and are full of energy. They're also smart, which means they need lots of physical and mental stimulation. AmStaffs can be a lot to handle for a first-time dog owner. But if you're willing to put in the time and effort to train and socialize your dog—good manners are everything when you have a dog this strong—AmStaffs are good-natured and trustworthy companions, Munden says. According to the United Kennel Club , they're a combination of the American pit bull terrier crossed with different types of bulldogs, like Frenchies or English bulldogs. Bullies come in small, standard, and extra-large sizes but all maintain a muscled physique. Though they look like the ultimate tough guys, the American Bully Kennel Club says that they're really big softies. Bullies are known for being gentle and friendly with everyone: strangers, children, and other animals. These egghead dogs are big clowns full of silly spunk. Sometimes they cause mischief, and they can be stubborn. But if you can play along, train them early, and laugh at their antics, you'll be happy to have this canine as a part of your family. People don't think of bull terriers as pit bulls, but they're actually one of the oldest pit bull breeds—a terrier and bulldog cross that the AKC officially designated its own unique breed in .They have big personalities and are a joy to own. Because they're athletic, pitties need at least 45 minutes a day of vigorous exercise think: running or hiking. Count this as a pro if you're looking for a workout buddy. But if a couch potato is more your speed, they probably aren't the breed for you. Might we suggest a shih tzu or a cat instead? Consider too that the terrier part of pitties gives them a powerful prey drive. The job of the terrier dog group was originally to hunt mice and rats. According to Marin Humane , pitties may chase after squirrels, cats, and small dogs. Even fast-moving people—like joggers or running children—and objects such as bikes and skateboards can trigger their instincts. So it's incredibly important to have a yard with a physical fence no less than 6 feet tall and to always keep your dog on a leash when you're out and about. Positive reinforcement training is also key when it comes to being a responsible pet parent to a pit bull breed. Early training and socialization are essential. These help pitties learn good manners and feel comfortable and confident in a variety of settings. Was this page helpful? In addition, it does not shed like most crossbreeds do, marking for less maintenance and grooming required. Dog owners, especially the new ones, are expected to know more than just the essential traits and appearance of the pups they are choosing. It is likewise crucial for them to consider and recognize that with all excellent characteristics come to not-so-pretty ones, and that should not be a hindrance for them in planning to get one. Purebreds, unlike their crossbreed offspring, are not as healthy, but their crossbreed pups do inherit most of their most potent diseases and medical complications. One precautionary measure duly advised to clients and customers to make sure that disease-inheritance is taken to a minimum, if not appropriately avoided, is to be vigilant and careful in choosing Bulldog Pitbull Mix puppies that are for sale. This is crucial since it ensures that the buyer is making the right and just circumstances that are presented before them. In the bigger picture, the penultimate reason for avoiding such a purchase is that often these companies and pet stores conduct large-scale breeding of dogs. It is a method that is indeed far from being animal-friendly and ethical. In this practice, the health of the parent dog is not duly considered for the offspring. In other words, they breed dogs as they so please without taking health, food, and safety much into consideration. A respectable and reputable breeder is one who is transparent about their methods. It is crucial for you to check if the breeding facility is safe and spacious enough for the animals to roam around and have fun. You can ask them for a copy of the background data of each purebred parent and genetic mapping of the crossbreed offspring for reference. Here are some online sites to get you started on your pup search: Angel Heart Kennel LLC Across the state, you can only fin local breeders and animal shelters. Most likely, in one of these shelters, one might find a Pitbull Bulldog Mix looking for a lovely new home. Try opening www. As such, it is no wonder that the smooth and shiny coat of the Pitbull combined with Bulldog does not shed profusely and does not require high maintenance. Use a soft bristle brush at least once or twice a week, but no more than four days. However, during shedding season, the fur of the Bulldog crossed with Pitbull does shed quite often. When this occurs, it is recommended to brush their hair and coat daily. Instead, one can use a damp washcloth to wipe the dog every now and then. This method can help get rid of some loose fur and keep them clean. The full bath should be given only once a month since their coat needs all the natural oils on the skin. In any case, whether patting them down or bathing, the following vital areas need focus: Foot pads and paws Tail and the region around the anus Eye region, especially the eyelids As a common practice among grooming dogs, teeth brushing is required not only for good oral hygiene but especially for the prevention of irksome dental complications. Regularly check the ears for redness, wax buildup, and nasty ear mites. Note, however, that when trimming, one must practice care and accuracy to avoid complication and infection. The English Bulldog, having a life span of years, has many health concerns than most purebreds. Other dilemmas include hip dysplasia, screw tail, cherry eye, among others. The English Pitbull Terrier is the healthier dog parent in comparison. Also facing possible hip dysplasia concerns, this purebred is known to experience allergies, mange, and skin infections. As such, in an overview of things, the Bulldog mixed with Pitbull requires much medical attention and involves a ton of payment for vet bills. Depending on the favored parent, there is no telling if the crossbreed would face many or fewer complications. Prone to allergies, the Pitbull combined with Bulldog borrows its skin complication from the Pitbull parent. Prevention of these diseases means regular washcloth wiping and avoidance of typical allergen-containing and grainy food. Hip Dysplasia. A significant focus on diet and exercise is enough to help prevent this painful joint displacement. Heart disease. Any bull breed is known to face heart complications such as congenital heart disease among others. There is no sure fire way to prevent it other than early detection and treatment. Once found, divide the meal portions into at least two meals per day with equal serving. You can also incorporate giving of treats and scheduled feedings that and intertwined with free feeding at least once per week to keep things new for the pup. This is to ensure that your dog does not grow into being obese, which raises complication for hip dysplasia. Likewise, the right mix of minerals and vitamins must be consulted with the veterinarian. Depending on their recommendation, incorporate the intake of these supplements either to the food or medicine administration intermittently. For the Bulldog combined with Pitbull, owners should focus on purchasing dog food rich in chronodotin or glucosamine. These nutrients are crucial in preventing hip dysplasia complications. Luckily, the market is filled with high-quality dog food that one can easily find. You can even ask your local pet store or dog food provider for products with these specifications. Vocality level 4 in 5 Disclaimer: While the characteristics mentioned here may frequently represent this breed, dogs are individuals whose personalities and appearances will vary. Please consult the adoption organization for details on a specific pet. Temperament Pit Bulls are typically affectionate, loyal, playful, and eager to please. They are also generally very good with children, although their boisterous nature can make them a bit over-exuberant for some small children. Despite this, the public perception of Pit Bulls is often quite the opposite. The negative stigma surrounding them stems in part from the fact that they are often associated with dog fighting and serving as guard dogs for criminal gangs. The mainstream media also tends to over-report Pit Bull attacks on humans. Breed-specific legislation often targets these dogs and many insurance providers or housing associations have different rules about them. Upkeep Pit Bulls are athletic and energetic dogs that require frequent exercise. Stick to a daily walking routine and provide plenty of mental and physical stimulation both inside and outside the home. Socialization and positive reinforcement training can be very effective for preventing destructive behaviors. When it comes to coat care, Pit Bulls are relatively low maintenance. Brushing their short coat weekly will remove dead fur and keep them looking their best. Most Pit Bulls will need bathing no more than once a month. Health Minor concerns: thyroid disorders, hip dysplasia Occasionally seen: cataracts, allergies Suggested tests: hip, cardiac, thyroid, eye Lifespan: years Note: CHD seldom causes problems or symptoms History The first Pit Bulls originated in England. They were bred from Old English Bulldogs, and were used in the early s as fighting dogs in a sport known as bull baiting. Later in , when this was outlawed in England, dog fighting and rat baiting gained popularity. Bulldogs were then crossed with Terriers to create smaller and more agile fighting dogs. These dogs closely resembled the Pit Bulls we know today. Despite originally being bred as fighting dogs, Pit Bull-type dogs gained a reputation for being friendly to humans and being loyal companions. The first immigrants to America brought their dogs with them, and many took on roles such as herding dogs, hunting dogs, and guard dogs. These intelligent, vibrant and gentle dogs also made excellent family companions. However, a shift occurred in the s and 80s, perhaps spurred by a resurgence in illegal dog fighting. Over-breeding, their vivacious personalities and this stigma have resulted in dogs labelled Pit Bull being those most-often found in U. Thankfully, Pit Bull enthusiasts have made recent progress in showing these clown-like and sweet-natured dogs for the individuals they are, and the tide of breed-specific legislation has been receding. Related Content.

Although I am not a veterinarian myself, I have been a lab owner for 11 years and been in the pet food industry for the last 6 years. However, if this is not the case for your pupper, no need to worry. Be sure not to feed normal cerelac or cow milk as that will result in loose motion as well as stunted growth. At this tender age, you need to feed your lab pup via feeding bottle like you would feed a human baby of age 2 months. Milk is the only food apart from purified water which your dog is gonna need till 1. After this age, till 3 months you have two options. You can either continue with milk or look at starter food options like Royal Canin Maxi starter , Drools starter, Farmina Puppy Starter, Canine Creek Starter , Orijen puppy and plenty of other brands which are available in the market. The kibble for starter food is small and most probably, your puppy will be able to chew it. Certain dry food can be extremely hard to chew, so depending on the toughness of the kibble you might have to break i. Puppies of age 1. You should be following this diet of starter food till 3 months age at least. Also, make sure you are vaccinating as well as deworming your pup at the right intervals. So, a proper nutritious diet is essential to achieve good growth. You can either go for Royal Canin Maxi Junior or Royal Canin Labrador Junior or puppy variants of other brands like drools, canine creek, Orijen Puppy and Junior Recommended , Acana large breed puppy, pedigree not recommended at this age. If you are giving a good diet like Royal Canin, farmina or even home-made food, growth should be good. For those who can extend their budget, you can go for something even more premium like Acana, Orijen, Arden Grange and the likes. No need to add additional supplements. If you are feeding home-made food like boiled chicken which itself is a very good food option, consider adding some fish oils like Beaphar Salmon Oil. However, a good diet is recommended to ensure a good life span above 12 years and muscle development. Homemade food can be a healthy option as well. Feeding guide amount to feed in grams depends on dog weight and varies from brand to brand. You will find the recommended portion for your brand based on the calories it carries on the packet you will buy. At other times, you can give chews or treats but whole meal should be fed not more than twice a day. Do not keep food available in front of the dog except during his eating time. However, you can keep water available in a bowl all the time. Sticking to schedule regularly is recommended. Wait, till now we have been speaking about commercial dry food. Yes, this happens to many dogs. While some dogs like pugs are voracious eaters, labs or goldens can be extremely choosy. They will eat whatever liquid you put in the feeding bottle at this age. However, once puppies mature and learn to eat themselves, they may not like dry food, rarely touch it. In these cases, the best option is to first add a home-made additive with the dry food. You may add many things dog like in small quantities of chicken stalk, chicken pieces boneless for puppies , curd, egg and others to the dry food. Changing or trying out another brand helps as well. I have seen many dogs who hate Drools but like Canine Creek although they are manufactured by same company. Every dog has a mind of his own. Most common diseases of Indian bred dogs like canine hyp dysplasia, ear infections, bent hind legs can happen to any dog. Take your dog to a registered veterinary practitioner in case such situations arise. Lack of appetite is also observed during this age at times. For not-so-severe cases, you may administer Himalaya Liv52 syrup or tabs or other appetite stimulants of various brands twice a day for days. In case, your dog has gastrointestinal disorders, referring to a prescription diet under the guidance of a veterinarian can be immensely helpful. This entry was posted in Pet Blog. Bookmark the permalink. Made with real meat and no artificial colors or flavors how much should a lab eat? Allergies Labs can also have allergies. Some dogs may be allergic to wheat, macadamia nuts, etc. It can manifest as a runny nose, high volumes of shedding, rashes on the skin, and so on. Different dietary needs are crucial, especially if they display allergy symptoms. Avoid all types of human foods. You can give your lab puppy supplements You can get great quality adult dog food and puppy kibble from companies like Royal Canin Labrador Retriever, Blue Buffalo, Canidae Grain-Free, etc. Only adult food must be given to labrador retrievers who have crossed 1. Your puppy needs 4 small meals consisting of half a cup of food per meal till he is 2 months old. From 2 to 6 months, he needs 3 meals daily consisting of 1 cup of food per meal. From 6 months onwards , you can give your puppy 2 meals daily of 2 cups of dog food per meal. Is This A Problem? Yes, this is a major problem! Fat dogs are adorable but also extremely unhealthy. An adult labrador retriever should weigh at most pounds. Labs that are fatter than this stand at the risk of obesity, arthritis , and other lifelong diseases. Refrain from feeding your labrador too many dog treats. Onions and garlic: surprisingly, anything in the onion and garlic family is incredibly toxic to dogs. Meat with bones: if not chewed properly, sharp edges can rupture the throat, stomach lining, intestines, and other parts of the digestive tract. Other human foods and beverages to avoid giving your dog are alcohol, sugar, citric fruits, and anything with caffeine. Your labrador retriever should weigh between 55 to 70 pounds at full adulthood. Male labs are heavier than female labs, so they can fall on either side of the optimal weight spectrum. Some healthy treats for your labrador retriever are cut fruits and vegetables. Carrots, celery, cucumber, beetroot, apples, bananas, and berries strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, cranberries, etc. Dogs also love peanut butter! Veggies dipped in peanut butter also make a great snack for your dog. This is entirely up to you as dog owners. If you have the time and patience to cook meals for your dog, go for it. Store-bought food is easier and is filled with the right nutritional requirements for your lab puppy. On the other hand, with the right recipe, home-cooked food works, too. What Should I Do? A dog growling at you when you go near his food bowl is most commonly a trauma response or a way to protect his food. We often see this with rescues. House training your lab puppy is equally important to avoid food aggression. Labrador Retrievers get piddly after their meals. Dog owners must take out their lab puppy as frequently as they eat sometimes even more often to let their energy out and adult labradors less frequently. A lab puppy needs a ton of exercise. The amount of kibble you should feed your Labrador puppy will vary depending on their age, weight, and activity level. A good rule of thumb is to start with cups of kibble daily and adjust as needed. Best Dog Food For Lab Puppies: The best dog foods for lab puppies include those that are high in protein and low in fillers. The food you should feed a black lab puppy is the same as for any other Labrador puppy. A chocolate lab puppy should be fed the same food as for any other Labrador puppy. A 2-year-old chocolate lab should eat about cups of kibble daily. You should stop feeding puppy food to your Labrador at around months of age. At this point, their growth plates will have closed, and they will no longer need the extra nutrients found in puppy food. Labradors live for years. They start to slow down around 7 and may develop some health problems in their senior years. You should also increase their exercise level. Lab breeders feed their dogs high-quality dog food specifically formulated for large-breed puppies. A lab puppy should drink about 1 ounce of water per pound of body weight daily. This amount may increase as they get older and more active. A labrador needs at least 30 minutes of exercise per day. This can be a combination of walking, running, and playing. Golden labs live for years. Chocolate labs live for years same like labs of any color. Labradors lose their baby teeth between 3 and 6 months of age. You can start to transition your puppy to eating twice a day at around 6 months of age. By the time they are 1 year old, they should eat only once daily. You should stop feeding your large breed puppy food at around 18 months of age. Why Are Labs So Hungry? Labradors are a very active breed of dog, and they need a lot of calories to fuel their energy levels. They are also prone to gaining weight, so keep a close eye on their food intake About The Author Shradha Kabra Shradha is a seasoned writer at Labradorandyou. Her experience as a pet owner and dog enthusiast drives her to create meticulously researched and fact-checked content, offering valuable insights on Labrador training, grooming, and health. Each article reflects Shradha's passion and dedication, enriched by personal experiences with her beloved Labradors, Tom, and Kurt. Whether exploring breed-specific training techniques or providing product reviews, Shradha ensures Labrador owners receive the most accurate, up-to-date, and trustworthy information, aimed at enhancing their companions' health and happiness. The source of protein matters when considering a high-quality diet. FATS The rest of the diet should be made up of fats, carbs, and vitamins. Labs need to have a correct protein -to-fat ratio, where protein takes the lead. Dogs tend to convert fat into glucose, so this is an important source of energy. Dogs rely mostly on protein and fats, but carbs are necessary. That said, a low carb diet is best for puppies. However, you still need the right percentage of carbs, since this gives your dog the sensation of being full. These include starches, fibers, and sugars. Try to opt for more complex carbs like starchy grain and veggies because these are easier to digest. Your Lab puppy will thrive when his or her diet includes: Vitamin B12 especially during puppy development , Vitamins A and E, C, Vitamin D, phosphorus, and calcium, Potassium Each of these required vitamins and minerals contributes to a healthy, happy, and energetic puppy. They also help offset issues like obesity. Vitamins A and E are important because they help your dog burn calories and promote eye and skin health. Vitamin D, calcium, and phosphorus, on the other hand, are part of a trifecta that works to strengthen teeth and bones. Potassium is a heart health-preserver. Labs with poor genetics are especially prone to orthopedic issues. Osteoarthritis and hip dysplasia are common health problems for this breed. Glucosamine, an amino-sugar, together with chondroitin sulfate, helps replace and support naturally degrading cartilage during old age. Recently,"grain-free" foods are being championed as a preferred and even high-quality form of dog food. That's, not the whole story. An investigation launched by the FDA revealed that there are potential links between a form of canine heart disease and grain-free foods. So far, researchers have provided an update to this researchers have provided an update to this research staring that the issue may not just be grain-free diets. Grain-free may be part of other trends knows as "BEG"- boutique companies. Puppy diets don't' need to be complicated. They also don't need to include ingredients that humans might enjoy. Enjoyment doesn't necessarily bring any nutritional value to your puppy's development. Keep it simple, using the guidelines for fats, proteins, and carbs above and don't shy away from food with grains in them. It's not their presence that's a problem it's often the ratio. There shouldn't be more carbs or grains than protein. Nor does including only legumes, seeds, lentils, or chickpeas as the primary ingredients make the food more superior. It's perfectly healthy to include complex carb sources like starchy rice and other grains. Grain-free isn't and shouldn't be a qualifying factor for your choice in puppy food. Feeding Your Puppy Kibble Kibble is dried, pelleted food that stores well is easy to eat, and is pre-formulated with everything your puppy needs to thrive and grow in his early developmental months. There are plenty of popular brands that don't measure up to the Snowy Pines standard. That's why it's so vital for you to learn how to read puppy food labels. Puppies should stick with "puppy stage" food, while adults should stick to bags marked "adults. Instead, your dog should have regular bowel movements, allowing them to absorb all the nutrients available. You should also keep in mind that caloric intake is calculated a little differently for puppies. Kibble diets are measured by how many calories the proteins, fats, and carbs represent for each gram. For puppies, this should be 3. Sticking to these ratios will help ensure your kibble choice is a healthy one. It's also important to note that kibble calories are often higher when compared to wet