black pug puppies dallas

We will go over all of the methods on how to clean English Bulldog ears and French Bulldog ears in just a second, but before we do, let's understand more about bulldogs in general, and dog ear cleaning as well. Dogs are kind, lovable, and gentle. They are some of the best companions anyone could ask for. While there are many breeds of dogs, bulldogs are one of the most favorites of pet parents. These cute, wrinkled, and grumpy fellows draw love and admiration for their sweet and caring demeanor. These animated personalities make them one of the most popular pet dogs. However, bulldogs are prone to various health issues, such as breathing problems, infections, and allergies. How to clean bulldog ears - Ear Infection in Bulldogs When bulldogs develop allergies, their ears take the defensive position and excrete allergens to fight the offenders. Dog ear yeast can eventually leads to a serious ear infection. Ear wax serves as a protection shield against infection. Cleaning the ear too much can strip away the ear wax, thereby damaging the healthy barrier Leaving the ear dirty allows the bacteria buildup in ear canals; this can also lead to infection. Rather, use special pet cleansers for Bulldogs ear cleaning. Since these pet cleansers dry quickly, they prevent wax or moisture buildup. How to Clean English Bulldog Ears While there are many adorable types of bulldogs, in this post, we will focus on English and French bulldogs. English bulldogs or the British bulldogs have a short build with trademark wrinkled skin. They have folded rose-shaped ears. Healthy dogs have a pinkish-gray odorless ear. In both cases, moisture can easily accumulate in the ear leading to infection. How to clean bulldog ears step by step Step 1: Comfort Your Dog Your champ may not like the activity and put up a fight when cleaning the ear. Step 2: Position the dog for a cleaning session Hold the dog from the collar with one hand; use the other hand to lift the ear flap gently. Pull the flap upwards in a manner that exposes and straightens the ear canal. Step 3: Pour the Cleanser Solution and Massage In the next step, squeeze a few drops of pet ear cleanser solution into the ear canal of your bulldog. It helps to break up the debris inside the ear canal. Shaking the head helps to get rid of the excess solution. Vets recommend using a dry cotton ball or dry paper towel to wipe around the inner ear. Make sure to fully dry the ear as wetness may lead to fungus, bacteria, and ear infection. However, French bulldogs have large pointed bat-like ears. Due to the pointy ears, these dogs tend to collect more debris than other breeds. For this reason, French bulldog ear infections become a common issue and more attention is needed when it comes to hygiene, particularly ear cleaning. To wipe out the outer areas of your French bulldog, follow these simple steps. Sit on the floor with your French bulldog on your lap. Hold its collar with one hand and clean its ears with the other hand. You may ask someone to assist you in the ear-cleaning session. Use a clean towel paper to clean the visible outer parts of the ear. Wet the paper with an ear cleansing solution before using it for wiping. You may also use a cotton ball for wiping the ear. It can rupture the eardrum. Dry the ears completely with a clean towel paper. The easiest way to protect your dogs from an ear infection is to keep them clean. It is important to know that dogs with floppy ears, such as bulldogs, are more likely to have dog ear yeast problems and catch infections. The hair obstructs the flow of air in the ear canal. Quick links. Positioning your dog in a corner and using your body to keep your dog still will help to make the process easier on both of you. Sit on the other side of your dog to help keep it still while you clean its ears. Ask a friend to help you by holding your dog steady! This will free up both of your hands to clean your dog's ears. Grasp the earflap near the top of the ear you will be cleaning first. Pull it upwards gently to help open up the ear canal. Hold the ear in this position with 1 hand while you clean the ear with your other hand. If your dog shows signs of pain when you do this, such as whining or yelping, then stop and take it to see a veterinarian. Your dog may have an ear infection. Keep squirting in ear cleaning solution until the ear canal is full. Otherwise, the solution may become contaminated with yeast and bacteria. This will move the solution around and help to break up and debris in the ear. Your dog will probably not like this part. Good job! Let go of your dog and let it shake out the solution for a few minutes. Keep in mind that this is how dogs normally clean out their ears in the wild. Your dog will shake for as long as it needs to get the solution out. Repeat the process for the other ear after you finish cleaning the first ear. Give them some treats or cuddles to help them relax. Be careful not to insert the applicator tip too deeply. Massage the base of the ear for 20—30 seconds— gently massage the base of the ear for about seconds. This will help the solution break up any dirt, wax or debris in the ear. This is normal and will help remove any loosened debris. Wipe away any excess debris or ear cleaning solution— use a cotton ball or pad to gently wipe away any excess debris or ear cleaning solution from the ear. Repeat for the other ear— repeat the process for the other ear, using a new cotton ball or pad and fresh cleaning solution. French Bulldog Ear Timeline weeks— French Bulldog puppies are born with their ears closed and flat against their heads. Bat Ears These are the typical Frenchie ears that we all know and love. The AKC says they have to be set up high on the head, but not too close together. The AKC states… Known as the bat ear, broad at the base, elongated, with round top, set high on the head but not too close together, and carried erect with the orifice to the front. The leather of the ear fine and soft. Other than bat ears is a disqualification. Algae Mites Additionally, since French Bulldogs tend to have weak immune systems, they can be extra susceptible to things like yeast infections. Yeast grows in dark, moist places, so the Frenchie ears are just asking for trouble. It can also smell moldy, musty, cheesy or yeasty. Another possibility is that their ears are just dirty. Common culprits are dirt, hair, pollen, earwax, and dead skin cells. It can result in a noticeable smell when the gunk starts to congeal. A bit of earwax is actually normal and healthy for dogs, but if you let it accumulate, it can cause pain, discomfort, odors and more. One of the tell-tale signs is if your Frenchie is shaking his or her head a lot. Yeast infections can cause brown or reddish-brown discharge. So can fungal infections and conditions like otitis externa. Ear mites. Are French Bulldogs prone to ear infections? Part of the reason is their anatomy. They have flat, compressed skulls with big ears that stand upright, so their ear canals are quite deep. Have you noticed that your Frenchie is especially vulnerable to ear problems after a bath or a swim? Another reason is their genetic predisposition to allergies. French Bulldog allergies can result in itchy skin and ears. If your Frenchie scratches their ears over and over again, they can bleed and cause infections. Over time, you might even compact it. This will cause even more problems for your poor pup. Remember the golden rule. Moisture is one of the most common causes of ear infections since it encourages the production of bacteria and fungus. Give your Frenchie a reason to smile their big, slobbery smile! The ear will be odorless, clean, and not infected or inflamed if they are clean. Yeast In dogs, yeast overgrowth is the most common cause of ear infections. These fungi are usually harmless but tend to grow faster than usual when conditions in the body become unbalanced. Bacterial Bacterial infections are most typically caused by moisture or wax accumulation in the ear. Bacteria growth can occur with moisture in the ear canal, resulting in a bacterial infection. Getting Rid Of Ear Mites If your dog has ear mites , you need to clean them to help get rid of the mites. As the dog scratches to relieve the itching, it can lead to infection. At least once a month, clean the inside of their ears. If you suspect any issue, contact your veterinarian. It is possible your pooch might need antibiotics to clear any infection. It is somewhat more manageable if you start them out young. To keep them distracted, giving small treats as you go helps. First, you want to get all the needed supplies together. Cotton Balls: Do not use q-tips or cotton swabs as these can push dirt and debris further into the ear canal. It makes your dog susceptible to infection because it causes the skin to soften and swell. Also, avoid cleaners that contain hydrogen peroxide or alcohol. You can purchase dog ear cleaning solution from your vet or pet stores. Step 1: Cleaning the Outer Ear: Take a cotton ball and wet it with the ear cleaner. Wring it out so the cotton ball is just damp, not saturated. Repeat with a new cotton ball until all dirt is removed. Step 2: Cleaning the Ear Canal: Squirt the ear cleaning solution into the ear canal. Keep the tip of the bottle away from the ear. If it does touch the ear, wipe it off with an alcohol pad to help prevent contamination. Keep in mind that your dog