food. If it's high-quality wet food, it won't have as much fat to preserve it, which means fewer calories. You may have to supplement with dry food, especially if you're trying to keep the calories of carbs, proteins, and fats in the right per-gram ratio. How often and what time to feed I will show you the best puppy foods, whether dry, wet, or raw, and look at food safety, together with schedules, quantities and even a handy puppy diet chart. Best Puppy Food for Labs The best Labrador puppy food provides a diet that is nutritious, healthy, and tasty. So, what is the best puppy food for your Lab? Puppy kibble or dried food is the most popular option. Kibble is complete and can give a perfectly balanced diet. Puppy kibble and tinned dog meat combined is another common choice among puppy parents. Feeding your Labrador puppy on home cooked food or on a totally raw diet is also possible. Raw puppy food is growing in popularity, and there are pros and cons to raw feeding your puppy. People often feel very strongly that one way of feeding is better than another, and you can always find evidence to support your view. Dog breeders, veterinarians and even nutritionists have their own strong views. The dire consequences they list for not listening to them can have puppy owners very worried. The truth is that there is no good quality evidence showing that kibble is better for the long term health of your dog, or that raw feeding is better. There are risks and benefits to both, and the main thing is to ensure that your dog has good quality food to eat. Puppy kibble suits some better, and raw puppy food is better for others. Puppy Kibble for your Labrador Puppy food made into pellets is called kibble. An airtight plastic container or tin will do the job, although you should make sure it is food grade quality. Puppy kibble is the best way of feeding your Labrador according to most breeders and your veterinarian is most likely to support this method of feeding. Good puppy kibble will contain every nutrient your Labrador puppy needs in order to grow and remain healthy. The kibble pieces will be tasty, good for keeping teeth healthy, and free from additives that can provoke allergies or stomach problems. Labrador puppy kibble only needs to be fed next to water. Puppy kibble from a reputable manufacturer is intended to be a complete and balanced food. But some owners like to mix in canned dog food or even scraps of raw food with kibble. Your puppy is likely to get an upset stomach or to not have the right balance of nutrition when fed this way. Whether you decide to feed only with kibble or you want to mix it up, pick a good dried food manufacturer and stick with them. Feeding your Labrador puppy raw food has its benefits and drawbacks. One of the downsides is that there is a lot to learn. Here is a link to the articles you need to help you decide whether or not raw feeding is for you: Although I like the raw diet for my dogs, most puppies fed kibble go on to have long and healthy lives. Whatever puppy food you choose, the most important thing is portion control. How Much to Feed your Labrador Puppy? People often tell me how much their puppy weighs, and ask how much puppy food they should give him. Your Labrador is particularly at risk if they grow too quickly. The following diet chart is for kibble fed puppies and does not apply to raw fed pups. It gives you an idea of how much to feed your Labrador puppy Lab Puppy Feeding Chart The Lab puppy feeding chart below is only a very rough guide. The quantity of food you need for your puppy will vary depending on your puppy and on the brand of food you are feeding him. Labrador puppy food must be aimed at medium to large breed dogs. Check the pack carefully and look at the dietary charts. Ideally, you want the optimal protein content and the lowest amount of additives. Part of this always comes down to the cost. The healthiest puppy food is usually the most expensive and may not be affordable for some families. The Cost Of Puppy Food Some puppy food brands are more concentrated than and contain a higher proportion of proteins, essential oils, and other nutrients. The absence of these fillers means that you can often feed lower quantities of more costly food, making them less expensive than they first seem. You might also find that cheaper brands make your puppy poop more due to those extra fillers going straight through him. While some brands are beyond the budget of many families, it is usually good to buy a premium brand. High Quality Brands of Puppy Food Some brands of puppy food have developed a reputation for producing a high quality product and have many devoted supporters, including breeders that have fed them to generations of puppies. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. As we all know too well, what we put in our belly has a huge impact on our health, vitality, length and quality of life. They have to strike a fine balance between getting enough nutrients to grow and avoiding an over-abundance that can lead to abnormal growth and disabling conditions. In this article you will learn precisely how to feed your puppy. What they can eat, what they should not, how many times you should feed them each day, basic information on home-made diets and the pros and cons of various commercial dog foods. The majority of Labrador owners feed their puppy kibble. Kibble is ground meal, shaped into dried biscuit-like pellets that are extremely convenient to buy, store and feed, providing everything a puppy needs in one easy to handle product. All the major brands carry a range of kibble and many are specifically formulated to suit the precise needs of puppies. For our recommendations of the best puppy food for labs, please read our article on: The Best Food for Labrador Puppies. Good breeders will supply you with all the information you need to feed your new puppy and you should follow this advice. Puppies almost always get upset tummies during a change of diet. The stress of moving to a new home is enough to deal with without them potentially having tummy upset on top. So try to avoid this. But expect your puppy to get diarrhea after such a sudden change. What Can Puppies Eat? With a bewildering choice of different puppy foods available, what to feed your puppy may not be the easiest decision to make. You Can Feed Your Puppy Kibble Kibble is ground up food, formed into pellets and dried for easy storage and convenience. It is a specially formulated, complete and balanced diet, containing everything a puppy needs to grow and be healthy. Many people believe kibble is the best way to feed a puppy, with it being so easy to buy, store and feed while containing every nutrient a puppy needs in the right proportions. Wet, Complete Puppy Foods Are An Option As the name suggests, complete wet dog food is complete and balanced, meaning nothing should be fed in combination. Everything needed is included in this one food. Complete wet foods come in individual pouches or tins with one pouch or tin containing one single serving. In the main these foods are low in nutrition, contain a high amount of cheap fillers, by-products and water and need mixing with a biscuit to give them some substance and to make them more complete. Because the food is such low quality, you have to feed a lot of it. And what goes in, must come out. This type of feeding was popular decades ago and I do remember my parents feeding our first dogs this way, but most people have moved on from this and are feeding their dogs in better ways now. Raw Food, BARF And Home-Made Diets Raw feeding is a diet that consists of mostly raw meat, edible bones and animal organs, though most practitioners also mix in small portions of fruit, veg and selected other foodstuffs. There are many people feel strongly that this is the best possible way to feed a dog. But I would caution most people that to feed this diet successfully, you need to do A LOT of research, gain a lot of knowledge and truly understand a dogs nutritional needs to make sure they get exactly what they need in the right amounts. Many people wonder if they can feed their puppy human foods, anything found in the fridge or larder. Furthermore, there are many human foods that are toxic to dogs that you should avoid at all costs. Too much of some nutrients can be bad in itself, but also prevent the absorption and use of other nutrients too. So supplementing a balanced diet is a bad thing to do. Can You Give Puppies Milk? Assuming you get your puppy at the recommended 8 weeks, they will have been fully weaned before you bring them home. Many puppies are intolerant of cows milk and drinking it leads to an upset tummy and diarrhea so you would do best to avoid giving your puppy any milk at all. One exception is for very young puppies under 6 weeks of age. When we have newborn puppies at our house we sometimes need to supplement and use Esbilac Milk Supplemen t. However, if you have a very young puppy that you think may need supplementing please first consult with your veterinarian. Are They Necessary? You will likely be feeding your puppy a commercially available complete and balanced dog food, in which case you certainly should not supplement their food. Supplementing this will mean too much of one or more things, making it unbalanced which can actually lead to harm. But an excess amount of calcium in the diet of a Lab puppy can lead to skeletal development problems. So adding a calcium supplement to an already complete diet can actually do more harm than good. There may also be times your vet advises you to do so. But if feeding raw, you should know more about nutrition than I do. This is a hard question to answer and sadly I cannot give you a definite quantity or weight to feed them each day. Puppies grow at different rates, some are more active than others and there can be large differences between metabolisms too. However… The biggest determining factor is how concentrated the nutrients and calories are in the brand of food you feed them. High quality foods are nutrient rich and give a puppy all they need from quite small amounts of food. But cheaper brands are full of low quality and nutritionally empty fillers that mean a puppy needs considerably more to get what they need. Start by feeding your puppy according to the guidelines on the label of the puppy food you buy for them. Then see how their body develops. Puppies should not be fat! But at the other end of the scale if they start to look and feel a little slim, up their portion sizes a little. The guidelines on the food you buy are just that…guidelines. You might also be interested in:. Neither is necessarily better than the other, and you should ultimately do whatever you feel is best for your dog. Before you make your decision, however, it is necessary to understand what is involved with both options. Image Credit: Eric Isselee, Shutterstock Some people like the idea of feeding home-prepared meals to their Labrador, as doing so allows complete control over everything that their dog eats, but be aware that choosing this option is a great deal of work. It is also something that you should speak to your vet about because they will be able to give you advice and point you in the direction of many resources that will help you. It is also, in our opinion, a much better choice for those who live busy lives. These have been formulated to give your dog all the nutrients they need in their diet. Secondly, take the time to look at the label. As a result, the breed is unable to self-regulate their eating, and the only way to stop them overeating is to strictly control the amount of food that you give them and to never allow your Labrador to free feed. Read and follow the feeding guide on the dog food. Simply look at the label and follow the instructions. Also, remember that the actual amount of food that your dog will need will vary between different dog food brands and products. It is always a good idea to keep a record of everything that your dog is given to eat during the day. This includes not only their meals but also any snacks and treats that they are given, even if they are used for training. Avoid feeding table scraps. However, meals prepared for humans are often high in salt and oil and not particularly good for your dog. They are also unnecessary calories and over time, can significantly contribute to your Labrador overeating. Limit treats to special occasions and for use in training. Much like table scraps, dog treats contain unnecessary calories, so you are best to limit their use. Ensuring that you regularly weigh your dog and keep track of their weight is a particularly good idea. Seek assistance from your vet. You are free to use this image, but please give credit back to Hepper. For that reason, many of the premium dog food brands have specially formulated puppy food that differs slightly from adult dog food. Royal Canin , for example, has breed-specific Labrador dry food for adult dogs and puppies. Ideally, you should feed your dog a puppy food until they are months old and then transition them to an adult dog food. The most important thing to remember about transitioning your dog from puppy food to adult dog food is to introduce the new dog food gradually, over 7 to 10 days, by mixing a small amount of new food in with the old. Each day, gradually decrease the percentage of puppy food you give while simultaneously increasing the percentage of adult dog food. There are many reasons that your Labrador puppy might stop eating, and it is something you should keep an eye on as it can sometimes be an indication of a serious health issue. However, it is much more likely that your puppy is simply feeling a little off or has a slight illness, and in most cases, they will be back to normal within a day or two. Over time, you will get to know your dog extremely well, and even the smallest changes in their eating habits will be noticeable. There are a few things that you should keep an eye out for, as they can be indicative of a serious problem: Suddenly not eating or trying to eat at all Not eating and not drinking Vomiting An absence of bowel movements How Much to Feed an Adult Labrador Exactly how much food your adult Labrador is going to need will depend on a combination of their weight and activity level. Bigger and heavier dogs will need more food than smaller dogs, and highly active dogs will also need more than those that lead a sedentary lifestyle. You will find that the amount of food your Labrador needs will also vary depending upon the brand and type of food you choose to give your pet. Thankfully, all dog food must have a feeding guide on the packaging, and this is the best place to start. It is entirely up to you as to whether you choose to feed your dog once or twice a day. If you do choose to feed twice a day, remember to only give your dog half their daily intake in the morning and the other half at night. However, whichever way you chose, it is important to maintain the same feeding pattern, as dogs are creatures of habit, and they will expect to be fed at the same time s every day. Feeding a senior Labrador is essentially the same as feeding an adult dog. You should feed your Labrador on a regular schedule and follow the feeding guide on your dog food based on the weight and activity level of your dog. If you choose to use a dog food that is suitable for both adult and senior dogs, it is important to keep revisiting and checking the amount that you need to give your pet on a regular basis. Although your dog may not lose too much weight as they age, they will almost certainly become less active, and this will impact the amount of food that you need to give them. Labradors love food, it is as simple as that. This is a genetic feature of the breed, and you should expect that throughout the life of your Labrador, they will come looking for food many times each and every day. This is something you need to expect, and while training your pet not to beg for food will help a little, it is unlikely to be something that you will be able to completely get them to stop doing. Of course, there is one big advantage of the fact that Labradors are so food-obsessed: they respond particularly well to training when it involves earning food treats. There are many everyday foods that humans can eat that Labradors — and in fact, all dogs — should avoid because these are toxic or harmful.

In I purchased my first boxer Lady. After coming out of the Navy. I decided to have my first dog since leaving home. She was my first boxer a pet, not knowing boxers well. My veterinarian encourage me to go out to the dog park as he felt she was a good representation of the breed. To my surprise I found out that Miss Lady was the granddaughter of Ch. Candy Kisses Play Boy. As my adventure began with Lady it was determined that she was my lovely pet who taught me to love the breed with all of her antics and characteristics. So then I purchase my next boxer her name was Lola a classic brindle girl. As it would be Lola would never finish as she was a classic brindle at that time called a plain. Lola taught me patience and how to handle dogs in the show ring. So my love for the classic boxer goes to my original girl Lola. Venician Boxers came about for the love of the city where I grew up. Venice Beach California. I decided on changing my name from Avalon Kennels after 15 years of co-ownership and mentoring in from Dr. Daniel Buchwald, D. I could not thank him more for everything I have learned and continue to learn. I live in the South West part of the state which is surrounded by beautiful mountains. AKC proudly supports dedicated and responsible breeders. We encourage all prospective puppy owners to do their research and be prepared with questions to ask the breeder. Boxer puppies for sale Reno, Nevada Boxer puppies for sale Reno, Nevada Introduction of the Boxer The Boxer dog breed originated in Germany and has been around since the late 19th century. His main purpose is for hunting large game. But this dog breed was also useful in guarding and driving livestock. It is said that he got his name due to using his front paws for just about anything. Boxer dogs look intimidating with their stern-looking faces and powerful bodies. But they are actually very loving family dogs that get along with children and other animals. They love being with their families, and being separated from them can lead them to develop separation anxiety. Since this working dog is highly intelligent but stubborn in nature, he is better suited for experienced owners. The average lifespan of the breed is 9—10 years. Look for a boxer puppies for sale Reno Nevada? Here is a brief background of this protective dog with a good sense of humour. History of the Boxer The Boxer dog breed is a descendant of the now-extinct Bullenbeisser a fighting dog with Mastiff ancestry and the Old English Bulldog. He was developed in Germany in the 19th century as hunters of deer, wild boar, and bear. Later on, he was used to guard and drive cattle. The man responsible for the creation of the Boxer breed was Georg Alt, who was from Munich. He crossed a brindle-coloured female Bullenbeisser named Flora with a local dog of unknown breed. In , the first German Boxer dog named Flocki joined a dog show in Munich. After winning the dog show, he was the first-ever Boxer dog to be listed down in the German Studbook. Modern Boxer dogs were believed to be the descendants of Flocki. He was then imported to the United States in and was accepted by the American Kennel Club the following year. The American Boxer Club was established in .In both world wars, various military tasks were given to Boxer dogs including guard dogs, attack dogs, and messenger dogs. The British Boxer Dog Club was then formed in .The Boxer breed was recognised by the Kennel Club shortly thereafter and classified under the Working Group. Versatile and hard-working, these dogs are capable of carrying out different canine work. Boxers are good choices for protection dogs, police dogs, service dogs, and guide dogs for the blind. Temperament and Intelligence of the Boxer puppies Reno for sale Extremely patient and gentle, the Boxer breed is good with children. But he is recommended for families with older children as he may accidentally knock over toddlers. Befriending other pets is possible if the Boxer dog is properly socialised at a young age. It will keep him from viewing small animals as prey and reduce his tendency to dominate same-sex dogs. Is a Boxer a good family dog? Yes, the Boxer breed is a good family dog. He may look noble and intimidating, but he is actually considered the Joker of the Dog World. Boxer dogs are playful and fun-loving. They love to be part of family activities and be the centre of attention. Are Boxer dogs dangerous? Boxer dogs may be tough-looking, but they are not generally aggressive. But they will stand guard and defend their families if necessary. Boxer dogs are initially wary of strangers, but they eventually warm up to them if no danger is detected. Their protective and loyal nature makes them good guard dogs as well as watchdogs. Are Boxers easy to train? Yes, Boxer dogs are easy to train if you are already experienced in handling the breed. They are intelligent but tend to be independent and stubborn. Due to this, they are not suited for first-time owners. Boxer dogs respond better to people that are firm and consistent. However, firm does not mean harsh. Instead of strict training methods, positive reinforcements are more effective in teaching this breed basic dog manners and tricks. Boxer Breed Highlights The Boxer dog breed is a loving, loyal, and protective companion. Boxer dogs are comical companions despite their intimidating appearance. The Boxer breed has low-maintenance grooming needs. As an energetic working dog, he has high exercise needs. Boxer dogs tend to be destructive when they are left alone or unable to let off steam. Are there miniature boxers? Yes, but they are rare. Miniature boxers are either a product of mating purebred runts or cross-breeding small dogs that have similar characteristics to boxers, such as Boston terriers, pugs, rat terriers, and fox terriers. While some of these minis may closely resemble their larger counterparts, they may not act similarly. Are boxers hypoallergenic? Unfortunately, boxers are not hypoallergenic. What problems do Boxers have? Boxer dogs are brachycephalic, which means they have flat faces. This trait narrows their airway and causes breathing problems. As a result, Boxers should not be out in the sun for a long time as it can lead to heatstroke. Overexercising them must be avoided too to avoid triggering breathing difficulties. How long do Boxer dogs live? The Boxer dog breed has a short lifespan compared to other dogs. He can only live up to 9—10 years, and this is due to the prevalence of health issues in the breed. When buying a Boxer puppy, look for a reputable breeder whose breeding stock and litters are health-screened. This will help you determine how likely is your chosen Boxer puppy going to develop certain health conditions. Reno NV Reno is a city in the northwest section of the U. The Reno metro area along with the neighboring city Sparks occupies a valley colloquially known as the Truckee Meadows, which because of large-scale investments from Greater Seattle and San Francisco Bay Area companies such as Amazon, Tesla, Panasonic, Microsoft, Apple, and Google has become a new major technology center in the United States. We will not send you unnecessary notices in the future. My name is Tetyana and I am glad to welcome you on the site of the breed nursery.