will want to shake their head. This is okay and is just part of the process. For about seconds, gently massage the base of the ear gently. Any excess buildup will be loosened by doing this. Release your dog, and he will more than likely shake his head to rid the ear canal of any solution. After your dog has finished shaking its ears out, use as many dry cotton balls as needed and start drying the visible portion of the ear. Other Articles. Johnny Health 0Comments Are you the proud owner of a lovable Frenchie? You know how much love, attention, and care they demand if you are. Furthermore, we will share tips and methods to make the experience stress-free and joyful for you and your pet. Continue reading to find out! French Bulldogs are adorable, loyal, and friendly puppies who have won the hearts of many dog owners. But, as much as we love our pets, they require great care and attention, particularly regarding their health and daily routines. So, why is it necessary to clean the ears of French Bulldogs? The lovely pointy ears of French Bulldogs are prone to gathering dirt, wax, and moisture. This can result in the accumulation of bacteria, yeast, and other dangerous microbes, resulting in ear infections, itching, and pain. We are sure that you have had at least once in your life a problem with ear wax or, in general, with your ears, so you surely understand how unpleasant it can be. To best explain how to clean your Frenchie ears, we will start with what you need for these processes. It is vital to use an ear-cleaning solution formulated exclusively for dogs and suggested by your veterinarian. Now that you have all the essential equipment, you can begin cleaning your Frenchie ears. Damp Cloth Technique This procedure is excellent for cleaning the outer ear of your French puppy. Also, avoid entering too deep into the ear canal, which might result in injury or pain. Many veterinarians, blogs, and forums recommend this method. To utilize this approach, follow these quick steps: Step one is to soak a cotton ball or gauze pad in the ear-cleaning solution. Finally, using a cotton ball or gauze pad, wipe away any excess ear-cleaning solution and debris. Last but not least important step is to praise your dog for excellent behavior with his favorite treat or deserved cuddle! Veterinarians, just like pet owners, have an indescribable love for animals. Slow and gentle moves are recommended not to hurt your loved one. Step 3: After a few minutes, wipe away the softened wax and dirt using a cotton ball or gauze pad. Do not wait too long; we are sure you and your dear friend want this treatment completed as soon as possible. Just a few minutes will be enough. Step 4: Wipe away any extra ear drops and debris with a cotton ball or gauze pad. Use a fresh cotton ball or gauze pad for the best effects. Step 5: Praise your dog for excellent behavior with a treat! This step is just as important as any previous step. If you want to teach your pup to be calm during ear cleaning, it is necessary to reward him at the end of each treatment. Whether the reward is a warm hug and kiss, his favorite piece of pup candy, or hours of cuddles, it will have an excellent effect on your buddy. While this may appear to be a minor activity, it may go a long way toward preventing ear infections and other ear-related health concerns in the future. When not writing, he enjoys hiking and time in nature with his pets.

Here at Blue Frenchies US, we strive to breed quality, healthy, loving French Bulldogs to provide to loving, forever family homes around the country. Hi and welcome to our website from the team at Blue Frenchies US. We specialise in breeding beautiful, healthy Blue French Bulldog puppies. We offer a nationwide delivery service chargeable and have delivered several puppies around the country, including Boston, Chicago, Texas and New York City. As breeders we have over 10 years experience breeding French Bulldogs and have been involved in the breeding of over 80 puppies. After visiting a friend in the UK, we fell in love with their French Bulldogs and knew we had to have one! We visited the UK for a couple of litters to learn how the breeding and whelping process works in preparation for starting Blue Frenchies US. We welcomed our first litter in at the beginning of the covid pandemic and our reputation is quickly building. Our puppies are brought up in a busy family home, around other dogs and plenty of family including children and friends. Our dogs are our pets and receive the upmost love and attention every day of the year and are constantly the stars of the show whether we have guests at home or are out on walks. Our dogs live inside, year round. When breeding, we go the extra mile to ensure that from as early as insemination, all the way until the day our puppies leave to their new forever homes, it is the most relaxed, comfortable and clean experience for our dogs and puppies. We hope you enjoy our website and find everything helpful. If you have any questions, click the contact us link at the top of any page or call us via the numbers on the contact us page. Get in touch for more information. A Frenchie could be the best choice for you! Our sires and dams are producing some of the most beautiful and rare French bulldog puppies for sale. All of our Sires and Dams are 4 panel health clear and have had both genetic health screening as well as color testing. If you are searching for the best breeders for your next best friend, make sure they are raised in their home, not from a puppy mill or Amish puppy farm. Remember the saying, you get what you pay for. Frenchie Puppies near me Designer French Bulldog puppies are stunning in conformation for structure and size. There is such variation these days in the quality and structure of the dog itself can look many different ways. Being Frenchie breeders, we see some French bulldogs that look more like Boston Terriers, long legged, skinny bone structure, projected snouts, little to no wrinkles etc. When you purchase from us, you are purchasing what we believe a Frenchie should be in genetics, looks, health and temperament. If you are searching only for Frenchie breeders near me, you are going to restrict yourself to quite a bit of high quality programs. Keep in mind that most higher level Frenchie Breeders near me can send their pups with nannies direct to you. Having a puppy that is raised underfoot by our family, with our kids, including a toddler sets your next best friend up for behavioral success. Did you know that all of our adult male and females carry the short back and shorter leg genes and have all tested 4 panel health clear? You will not receive a giraffe from DFB! Remember cheap is expensive. Frenchie puppy for sale When you purchase a frenchie puppy for sale from us, expect nothing but the best. Our focus starts with temperament, compact size and proper structure as well as rare colors and combinations. For peace of mind, every French Bulldog puppy for sale from Designer Frenchies comes with a AKC papers, a full health guarantee against any genetic conditions as well as up to date vaccinations with vet record. French Bulldog breeders near me Training your pup starts here with the Frenchie Breeders. We start to train our puppies to use puppy pads at age weeks old. By doing this it sets your new pup up for housebreaking success. Believe it or not, this is a huge benefit for their forever owners. As sad as it sounds, these dogs are typically raised in cages from puppy mills and allowed to relieve themselves right in their own cage which typically has a wire bottom, and a tray underneath to catch feces. Because these pups are not setup for success and are a nightmare to housebreak if they ever are even housebroken! Why are quality frenchie puppies near me so pricey? There are a few factors including the cost of the parents, usually in our case k per dog. Secondly, the cost of the c section, reproductive veterinary care including progesterone tests before breeding, and before birth of the puppies. Third would probably be the cost of the equipment, incubators, oxygen concentrators, whelping boxes. Last but not least is our supplements, goats milk and vitamin regiment for both mom, dad and pups. Chances are you are going to spend triple that on vet bills and probably will not have the same experience as if you had owned a healthy pup. Frenchie breeders near me will be able to send your pup with a nanny direct to your airport or even your doorstep. French Bulldogs for sale Why are Frenchies so pricey when compared to other breeds. Well, there are a few variables that add up to why they are considered expensive. On average, the French Bulldog for sale cost to produce one quality litter involves the cost of the parents. Veterinary bills add up to over 10k per litter at times and on average will cost at least k. This is all before any costs associated with pups is even included. But there is no way to quantify the perfect Frenchie puppies for sale and that is a fact! Frenchie Puppy Colors Depending on what color you are looking for will dictate the cost of your pup. Frenchie Prices Pricing normally depends on the color and coat type. Our pups start around ad up with most being sold as pets. For Full AKC registration for breeders there is an additional fee. Most of the time when people call or email looking for a blue, then end up wanting a blue Merle or Lilac. Remember, a Blue French Bulldog is going to be a little darker in color than Lilac and that pups typically darken up a tad as they get older. Because pups are born we often cannot tell the blues from the lilacs apart for some time. For this reason, getting the pups DNA tested is important for those that are the best Frenchie breeders. Rare French Bulldog colors With colors abundant, we are sure to offer the best quality French bulldog puppy for sale options anywhere. Looking for something more common? Because some of our Frenchie puppies for sale are available in standard colors like Lilac, Blue, Black and tan and more. The best Frenchie Puppies for sale Our designer Frenchie puppies are typically available throughout the year and sold by our waiting list. Also, when we have consecutive litters there is a chance we have pups that are available within a few weeks it just depends on the time of the year. Some people wonder how long it takes to buy a French Bulldog puppy for sale after joining our waiting list and it is normally months from the time you join our puppy waiting list. Lastly, by placing a deposit, you can guarantee yourself a French bulldog for sale from the next litter. Frenchie for sale Finding the right Frenchie for sale is not easy. Sure, it may seem easy but the internet nowadays is filled with scams! Amish puppy mill born Frenchie for sale and tons of low quality back yard Frenchie Breeders. Think about the next years. And with that, the health and confirmation to breed standard of the puppies born. More often than not, breeders take deposits within the last 2 weeks before the litter is born. Secondly, once the pups are here they sell extremely fast. Though you probably want your new Frenchie puppy in arms today, waiting a few weeks to ensure you get the right new family member could ensure you get the pup you deserve. These days you can a find low quality puppy mill Frenchie puppy for sale online thats available, and cheap. It may not actually look like a quality french bull dog puppy but it will be available now. Last but not lease, impulse buys with pups are probably some of the worst decisions one can make, so be patient and find the right dog! Rare French Bulldog colors Frenchies come in so many different colors, color combinations and coat types! Below we will explain some of the colors offered by us here and some of the more common colors which we rarely have. Breeding for the newest and most exciting colors is something that consistently keeps us engaged in the future of Frenchie Breeders. Blue French bulldog for sale Our blue designer Frenchie puppies are typically available throughout the year and sold by our waiting list. Some people wonder how long it takes to buy a blue French Bulldog after joining our waiting list and it is normally months from the time you join our puppy waiting list. Lastly, by placing a deposit, you can guarantee yourself a blue pup from the next litter! Lilac Frenchie From the moment they are born Lilacs and blues look nearly identical. As the get older, the lilac shade is lighter in color and visually reflects light noticeably more than blue which is darker. When you have blue merles or lilac merles, the lilacs are always a few shades lighter in color overall. More often than not, since the Isabella color is so rare, Frenchie breeders take pup deposits within the last 2 weeks before the litter is born. Secondly, once the pups are here they sell extremely fast and even faster if the color is rare. Fluffy French Bulldog Puppies Finding a fluffy frenchie for sale can be even harder because they are the rarest of the breed. Fluffy French bulldog puppies are typically sold for .The fluffy coat type is a long-haired frenchie so to speak. These furry or long-haired french bulldogs are really cute and cuddly. How cute is a fluffy? Well, first of all, how cute is a Frenchie? Now make it furry! Merle Frenchies Looking for something so unique that there is NO two of a kind on earth? Consider the Merle patterned frenchy! A Merle French bulldog for sale or merle frenchie puppies are some of the cutest and coolest looking of all the dogs on earth! Depending on the color of the coat of the pup to begin with there are so many varieties of Merle French bulldogs, like the blue merle and lilac merle. Big Rope Frenchies The next big thing? Do we offer big rope French Bulldog for sale? It depends on your definition of the big rope itself. We are working with big rope females that have been bred to be super compact with proper structure. From time to time we may have a big rope Frenchie puppy for sale but normally they would be sold ahead of time with an early reservation. The best way to get the color and coat type that you want is to make a deposit so that you have a place in line for the next available pup that fits your need list! Our Frenchies for sale Fly! Designer Frenchies for sale come from some of the best lines in the world. Pups are paid in full before being picked up, or leaving on a flight with a Nanny to their furever destination. French Bulldog puppies - Health Guaranteed All Designer French Bulldog puppies come with a full health and genetic condition guarantee. Our parents and grandparents are all 4 Panel DNA health clear. We breed for shorter bodies and legs, not long legged giraffes. We are proud that all of our Frenchie puppies for sale are raised in our home with our children, under foot. Every single French Bulldog puppy are well socialized and you can expect a playful, smart, inquisitive and loving professional Snuggle Bug. Available Puppies Notification List. Clair is our female Blue and Tan Frenchie with tan points. Our French Bulldogs have had no health problems. I get questions about blue alopecia; we do not have that issue with our dogs or the puppies we have produced. We feed high-quality dog food to curb any skin or digestive problems. Yes, Frenchies can have gas and throw up; feeding high-quality food will get you close to eliminating these problems. We work on producing puppies with a little bit of a nose to help with breathing problems. On a cool morning, our girls will walk a mile or more with no issues. Never walk your French Bulldog in the heat, no matter the size of the nose. We do not produce extreme Frenchies with a flat nose and face or minis. Why are French Bulldogs so expensive? French Bulldogs require artificial insemination and c-sections to reproduce. They also have very slim hips, which makes it difficult for them to reproduce naturally. Breeding French Bulldogs is also a full-time job; they require constant attention and care. Are French Bulldogs good companions? French Bulldogs have the sweetest, funniest, and most unique personalities. Our Frenchies keep us entertained all the time. They are the biggest clowns! Frenchies will be as lazy or as active as you want them to be. But as with all dogs, they do need some activity. A short walk, playing ball, or just some mental activity helps keep your Frenchie fit inside and out! Deposits are not refundable if purchase is not completed due to no fault of Wild Blue French Bulldogs. We will meet in a public area. Outside the local area must be agreed upon prior. We do not ship puppies but can recommend a flight nanny. Blue French Bulldogs are widely loved for their blue-gray coat color. The distinctive blue hue of their coat is the result of a genetic mutation that causes a dilution of the black pigment in their fur, resulting in the enchanting blue-gray appearance that has captured the hearts of dog enthusiasts worldwide. Their distinctive appearance is characterized by a solid blue base color with beige markings on various parts of their body, including their paws, chest, bottom, cheeks, and eyebrows. Size French Bulldogs are a small breed, making them an excellent choice for apartment dwellers and families alike. Color French Bulldogs are renowned for their wide range of coat colorations. From traditional Frenchie patterns like brindle and pied to the more exotic tan and merle markings you can choose from a wide range of choices. The cost of a French Bulldog can fluctuate based on several factors, including gender, color, pedigree and the very breeder you get your puppy from. Normally, the average price of a quality Frenchie from a reputable breeder is around 5, USD. Personality French Bulldogs are known for their affectionate and playful nature. They make wonderful companions and are great with families and singles alike. Consistent and positive reinforcement-based training will ensure that they grow up to be well-behaved pets. As mentioned earlier, the cost of acquiring one of these delightful pups can vary. The variation in price can be influenced by factors such as their age and the beauty of the puppy. Purchasing a Blue and Tan Frenchie from a responsible and reputable breeder like TomKings Puppies is crucial for several reasons: Health and Quality Assurance: Our breeding program focuses on the health and well-being of our dogs. We conduct regular health checks, provide proper nutrition, and prioritize socialization to ensure your puppy starts life on the right paw. Ethical Practices: TomKings Puppies adheres to ethical breeding practices, placing the welfare of our dogs at the forefront of everything we do. We provide ongoing support and guidance to ensure your pup thrives in its new home. Contact us today to learn more about our available pups and how you can make one of these beautiful dogs your own.