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. A full-grown male English Bulldog weighs about 50 to 55 pounds and stands 14 to 16 inches tall. A full-grown female English Bulldog weighs about ten pounds less at 40 to 44 pounds and stands at 12 to 14 inches tall. According to Care. This will be around inches tall for a male English Bulldog and approximately inches tall for a female English Bulldog. As for weight, a 6-month-old male English Bulldog will weigh about 33 to 37 pounds, while a 6-month-old female English Bulldog will weigh around 26 to 33 pounds. Pro Tip: Check out this ultimate pet parent guide that details 39 dog care tips on health, puppy-proofing practices, training, dog safety, and more! How much bigger will my English Bulldog get? If your English Bulldog is over two years old, they are probably fully grown. Any additional weight they put on may be excess and should be discussed with your veterinarian. Do their paws look big next to the rest of their body? They may still have room to grow as this is a classic puppy feature! A dog rarely grows to be larger than their parents, so this will provide you with a general idea of their final adult size. What is the size of a full-grown English Bulldog? According to the Bulldog Club of America Bulldog Standards , an English Bulldog should appear stocky but symmetrical with no excessively prominent features. English Bulldogs are especially prone to gaining extra weight and may exceed these weight estimates. Your veterinarian will be happy to discuss food type, quantity, frequency of feedings, and treats to get your English Bulldog back to their ideal weight. English Bulldogs may require extra attention due to some genetic health problems that are common for the breed. For example, English Bulldogs will require regular at-home baths, this cleaning is specifically to prevent infections under their skin folds. English Bulldogs are also highly prone to putting on excess weight, which is detrimental to their health. The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention estimates that .The English Bulldog is one of the most severely affected dog breeds and brachycephalic syndrome can lead to difficulty breathing, respiratory distress, heatstroke, and difficulty exercising due to their breathing restrictions. All of this can make weight loss even more difficult for the English Bulldog breed. Because your English Bulldog may have a harder time breathing than other dogs, your vet can recommend safe ways to allow them to exercise and enjoy life without getting overheated. If your pup has a particularly bad case and has difficulty breathing even when not exercising, you can talk to your veterinarian about surgery for Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome which is a common procedure done to help English Bulldogs and other brachycephalic dog breeds, like pugs, breath more easily. Taking your English Bulldog to regular veterinary appointments to keep them healthy and happy is one of the best things you can do for them! Not only can your veterinarian provide personalized advice to keep your pup healthy, but they can screen for common English Bulldog health problems, like skin infections, hip and knee problems. Unfortunately, veterinary care can be pricey. Veterinarian treatments for health issues, like hip and knee problems, can easily cost thousands of dollars. Treating medical issues, like accidents or sudden illnesses, can be expensive, but this should never be the deciding factor in treating your English Bulldog. Final Considerations As pet parents, we do our part by providing quality food, exercise, and care at home, but we also need to take our dogs in for regular veterinary appointments. A professional can provide you with personalized recommendations for your dog, as well as testing to detect any health issues early on. Prevention and early detection are vital in keeping our dogs healthy and happy! English Bulldog puppies grow into silly, lovable, and wrinkly dogs with a lot of personality. Compare and enroll in a top English Bulldog insurance plan here and gain the peace of mind that you'll always be able to do the right ting for your pet. At Pawlicy Advisor, we always want the health care decisions you make for your pet to be based on what you and your veterinarian think is best for them rather than being limited by financial restrictions. Do you want to find the best pet insurance? Let's analyze your pet's breed, age, and location to find the right coverage and the best savings. Analyze My Pet About Pawlicy Advisor The pet insurance marketplace endorsed by veterinarians, at Pawlicy Advisor we make buying the best pet insurance easier. His guardians asked me for help with some puppy basics and an unusual potty training issue. Apollo had a nice playful energy and showed good curiosity when I arrived for the session. When I sat down with his guardians discuss what they want to do accomplish, I noticed that they petted him every time that he jumped up to stand and lean against on their legs. Essentially, you are rewarding the dog for whatever it is doing whenever you provide it with attention or affection. But to the dog, the message was ALL humans will pet you when you jump up on them. Usually I recommend that the guardians give the dog a counter order to sit, then pet it for doing so. Apollo showed good intelligence in how quickly he picked up the sit. Clearly this little puppy was smart and wanted to please. But because his guardians had spent the last two weeks petting him every time that he jumped up on them, he continued to do so. Even though the guardians were now aware that this was conditioning him to jump up on them, they still occasionally reached over and patted him when he did jump up on them. To help with this issue, I showed his guardians how they can redirect the dog when he jumps up on them and place him into a sit using a hand motion. Due to having accidents, his guardians were trying to keep the dog in a bathroom behind a baby gate. So keeping the dog in the sequestered room for extended periods of times should be avoided. I suggested that the guardians bring him out of the gated bathroom after he had done his business. This lessens the likelihood of the dog having an accident in most cases. Before we got into the full potty training portion of the session, I wanted to give his guardians one last tool to help the dog learn to adopt desired actions and behaviors for the rest of his life. I like to call it Petting with a Purpose. As we were wrapping up the discussion of petting Apollo, One of his guardians was holding the puppy in her lap. The puppy was asleep at the time that the guardian on the couch noticed that his anus seem to be expanding slightly. The guardian was paying attention to this area because the dog pooped in his sleep on multiple occasions. This occurred while he was lying on a blanket as well as if he was in the lap or arms of one of his guardians. This is a very unusual behavior for a dog to engage in. Typically a dog will get up and move away from where it sleeps or is residing when it wants to defecate. The fact that the puppy did this without waking up or showing any signs of being aware of the situation leads me to believe that some fecal incontinence was going on. Sometimes puppies will develop fecal incontinence as a result of a poorly done tail docking or a botched spaying or neutering procedure. After the session, I spoke with a few vets that I consult with and they suggested that the vet prescribe the dog a round of Metronidazole which should kill any unwanted bacteria and provide an anti-inflammatory agent. If this drug does not alleviate the problem, it may be indicative of a physical issue that is causing his sphincter to loosen while in his sleep. But when dealing with unwanted behaviors, a good rule of thumb is to rule out physical or health issues first. Potty training a puppy can be one of the more stressful things for a new dog guardian to deal with. If you adopt a dog from a reputable breeder generally the pup will usually have mastered some of the potty training basics via its mother and siblings. Additionally the breeder did not give them an opportunity to see the area that Apollo was raised in. I spent the next few minutes going over the basics of potty training. The times that a a pup is most likely to need to eliminate; after eating, after heavy playtime and after waking up. I suggested that after anyone of these three things occurred that they take the puppy into the bathroom and sit inside it with him. Also when a dog gets up and races away from its sitting or laying down position, that can sometimes mean the dog needs to poop. So if the dog come up and starts jumping up, wandering in circles in front of them or barking, its a good idea to take the dog to the designated area. I usually like to give a puppy five minutes to do their business before I move on. Many people mistakenly think that if they leave their dog in the designated potty area for a lengthy period of time often hours that the dog will do its business. Then they are surprised and frustrated when they see the dog eliminate immediately after bringing it inside. What it comes to puppies, distraction is everywhere. When a dog is crate trained, I usually suggest placing the dog inside of the kennel and waiting 15 to 45 minutes before letting the puppy back out to the eliminate area to give them a chance to do their business again. The last time I potty trained a puppy mill dog, I found that I had the greatest success by taking the dog outside once an hour to go potty, then rewarding him richly when he did. By repeatedly returning to the area that the puppy pads are located in, we increase the odds of the dog eliminating in the right place. I also suggested that they leave one lump of fresh Apollo poop on the puppy pad in the bathroom. Sometimes leaving this visual and olfactory reminder in the designated location can help remind a dog of the need to eliminate. Another important factor when it comes to potty training is assigning the word with the act. Most of my clients mistakenly talk to their dog as if it speaks English. I repeat the command word in a calm tone and pace of speaking with a one second pause in between each iteration, making an effort to articulate the word consistently each time. Adding baby talk inflection, too loud a delivery or excitement to your voice can lead the dog to become confused. They had spread them all over the floor in the bathroom in the hopes that the quantity of puppy pads would increase the chances of the dog using them. The method that I prefer is to build a box that is large enough to encase the puppy pad with a little extra area on one side that is only large enough for the dog to sit or lie down in. This way the dog has no choice but to potty on the pad as there are no other options. The box should not have a roof, just walls that prevent the puppy from escaping. I make sure that I am nearby and observing the dog during this time so that I can immediately start repeating the command word as soon as I notice the dog starting to eliminate. To counter this problem I came up with a novel solution; I cheat. Generally speaking, most dogs pass water that they drink within about 45 minutes. If they let the dog food sit in the hot water for minutes before they give it to the dog, the kernels will soak up some of the water. Additionally the dog will find it difficult to eat the food until he drinks the water first. Usually i add an ounce or two of additional warm water right before i give it to the puppy. I usually put the dog into the designated potty area immediately after a meal as outlined in one of the three situations that a dog is most likely to eliminate. I have found that if you can repeat the command word while the dog eliminates every time it goes for about a week, you generally have the problem in hand. One final piece of advice that I offered the guardians was to start charting when they feed the dog as well as when the dog eliminated solid waste. Dogs generally have a fairly consistent digestive process. If his guardians start feeding him on a regular basis and chart when he makes a solid elimination, they will quickly identify the times when the dog is most likely to need to poop. Once this window of time is identified, then they can either place the dog in the designated elimination area or inside of the box at the appropriate time. If it is indeed a physical condition, then his guardians will need to work with their current vet or find a specialist to address the problem. By the end of the session, I was quite pleased to see that Apollo was starting to sit in front of his guardians for attention rather than jumping up on them. His energy level seemed a bit lower and more in control as well. I was also happy to see the reaction from his guardians as they witnessed him learning how to sit and come on command. Apollo really has a beautiful energy and is going to make a great dog if his guardians implement the proper rules, boundaries, structure and discipline at this stage in his life. With some time, love, patience and vigilance, Apollo should quickly pick up what his guardians want out of him.