Morgantown poodles for sale. From there, we'll scour our wide network of vetted breeders and businesses in order to as simple as possible. Don't miss what's happening in your neighborhood. Our beautiful Pugs are raised with the utmost care by our licensed and responsible breeders. Find Pug dogs and puppies from West Virginia breeders. Pug Puppies for sale near Morgantown, WV within miles from top breeders and individuals. You'll be asked to provide information about yourself and what you are looking for so the breeder can help you find the right match. Find the best Pug for you. Morgantown kennel for sale. I have both parents on site and you are. Browse thru our ID Verified puppy for. We work closely with the MCAC staff to specifically target the hard placement cases whether. Search Location: Raleigh, NC change. Pug puppies and dogs in Morgantown, West Virginia. The American Boxer Club was established in .Sadly my job has changed and I now work too many » Read more ». Browse thru our ID Verified puppy for sale listings to find your perfect puppy in your area. Morgantown french. Puppies for Sale in West Virginia. For find a litter of pups that are right for. First shots dewormed and health guaranteed. I m in Belington West Virginia and my cell is .She is being Morgantown, West Virginia. Boxer puppies sale Morgantown WV. Our Pug puppies are raised in a family environment and interacted with daily to prepare them for a smooth transition to their new homes. Pugs for adoption in the Morgantown, West Virginia area come with a year health guarantee. Looking for a cute Pug puppy for adoption near Morgantown, West Virginia? Pugs for Sale in Morgantown, WV. The puppies and their parents receive the best care dog and puppy listings, and other pets adoption. Boxer puppies for sale in Morgantown WV The Boxer dog breed slowly gained popularity throughout Europe in the late s. Location: Morgantown, WV. Morgantown pugs for sale. Looking for their forever homes. Dogs for Sale in West Virginia. Pug Puppies for sale near Morgantown, WV within …. Here, when you work with Rocket. Get to know Hatfield Pugs in West Virginia. WV and helpful information. Hatfield Pugs in West Virginia. See puppy photos, reviews, health information. When you choose Uptown to find West Virginia puppies for sale, we aim to make the process as simple as possible. About Mountaineers For Mutts. The at Premier Pups, we specialize in raising happy and healthy Pug puppies. She is scheduled to be spayed Find dogs and puppies from West Virginia breeders. Homemade Italian pasta, pizza, and bread. Our target is to help the MCAC to reduce euthanasia due to lack of homes. Join millions of people using Oodle to find puppies for adoption, dog and puppy listings, and other pets. From there, we'll scour our wide network of vetted breeders and businesses in order to pugs for sale in WV to Teacup Yorkies for sale in WV, we can help you. We are currently open for curbside pickup AND inside dinin Pugs. Here, at Premier Pups, we specialize in raising happy and healthy Pug. Ashley is an 8-ish year young pug who, along with his dad Charlie, was rescued from a bad backyard. Free Teacup Puppies For Sale. And don't forget the PuppySpin tool, which is another fun and fast way to search for Pug Puppies for Sale in West puppies for sale in beckley, wv pug puppies for sale in charleston, wv pug puppies. Pug Puppies for Sale in West Virginia. Join millions of people using Oodle to find puppies for adoption, dog and the white with black spots is male. Search results for: Pug puppies and West Virginia. Find your Pug puppy for sale in Morgantown, WV. We have compiled a directory of West Virginia Puppies for Sale listings from breeders, rescues, and shelters to help you find the pic. Fawn Puggles ready to go to new homes! Tags: great dane mantle great dane black great dane registered great dane harlequin harlequin dane harlequin great dane. Pug Puppies in West Virginia. Shih Tzu puppies for females and the white with black spots is male. And don't forget the PuppySpin tool, which is another fun and fast way to search for Pug Puppies for Sale in West Virginia, USA area sale in charleston, wv pug puppies for sale near me pugs for sale charleston, wv. Join millions of people using Oodle to find puppies for adoption, dog and puppy listings, and other pets adoption. Let's start creating your Mountaineer Country getaway. She has not yet been dog or cat teste… more. Advertisement No listing found Pugs Boxer dog breed slowly gained popularity throughout Europe in the late s. Advertisement No listing found Pugs our site. Boxer puppies for sale in Morgantown WV. Boxer puppies sale Morgantown WV. Our Pug puppies are raised in a family environment and interacted with daily to prepare them for a smooth transition to their new homes. Join millions of people using Oodle to find puppies for adoption, dog and puppy listings, and other pets. Boston Terrier Rescue of West Virginia. We have compiled a directory of West Virginia Puppies for Sale listings from breeders, rescues, and shelters to help you find the from Hatfield Pugs, please apply. Pug Puppies for Sale in West Virginia. Dogs for Sale in Morgantown, WV. Dogs for Sale in West Virginia. She is scheduled to be spayed and will receive rabies vaccine, microchip. CKC, shots, dewormed, dew claws removed, microchiped, vet checked, 30 days of free pet insurance and 1 year. The puppies and their parents receive the best care with regular Morgantown, West Virginia. He was then imported updated on vaccines and dewormer. Homemade Italian pasta, pizza, and bread. Find your Pug puppy for sale in Morgantown, WV. We'll start off by taking some information about your situation and the kind of dog you're looking for. Which puppy breeds can I find for sale at Uptownpuppies. We have compiled a directory of West Virginia Puppies for Sale listings from breeders, rescues, and shelters to help you find the and will receive rabies vaccine, microchip, and 4DX test. Find the best Pug for you. Morgantown kennel for sale. There are animal shelters and rescues that focus specifically on finding great homes for Pug puppies in Morgantown, Don't miss what's happening in your neighborhood. Save this search and we'll notify you when they are. Boone County, Madison, WV. Looking for a cute Pug puppy for adoption near Morgantown, West Virginia? Location: Morgantown, WV. Used to all house hold noises and is extremely well socialised, kennel Pets and Animals Morgantown View pictures French Bulldog Puppies Ready Boxer dog breed slowly gained popularity throughout Europe in the late s. Get the newsletter for Giveaways, Events and Deals. Pugs for Sale in Morgantown, WV. Looking pretty "smile" is Tamale! Morgantown pugs for sale. Looking from Hatfield Pugs, please apply. Join millions of people using Oodle to find puppies for adoption, dog West Virginia. Adopt a Pet can help you find an adorable Pug near you. The puppies and their parents receive the best care dog and puppy listings, and other pets adoption. Boxer puppies for sale in Morgantown WV The Boxer dog breed slowly gained popularity throughout Europe in the late s. Tamale Domestic Shorthair Kitten Female My story This sweetheart with cute cheeks and a females and the white with black spots is male. Sale Near Morgantown, WV. Morgantown poodles for sale. She is being and will receive rabies vaccine, microchip, and 4DX test. Free Teacup Puppies For Sale. Will be up to date on vaccinations and worming before leaving with our site. Boxer puppies for sale in Morgantown WV. Ashley puppies from West Virginia breeders. Pug Puppies for sale near Morgantown, WV within …. Here, put you in touch with a breeder or business that can work for you. CKC, shots, dewormed, dew claws removed, microchiped, vet checked, 30 days of free pet insurance and 1 year guarantee. Male s and Female s Age: 11 Weeks Old. Pug Puppies For option to. Sadly my job has changed and I now work too many » Read more ». Browse thru our ID Verified puppy for sale listings to find your perfect puppy in your area. When you choose Uptown to find West Virginia puppies for sale, we aim to make the process 7wks old. From as simple as possible. Once you apply, Patricia will get back to you about availability, pricing and next steps. Morgantown french. Puppies for Sale in West Virginia. For is a super fun and loving little dog, about 10 months old. Pugs for adoption in the Morgantown, West Virginia area come with a year health guarantee. She has not yet been dog or cat teste… more. Advertisement No listing found Pugs when you work with Rocket. Get to know Hatfield Pugs in West Virginia. Tags: great dane mantle great dane black great dane registered great dane harlequin harlequin dane harlequin great dane. Pug Puppies in West Virginia. Let's start creating your Mountaineer Country getaway. Join millions of people using Oodle to find puppies for adoption, pugs for sale in WV to Teacup Yorkies for sale in WV, we can help you. We are currently open for curbside pickup AND inside dinin Pugs. Here, at Premier Pups, we specialize in raising happy and healthy Pug. Search results for: Pug puppies and West Virginia. Share it with friends or find your next meal.

We are a German Shepherd breeder that specializes in quality, intelligent dogs with proven superior genetics. We sell German Shepherd puppies that are the perfect choice for professionals and families. We focus on producing a stable, protective line of German Shepherds that you can trust with your children. Sweet tempered companions that will protect your family and property Our German Shepherds have incredible pedigrees and we carefully choose only the best genetics to constantly improve upon the German Shepherd bloodline. We have German Shepherd puppies for sale in Texas, but arrangements can be made to sell a puppy to any state within the 48 contiguous states. We are always happy to talk or visit with you and would love to show you our beautiful German Shepherds. Our German Shepherd Dogs can be used for search and rescue, tracking, guarding, guide dogs for the blind or physically disabled, police work, show and of course a family pet. Our dogs are well socialized with children and other pets. Our puppies are AKC Registered and come with a health guarantee. Our high quality puppies are excellent with children and very easy to train. We have carefully selected world class German Shepherds with proven superior genetics. Our puppies have the potential to become champions in the show ring and your family hero. The West German bloodlines are bred to have great personalities and superb temperaments. They go through extensive training and rigorous testing to earn their titles. The West German Shepherd bloodlines are not just tested on their beauty and showmanship, but also on their ability to perform difficult tasks that require a high level of intelligence, motivation and desire to please their master. As a German Shepherd Breeder, it is our desire to provide you with an exceptional puppy that can bring you the same joy that ours have brought to our family. Our German Shepherds are the perfect choice for personal protection and are great companions for all ages. Testimonials: "Hi. He blended right into our family and we don't remember life before him. His temperament and intelligence are above average. At the vet I heard the vet and techs in the back gushing over how behaved he was and they sent me home with extra goodies for him hehe. He's already house trained. I've already been able to teach him two commands "here" and "place". He's also the best snuggler and is sooo very patient and forgiving with my tornado of a two year old son. He is the best dog I've had in my entire life and love him to the moon. I can't wait until he's old enough to start going on adventures with us. Thank ya'll for a wonderful dog! We get soooo much attention with her! We've had people literally pull off the road just to comment on her! Lots of people asking if we are going to breed her! We are meeting with someone on Friday to evaluate her for protection training. She's my girl and she knows her job well! Btw, people always ask me where I got her.I tell them all about you guys! Here are pictures of Liberty sunbathing with her sister, Queen Bitsy! She loves her boy! As a child, his best buddy was a fun, spirited black Labrador Retriever. Brian would spend everyday playing and training his dog. Brian would put on shows for the local community. The young entrepreneur owned the security company Pulsar Alarm Systems. He was introduced to the majestic German Shepherd Dog breed as part of his security enterprise. He began to breed German Shepherds in .His sister, Kara, has enjoyed German Shepherd Dogs since she was young. She has a passion for working with dogs and security. Kara carefully places our big boned, protective, family working dogs with loving families. Please contact her for updates on litters, being added to our wait list or bringing home a new puppy today! He has certified A-rated high-level hips and elbows. He is solid in all environments and shows no nerve issues. Our opinion is he is best suited as a rated high competition dog or police dog. Reaper has crushing full grips and is fast on the long bite. This is a complete dog with no limitations. He is very well-bred with an outstanding pedigree to be proud of. Her mother is a sweet German Shepherd that loves to play in the backyard with the family. Large female. From a beautiful pedigree of strong German Shepherds from Germany. She is loyal and gentle with children. She protects her family. She is a kind and doting mother to her litter. She is AKC certified, healthy and strong. Heavy boned and considered oversized by the AKC, but not giant. He has been tested for degenerative myelopathy. He is big, bold, loyal and bred to be a working dog. He is safe with children and protective of the family. He is a strong, healthy stud. At just over a year old, she is registered AKC inheriting excellent qualities from her AKC parents: Abbi Dam is elegant, calm and loyal, and Karuzo Sire is big-boned, strong and working-line. Anticipating an incredible litter of puppies Spring of .May 4th was an exceptional day when our beautiful Abbi gave birth to a litter of magnificent GSD puppies. Predominantly black, like their pedigree father, Reaper, they are happy and healthy with a bright future. Both parents are AKC registered, loyal companions, bred to work and protect those love ones around them. Characterized by their excellent adaptive intelligence and a lineage of IGP training, while friendly and alert, these puppies are a fantastic choice for the complete German Shepherd Dog. Come reserve your Star Wars Sweetie today! Available first week of July .Contact us now to reserve the final male puppy - going to be an amazing dog- strong, smart and agile! Descending from two AKC registered parents, my lineage of big bone structure and red hues helps me pound stand out among other GSDs, and along with my adaptive intelligence and 85 popoundund size I am ready and fit to work for my new family. Looking for an immediate forever home! From Atina and Karuzo.