In fact, according to the American Kennel Club , German Shepherds are the second most popular dog in America, sitting just behind the ever famous Labrador Retriever. Beloved for their intelligence, eager-to-please nature, and stunning beauty, German Shepherds serve not only as incredible family companion dogs, but also perform a variety of service work including military work, police work, therapy dogs and more. But what about the long haired German Shepherd makes him so unique? While most of his characteristics, temperamental traits and health issues align with the classic, short haired German Shepherd, the long haired German Shepherd does have a few differences you should be aware of. While long haired German Shepherds can be born into a litter with short haired German Shepherd siblings, the long haired pup will be considered a defective coat type, oftentimes leading him to be sold for cheaper. This is because the long haired German Shepherd is not considered an official type of German Shepherd, and is not recognized by the American Kennel Club, nor is the coat considered part of the breed standard. He is a top choice for families and works proudly as a service dog, military dog, police dog, and therapy dog for those in need. Furthermore, there are hardly many differences between the long haired German Shepherd and the classic German Shepherd, outside of coat type. This means that temperament, exercise, health issues, and lifespan are all relatively identical. Of course, there are some exceptions to this rule. Perhaps one of the more interesting facts about the long haired German Shepherd, and the most prominent trait that sets this dog apart from the classic German Shepherd dog, is that the long haired GSD does not have a double coat. The classic short haired German Shepherd, on the other hand, has a dense double coat with a wooly undercoat and a rough outer coat that is designed to help protect him from the elements. Contrairly, the long haired German Shepherd has a silky coat that grows in one layer. This coat can grow to be over two inches long, and can shed heavily. This shedding means that the long haired German Shepherd may not be the ideal dog for those who suffer from allergies. As we mentioned above, the long haired German Shepherd can often be born into a litter with short haired litter mates. In fact, this is a common occurrence. The long haired gene in German Shepherds is a recessive gene and any dog can carry it, even short haired GSDs. This means that two short haired German Shepherd parents can produce a litter of puppies with both short and long coats, and even breeders who are careful to select a specific pedigree of parent dogs to breed can wind up with long-coated German Shepherd puppies. However, because the long haired gene is a recessive gene, it means that both parent breeds must carry the long haired gene in order to pass it on to some of their pups. For many people looking for a companion dog, this is of no importance. However, if you are looking for a German Shepherd to register and show through the American Kennel Club , you will want to forgo a long haired German Shepherd and stick with a classic short haired German Shepherd bred with qualifying features. Just like the classic German Shepherd dog, the long haired German Shepherd is an intelligent, athletic, and work-oriented purebred. He hails from ancestors who were once used as intelligent and independent herding dogs, which means that the long haired German Shepherd is quite driven. That said, and like all dogs, the long haired German Shepherd requires plenty of training and socialization. Without training and socialization, the long haired German Shepherd can become anxious, destructive, and even develop serious behavioral issues. Because the long haired German Shepherd is so intelligent, he requires a hands-on owner that understands the history of working breeds. Long haired German Shepherds do best with positive reinforcement training techniques like treats and praise, which will not only help him better retain information, but also help strengthen the bond between him and his owner. Training can begrim from the moment you bring your dog home and should continue on throughout his life. Just like with routine and proper training, your long haired German Shepherd should also be socialized at an early age. This is especially true if you plan on having him around company, other dogs, children or strangers. Without proper socialization , a German Shepherd in general can become wary of strangers and be prone to behavioral issues that can lead to fear-based aggression. Be sure to socialize your long haired German Shepherd as early as possible to help him build confidence in the world around him. Get him used to being handled and played with by strangers and children, and introduce him to other dogs. As we just discussed, a long haired German Shepherd can make an incredible family dog, so long as he is properly raised and trained. German Shepherds are known to get along well with children. They are playful, affectionate and protective of their families, which makes them excellent additions to homes of anyone looking for a guard dog or a dog that looks out for their family members. Refrain from leaving young children alone with your German Shepherd, and work with age-appropriate children on how to understand basic canine body language. Just like classic German Shepherd dogs, the long haired German Shepherd is an energetic, athletic and intelligent purebred. He does best in homes with backyards where he can run and play freely, and an active owner who is able and willing to take him on long walks, hikes and adventures each and every day. The best exercise for a long haired German Shepherd is going to be any exercise that is at least an hour or two a day. It can include swimming, jogging, hiking, long walks, or free play at a dog park. Even though the long haired German Shepherd is not eligible to compete professionally based on his breed standard, he will still enjoy learning to play sports and partaking in agility courses and other activities that not only test his physical abilities but also challenge his mind. Without the proper exercise , a long haired German Shepherd can become bored, depressed, anxious and destructive. For the most part, there is very little difference between the long haired German Shepherd and the short coated German Shepherd outside of physical appearance. However, one of the biggest differences due to their different coat types is their ability to withstand certain elements. The short coated German Shepherd, with his wooly undercoat, is better equipped for outdoor play in both hot and cold weather conditions. Double coated dog breeds have a built-in insulation that keeps them cool in the summer and warm in the winter. The long haired German Shepherd, on the other hand, has only a one layered coat. For this reason, a long haired German Shepherd can be more susceptible to certain health issues like heat stroke and hypothermia. When outside during more extreme weather, be sure that your long haired German Shepherd is equipped with the tools he needs, including access to fresh, cool water, a place to get out of the sun or cold, and clothing like dog sweaters or jackets when appropriate. The opposite is actually true. Long haired German Shepherd dogs actually shed a bit more, and experts point out that owners will likely notice much more hair coming out of their coats when brushing them. This means they should be brushed two to three times a week as opposed to the one time a week for their shorter coated counterparts. You can help reduce shedding by ensuring your long haired German Shepherd is on a quality diet, as well as keeping up with routine grooming , brushing and bathing. Refrain from bathing your long haired German Shepherd more than once every few weeks. When you do bathe him, be sure to use a quality dog shampoo free of dyes, parabens, or chemicals that could strip his skin of the natural oils it produces. Oatmeal Pet Wash. Our breeding program has earned the the highest level of accomplishments that a kennel in the United States can achieve. Nadelhaus breeds purebred German Shepherds year round and we also import both German Shepherd puppies and adults direct from Europe for our clients. Long-haired German Shepherds are technically called a long coat German Shepherd, while a short-haired German Shepherd is called a normal coat or stock coat German Shepherd. Dogs with either coat have the same physiological structure and both have double coats: an undercoat and a top coat. The only difference between the two is the top coat. The long haired German Shepherd will have a heavier top coat than the undercoat. The double coat of a German Shepherd is an important feature of the breed. The double coat weathers and insulates the dogs—it protects them from the cold in the winter and the heat in the summer. The length of the coat of a German Shepherd has no impact on its ability as a working dog. What does a long haired German Shepherd look like? The skeleton and structure of a long-haired German Shepherd will be the same as a short-haired German Shepherd. Both dogs will have an undercoat, but the difference is that the top coat of a long-haired German Shepherd will be longer. The long coat GSD has longer and silkier hair on the chest, back, face, tail, and on the backside of its legs. Short on the head, including the inside of the ears, on the front side of the legs, on the paws and toes, somewhat longer and more strongly covered in hair on the neck, almost forming a mane. On the back side of the legs the hair extends to the carpal joint or the hock and forms clear trousers on the back side of the haunches. Historically, German Shepherds originated in Germany and were native sheepdogs. He firmly believed that the standard of the German Shepherd breed should not include dogs with long hair. Throughout the s, long haired German Shepherds were considered unsuitable and unacceptable for breeding. It is important to note that long-haired German Shepherds are the result of natural genetic diversity and not a separate breed. Their long coats are an inherited trait that can occur when both parents carry the recessive long-hair gene. This gene manifests as a more luxurious and abundant coat, offering a striking contrast to the traditional short-haired German Shepherd appearance. The breeding of long-haired German Shepherds follows the same rigorous standards and principles as their short-haired counterparts. The focus remains on maintaining the breed's exceptional temperament, working abilities, and overall health. Over time, breeders recognized the value of long-haired German Shepherds and began selectively breeding them to maintain and enhance their unique characteristics. Through careful pairings and strategic breeding programs, the long-haired variety established itself as a distinct and cherished branch of the German Shepherd breed. How big do long-haired German Shepherds get? Long-haired German Shepherds are structurally the same as short-haired German Shepherds, therefore they can both grow to similar sizes. Males: inches tall, pounds Females: inches tall, pounds Since both German Shepherds are physiologically the same, they also have the same temperaments: loyal, intelligent, energetic, courageous and protective. German Shepherds are ranked 2 on the AKC Breed Popularity list and make for wonderful family companions and working dogs. How can I identify a long-haired German Shepherd puppy? In the photo below are two litter mates from a recent Nadelhaus litter. The puppy on the left is a long coat and the puppy on the right is a normal coat. The long coat has wispier hair on the chest, back, face, tail, and on the backside of its legs. Long-hair female German Shepherd next to short-hair male German Shepherd. Genetically in German Shepherds, the short hair gene is dominant and the long hair gene is recessive. This means if two short-haired German Shepherds are mated, but neither carries the recessive long hair gene, then no long haired puppies can be produced. However, if two short-haired German Shepherds are mated and both carry the recessive gene, then long-haired German Shepherd puppies can be produced. Long-haired German Shepherds are considered a less common variant of the breed, adding to their allure and exclusivity. While short-haired German Shepherds dominate the breed standard, enthusiasts of long-haired Shepherds appreciate their unique beauty and elegant appearance. Due to their rarity, finding a reputable breeder or rescue organization specializing in long-haired German Shepherds may require some research and patience. However, the joy of owning one of these beautiful dogs is well worth the effort for those who appreciate their longer coats and exceptional qualities. Do long-haired German Shepherds shed more than short-haired German Shepherds? No, this is a common misconception. Although they shed less than short haired German Shepherds, their coats still require regular maintenance. They will need regular brushing and grooming, especially if you enjoy hiking or outdoor activities with your GSD. While it is a rare occurrence for a long-haired GSD to not have an undercoat, most of them do have undercoats. And just like short-haired GSDs, their undercoats will shed more or less throughout the year depending on the season. Should I trim my long haired German Shepherd's coat? The decision to trim a long haired German Shepherd comes down to personal preference, but it is not a necessity. Trimming can help make for more manageable living around the house. If you choose to trim, you can trim around the backs of the ears, on the back of the legs both front and back and then thin the bushy tail. Shaving a German Shepherd on the other hand is never recommended. Their double coats help keep them warm in the winter and cool in the summer. What are long haired German Shepherds called? Regular brushing: Long-haired German Shepherds require regular brushing to prevent matting and tangles. Aim for at least a few brushing sessions per week to keep their coat in good condition. Finish your brushing session with a gentle dog brush to clean up loose hairs. Bathing and drying: It's important to bathe your long-haired German Shepherd as needed, using a dog-specific shampoo. Be sure to thoroughly rinse out all the shampoo to prevent any residue. After bathing, use a high-velocity dryer or a cool air dryer to dry their coat thoroughly, as moisture trapped in the fur can lead to skin issues. Professional grooming: Consider taking your long-haired German Shepherd to a professional groomer for occasional trimming and coat maintenance. A groomer can help keep the fur around sensitive areas, such as the paws and ears, tidy and reduce the chances of matting. Watch for seasonal shedding: Like all German Shepherds, long-haired ones will undergo shedding seasons. Be prepared for increased shedding during these times and brush your dog more frequently to remove loose hair. A de-shedding tool can be helpful in managing shedding and keeping their coat healthy. Remember, each dog is unique, and the specific care requirements may vary. Does Nadelhaus sell long haired German Shepherd puppies? Nadelhaus breeds German Shepherds puppies year round and while the majority of puppies we sell are short hair, we do have occasionally have long haired puppies. We breed all our German Shepherds in the black and red color. If you are looking for a long haired adult German Shepherd, we can also import long-haired German Shepherds direct from Europe. Contact us for more information. Make sure you visit the breeding facilities before making any payment and expect to receive health check information regarding your puppy. The long-haired German Shepherd is an energetic dog with an average lifespan and is generally a little healthier than its standard GSD counterpart. Their intelligence and devoted nature make them highly trainable, and they tend to be a little friendlier and more social as compared to the short-haired GSD. The Long Hair Comes From a Recessive Gene The long-haired German Shepherd has developed through a recessive gene that needs to be present in both parents meaning that both parents must be carriers of this gene or both must be long-haired German Shepherds as well. Their undercoat is not as thick or as long as their top coat, but they are a double-coated breed. However, the long-haired GSD is considered a little more laidback and easygoing in comparison. They are also not as wary of strangers and are calmer and a little less energetic than the short-haired GSD. Are These Dogs Good for Families? They are gentle and patient with children of all ages. Because the long-haired GSD is a calmer version of the short-haired, they will be the perfect dog for a family with children. Kids need to be taught to respect dogs and should always be supervised when around your dog, particularly younger children. The GSD has a strong loyalty to his family and is a courageous dog, so they will also make a wonderful guardian to watch over the entire family. As long as they are socialized well when puppies, they typically should have no trouble with other animals. Once you decide upon the kind of food you want to feed your dog, you can follow the instructions provided on the food bag to help you determine how much and how often you should feed your GSD. They will do very well in agility, tracking, and herding trials, which will also keep them healthy and happy. They will do best spending time in the house with the family. Persistent training and a loving relationship with their family will give you a well-adjusted and happy dog. Expect to brush them several times a week , but they may need to be brushed daily when they start shedding in the spring and fall. Only give them a bath with a good dog shampoo like this one about once a month. The ears of your long-haired German Shepherd will need to be cleaned around once a month. Their nails should be trimmed every 3 to 4 weeks , and their teeth brushed about two or three times a week. Minor Conditions. The development of the German shepherd is credited to Max von Stephanitz, whose aim was to create the ideal German dog for herding sheep. He did so by breeding various German herding dogs until he got dogs that displayed the traits he was looking for. He then spent 35 years perfecting the breed. Von Stephanitz did not view long hair as a desirable trait, however. Furthermore, the long coat required much more care, which was seen as a negative since the main purpose of the GSD was utility rather than beauty. How the long-haired German shepherd endured is somewhat of a mystery since there were initially efforts to eradicate the trait from the breed completely. The SV originally banned long-haired GSDs without undercoats from competing in dog shows but eventually, banned the hair type entirely. However, the SV lifted the ban in .Some believe the ban was lifted in order to prevent the long-haired trait from going completely extinct. However, the rareness and beauty of their long hair make them desirable to dog owners. Long-haired German shepherds look just like classic German shepherds. However, their coats are long, sleek, and shiny. Their ears have extra fluff around them, and their tails are bushier. Long-haired German shepherds are the same size as regular German shepherds, though they sometimes appear larger due to their long coats. They weigh between 50 and 90 pounds and are 22 to 26 inches tall. Females are typically smaller than males. The long-haired GSD has a long coat that is similar to a combination coat. This means the coat is long and silky in some places but short in others. For the long-haired GSD, the coat is long everywhere except the face and the fronts of the legs. The ears are covered with short hair as well as tufts of longer hair. Long-haired German shepherds are loyal and loving when it comes to their families. Though quite affectionate with their families, long-haired GSDs may be aloof or even wary when it comes to strangers. They are brave and alert, which makes them great watchdogs. A German shepherd may even risk their own life to protect a beloved family member. This breed is very smart and enjoys learning new skills. They also learn fast and are easy to train. Long-haired GSDs tend to be very loyal to their families and thus quite affectionate, too. However, they can be somewhat wary toward or aloof around strangers. Socializing a GSD with many different people during puppyhood will help encourage friendly behavior toward strangers in the future. Long-haired German shepherds that grow up alongside children tend to be great with them. This breed has enough energy to keep up with kids and will enjoy playing with them. Dogs and children should always be supervised. Children may mean no harm, but they often do things that dogs do not like, such as hugging. It is up to you to ensure your child is interacting safely with your dog. With socialization, long-haired German shepherds can live with other animals including dogs, cats, and small mammals like rabbits and guinea pigs. This is because the German shepherd is, after all, a herding breed. They were not bred to hunt animals but to corral and protect them. On the flip side of that, because GSDs can be territorial, they may also see another pet as invasive, which can cause problems. It is not uncommon for GSDs to chase squirrels and kill them if they manage to capture them in the yard. This is why early socialization is vital. Perhaps it is because of their work as police dogs, but there are some stereotypes about German shepherds being aggressive dogs. All German shepherds, including long-haired ones, have protective instincts and guarding tendencies. This can become aggression if their owners promote such behavior. There are a few things you can do to avoid this. First of all, never ever use physical punishment on a long-haired German shepherd. Using force or intimidation may cause a dog to feel threatened and compelled to strike back in order to protect themselves. Long-haired German shepherds thrive when trained with positive reinforcement. They love having a job and will enjoy being rewarded when they obey cues. Second of all, you must socialize your long-haired German shepherd with as many unfamiliar people as possible. If they have positive experiences with strangers during puppyhood, they will be far more likely to be friendly during adulthood. Make sure that you socialize them with accessories that people might wear or hold, like glasses, hats, and umbrellas. During their socialization period, puppies are more curious and less likely to meet unfamiliar things with fear or wariness. It is during this time that you can show them that these things are normal or even good. With proper training and socialization, there is no reason for a long-haired GSD to become aggressive. They are moderate barkers who will let you know when something is in their territory but are not known to be obsessively or uncontrollably vocal. This bark is loud enough that the dog may not even hear you over it. Dogs that are poorly socialized during puppyhood are far more likely to bark at unfamiliar sights and sounds, so you should expose a long-haired GSD to as many sounds as possible when they are a puppy. Long-haired German shepherds are incredibly intelligent. This is why they are popular as working animals. You will often see them as police dogs, bomb or drug-sniffing dogs, search and rescue dogs and even service dogs for those with disabilities. The downside of a dog this intelligent is that they can sometimes be too smart for their own good. When they are bored, they can be destructive. It is important to channel their intelligence and energy into stimulating activities such as learning new skills or solving puzzle toys to prevent destructive or other undesirable behaviors. Long-haired German shepherds are very smart and are also eager to please. This breed loves learning and often learns quickly. As long as you offer clear instruction, they will often pick up new skills with ease. Long-haired German shepherds are a high-energy breed. They need to get ample exercise, or they will feel bored and likely turn to destroying things in your home. Negligence can also lead to extreme territorial behavior if your dog entertains themself by staring out the window all day. This breed enjoys playing and learning. Some activities that they can excel in and will tucker them out include agility trials, dock diving, and nose-work such as tracking. It is also suggested that GSDs have space to run in, so a yard would be preferable. However, if the apartment is spacious and the owner is dedicated to providing appropriate exercise, then it can certainly work out. Long-haired German shepherds make fantastic watchdogs. They are very alert and have protective instincts. However, though GSDs can be taught to attack, we strongly advise against teaching such skills. It is incredibly dangerous to encourage aggressive behaviors. Socialize your long-haired GSD well during puppyhood and train them to be friendly. If a truly dangerous situation arises, it is still in their nature to protect you even if they have been trained to be open toward strangers. Not only that, but the size, appearance, and powerful bark of long-haired German shepherds are usually intimidating enough to keep people away. As we mentioned, long-haired GSDs love having a job. Not only that, but they are highly trainable. As such, they excel at service work. We frequently see GSDs as police or military dogs, bomb and drug-sniffing dogs, and search and rescue dogs. However, they can certainly function as service dogs for those with disabilities. Since therapy dogs need to be friendly and open to being touched and pet by strangers, the tendency of long-haired GSDs to be aloof toward strangers does not always make them suitable for this position. However, some long-haired GSDs could also work as therapy dogs if they are socialized well and turn out to be friendly toward unfamiliar people. The