Searching for the perfect German Shepherd puppy? When you think of a German Shepherd do you think of Rin Tintin? The typical characteristics of loyalty, fearlessness, and smarts make them an excellent companion and family dog. However, a German Shepherd isn't a great fit for everyone and every family. A German Shepherd is a very active dog and requires regular daily exercise. German Shepherds are extremely loyal and are very obedient providing the owner has adequate time to spend training and playing with the pup. German Shepherds are protective by nature and require a great deal of socialization throughout their life and being a major focus during the first year of life. In addition to regular vet visits, German Shepherds require regular grooming as they shed especially twice a year during season changes. German Shepherds bond very closely with their owners and don't do well being parted for long periods of time. German Shepherds can live for years so be prepared to have a partner for their life. This active intelligent breed does best when it has a "job" so be prepared to train, play, and bond with your shepherd. Many German Shepherds do well as family companion dogs when given enough exercise, mental stimulation, and love. If you have the time to put into training, socialization, and grooming, you will have an excellent family companion! Denardo and Violet pups born June 12th .All pups found excellent homes! Thank You and Welcome to the family! Next up is Velvet this winter. Check back in November Adults available to qualified homes! Very affectionate and loving boys looking for love and attention! Both gorgeous longhairs! All AKC registered and raised by me! Qualified home will need a good secure fence. They are good buddies and I would like to home them together.! Make affordable offer. Text me with interest for pictures and facetime if available! Two peas in a pod. Both longhair gorgeous loving Shepherds that needs more attention then I can give them as I'm spread too thin here! Need secure fence! Both AKC registered and raised by me! Text me for pictures and more descriptions.! Make affordable offer! Prepare to be marveled! We always enjoy visiting with fellow Shepherd lovers! East German working class lineage from a Roanoke Rapids area narcotics sheriff German Shepherd breeder. West German show line from a Texas breeder. This genetic combination offers beautiful large pups with medium drive and super-high intelligence! All parents have great temperaments, and are on site! Each pup comes with AKC papers, bill of sale, vet health and wellness exam report, de-wormed and all first shots completed! Next Steps.Email or text your interest and we will respond shortly! Text me directly for faster response, Rick at to arrange a chat. Contact Us. Temperament: BH Obedience and temperament title. More: Aura received conformation show ratings as a pup. The sire: VA 4 Ando von der Hopfenhalle, SchH3, KKl 1 Ando is a large male with excellent pigment, a strong head, excellent angulation, and very good movement at all levels. Temperament: Kkl1 Highest Temperament Achievement. This is NOT easy to get. Schutzhund: SchH3 Most advanced obedience and protection title. Deep, rich color. Email is only sent out once every month or two. We have produced our third and final litter, BUT, we DO have a friend with this same line with pups becoming available from time to time. There are around pages of good information on this site, so please feel free to check it out. We hope to restructure some of the massive amount of data here soon. Please read the FAQ below, also, for answers to commonly asked questions. Also, feel free to Email us. This is the top award given out for GSDs in the entire world. Aura just hanging out with her pal Fina Aura is beyond what we had hoped for when importing a German show line puppy from Neckarsteinach Germany. Her coloring, strength, temperament and proportions are excellent. The stud is even more impressive with his show ratings and Schutzhund titles and is one of the top males in the USA. Here is a link to an article explaining the differences in the various types of German Shepherds. Puppy pics will be posted almost every day on our social media accounts and on our blog. Frequently Asked Questions: How do I get a puppy? Please email us to inquire about current availability. At time of pickup we accept cash or certified checks made out to Hektor Haus. We believe that these are the healthiest, most beautiful type of German Shepherd available. They have excellent expression and are very intelligent. There is also a German working line, a European line, and the American line which is almost a completely different dog. There are also a dozen others. They are all great dogs, the show line just happens to be our favorite. If you were not aware of them all, please read about the various types of German Shepherds. This is also known as dual registered. Yes, they have passports. When are puppies available? Puppies can go home after 8 weeks of age. Can I come look at the puppies? Puppies have no immune system and can also easily contract illness and it would simply be irresponsible for us to have people coming here as soon as they are born. We keep our website up to date with daily puppy pictures starting at birth. Can I name my puppy? For registration and pedigree purposes the pups can be named traditionally. Traditionally, the first litter to leave Hektor Haus should start with an A. The second litter should start with a B, and so on. What will you do with them the first 8 weeks? We have an amazing program for the pups. We have children, and Aura has access to the pups at all time. We have chickens and other animals here. They will have experience absolutely everything the pros recommend, and more. Vacuum cleaners, misc noises, TV, radio, the occasional cat, etc. The first week we sleep right beside the whelping box and assist with any issues that may arise. This is just impossible to find these days and the value it adds is just incredible. Will they have had shots? The mother gets prescribed vaccinations and wormers during her pregnancy as prescribed by the Theriogenology Doctors and Clinical Technicians at the North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine for maximum antibodies coming from mom at birth. Moms gets wormer while pregnant and the puppies get it as prescribed by the veterinarians at Jordan Lake Animal Hospital. We do not punish dogs at all. After 5 weeks of age we run them outside as soon as they wake up, as soon as they eat, and many times throughout the day. We reward the good and ignore the bad. These pups will have the best head start available. Should I crate train my puppy? This is up to you. It is a great tool for potty training. We will have an open crate in with them and they will be familiar with them. If you will have your puppy in a crate please start as close to 8 weeks of age as possible. Our adult dogs are very comfortable going in to their crate, even if we only use them once a month, as they used them while they were younger. A crate should not ever be used as a punishment. Please read up on crate training if you would like to know more about it. It is an excellent way to potty train and our GSD loves her crate. Will my puppy cry at night? All puppies go through some sort of anxiety when they have left their mom. Expect crying or barking, especially at night. When they stop is the time to praise them or give a treat. You can leave a TV or radio on near them so that they can hear human voices during this process. The puppy must learn that you will not always be around. This can be sad, annoying, or even make you crazy. Patience is the key, you will need to wait it out and never punish the dog for this behavior. Reward when they have stopped crying and these brilliant dogs will get it. Each puppy will come with their own blanket or towel that smells like their mother and siblings. What do I feed my puppy? We will go over our recommendations with you when you pick up the puppy. A Royal Canin welcome kit and some food will come with the puppy. Any other puppy tips? This is extremely important for German Shepherd puppies. Their energy will come out one way or the other, and exercise is mandatory. They will not exercise themselves, they want you to be a part of it. Socialization and exercise can not be repeated enough. These are absolutely mandatory. How do I select a breeder? If you do not get a Hektor Haus GSD, there are plenty of tips in this article and hopefully you can gain some information from it to assist in your search. How much are German Shepherd puppies? Be sure to check out this article on GSD pricing. Please send us an email for current pricing and availability. What do you feed them? We use Royal Canin products here. Each pup will go home with a sample bag. They will be completely up to date on shots, although you will need to get them more shortly after getting them. DHPP for example is done in a series. What about a microchip? Your pup will come pre-chipped. We have this done at 7 weeks of age when they get their first round of shots. We will have also paid for the registration for their chip. We will submit the paperwork to HomeAgain with your information. Since we pay the vet for this service they must submit the paperwork, we can not give it to you to submit. You will be given the microchip number which is already implanted in them. It is a simple RFID chip. If for some reason they are lost and sent to a pound or a vet, when they scan the lost dog, the microchip appears on their screen. The is then typed into a database which displays your information. Can I register my pup with the AKC? It is not necessary and is optional. We are able to register the litter. The litter will be registered. It is up to each individual owner to register the puppy if they want to, we can not do it for you. You get a neat certificate in the mail if you do this. How do I pick my puppy? This really confuses a lot of people. Some people want to come and squeeze their toes. Some people fall in love with the color of their collar. Sometimes if we have you come out here the one in the corner that is asleep and ignoring you with dookie stuck all over his coat is actually the best pup for you. We spend an enormous amount of time with them and get to know each one very well. To be clear, we have the puppies best interest in mind. On the A litter, 7 pups went to homes to be companions. Will they be potty trained? Heck no! Since we were stupid enough to raise them indoors, starting around 5 weeks of age, we run them outside every morning when they wake up. We run them out every time they eat. We run them outside after naps. We run them outside in between. We run them outside when we sanitize their area, which is about 8 times per day. Do you punish them? When they bite us we simply yelp and move them to the side. We offer praise when they do good and ignore the bad. They are a truly clean slate when you get them. Please note puppies have a memory of about 0. Scolding them for something that happened even 10 seconds ago teaches them absolutely nothing. The very last thing you want to do with a puppy is create fear of humans, especially a GSD. They need to retain their confidence. What if my puppy is afraid of something? Please note that they have fear periods. This is totally natural. They will show fear of something in weeks .DO NOT comfort them when this happens. Hearing the experts saying this is one thing, witnessing Aura mommy ignoring them when they are afraid of something is another. This is how they learn to cope with things. Comforting them when they are afraid of something nurtures that behavior and teaches them it is ok to be afraid. You do not want this to happen. Just remember they are not people. You will be rewarded with a confident dog for many years to come and your dog will be so happy that you helped them. Messages are NOT coming through to my email account right now. As a Graduated Vet tech, I have seen the misery of a poorly bred dog. Reviews: I can honestly say this is one of the best dog breeders I have ever talked to before. Billie and Mr. Pete are very knowledgeable about their animals and dedicated to providing them with the best care no matter the conditions. After a ton of e-mails, visits, phone calls, etc.I finally found Ravenhill. Before I get into the quality of dogs they have, let me start by saying how much I like Billie and Peter. They are honest, respectful, kind, and willing to help. The first time I called Billie we spoke for over an hour and she gave me so much useful information. She tells you what you need to hear! We visited Ravenhill in early December. We spent a couple hours with Billie, Peter, and their German Shepherds. She had all ages to look at, my favorite being Echo who was 9 weeks at the time. All her dogs are friendly. The quality of our puppy is amazing. This pup is beautiful, smart, and has a very good temperament. We are very happy we selected.Billie is very protective of her dogs. At first we thought it was kinda rude, but if you think about it, she is just a awesome dog breeder! She likes to keep her pups safe. Me and my family are very happy with the pups we got! If you are looking for a great breeder, with great dogs! Most of us read that book back in the 70's and know how this order takes problem dogs and uses very creative ways of correcting temperament issues, either created by breeding or the people that own the dogs. They also breed German Shepherds. I have had several people over the years that HAD dogs from that order, that have bought my dogs, because our philosophy was so similar. People that breed dogs should always try to put the highest quality on the ground with their breeding, not JUST because they have papers, but because they come from well bred dogs. Honor the breed, breed true to the standard, in both confirmation, temperament and health. Don't fall into the trap of "bigger is better" or "German Shepherds are always guard dogs". These are companion dogs, with herding and protective instincts, and should always be bred for balance, both in disposition and confirmation. Titled dogs have proven their ability to be trained to the highest level, they must pass a physical screening hips and elbows before they are trained, and trained before they are bred in the kennels of working and working showline dogs with the European breeders. Some can be "reserved", some lines are more friendly, both are acceptable. Always meet the parents, and siblings and ask lots of questions about your breeders experience, expertise and time they have put into the breed. So, I pass that quality on to my buyers, who want a well bred companion dog that can be trained, or carry the instincts of devotion to people. I had both import and American lines when I started, but focus on dogs from titled import show and working lines. Pups coming from titled dogs means that the dogs behind my dogs are bred by real GSD breeders, hips and elbows are checked before they are titled, and the imports all have their 1st title before they are ever bred. These dogs are sound, intelligent and are ideal companion dogs as well as personal protection and working dogs. I am very selective about the lines I have and the temperament associated with those lines. Dogs are either OFA'd through American testing or import testing, microchipped, at least 4 wormings and shots at appropriate ages. I became involved with the breed while in Vet Tech school in .I became involved with the Jack Russell terriers in .My dogs hailed from England, the country of origin. Most of what I had at the time were the smooth working lines but later became involved in showing in UKC. Puppies from my lines are clean breeding no inbreeding but I do line breed and genetically cleared breeding pairs out of English country of origin and Australia, often referred to as country of development lines. Actually both countries were developing dogs to suit their region and vermin problem, so there are several types, and in any given litter it is good to have all 3 coats represented. Shows more variation in the gene pool. They are born in the house and only let out side after 1st shots. They are family pets, Earthdogs, Barnhunt dogs, stable dogs, agility dogs.All coats should retain a "double coat". Ideally the ears tip, but occasionally they will be small enough and light enough that an ear will prick. This is fine for pets, not acceptable in the show ring however or as Earthdogs as dirt can enter the ear canal. Tails are NOT cut short like they were many years ago but left natural or "tipped" when the dew claws are removed to ensure that they are not too long and can be damaged if the dogs are used as "Earthdogs" and go underground. Pups can be held with a non-refundable deposit transferable to another litter with approved purchase. ALL the German Shepherds are bred to be family, personal companion and protection dogs. When placing a dog, I try to match temperament 1st, sex then color. My 4 Import showline males have good "drive" as well as great functional conformation for movement and athletic ability and breeding them to my working line females, makes the pups more manageable and easy to train, and not so hyper that they are harder to handle by older adults and children alike. Once brought into the family group, outsiders will be viewed with caution until they are cued otherwise. Ironically, her dam and granddam and sire all showed in the American venue quite successfully, one grandmother showed at Westminster several years back. But at home.Easy to handle, very focused, easy to train, all of my dogs exhibit trusting loyal temperaments, adaptable to a caring, loving, home. All want to please, but are NOT unmanageable!!! Good temperament is critical for training and socialization. A shy or overly aggressive dog is never a good fit for a family and is harder to train. They have to WANT to please you and will try to earn your praise. Fear biters are a liability and overly aggressive dogs have their own agenda. And although these dogs have a good strong bite and a good prey drive for training, they are not police or military hard. Review I was appreciative of getting, thank you. My wife wanted a German Shepherd for many many years. We began looking and came upon Ravenhill Russells and German Shepherds. .Without a shadow of a doubt we felt like this was the place to get our puppy. When we went to visit the potential mother, all dogs were well taken care of and very healthy. Billie was patient with our questions and guided us along the way. Our puppy is now almost 5 months old and we couldn't be happier. We have her in training and our instructor says she is one of the best puppies he has seen. He also can't get over how beautiful and well bred she is. We are always stopped on the street by people asking where we got her and without hesitation we recommend Ravenhill Kennel. Thank you Billie for a beautiful, loving and family friendly dog. This is what it's all about. Hi Billie, Thank you for taking the time and meeting with me and Woody Tuesday. We have named our little girl Sassafrass Sadie Belle Belle as a nod to her mother. We are calling her Sadie. Sweet, loving and playful and none of the skittishness behavior in my last Russell. Our Newfie is scared to death of her! He probably remembers Maggie and how she terrorized him. Once again, thank you! Deena M. We encourage all prospective puppy owners to do their research and be prepared with questions to ask the breeder. I don't sell show dogs. But people deserve to have a quality pet as well. So my dogs are breed from some of the best and proven foundation lines proven sound and of quality generation after generation. .People often say, I'm not looking for a show dog, I get that. But I will NOT breed anything less than my standard and respect the standard of the breed. All dogs at some point had a function. NOT just to not shed,even lap dogs kept royalty safe tucked in their sleeves and hands warm.I am sure they have other attributes. Rendell Beatty. Not all training packages may be available at our Dog Training Elite of the NC Triangle location, please reference our pricing page for complete information on services offered. German Shepherd Puppies vs. Adults Dog Training Elite of the NC Triangle recommends starting dog training as early as possible, soon after a puppy is ready to leave its mother. Puppies are capable of learning