long-haired German shepherd is not high-maintenance because they do not require professional grooming, but you will still need to pay attention to their coat almost daily. To keep the coat tangle-free, you must brush it at least a few times a week. Because most of their coat is quite long, you will need to groom a long-haired GSD a few times per week. Their long fur is prone to tangling and matting, and the undercarriage can also catch debris while outdoors. However, grooming frequently will not only keep the coat knot-free but will also reduce the amount of fur all over your home from shedding. Since all you really need to do is brush this dog, having them professionally groomed is not typically necessary. Long-haired German shepherds shed a lot all year round. They shed even more profusely in the fall and the spring. If you want one of these dogs, you should be prepared to do some extra vacuuming! The long-haired German shepherd should eat food specifically formulated for large breeds throughout their lifetime. A quality dog food follows AAFCO guidelines, has been formulated by a certified veterinary nutritionist, and has undergone feeding trials. You can follow the guidelines on your chosen bag of dog food to determine how much to feed your long-haired GSD each day. These guidelines may not include allowances for treats, though. Because long-haired GSDs are prone to arthritis and even hip or elbow dysplasia, it is important that the dog be kept at an ideal weight, especially during their senior years. Some health risks long-haired German shepherds may face include hip and elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, and bloat gastric dilatation-volvulus. Getting a puppy from a breeder who health tests the parent dogs will greatly reduce the risk of your puppy developing health issues. Some health issues cannot always be screened for, like bloat. Bloat is an emergency situation that can kill dogs within hours if left untreated. First of all, avoid foods that use soybean meal or that have oils or fats within the first four ingredients on the label. Dogs that eat quickly are also at a much higher risk of bloating, so invest in a slow feed bowl. Finally, dogs can undergo surgery to have their stomachs tacked to their abdominal walls. This prevents the stomach from twisting. However, veterinarians do not currently have a way to determine which dogs are at higher risk for bloat. Usually, dogs that have bloated once will undergo this procedure because they are likely to bloat again in the future. Since large, barrel-chested dogs have the highest risk of bloat, some pet parents make the choice to have this procedure done pre-emptively. Long-haired German shepherds have an average lifespan of years. The purchase price of a long-haired German shepherd can be somewhat hefty due to their rarity. Outside of the purchase price, you can expect the monthly cost of this breed to be no more expensive than other dogs of similar size. Because this breed is high-energy and needs lots of exercise, you may also have to invest in a dog walker or doggy daycare if work schedules or other obligations prevent you from providing this enrichment yourself. What are your credentials? You should learn about how long the breeder has been in business as well as how familiar they are with long-haired German shepherds. Have the parent animals undergone health testing? Ask to see these tests. Can I see where the dogs are kept? Can I meet the parents? How do you socialize your puppies? Socialization is important for puppies to become friendly and confident. Are the puppies up-to-date on vaccination? Do you offer a health guarantee with a contract? Some breeders guarantee the health of their puppies: should your puppy come down with a serious illness early on, the breeder may offer to reimburse the purchase price of the dog or even take the puppy back. This will also help you avoid purchasing from breeders who are irresponsible. What do you require of potential adopters? Many breeders want to make sure their puppies are going to homes where they will be treated well and kept for life. Therefore, breeders may ask a number of questions about you, your situation, and your experience as a dog owner. Because of this, seeing a purebred long-haired GSD at the local shelter would be rare. If you want a long-haired German shepherd, you will likely have to purchase one from a breeder. However, you may have luck finding one at a rescue that works explicitly with German shepherds, and starting by calling such agencies may be your best bet at adopting a long-haired GSD. Long-haired German shepherds are purebred. The only difference from the standard German shepherds we are used to seeing is the length of their fur and the fact that they sometimes do not have an undercoat, whereas short-coated GSDs always do. Long hair is simply a recessive trait which is part of the reason it is rare to find in GSDs. These dogs are still German shepherds and will exhibit all the same traits as you would expect from a classic GSD. Unfortunately, you cannot show long-haired German shepherds in the US. Long-haired German shepherds are easy to train, loyal, and affectionate, which makes them good for inexperienced dog owners. However, they are high energy and can easily become too much to handle should someone underestimate their exercise needs. We think a long-haired German shepherd could be a good choice for a new dog owner as long as they do plenty of research about dog behavior, training, and socialization before they adopt. We would also recommend inexperienced owners hire a professional dog trainer to help guide them in this breed. A good trainer uses positive reinforcement techniques. Choosing a dog that fits into your lifestyle is very important, as doing otherwise is unfair to the dog. For example, you should not get a long-haired German shepherd if you do not have time to provide hours of physical and mental stimulation daily. Bi-color dual color Coat The long-haired German shepherd does not always have a double coat and is more susceptible to the cold and heat than its short and medium-haired counterparts. While this looks very nice and neat, it can have some negative side effects. The coat can trap water down the back and cause skin irritation that leads to infection. This is even more true for long-haired GSDs because their long coats get tangled, matted with dirt, and require daily brushing. A comb with long teeth will help get all the way through the coat to get tangles and shedding out, and a shorter brush will help smooth out the coat. If the coat is left to tangle and mat, it will pull on the skin, which will lead to sores, irritation, and infection. It is essential to run a comb or brush through their coat for at least a few minutes every single day. Owing to the fact that they have long tufts of hair around their ears, their ears can trap dirt and become infected fairly easily. Keeping Your Long-Haired German Shepherd Active Aside from the grooming specifications mentioned above, the care your long-haired German shepherd needs is very similar to the care requirements of the short- and medium-haired German shepherd with some small additional considerations. German shepherds are incredibly active dogs and require a sizable amount of training and dedication from their owner. Long-haired German shepherds are no different. These dogs also need to be trained from an early age to prevent behavioral problems from presenting later on in life. You should exercise your long-haired GSD three times a day for 20 minutes. The exercise can take the form of activities like going on walks, taking hikes, going to a reputable dog park, playing fetch in the garden if you have the space to run around, or intense training sessions. Additionally, mental exercise is just as important as physical exercise and will tire your dog out as much as if they went for a jog around the block. Puzzle toys , sniffing games, and obstacle courses are all excellent ideas for mental exercises. Finally, keep in mind that because long-haired German shepherds lack an undercoat and have extra-long hair, they can struggle to regulate their body temperature and will overheat easily if they spend too much time out in the sun. However, these dogs are not for everyone, so it is important to consider whether your home and lifestyle is what this breed needs. These questions can help you figure out if the long-haired GSD is the dog for you: Are you able to devote at least 10 to 15 minutes everyday to groom your long-haired German shepherd? Are you happy with your long-haired German shepherd spending most of its time indoors away from the elements? Are you able to devote an hour a day to exercise your long-haired German shepherd? Are you willing to devote a considerable amount of time to train your long-haired German shepherd? FAQs Do long-haired German shepherds get along with other dogs? Provided your long-haired German shepherd has been correctly socialized with other dogs and pets from the time they were a puppy, yes, they get along very well with other dogs and pets. Do long-haired German shepherds get along with children? German shepherds, whether they are long-, medium-, or short-haired, are excellent family dogs and get along well with children. For an in-depth look at why they fit well into families with kids, check out our dedicated article. Are long-haired German shepherds more susceptible to diseases than short-haired German shepherds? The hair gene does not affect their health either negatively or positively. However, if their hair is allowed to tangle and mat, they can suffer from painful and severe skin conditions and infections. Are long-haired German shepherd puppies expensive? Finding a German shepherd puppy is relatively easy. However, finding a long-haired German shepherd puppy can prove to be difficult because they are rare. Their rarity often makes them more expensive. As a personal aside, we have fostered and rescued many German Shepherd mix puppies over the years and some had a longer coat similar to the long-haired GSD. Does the American Kennel Club recognize the long-haired German shepherd? The AKC does recognize the long-haired German shepherd as a registered breed. Rolling Over On The Long-Haired German Shepherd The long-haired German shepherd shares almost all of its physical and behavioral characteristics with its more common short and medium-haired cousins. They have a wide range of coat colors, such as: Black Black and cream, red, silver, or tan Blue.

Breeds The link has been copied! When considering the addition of a Goldendoodle to your family, one of the first questions that come to mind is, "How much does a Goldendoodle cost? This comprehensive guide will delve into various aspects influencing a Goldendoodle's price. Additionally, we'll discuss the importance of choosing reputable breeders and provide valuable information on protecting your pup with innovative technology like Fi's GPS-tracking dog collar. By learning about these factors beforehand, prospective Goldendoodle owners can confidently navigate this process while ensuring they bring home a healthy and happy companion. How Much Does a Goldendoodle Cost? If you're considering adding a Goldendoodle to your family, it's essential to understand the costs associated with this popular and lovable breed. In addition to the upfront cost of purchasing or adopting a puppy, ongoing expenses like vet visits, vaccinations, grooming services, and pet food need to be considered. The cost of a Goldendoodle puppy can vary, depending on several elements, which will be discussed in further detail later. First, however, it's essential to focus on the purchase price and consider routine costs throughout your dog's life. These may include annual check-ups at the veterinarian's office including vaccinations , monthly heartworm prevention medication, grooming sessions every weeks, and high-quality pet food that meets their nutritional needs. How Much Is a Goldendoodle Puppy? The price of a Goldendoodle puppy can range widely depending on the breeder, its location, and any special features it may have. However, some breeders may charge even higher prices if their puppies come from an exceptional bloodline or have unique traits. Purchasing From Breeders Breeder reputation: Look for reviews online and ask around within local communities or social media groups dedicated to Goldendoodles. Health testing: Reputable breeders will conduct health tests on both parent dogs before breeding them together. Puppy contract: A responsible breeder should provide a written agreement outlining what they guarantee regarding your new pet's health status and other terms related to care after purchase. Finding Adoptable Dogs Through Rescues and Shelters Adopting a Goldendoodle from an animal rescue or refuge can be a great way to give a home to an abandoned pup while saving money. Many organizations specialize in rescuing specific breeds, like the IDOG Rescue , which focuses on finding homes for doodle dogs such as Goldendoodles. Keep in mind that adopting through shelters may require additional time and patience compared to purchasing from breeders since you might have to wait until your desired breed becomes available. However, this option is often more affordable than buying directly from breeders and helps support animal welfare efforts. Factors That Impact the Cost of a Goldendoodle When considering the purchase of a Goldendoodle, it's essential to understand that various factors can impact their cost. Colors The color of a Goldendoodle's coat can significantly influence its price. Rarer coat colors, such as reds and merle goldendoodles , are more expensive than common shades like cream or apricot. While this may not affect the dog's personality or health, many potential owners are willing to pay extra for unique appearances. Dogs with proven lineage from reputable breeders often come at higher prices due to their genetic quality assurance than those without documented ancestry. Breeder Reputation Reputable Breeders: Purchasing your puppy from reputable Goldendoodle breeders ensures you get a healthy dog raised in good conditions. Reputable breeders follow ethical breeding practices by testing parent dogs for genetic disorders and providing proper care during pregnancy and after birth. This level of care comes at a higher cost but provides peace of mind knowing your pup is coming from responsible hands. Puppy Mills and Pet Stores: It's crucial to avoid buying from puppy mills or pet stores, as these establishments prioritize profit over the welfare of their animals. Dogs bred in such conditions often suffer from health issues due to poor breeding practices and inadequate care. While puppies from these sources may have a lower initial cost, they can lead to higher expenses in vet bills later on. We do not recommend buying from a pet store or a puppy mill. Estimated Size The size of your Goldendoodle will also impact its price. Smaller Goldendoodles, like Mini Goldendoodle or Teacup varieties, typically cost more than Standard-sized dogs because they are in higher demand due to their convenient size for apartment living and easier handling by owners with limited space. On the other hand, larger adult Goldendoodles might be less expensive but could require more resources for grooming costs, food consumption, and exercise needs. The Prices of Different Size Goldendoodles Goldendoodles come in various sizes, which can significantly impact their cost. In this section, we will explore the prices of Mini, Teacup, and Standard Goldendoodles to help you understand how size affects the overall price. Mini Goldendoodle Price The Mini Goldendoodle is a popular choice for those who want a smaller dog with all the wonderful qualities of a standard-sized one. These dogs typically weigh between pounds and stand around inches tall at shoulder height. You may also find that some breeders charge more for rarer coat colors or patterns. Teacup Goldendoodle Price If you're looking for an even smaller version of the beloved doodle breed, then consider getting a Teacup Goldendoodle. Weighing only pounds and standing just under 12 inches tall at shoulder height when fully grown makes them perfect pets for people living in apartments or small homes. Keep in mind that caring for teacups might require extra attention compared to larger breeds, so be prepared for additional expenses in the long run. Standard Goldendoodle Price The Standard Goldendoodle is the largest of the three sizes, weighing between pounds and standing around inches tall at shoulder height. These dogs are known for their friendly personalities and low-shedding coats, making them great family pets. It's essential to choose a responsible breeder who prioritizes health testing and ethical breeding practices when purchasing your new furry friend. This innovative device allows you to keep tabs on your dog's location at all times, giving you peace of mind knowing that they are safe. The Fi Smart Collar offers several features that make it an excellent choice for Goldendoodle owners. These include: Real-time tracking: The collar uses advanced GPS technology to provide accurate location data so that you can find your pup quickly if they wander off or gets lost. Fence alerts: You can set up virtual fences around specific areas such as your home and receive notifications if your dog leaves these boundaries. This feature helps prevent them from venturing too far away or into dangerous situations. Durable design: The collar is built with high-quality materials designed to withstand rough play and harsh weather conditions, ensuring long-lasting protection for your pet. Battery life: Boasting a battery life of up to three months between charges, this collar ensures continuous monitoring without frequent interruptions for recharging. In addition to providing security and peace of mind, the Fi Smart Collar also tracks activity levels. It enables you to monitor how much exercise your Goldendoodle gets daily - crucial information, given their energetic nature. Now that you know the cost of owning one, let's look into what makes this breed so special with our next heading: Goldendoodle Breed Guide. Goldendoodle Breed Guide The Goldendoodle is a popular and versatile breed, known for its friendly personality, intelligence, and low-shedding coat. A blend of the Golden Retriever and Poodle breeds, this hybrid pooch presents a great mix of attributes that make it appropriate for various ways of life. Personality Goldendoodles are typically affectionate, social dogs with a gentle temperament. They get along well with children and other pets in the household. Their high level of intelligence makes them easy to train as they quickly pick up on commands and cues from their owners. Moreover, these dogs have an innate desire to please their humans, which further contributes to their trainability. Generally speaking: Miniature Goldendoodles: weigh between pounds kg and stand at about inches cm tall at shoulder height. Standard Goldendoodles: Standard Goldendoodles are larger, weighing between pounds kg and standing at inches cm. Average Lifespan The average lifespan of a healthy Goldendoodle ranges from around 10 to 15 years when provided proper care, including regular vet check-ups , vaccinations, exercise routines, grooming sessions, and a balanced diet. They enjoy activities such as walking, running, swimming, or playing fetch. Providing them with at least 30 minutes of daily exercise is essential for keeping your Goldendoodle happy and healthy. Additionally, engaging in mental stimulation exercises, like puzzle toys or obedience training sessions, can help keep their minds sharp. Approximate Lifetime Care Costs The lifetime care costs of owning a Goldendoodle include expenses related to food, grooming, veterinary care including vaccinations , pet insurance if opted for , and accessories like collars and leashes Fi GPS Tracking Dog Collar recommended , among others. How Can I Lower the Cost of a Goldendoodle Goldendoodles can be quite expensive, but there are ways to reduce the cost while still enjoying the companionship of this lovable breed. Adopting vs. Buying From a Breeder Pet adoption websites and local animal shelters often have Goldendoodles available for adoption at significantly lower costs compared to buying from breeders. By adopting, not only do you save money, but you also provide a loving home to an animal in need. Purchasing or Adopting an Older Dog Instead of a Puppy If your heart is set on owning a Goldendoodle, but the price tag seems too steep, consider adopting or purchasing an older dog instead of opting for puppies. Older dogs usually come with lower prices as they might not possess certain desirable traits like specific coat colors or pedigree lineage. Additionally, senior dogs tend to be calmer and require less training than their younger counterparts. Conclusion After considering all the factors that impact the cost of a Goldendoodle, it is safe to say that they can be quite expensive. The price of a Goldendoodle can vary significantly, depending on factors such as size, age, and the breeder's reputation. Additionally, grooming costs and potential health issues should also be taken into account when calculating the actual cost of owning a Goldendoodle. If you're interested in getting a Goldendoodle but want to lower the cost, consider adopting an adult dog or purchasing from reputable breeders with reasonable prices. Investing in pet insurance is essential to ensure that any unforeseen medical costs won't be a burden. If you're ready to welcome a new furry friend into your home and want peace of mind knowing their whereabouts at all times, try Fi's GPS-tracking dog collar today! Be sure to keep tabs on your pup with Fi's GPS collar, which gives you real-time location updates and activity tracking. The link has been copied! You might also like. Adding a Goldendoodle puppy to your family is a big commitment…and it can come with an equally big price tag! Knowing what the average Goldendoodle price is and the factors that influence the cost can help you budget appropriately. It can also protect you from vastly overpaying or being the victim of a scam. So, how much does a Goldendoodle cost? What Determines the Price of a Goldendoodle Puppy? There are six main factors that will help us determine how much you should expect to spend on your future Goldendoodle. Size There are five sizes of Goldendoodles —standard, medium, mini, toy, and teacup. That rule is, the smaller the size, the higher the price. First and foremost, you want to pick the Goldendoodle size that will work best in your family. All else being equal, however, you may save significant money by choosing a larger dog. Generations are what describe the genetic makeup of Goldendoodles and how close in DNA they are to their Poodle and Golden Retriever ancestors. Some Goldendoodles may even be hypoallergenic , though this can never be guaranteed. More Poodle DNA frequently results in a curlier coat. When it comes to Goldendoodle price, the closer in DNA your potential dog is to a Poodle, the higher the cost will usually be. This is because the demand for allergy-friendly and low-shedding dogs is very high. Location As the cost of living increases, so does the cost of a puppy. For example. Sometimes it can be helpful to drive a few hours to a Goldendoodle breeder further away. While less convenient, it could save you a little bit of money if you are from an area with a high cost of living. How did they seemingly get such a bargain? The answer is where they got their dog from. These owners likely adopted their Goldendoodle from a shelter or rescue organization. Quality, reputable breeders typically charge a premium for their puppies. On the other hand, puppy mills and backyard breeders will sometimes charge very low prices because their expenses are so much lower. Be careful, sometimes you get what you pay for. A cheap, unhealthy puppy will cost you more in the long-term than a more expensive, healthy dog. Click here to get an instant, online pet insurance quote from Healthy Paws! These stores thrive off of emotional, impulse purchases and receive strong criticism for obtaining their puppies from questionable breeders. Color There are so many colors of Goldendoodles, it may be impossible to choose your favorite! There is a wide spectrum of solid color options like cream, apricot, chocolate, or black. On top of that, there are unique, multi-color patterns like parti, merle, phantom , and sable. Many breeders base their pricing partially on color. Usually, the rule of thumb is that multi-color Goldendoodles, particularly those with rare or desirable patterns , are going to be significantly more expensive than their solid-color counterparts. For more budget-minded folks, a solid color Goldendoodle puppy will be just as cute for a fraction of the price. Usually, black. Black Goldendoodles are adorable, but are often overlooked and you can sometimes find them at a bit of a discount depending on the demand. The moral of the story when it comes to choosing a Goldendoodle color is to keep your options open. When there are lots of prospective buyers and not a lot of available puppies, prices will go up. When there are plenty of available puppies but not a lot of buyers, prices will go down. The best example of this when it comes to buying a puppy is around the holiday season. Goldendoodles, along with many other breeds, are often given as Christmas presents to children or spouses. For this reason, many breeders charge more for puppies that will be available to go home around the holidays. Why Are Goldendoodles So Expensive? Why are Goldendoodles so expensive? The simple answer is supply and demand. Poodle mixes are extremely popular due to their adorable, teddy-bear looks and also their likelihood to be allergy-friendly and low-shedding. On the other hand, reputable breeders struggle to keep up with demand and often have waitlists that extend months, or even years, down the road. All Goldendoodle puppies should come with at least their first round of vaccinations, deworming, up-to-date flea and tick prevention, and a vet check. Most reputable Goldendoodle breeders also offer a health guarantee on their puppies. This can range anywhere from 6 months to 2 years. Usually, breeders will send your new puppy home with a few basic items like a blanket, toy, collar, and a small bag of food. In almost all cases, you will be required by a breeder to place a deposit to secure your selection from a particular litter. Be extremely careful sending money to any breeder who you have not personally visited. Do your due diligence to make sure they are legitimate. Many scammers are out there luring eager Goldendoodle buyers in with adorable, fake or stolen puppy pictures only to take their deposits and never be heard from again. Lifetime Cost of Owning a Goldendoodle If you thought the price of a Goldendoodle puppy was expensive, you might want to sit down for this. Here is the average lifetime cost of owning a dog according to a few, reliable sources which utilized major research studies to arrive at their conclusions:. Before buying or adopting any dog, it pays to do your homework. Knowing where to search for your next dog, what to look for in a reputable breeder, and what you should expect to pay can improve your odds of bringing home a healthy dog at a reasonable cost. Purebred dogs have national breed clubs that provide information about the breed. Though the goldendoodle is a crossbreed, a national organization called the Goldendoodle Association of North America supports responsible breeding and pet ownership. Cost of Adopting a Goldendoodle Goldendoodles occasionally find themselves in need of rescue when people buy puppies from unscrupulous breeders who make unrealistic guarantees, or when new pup parents find themselves unprepared for caring for their goldendoodle. For instance, reputable goldendoodle breeders should never guarantee that a puppy will be 'hypoallergenic' or will not shed. When those adorable goldendoodle puppies start shedding, or when their human has an allergic reaction, the doodle may be in need of a new home. Rescuing an adult goldendoodle is not only a great way to save some money on the purchase price of the dog, but also provides other benefits. Goldendoodle puppies may also end up in rescue occasionally. This adoption fee generally includes the costs of updated vaccines and a spay or neuter surgery, and helps to ensure the organization can continue its lifesaving work. Cost of Buying a Goldendoodle Buying a goldendoodle puppy from a breeder is the most expensive way to acquire a goldendoodle. However, the cost of a puppy varies wildly. Breeders from different states may charge more, and the cost of a larger size goldendoodle may be different than a smaller goldendoodle. Some breeders also charge more for more desirable colors or coat types. Responsible goldendoodle breeders put a lot of money into their breeding programs, which is why their puppies cost a lot. Such breeders purchase or keep high-quality dogs for their breeding programs, perform genetic health screenings on the parents before breeding them, maintain pedigrees and pair dogs thoughtfully to better the breed. Reputable breeders also pursue thorough veterinary care for their adult dogs and puppies, feed high-quality diets, register their litters with the proper organization, and never overbreed their females or breed more puppies than they can responsibly care for. Due to the efforts they put in to produce healthy, high-quality dogs, good breeders usually offer a health guarantee on their puppies. Such breeders may simply breed together any male and female they happen to own and sell the resulting puppies. When a goldendoodle breeder tells you the price of buying a puppy, ask about their breeding program, genetic screening and health guarantees to find out what you are paying for. Additionally, be aware that some pets stores sell goldendoodle puppies along with many other breeds of puppies. It is very difficult to obtain accurate information on breeders who supply to pet stores, and in many cases, animal welfare experts worry about these puppies coming from puppy mills. A puppy mill is often described as a commercial dog breeding operation where the goal is to produce as many puppies as possible without regard for their health and the welfare of the breeding dogs. Both the adult dogs and puppies often have poor health, are exposed to more infectious diseases, and tend to have ongoing health problems in additional to coming from inhumane living conditions. For this reason, it is best to avoid purchasing a puppy if it has a questionable origin. One significant cost to consider for goldendoodles is the cost of professional grooming. Almost all goldendoodles need to have their hair trimmed by a groomer. Some goldendoodles may need grooming once a month; others can go about eight weeks in between haircuts. Article Sources The Spruce Pets uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. You will need more toys for your dog during its puppy years, particularly for chewing and teething. As your dog ages, you may want to get more challenging toys for mental stimulation, such as interactive toys, robust chew toys, treat-dispensing toys, and more, all of which keep your dog entertained and well-adjusted. If you need professional services like dog walking, pet sitting, boarding, or training, your monthly costs will go up. Puppy obedience classes are recommended for your Goldendoodle puppy, but you can continue training into adulthood to teach your dog skills like advanced obedience, agility, or rally. The most important aspect of your pet budget is health care, including high-quality food. You may also need to treat a chronic health condition, which can add hundreds of dollars each month to your expenses. Other expenses may vary according to your lifestyle and schedule. Dog training is another possible expense if your dog develops behavioral problems that require professional help. You should also consider security deposits if you rent an apartment or home. As your dog ages, some of your expenses may change. Your dog may require special prescription diets, more frequent vet visits, and extra supplies like diapers, potty pads, or mobility aids like ramps. Preventative care is one of the best ways to avoid major expenses in the future. You can cut back on other areas, such as making your own toys instead of buying expensive toys and relying on friends or family to walk your dog during the day rather than a professional walker. Some pet insurance companies offer special coverage for preventative care, alternative treatments, pet boarding, behavioral training, and more. Conclusion Goldendoodles are a highly desirable dog breed, but they can be expensive. There are many optional expenses, such as pet sitting or boarding , training, and pet insurance , to consider before bringing your pup home. At their best, they are intelligent, friendly, and affectionate. They come in three sizes: miniature weighing 15 to 30 pounds , medium 30 to 45 pounds , and standard 45 to more than pounds. Because they are a cross breed, their traits are not fixed, so there is not a guarantee that the Goldendoodle puppy you purchase will fall into the desired weight range. The Goldendoodle is intelligent, friendly, and family oriented. It is a highly social dog. Goldendoodles tend to follow their nose wherever it leads, so a fenced-in yard is recommended. They are always ready for a game; most Goldendoodles retain the natural retrieving instincts of the Golden Retriever. Goldendoodles do not bark frequently. History Less - In the s, breeders in both North America and Australia began crossing golden retrievers with standard poodles. The original purpose of the cross was to attempt to develop guide dogs suitable for visually impaired individuals with allergies. The goldendoodle is sometimes called a designer dog. The Encyclopedia Britannica traces the term "designer dog" to the late 20th century, when breeders began to cross purebred poodles with other purebred breeds in order to obtain a dog with the poodle's non-shedding coat, along with various desirable characteristics from other breeds.

Also called Miniature Labrapoos, Labradoodles, and Labradorpoos, the Miniature Labradoodle is a well-known hybrid breed in a smaller package. They are sweet-natured and smart, and they love to spend time with their people. They are affectionate with their family. They are also tolerant and compassionate, and they tend to be well-behaved around people of all ages and other pets. Labradoodles are generally healthy and should live to be 10 to 14 years old. These qualities make Miniature Labradoodles an ideal family dog that does well with other pets and children. Even the most inexperienced dog parents find this breed to be easy to train and eager to please. They are too gentle and sweet to make a good guard dog, but they can be useful watchdogs. They are small and fluffy, square and athletic. Long, furry ears are set on the top and back of their heads. Their muzzles can be medium to long. The Miniature Labradoodle coat varies a great deal, ranging from straight to loose curls, and usually kept about 4 to 6 inches in length. The coat may be one of three textures. They could have hair similar to fur in shedding dogs, they could have a more dense and non-shedding wool, or they could have more of a silky fleece. They come in a variety of colors: Gold. Typically a Black Poodle is bred with a Black Lab, but since black is a dominant color, sometimes another color of poodle red, chocolate, etc , can still have black puppies. Black Labradoodles have become wildly popular for their sweet, lovable nature, familiar black color, low-shedding and hypoallergenic coat characteristics. Labradoodles come in other colors, such as chocolate, yellow, cream, parti-colors, and occasionally red, but some people love the sweet nature of a Black Labradoodle. Many first generation Black Labradoodles f1 will shed. We recommend getting an F1b Black Labradoodle if you're worried about shedding or have dog allergies. Friendly Black Labradoodles One of the most desirable characteristics of the Black Labradoodle is their deep love of people. A Black Labradoodle is the happiest when they are surrounded by people that they love. They are highly intelligent and trainable, Black Labradoodles enjoy the stimulation of training and are eager to please their loved ones so they pick up on the cues very quickly. Some Black Labradoodle puppies receive many of the Poodle characteristics of being reserved, having a coat that is very fine and needs regular trimming. While other Black Labradoodles receive the excitable and almost immature nature of the Labrador Retrievers. As the Black Labradoodle becomes more common and breeders are crossing them with more consistency the discrepancies are becoming less of an issue and the breed is becoming more consistent. It is important to realize that the AKC does not yet recognize Black Labradoodles as an official breed, though most other registrations recognize them. The AKC actually does not yet recognize any of the doodles. Most families that want a wonderful dog, and are not concerned about show events do not care that the AKC does not officially recognize the Black Labradoodle currently. Black Labradoodle Best Breeders The best way to avoid the inconsistencies of the Black Labradoodle breed is to adopt from a reputable breeder. Avoid puppy mills at all cost and make sure that the breeder you buy from is caring for the health and wellness of your Labradoodle or mini Labradoodle puppy from before conception until you take your Black Labradoodle home with you. A Black Labradoodle should have a sleek, black coat with no sprinklings of any other color and have a black nose. Talk to your breeder about silver and blue Labradoodles as they often appear black as puppies. Some people prefer the looks of a silver or blue Labradoodle to a Black Labradoodle. A Blue Labradoodle, for instance, will start out looking like a Black Labradoodle, but as it grows its coat will come in a beautiful "blue" color. Although the color is called "blue" in the dog world it is almost a gun metal gray. Silver Labradoodles are a lighter silver color than a Blue Labradoodle. We are happy to refund deposits any time for any reason. We will clearly announce the pricing for each mini Labradoodle litter in a litter announcement. Apply Now If you are interested in a miniature Labradoodle puppy please consider filling out the application. Years ago, we'd announce litters to nearly people on an email waiting list. Within the first minute or two, the entire litter would be spoken for, and families who received a doodle puppy felt like they'd won the lottery. Since then, we've developed a thorough application process, seeking the very best mini Labradoodle forever homes. Please do not place a mini Labradoodle deposit unless your doodle application is accepted. We seek to fairly and thoroughly evaluate each miniature Labradoodle application within business days at which point we let you know the answer for your mini Labradoodle application: "yes," "no," or "wait. Your mini Labradoodle application does NOT obligate you to give a deposit or adopt a mini Labradoodle puppy. The mini Labradoodle application is simply your first step to express a level of interest in getting a mini Labradoodle puppy. After giving a deposit, your family would receive mini Labradoodle litter announcements in an effort to match you with the perfect miniature Labradoodle. Each adopting family has the option to pass on as many Labradoodle litters as they want until finding the perfect doodle puppy. Seeking to be the best mini Labradoodle breeders, we refund doodle deposits any time for any reason. It doesn't make sense to us why nearly every other mini Labradoodle breeder requires non-refundable deposits. We have FAR more demand than supply for our mini Labradoodles. Your application helps us determine if your family would make an excellent forever home to one of our precious mini Labradoodle puppies. We have no desire to keep a family's mini Labradoodle deposit if they've located a mini doodle with another breeder or if they've chosen not to get a mini Labradoodle at all. View fullsize Both our chocolate Labradoodle and our Poodle are beautiful dogs with excellent temperaments. They are our family pets. Because we begin with a Labradoodle and a Poodle, rather than a Lab and a Poodle, our puppies are much more likely to have the non-shedding Poodle coat. A F1b Labradoodle has been back-crossed to a poodle in an effort to insure a non-shedding coat. Even though most f1b Labradoodles shed very little or not all, it is impossible to guarantee that any dog even doodles or purebred poodles will not shed at all. Hypo- means less hypothermia is having a lower than normal body temperature. No dog can be said to be completely non-allergenic. Studies have shown that doodles are less likely to cause allergies, particularly f1b doodles. The ideal is to keep as much of the Lab head shape and super-friendly personality as possible while getting the non-shedding Poodle coat as well as the dignified, less vocal characteristics of the Poodle. Our Labradoodle methodology is quite simple. First, we get quality dogs. This is why we wanted to have pick of the litter for our Labradoodle and our Poodle and why we only obtained puppies from reputable breeders that we knew we could trust. Second, we try to treat our dogs Labradoodle and Poodle well. We feed our Labradoodle and Poodle high quality food with plenty of protein, and give them wonderful socialization and opportunities for exercise. We have 12 acres along the Enoree River with trails, additional property next to a Greenville state park, and property on Lake Hartwell giving us the opportunity to take the dogs kayaking. We recognize the importance of socializing young Labradoodle puppies so they will not be fearful as they mature. Our Labradoodle puppies have lots of opportunities to play with our children, and water games are definitely on top of the list. Labradoodles love the water and so do my kids, as you can see below. Third, we try to find appropriate families for our Chocolate Labradoodle puppies. To learn more about our process, check out this resource that gives a step-by-step guide between the application to receiving your puppy! A Chocolate Labradoodle or mini Labradoodle is not for everyone, and a puppy is not for everyone. If your family is not prepared for a Labradoodle puppy financially, time investment, etc. When can you get your puppy? Because we have only one Labradoodle mother and a couple guardian homes , puppies are available only occasionally. Contact us nathan crockettdoodles. We have a flexible waiting list and offer your deposit back if we do not have the ideal Labradoodle puppy for you within a certain window of time. Sometimes with mini Labradoodles we prefer to wait until they are a little older than 8 weeks because accidents tend to happen more easily with really small puppies. We will take several pictures of you with your Labradoodle puppy. We will send you the pictures for free place them on a USB thumb drive for you , and you will have full copyright privileges to all of the pictures to use at your discretion. You have the option of whether or not the photos appear here on the ChocolateLabradoodlePuppies. Although we never ship puppies, we will sometimes personally deliver puppies for a reasonable fee. Why should you consider getting a Chocolate Labradoodle from us? If a Labradoodle or mini Labradoodle puppy is right for your family, and if you are within driving distance of Greenville, SC, you may want to consider getting a chocolate Labradoodle or mini Labradoodle from us. If you read our Labradoodle puppy methodology and like what you read, you should consider adopting one of our puppies. We have a three-year health guarantee on each of our puppies if the forever home continues to feed TLC one year health guarantee on all others. How can you get a Chocolate Labradoodle or Labradoodle mini from us? If you think your family would be a good match for one of our Labradoodle or mini Labradoodle puppies, then start the conversation by emailing us at nathan crockettdoodles. You will have full access to all pictures and hold the copyright to make as many pictures as you desire. You keep all the pictures. We give your Labradoodle or mini Labradoodle puppy a quality collar. We give your Labradoodle or mini Labradoodle puppy a quality leash. We give you a bag of high quality dog food. We believe that you should give your new Labradoodle puppy or mini Labradoodle puppy the best food. Instructional materials about crate training and house training. Our goal is to do everything we can to assist in the house training and crate training process. A Labradoodle or mini Labradoodle puppy or any puppy cannot be completely reliable in the house until the puppy is about 6 months old. The simple point is that no matter what some breeders tell you you will be partially involved in the house training process unless you buy an older Labradoodle or mini Labradoodle , but we want to help you with that process. A one-year health guarantee; extended to three years for all who continue to feed TLC. We are concerned with finding really good homes for our Labradoodle and mini Labradoodle puppies. Labradoodle Color To see a list of available colors, check out this page. At ChocolateLabradoodlePuppies. Ultimately we cannot completely control the color of puppies. Even though chocolate is the most desirable color, we sometimes have puppies of other colors even occasional merles. These puppies, will of course, also make excellent pets. These non-chocolate Labradoodle puppies are also available to great families, but we know that Chocolate Labradoodles are the most desirable. The Labrador Retriever has a short coat that sheds. By breeding the F1 Labradoodle back to an unrelated Poodle, the chances of getting the highly desirable non-shedding Poodle coat increase exponentially. Some F1B Labradoodles are bred back another time to a Poodle in an effort to guarantee a Poodle coat. If high quality dogs are chosen to breed that have the head shape of a Labrador Retriever it is possible to get a puppy that is very similar in many ways to a Labrador, but has the beautiful non-shedding Poodle coat. Both Labrador Retrievers and Poodles are highly intelligent dogs, helping Labradoodles excel in smarts, train-ability, and a general desire to always please their owner. If you desire a family-friendly, kid loving, medium energy dog that is comfortable inside or outside, that loves the water and the land, you should definitely consider a Labradoodle or mini Labradoodle. For more info about Labradoodle puppies or mini Labradoodle puppies, please email nathan crockettdoodles. Check out our sister site miniLabradoodlePuppies. We specialize in Chocolate Labradoodles and mini Labradoodles, but often we have other colors as well. Occasionally someone travels from Atlanta, Columbia, Raleigh-Durham or Knoxville, but our proximity to North Carolina and the popularity of Labradoodles in North Carolina make Charlotte and Asheville our most serviced locations. We also have some who are interested from distant states, but we primarily serve the Southeast U. Life Span Did You Know? Second-generation crosses could include a Labradoodle and a Mini Poodle or two Mini Labradoodles as parents. This hybrid dog breed was originally developed to create smaller potential service dogs that might be a good fit for people with allergies to dog fur. With a mixed breed, you can end up with any combination of traits from the parent breeds. Often, Mini Labradoodles are smart, friendly, and sociable dogs that are highly trainable. They are often found working as service dogs and therapy dogs and living as beloved family companions. Although they are not recognized by the AKC, the Mini Labradoodle is recognized by other canine registries. A Mini Labradoodle is a combination of two friendly dog breeds that crave human affection and are always happy to have company. These dogs also tend to have playful, energetic personalities and low prey drives. Well-socialized Mini Labradoodles tend to get along well with children, other dogs, and other pets. Due to their smaller size, these dogs can be injured by accidental rough play or accidental falls, so any interactions between young kids and puppies should be closely supervised. Miniature Labradoodles will usually bark to alert you when someone is at the door, but generally are not prone to nuisance barking unless they have been trained into it. It may not be a bad idea to train your dog to stop barking early on. Well-socialized Mini Labradoodles may be initially wary of strangers, but tend to warm up quickly and will often be happy to make a new friend. Miniature Labradoodles are highly adaptable. Provided they get enough exercise, attention, and mental stimulation, they can adapt well to apartments as well as larger homes. They tend to do best in moderate climates, but can tolerate warmer or colder climates. As with any dog, they are sensitive to heat. Although they tend to have a fluffier coat, they are also smaller and may need to bundle up in some winter dog products to stay warm while out on walks in the cold. Mini Labradoodles are also very much companion breeds. They bond closely with their families and thrive on being near them, so they do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. The health of the parents and good breeding practices make a big difference in the health of Mini Labradoodle puppies. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. Make sure you are asking the breeder about the health and genetic history of both parents. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done to help allay any concerns you may have. Miniature Labradoodles tend to be highly intelligent and eager to please. This generally makes them easy to train and a good fit for owners of all experience levels. In fact, their parent breeds are considered some of the best dog breeds for first-time owners. These dogs respond best to consistent training and positive reinforcement. Puppy training classes can ensure that owners of any experience level learn the latest training techniques and start building a strong bond with their puppy. Grooming requirements with a Mini Labradoodle can vary. On the Poodle side, you have a low-shedding, but high-maintenance, coat that needs daily brushing along with trimming and grooming every weeks. On the Lab side, you have a higher shedding coat that is more low-maintenance, requiring some weekly brushing or brushing a few times a week and intermittent bathing. Overall, Mini Labradoodles range from having a non- to low-shedding coat. They can have one coat type or the other, or a combination of both of them. So, you will want to be prepared for brushing a coat a few times a week and the possibility of more grooming needs. Regardless of coat type, there are some other general grooming tasks you can count on. Regular dental care for your dog will help prevent serious dental issues like gum disease and tooth decay later in life. This is especially important for dog breeds with floppy ears as they are more prone to developing ear infections. Miniature Labradoodles can be high-energy dogs. In general, they require daily walks plus some playtime and extra activity to be happy and healthy. Since they love to be around their family and can have an exuberant and outgoing personality, they will likely be up for more playtime if you are. This little dog may get tired more easily at times and could push themselves too far in their excitement. On the other hand, they may just keep going and going with no signs of slowing down. What is most important is making sure your Miniature Labradoodle gets enough exercise and mental stimulation. Fully-grown Mini Labradoodles usually stand inches tall and weigh pounds. Miniature Labradoodles generally live for years on average. Featured Mini Labradoodle Article.

All Reservation Fees are good for 1 year from the time they are submitted. What is an Australian Labradoodle? He mixed Labrador Retrievers with Poodles. The current bloodlines were perfected by the owners of Tegan Park and Rutland Manor based in Australia. A natural by-product of this being a conspicuous lack of dog odor! Their even temperament makes them excellent candidates to become service dogs and is also a big part of what makes them exceptional family dogs. They are highly intelligent and are a preferred breed for their excellent health. Our puppies range from 18 lbs. Our dogs are incredibly loved and extensively health tested. Our dogs will never live in kennels — they live in our home or a guardian home as a member of the family. Happy, healthy, well loved and cared for parents produce healthier puppies. Our goal is to operate with the highest integrity, while producing genetically exceptional, structurally sound, well-adjusted puppies who are ready to become a loving part of your family. These methods include early neurological stimulation and creates an enriched environment early on for your puppy to grow in. Our in-home puppy play area includes early training for problem prevention such as emotional resilience, exercises using therapy toys and sound desensitization. Your puppy is introduced early to many scary sounds including loud thunderstorms, lightning, and doorbells ringing. We start potty training our puppies using a bell on the door at 4 weeks and we initiate crate training at 6 weeks. By 8 weeks, the puppies are ready for their new homes with their loving families. We strive for excellence in our dogs, our customer service and in the relationships we build with the families who entrust our family with raising their new baby. You can rest assured and trust our program for transparency, prompt communication and excellent customer service. We understand the level of trust our prospective puppy families place in us and we take our responsibility seriously. Your name is placed on our wait list in the order your Reservation Fee was received. You will remain on the waitlist until you have been offered and accepted a puppy to adopt that meets the temperament needs and preferences of your family. If we do not have a puppy of your sex or color preference, you may choose to defer to a future litter. Final payment is due by the time the puppy is 6 weeks old and the puppy can go home at 8 weeks. Ready To Get Started? Microchipping Full socialization in home environment keeping Puppy Culture principles in mind Litter registered with the Worldwide Australian Labradoodle Association Comfort blanket with mom and littermates' scents on it to help comfort them in the first few days away from our home. A 3lb bag of puppy food. Crate that your puppy was crate trained in starting at 6 weeks old. You will remain on the list until you have chosen a puppy to adopt. If we do not have a puppy of your sex or color preference, you may choose to defer to a future unreserved litter. Springdale Labradoodles does not guarantee placement on our waitlist until the puppy Reservation Fee has been received. We will reply to your inquiry promptly. Springdale Labradoodles does not guarantee placement on the wait list for any litter until the puppy Reservation Fee has been received. Breeder always has the first pick. We want our puppies and their new families to have the best chances for success! We do NOT ship our puppies in Cargo under a plane, as we do not believe it is in their best interest. You are welcome to pick your puppy up at our home, or we may be able to meet you if you are coming from one of the states mentioned above. Out of state and unsure how to get your puppy home? To make for a smooth trip for you and your puppy, we will ensure that your puppy is acclimated and ready to travel in a soft-sided airline carrier prior to going home. Don't want to fly? No worries! We have our very own puppy Flight Nanny! Our experienced flight nanny will personally fly your puppy to you on his lap with love and deliver your puppy into your arms at your closest airport. Additional fees apply and will be paid directly to the puppy nanny once travel arrangements are confirmed. We will be as flexible as we can in helping you receive your Springdale puppy. Travel fees are determined on an individual basis. We do everything possible to make the transition from our home to yours as easy as possible! With respect to the well-being of the puppy, our veterinarian does not perform early spay and neuter ESN , as she does not believe that it is in the best interest of young puppies. We follow her advice. We do our best to ensure that our puppies go to wonderful forever homes. If a dog must be relinquished, you must return the dog to Springdale Labradoodles. We have a professional flight nanny service available. Please contact us for details. Making a reservation earlier will help to keep the delivery fee lower. Mini Labradoodle vs Mini Sheepadoodle Comparison Two dog breeds, one purpose: to make your life a joy-filled journey powered by strong bonds, friendship, and unconditional love. Meet the Mini Labradoodle and the Mini Sheepadoodle. Two very adorable and friendly dogs with upbeat personalities, the Mini Labradoodle and Mini Sheepadoodle make the perfect addition to any lucky family. Your way of life, hobbies, and work schedule are all important factors that can help determine which of the two dog breeds is a good fit for your lifestyle.Welcoming a new puppy into your home is an exciting time filled with joy, cuddles, and a few inevitable challenges. One of the most common questions new puppy owners ask is, "When can puppies go outside? They are fun, easygoing, and gentle. Mini Labradoodles enjoy canine games like chase, fetch, and Frisbee, and thrive on cuddles and love. Energetic, friendly, and full of life, the Mini Labradoodles make wonderful jogging and hiking companions. They are known to enjoy a good swim, a long stroll, and are very fond of adventures. The Mini Labradoodle puppies are happy, energetic, and bright bundles of joy. They are loving and eager to please, love to play and cuddle, and are excellent training students. A cross between Labrador Retrievers and Mini or Toy Poodles, the Mini Labradoodle may take after one parent breed or the other in appearance or they may have their own unique look with an added bonus of a hypoallergenic coat. We raise high-quality Mini Labradoodles as well as a few other breeds. We also have partnered up with several other reputable breeders that raise mini labradoodle pups that meet our strict genetic criteria and testing. So we usually have a good selection of very high-quality puppies. View Our Available Puppies! F1B Mini Labradoodle Puppies are a second-generation cross or hybrid. The father is a Mini Poodle and the mother is an F1 Labradoodle. The F1B Minature Labradoodles usually have soft hair that is usually wavy or curly. Thes puppies are considered semi-hypoallergenic since they shed minimally. These puppies can be a good fit if a person that has mild pet allergies. Once F1B Mini Labradoodles reach 6 months old they require to be groomed once every 8 weeks or so to keep their fur healthy and to stop matting. Adult F1B Mini labradoodle dogs range in size from 14 inches in height and pounds in weight. The average life span is typically years of age. The F1BB puppies usually have curlier coats and will be totally hypoallergenic. Once the F1BB pup is 6 months they will need regular grooming every 6 to 8 weeks. F1BB Puppies are usually slightly smaller than F1B puppies and range from 12 inches in height and pounds in weight. Mini Labradoodles are known for their intelligence and the ability to be trained very easily. They make amazing family pets and love to participate in family activities like swimming, hiking, camping or just playing tag in the yard. This breed is also a good choice for people who live in apartments as long as they get at least minutes of exercise a day. So if you live near Charlotte North Carolina and are looking for a healthy and beautiful Mini Labradoodle puppy that can be delivered to you then check out our available pups now by Clicking Here. Below are some Mini Labradoodle pups that have been adopted.

At what age is a Golden Retriever fully grown? As larger dogs, Golden Retrievers can take up to two years to reach their full weight. Most Golden Retrievers will be close to their adult height and weight around a year of age but may need one more year to fill out their chest fully. A six-month-old male Golden Retriever will weigh between 35 to 45 pounds, while their female counterpart will weigh around 30 to 35 pounds at the same age. As for their height, most Golden Retrievers will still need another three to six months to reach their adult height. At this age, they will likely be a few inches away from their adult height, which ranges from .Pro Tip: Check out this ultimate pet parent guide with 39 dog care tips on bonding with your pet, puppy-proofing your home, training, microchips, and more! How much bigger will my Golden Retriever get? There are a few ways you can estimate how much bigger your Golden Retriever will get. If they are less than a year old, they still need more time to reach their full adult size. Many Golden Retrievers can take up to two years to completely fill out, though their weight at one year old is usually close to their full adult weight. A puppy is rarely larger than their bigger parent, so this will also give you a general idea of their maximum weight. If their paws still look large or oversized next to their body and legs, they are probably still filling out and have some growing left to do, as this is a classic sign of adolescence in canines. What is the size of a full-grown Golden Retriever? As adults, Golden Retrievers will appear overall symmetrical and have a powerful body hidden beneath beautiful, golden fur. Golden Retrievers are stunning, sunny dogs that easily steal our hearts. Unfortunately, as a purebred dog breed, they are more susceptible to genetic diseases, which can compromise their lifespan and quality of life. However, many genetic disorders can be treated or prevented with regular veterinary care. Remember that prevention is almost always easier and less expensive than treatment. Your veterinarian may recommend a large-breed growth food to your Golden Retriever puppy to support their growth rate which can help prevent or decrease the severity of hip dysplasia in adulthood. According to the Veterinary Centers of America , Golden Retrievers are also more prone to gaining excess weight. Golden Retrievers are also susceptible to various genetic health disorders, such as oral tumors and aortic stenosis. Aortic stenosis is most commonly found in large, purebred dogs, including Golden Retrievers, and occurs when the aortic valves to the heart narrow. Aortic stenosis causes the body to struggle to pump blood through the valve, creating additional stress on the body. If untreated, aortic stenosis can lead to muscle failure and even fatality. However, veterinarians can treat many genetic diseases like aortic stenosis and oral tumors through surgery and medication. Even with proper prevention and wellness care, necessary veterinary visits can be expensive, with many treatments costing thousands of dollars. Out of over 20, pet parents surveyed , only .The last thing you should be focused on when the worst happens is how to finance a needed surgery or treatment for your beloved pet. This is where pet insurance comes in. Just like people, dogs are living longer lives and will need additional veterinary care to maintain a happy quality of life. Let pet insurance help you with these costs should the worst happen to your dog. Wellness plans are also available as an add-on to help with the ongoing costs of regular veterinary care , like x-rays and exams. Act now and give yourself peace of mind knowing that your Golden Retriever is covered should anything happen. Compare top Golden Retriever pet insurance plans side-by-side with Pawlicy Advisor today! Key Takeaways On average, male Golden Retrievers weigh pounds and females weigh pounds. At full height, Goldens stand between .Although puppies groww extremely fast, the Golden Retriever breed can take as long as 2 years to reach full maturity. Owners should keep an eye on their Golden Retriever's diet because they are very prone to obesity. Pet insurance helps cover the cost of care necessary to give your Goldie a happy, healthy life. Do you want to find the best pet insurance? Let's analyze your pet's breed, age, and location to find the right coverage and the best savings. Analyze My Pet About Pawlicy Advisor The pet insurance marketplace endorsed by veterinarians, at Pawlicy Advisor we make buying the best pet insurance easier. At this stage, nipping bad behaviors in the bud is more important than imprinting positive ones. Instead, just redirect them to positive behavior and reward them accordingly. By this point, your puppy should have already been given their distemper and parvovirus vaccinations. By this point, they should be fully housetrained or close to it. Your dog will be likely to gnaw and bite on anything they can get their chompers on—including you. Stay calm and redirect their attention to appropriate objects like chew toys. Your Golden should be fully accustomed to their new kibble at this point, and you should feed them three to four times per day. A 3-month-old dog should also get a DHHP booster, which protects them from parvo, distemper, parainfluenza, and adenovirus. You can play with your pup as much as you like, but take care not to put too much stress on their joints. Avoid a bunch of running and jumping, especially on hard surfaces. Your dog can transition from four meals per day down to three at this point, but the meals should probably be larger. This can cause digestive issues until your dog gets accustomed to it, so be prepared to clean up a few messes. Training should continue, although your primary focus will likely be convincing your pup to chew on something besides your shoes. Your dog will need another DHPP booster at this point, as well as a rabies vaccination. Other optional vaccines include Bordetella, Lyme disease, coronavirus, and leptospirosis. This could cause a brief burst of intense biting and chewing, so power through it. Make sure your pup has plenty of chew toys available to them. Stairs in particular should be avoided. Your pup is likely to start asserting itself at this stage and may start to mature sexually if not spayed or neutered. There are no vaccinations required at this point. Everyone knows how much fun it is to raise teenagers, right? This can lead to undesirable behaviors like aggressiveness, increased tendency to roam, and destructiveness. As a result, you may think that your dog is too skinny, but resist the urge to increase their rations. While most breeds have a puppy coat that they eventually grow out of, Goldens do not. Instead, their puppy coat becomes their undercoat, so you may notice your dog becoming increasingly fuzzy. The teenage rebelliousness should be wearing off by this point, and your dog is ready to begin training in earnest. You should still be feeding them twice daily, and they should stay on puppy kibble for at least another 6 months. Goldens reach their full height between 9 and 12 months old. Females tend to get there faster, but males will be taller in the end. You may also need to cut back on the amount that you feed them. It depends on the individual dog, but females generally reach maturity first. Spaying or neutering your dog has its pros and cons. The pros are fairly obvious: less marking, reduced misbehavior, and zero chance of getting an unexpected litter of puppies. Spaying and neutering can also protect against certain cancers. You may want to wait until your dog is at least 12 months old before getting them fixed. This also leaves the window open longer in which they can suffer skeletal damage, though, so be careful about how active you allow them to be. However, stunted growth and growing too quickly can cause serious health problems, so you should check with your vet to make sure your dog is growing on schedule. Stunted growth is usually caused by malnourishment or a medical problem. You should have your pup tested for parasites like hookworm or ringworm, and consider switching them to a higher-quality, calorie-dense food. If left untreated, malnourishment can lead to weak bones, muscles, and immune system. As you might expect, growing too quickly is often caused by feeding your dog too much. American and British Goldens are similar. However, American Goldens tend to be less stocky and muscular, instead having a leaner appearance. They may weigh a bit less as well. They tend to be taller as well, often standing an inch or two higher than their counterparts. Conclusion Golden Retrievers make excellent pets, and we understand how hard it is to resist the temptation to bring a puppy home. If you do, though, you should understand what to expect from your new dog. Steady growth is what you want to see, without too many peaks or valleys. This sets your dog up for a long, healthy lifespan. Every dog develops at their own pace, so as long as you feed your pup an appropriate amount of high-quality puppy kibble and get them vaccinated regularly, you should be fine. See also:. When is a Golden Retriever Full Grown? Goldens are a large breed, and like other such breeds, Golden Retrievers grow until they reach their full height and weight. This process typically occurs between the ages of one to two years old, or 18 to 24 months; however, there is some variation in how fast each dog grows during this period due to both genetic factors and environmental ones, like diet or exercise level. Use our weight chart to help keep an eye on how your Golden puppy develops as she grows. Is Your Golden Retriever Healthy? Golden Retrievers are beautiful, friendly dogs that will steal your heart with their cute antics. That said, many disorders that adult Golden Retrievers have are treatable or preventable through regular vet care. Preventative care, along with a pet insurance policy, is an ideal combination to give your Golden a long, happy life. Some of the most common medical conditions that Golden Retrievers are susceptible to developing are: Hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia Golden Retrievers are prone to develop hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia, which are common orthopedic issues seen in many other large dog breeds. The canine hip and elbow rotate smoothly within its socket joint, which holds them together with powerful ligaments. When these areas degrade due to wear and tear caused by poor alignment or injury, excessive stress and uneven bone wear are placed on the attached ligaments, leading to lameness, stiffness, arthritis, and pain. When your dog suffers from dysplasia, simple tasks like jumping into the car or climbing stairs can be difficult. A vet can assess the severity with imaging technology and prescribe relief for any present symptoms, allowing the dog to return to activities as usual. Skin allergies and conditions Golden Retrievers are at risk for various skin problems, including allergic reactions and parasites. They also require more care than other breeds to keep their coats clean due to the deep undercoat that insulates against cold weather. Keep an eye out for any allergies your pup might have towards certain items in their environment, as well as molds and dust, which could trigger reactions on contact-sensitive areas like ears or paws. This breed is also prone to various skin conditions, including granulomas a type of non-cancerous tumor , sebaceous cysts, and lipomas. Cancer The cancer rate among Golden Retrievers is sadly all too common. Golden Retrievers are also often diagnosed with other cancers, including lymphosarcoma, osteosarcoma, and mastocytoma. Heart disease and respiratory issues Golden Retrievers are at risk for various conditions that affect the heart, lungs, and circulation. This disease has severe effects, including death if not treated immediately. If you notice any signs like lethargy or weakness along with difficulty breathing, then see a veterinarian right away as your dog might be suffering from issues caused by SAS. Protect your Golden retriever puppy with pet insurance. You might not be able to control the genes passed down to your Golden Retriever puppy from generation to generation. What if your dog develops cancer or heart issues? The veterinary costs can add up pretty quickly without proper pet insurance coverage. A quality policy will cover a significant portion of all emergency procedures and medication costs. Get Quotes for Your Cat Charitable Giving With every pet insurance policy we generate, we do our bit to help less fortunate animals across Canada and the U. Popular Articles. Your new furry friend has a lot of growing to do, and you probably have a lot of questions. Your Golden Retriever puppy will go through a number of developmental stages throughout their first twelve weeks. Male Golden Retrievers generally weigh between 65 and 75 pounds and stand from 23 to 24 inches tall. Females are generally smaller weighing between 55 to 65 pounds, and will grow to stand .At 4 months, your Golden Retriever puppy will reach about half their adult height. When it comes to mental development, it can take even longer than that before the Golden Retriever is fully mature. However, every puppy is a unique individual, and these are merely milestone guidelines. Disparities exist between the working and show Goldens, as well as between males and females. Golden Retriever puppy growth can also be quite sporadic. As an overall average, many Golden Retriever puppies will weigh just approximately 1. Golden Retrievers are classified as a gundog breed, and these dogs are often divided into those bred for show and those meant for work. However, the body of the show Golden is typically larger, taller, heavy-boned, and fuller in the chest. Small Parents Like people, puppies inherit physical traits from their parents. And even puppies from the same litter can vary in size. Neither of these scenarios is healthy for a puppy. Larger breeds like the Golden Retriever are more at risk for growth disorders than small breed dogs. This article will give you a lot more information on how much to feed, what to feed, and how often to feed a Golden Retriever puppy. Illness and Puppy Growth If a puppy has been seriously ill for a prolonged period, it may affect their ability to grow normally. However, once the puppy is free of worms, they should continue to grow at a normal rate. The best way to determine if your puppy is too thin or too fat is by how he looks and feels. When looking at your puppy from above, he should have a noticeable waistline. Another way to tell is by putting your hands on either side of his ribcage. You should be able to feel his ribs using a gentle pressure. But if his ribs are visible, he could be underweight. Obesity is a huge problem for many dog breeds. Although there are ways to make your puppy grow bigger, this is not something you should attempt. It could also mean you end up with a fat puppy. One of the best ways to ensure your puppy has a long, healthy life is to ensure he stays at an optimal weight. Hip and elbow dysplasia and other musculoskeletal disorders are associated with excess weight in larger breeds. Having your dog neutered at a young age can also cause them to grow taller. The problem is, this can also cause abnormalities in joint formation. Neutering also makes Golden Retrievers more at risk for certain types of cancers. Typically it will take approximately 18 months for your Golden Retriever to become an adult dog. Even though they can reach their full height at anywhere from 9 to 12 months, it will usually take them longer to fill out to their full weight. Remember that there are wide variations in size within the Golden Retriever breed. If this is the case, you should contact your veterinarian to seek advice. Beginning the puppy development stages before birth Puppy development stages week by week Amazingly, in a way the puppy development stages begin before your dog is even born. Your puppy spends approximately 9 weeks developing inside his Mom. The mother dog has a womb or uterus, that has two long tubes, and the puppies grow in a row along each tube rather like peas in a pod. The puppies are joined to their mother by a placenta which provides all the nourishment they need for those few weeks. To begin with, the puppies have plenty of room to move but they grow fast and as the time for birth draws near they are packed in quite tightly. The one week old puppy Your puppy is born fully furred but with his eyes and ears closed so he cannot hear or see. His front feet are strong and he can pull himself towards his mother with them. He can cry if he is uncomfortable and his mother will respond to his cries by moving him towards her and licking him. Your puppy spends most of his time sleeping or suckling. He cannot regulate his own body temperature and needs his mother for heat, or an artificial heat source. In the first week to ten days of his life your puppy grows rapidly and will double his birth weight. His forelegs are getting much stronger. She licks the puppies bottoms to stimulate a bowel or bladder movement and eats the result. There is no cleaning up for the breeder to do yet. The breeder will begin to handle the puppies more though, and get them used to human contact. She will worm the puppies for the first time at the end of this week. Puppies begin to get their personalities. Your puppy can stand and sit up by the end of the week. Tails can be wagged, ears will be completely open and puppies start play growling and interacting with their littermates. Your puppy can regulate his body temperature more effectively and will start to cut his first teeth in preparation for weaning. The front teeth, canines and incisors are cut first. Toward the end of the week he may have his first tiny taste of puppy food. They also start to move away from the sleeping area to empty their bowels and bladder. They may try to climb out of the whelping box. If she lives indoors, she may rejoin the family for more of each day. Your puppy will cut his back teeth and the breeder will get weaning underway this week and by the end of it, your puppy will be getting quite a bit of his nourishment from puppy food. She will also worm the puppies a second time. If the mother is allowed near the puppies after she has been fed, she may regurgitate her dinner for them. This is completely natural and normal. He is a proper little dog. Rolling around with his brothers and sisters and playing with toys. Teething toys, puppy Kongs, balls and rope toys are big favorites with puppies. He can bark too and some puppies can be quite noisy at this age! He chases after his mother whenever she appears and suckles hungrily, but she is starting to get fed up with it, and may be reluctant to feed her brood for very long. His mother is teaching him not to bite too hard. If he lives in outdoor kennels he should spend part of each day indoors with the family. By the end of the sixth week, most are fully weaned, and eating five or six little meals of puppy food each day. Socialization must begin in earnest. He is now two months old and ready for his new life. It is the time during which they become fearful of anything unfamiliar and need to be thoroughly socialized. This is also the time during which most puppies get to grips with house-training, learning to wait before eliminating and start sleeping through the night without a potty break. It is a busy time for new puppy owners. Your puppy will have his vaccinations during this month. Biting can be a big problem during this stage and you need to be patient and consistent in order to teach the puppy not to hurt people when he plays. Provided you use force free methods, this is a great time to get puppy training under way, and especially to teach a puppy recall, and to get your puppy used to working with food. So, for a 2. You can do the same calculation for medium pups at sixteen weeks and large breed pups at 20 weeks — just divide his weight by his age in weeks before you multiply by .Medium to large pups will reach about half their adult height by the end of the month. If the weather is warm you can get your puppy swimming now. He should be able to come when he is called, in and around your home, provided there are not too many distractions. It all depends on what you have taught him. He may still be chewing a lot and biting too. Use frozen Kongs to help him and give your furniture and fingers a break. Puppies can go for short walks now. By the end of this month your puppy could have a twenty minute walk each day. He may also enjoy fetching a ball and playing with other dogs, but take care to stop before he gets very tired. Less dependence This is the month during which some puppies start to become less dependent on their humans for security. Keep your puppy close to you outdoors by changing direction frequently so that you puppy has to keep coming to find you. And engaging him in games. The foundations of a great recall are often build or spoilt during this month. If your puppy knows how to sit or lie down at home, start some simple proofing exercises with him in public places. A healthy puppy can usually manage on two meals a day from around six months. During this month a Retriever, Spaniel or GSD puppy will reach around two thirds of his adult weight. A Great Dane and other large breeds will have reached about half their final weight and little dogs will have almost completed their growth. Some female dogs will come on heat for the first time during this month, or the next, so keep an eye open now for swelling of her vulva and any discharge. Your dog will become increasingly confident over the next few months so practice, practice and practice that recall! Make it a habit he cannot break. And be generous with your rewards. Small breed pups may now be more or less mature. Your puppy will enjoy half hour off lead walks now, and should be able to walk on a loose lead for short periods with plenty of encouragement and rewards. Keep practicing that recall! These help to slow his growth further and to build his confidence. Make sure you practice good outdoor management on walks to maintain the good recall you have built and work hard on thoroughly proofing all his obedience skills. Read up on neutering before you take this important step, for dogs of either sex. Once your dog is a year old he can participate in more strenuous activities and sports. Now is the time to think about the kinds of activities you would like to do with him — go jogging together for example — and if necessary, to start to get him fit. Puppy development stages — Summary There is huge variation in the way in which dogs develop and mature. The puppy development stages and ages outlined above are a rough guide. We hope you enjoyed them and found the information interesting. When it comes to training, you get out what you put in. Your progress depends as much if not more on you rather than your puppy. If you train your puppy five times a day, six days a week he will learn many, many times faster than a puppy that is trained once a day at the weekend. Enjoy watching your puppy grow and develop. And have fun! By Tom Massey Mar 02, Adopting a golden retriever is one of the best decisions you can make. These loving dogs are constantly praised for their gentle and calm, yet playful nature, making them perfect dogs for all walks of life and types of families. So when you do finally bring your Golden Retriever puppy home, you want to do everything you can to give them a long and healthy life for years to come. This is a wide range, so keep in mind that the weight of your Retriever will vary depending on genetic factors and sex. For example, female Golden Retrievers will weigh closer to 55 pounds while Golden Retriever males are heavier and will weigh closer to 75 pounds. Females also typically reach their full size by their first birthday, while males may continue growing through their second year. You can usually tell the size males and females will be based on what their parents look like, which is why Snowy Pines encourages meeting the parents or browsing through their photos and biographies online. Then, calculate 1. What to Expect: This age is crucial for mother-puppy bonding since he will depend on his mother for food, cleaning, and socialization. Image Source Weeks months Golden Retriever Male Weight: Between 8 to 12 weeks, your male puppy will average between 10 to 22 pounds. Golden Retriever Female Weight: Although females will grow to be smaller than males, they are typically around the same weight at this age group. The puppies become very playful, curious, and discover their voices little by little. Introductory training like house training is essential. Socialization is also important, which is why Snowy Pines ensures that all puppies stay with their littermates until adoption. For female puppies, 6 months is a little over the halfway point to their full-size, and males are essentially smaller versions of their adult bodies. Remember, at this age, you can multiply by two to determine their adult weight! What to Expect: Socialization is still crucial at this age, and more intense training can also begin. The puppy should also be kept in happy and safe environments, as any exposure to something fearful at this age may impact him long-term. This is entirely normal: Think of your puppy as a teenager who is going through adolescence and waiting for the rest of his body to catch up. They may get territorial and challenge you and other pets for dominance. Most Golden Retrievers will be fully grown by 24 months old, although this varies. Golden Retriever Female Weight: In most cases, females are finished growing before 16 to 24 months. Whatever their nature is like at the to month mark is likely what it will be throughout their adult life. They are loyal, friendly, and calm, making them the perfect companion for small and large families alike. However, Goldens are susceptible to certain illnesses and diseases that are common in bigger breeds that are typically caused by overfeeding, stunted or accelerated growth, and genetic issues. One of the most common diseases that goldens experience is Osteochondritis dissecans OCD. OCD is a developmental disease that affects large-breed dogs because of the accelerated growth they experience. It is an inflammatory condition that causes abnormal cartilage development on the end of a bone in the joint. This can lead to joint problems like arthritis and hip dysplasia which commonly appears in the elbow, hip, and knee. Image Source The good news is that, although larger breeds like golden retrievers are prone to joint issues like this, you may be able to help prevent it through proper practice. OCD is a specific disease that is more common in dogs that receive too much energy and calcium in their diets. Other common factors are genetics, rapid growth, and hormonal factors. Overfeeding can lead to obesity, and all that extra weight can leave your puppy with skeletal abnormalities that put too much weight on joints. Another way to avoid accidentally stunted or accelerated growth is to ensure your golden retriever puppy is getting fed appropriately and receiving the right amount of calories. Image Source Months Between 2 and 4 months old, your puppy should eat 4 times per day with 2 ounces per meal. This will add up to 7 to 9 ounces per day, depending on how much he willingly eats. Keep him on puppy food through his first year before switching to young adult food. They must receive regular exercise every day. However, this depends on their age. As previously covered, the more your puppy grows, the more susceptible to common diseases like joint problems. Breeders with years of experience, like the team at Snowy Pines, work hard to keep pure bloodlines so that all of the parents and their litters are as healthy as they can be, which helps guarantee a lifetime full of happiness without any issue. Share on. Not all goldens will grow to the same size and at the same rate. The size of the parents is always a good indicator of whether your dog will be above or below average in size. However, while natural variation is nothing to worry about, stunted growth or accelerated growth is. If a golden retriever puppy is malnourished or suffering from an unidentified medical condition usually hookworm or ringworm , their natural growth can be compromised. This can lead to serious medical issues in later life, as it can leave them with weak bones, weak muscles, and a weak immune system, as well as a tendency to develop both skin and digestive issues. Growing too quickly, largely as a result of overfeeding, can also pose a major health risk. As well as leading to obesity, carrying too much weight at the development stage can leave your golden retriever with skeletal abnormalities, hip dysplasia, and osteochondrosis , a condition that affects the joints. With these tips, you will help fight off those genetic health disorders as well. Appropriate Diet Start off by speaking to your vet for guidance on foods to use for the different life stages. At the very least, you will need a nutritionally complete and balanced diet made for large breeds. Good food will help your pup gain the right amount of weight, look healthy, and have enough energy. Proper exercise will build their muscle and bone strength, prevent obesity, increase their agility, stop destructive behavior, and help them release pent-up energy. Vaccines will help to prevent infectious diseases such as hepatitis, parvovirus, rabies, and distemper, all of which could affect the growth and overall health of your puppy. This will be a plus for her overall health. It would also be great to have your vet do routine health checks on your puppy. This way, no issue will go unnoticed, and treatment can be administered early for better outcomes. A shiny coat and bright eyes are a plus. Alternatively, if you notice rapid weight gain or loss, unusual bumps and lumps on their skin, digestive issues, changes in behavior, and visual or hearing complications, take your dog to the vet right away. Compared to other breeds, Golden Retrievers, especially females, grow pretty quickly. Males could take up to 18 months to achieve the same milestone. However, both will still need an additional year to fill out the chest fully. Adult height, on the other hand, will be reached between 9 and 12 months. As always, females will get there a bit faster than males. You can get a rough idea of how big your golden retriever will grow by first studying the parents. Take note of the size that both of the parents and previous litters have had. Rarely will a puppy grow larger than its parents, so the measurements you gather will give you a better idea of how tall and heavy your golden retriever will get. Full-grown, healthy, male golden retrievers have a height of between 22 and 24 inches while the females are 20 to 22 inches tall. In terms of height and body structure, the Canadian golden retriever has no rival. Spaying and neutering specifically affect the development of bones and also ligament and tendon strength. In fact, some studies report higher incidences of cranial cruciate ligament tears and hip dysplasia among golden retrievers that went through this procedure. Therefore, consult your vet when deciding if and when to spay or neuter your dog. The weight of your golden retriever is a good indication of their healthy development. While male and female Goldens will have different weights and show goldens tend to be heavier than working goldens, overall, they should be hitting the weights listed in the growth and weight chart above. If your dog is not hitting these milestones, consult your vet about malnutrition, possibly caused by worms, and excessive golden retriever growth, which is often the result of overfeeding. If you feel like your pooch is missing any of them, again, it is time to consult your vet. In general, good nutrition and a loving home is a recipe for a happy and healthy golden retriever. If you want to know more about your golden retriever, you can do a DNA test, too. You can choose one of the tests below:.