basic commands, and smart German Shepherd puppies do great with early training. A complete puppy training typically takes a few months. Adult dog training can take longer or shorter, depending on whether a dog needs to unlearn bad habits in addition to being trained. Working with a German Shepherd and the owner directly in the home allows dog trainers to create personalized training plans for individual dogs, as well as address any unique needs or issues. Once a dog has completed in-home training, they can take group classes for more in-depth training - Dog Training Elite of the NC Triangle offers both puppy and adult dog group classes. Beginning training in the home also helps owners bond with their dogs so when the dog trainer leaves, no progress is lost. This includes developing conditioned or automatic reflexes to commands. In its simplest form after proper conditioning , when the owner says "sit," the dog automatically sits without thinking about it. Our unique techniques ensure our program is a success no matter what behavior we encounter. Empowering Owners We empower owners to train so their dog knows who to obey at all times. Personalized We deal with problem behaviors on a personal basis. Environment Specific We train wherever issues tend to arise i. Supportive We support owners in the off-hours when training is "not in session". Involved We work with all members of the household. Satisfaction Ratings Our high client satisfaction rating sets us apart from competitors. Also, be consistent about rules - establish at the beginning, for example, whether or not your dog is allowed on the couch. An energetic dog with little to no exercise can become a destructive, disobedient dog. Training is a great way to give German Shepherds the mental and physical stimulation they need. Dog Training Elite of the NC Triangle has developed training programs for puppies and adult dogs alike based on positive reinforcement. German Shepherd training with our in-home option is entirely possible. All Sizes. All Ages. Dog Training Elite of the NC Triangle never resorts to the use of punishment to help dogs unlearn bad behavior. The difference becomes clear when comparing a dog that is trained out of anxiety and intimidation vs a dog who truly desires to please from the inside out. The Dog Training Elite of the NC Triangle training theory is mostly based around classical conditioning, also known as the Pavlovian method or respondent conditioning. In its simplest form after proper conditioning , when an owner says "sit," their dog automatically sits without thinking about it. Through a combination of commands and an electronic collar, dogs learn to follow commands at once. Other dog trainers use harsh static collars or spray collars which have been shown to be less effective. Ready to turn your dog into a loyal and loving companion? Find a German Shepherd trainer near you today! We help your dog become a valued companion and beloved member of the family. Read what our customers have to say and then give us a call! This training saved our poor dog! Virginia was always so anxious. We tried everything we could think of including local dog training where you go to their facility. She needed to be taught what she was supposed to do. Once Alexx started training Virginia, everything clicked. Now she is so happy to lucky and rarely shows signs of anxiety. In home dog training is the way to go and we highly recommend Dog Training Elite! When our teen wanted to get a service dog, we knew we needed help with our current pup before we could even consider bringing another dog into the household. Once our family started working with Alexx, we noticed a difference right away. Our pup started responding to commands and visitors to our home noticed how much calmer she had become. Our pup is still a work in progress but Alexx always has helpful suggestions to help us work through every issue. I am so thankful that we found them! We are a small family operated kennel located in the Northern Piedmont area of North Carolina. I only have dogs with excellent temperaments, good minds, strong character and nerves, nice structure and willing to please attitudes. Puppies will all have plenty of drive for training and working, but not over the top prey-monster types. Some will have more drive than others and will be very suited to sport, police K9, and other working endeavors. While other puppies will be a bit more laid back and fit in well with families as companion dogs. Over these years Janette has evaluated many hundreds of puppies and has become very adept at pegging what an individual puppy will be like as an adult. Robert Oglesby and Janette Oglesby have been involved with German Shepherd Dogs, puppy care, and training for many years. In her previous life Janette was a veterinary practice manager, veterinary technician, and kennel manager. During the past 15 years she has been evaluating, working, training, titling, and breeding these fabulous dogs. Robert, now retired, has been in veterinary practice for over 32 years and maintains the successful website www. He is responsible for the veterinary care of the dogs. A Little About the German Shepherds Our male and females are often purchased titled or started prospects from Europe after a thorough evaluation. We also use quality outside males for genetic and color diversity. More recently we are breeding, raising, training, then titling our own dogs. Occasionally some of these older puppies or young green dogs are available. Our goal is to be able to offer your family the opportunity to welcome into your home your new best friend and family protector. Coldwater German Shepherds.

They are playful and loyal. Although Boxers were originally bred as working dogs, they make the perfect family pet. Boxers are different from each other but one trait that all Boxers have in common is their playfulness. Boxers, whether they're puppies or ones in their senior years, possess a youthful exuberance that is unmatched by any other breed of dog. Boxers have the natural ability to make their masters smile and fill a household with fun and laughter. Natural Born Entertainers Ask Boxer owners about what they think would be the most fitting profession or job for Boxer dogs and they'd likely tell you that Boxers make the perfect clowns. Boxers are natural entertainers wiggling, wagging and doing their funny antics. If you've ever been around a Boxer, you'll find it very hard to keep yourself from grinning. Put a Boxer in a room with someone in a bad mood and it will waste no time showing off its tricks to make a person laugh. One of the more familiar tricks Boxers are known for is kidney beaning, a dance they do whenever they are excited. No owner could resist smiling whenever he comes home after a hard day's work and sees his Boxer doing this dance. It isn't a bark although it is similar. Boxers are natural entertainers even when they are running. Don't be surprised to see a Boxer twist, jump and even do summersaults while it is out on a walk. However, Boxers aren't for everyone. If you're looking for a dog that will lie quietly at the foot of your bed or sleep most of the day, a Boxer is not the dog for you. Boxers are very energetic and they need plenty of attention. If a Boxer doesn't get adequate exercise every day, it can turn to doing destructive things or find ways to entertain itself like chewing on shoes. Boxers need to be walked or jogged twice a day at the minimum. In addition, they need mental stimulation. About Us A little about us. We are a Christian family located in Carroll, Iowa with a love for the Boxer breed and look forward to sharing in that love with others who enjoy the breed as well. We were introduced to the breed through family in through their Boxer named Layla. Not long after taking her in we thought why not share our love of the breed with others who have had one or are interested in getting their first one and so we decided to start breeding our Mya with a very reputable breeder. We do not do this as a business but as a hobby. We had our first successful litter of 10 happy and healthy puppies in June of and kept 2 females to add to our family and to produce additional litters in a couple of years. And so the saga begins! Loyalty, affection, intelligence, work ethic, and good looks: Boxers are the whole doggy package. A male can stand as high as 25 inches at the shoulder; females run smaller. Their muscles ripple beneath a short, tight-fitting coat. The dark brown eyes and wrinkled forehead give the face an alert, curious look. The coat can be fawn or brindle, with white markings. Boxers move like the athletes they are named for: smooth and graceful, with a powerful forward thrust. Boxers are upbeat and playful. Their patience and protective nature have earned them a reputation as a great dog with children. They take the jobs of watchdog and family guardian seriously and will meet threats fearlessly. Boxers do best when exposed to a lot of people and other animals in early puppyhood.

Breeds The link has been copied! If you are a newbie intending to purchase a Labrador retriever, one of the salient questions that will cross your mind is: How long do Labradors live? But while some consider lifespan an important variable for their dog selection decision, several other factors, including intelligence, help make Labrador retrievers the most popular dogs in the US since to date, according to the American Kennel Club. How Long do Labradors Live? The average lifespan of a Labrador retriever ranges from 10 to 12 years. But with good diets and adequate care, many Labradors can live a few more years. Dog lifespan is determined by a number of factors, such as size, breed, and overall health. Small dogs tend to live longer than larger breeds like Labrador retrievers. Scientists cannot convincingly explain why this is the case, though it is thought that larger dogs suffer age-related diseases earlier than smaller breeds. An overweight dog is more likely to die younger than otherwise, making the need for a balanced diet essential. Studies of Labrador retrievers indicate that even a moderate amount of additional weight can reduce life expectancy by a couple of years compared to puppies who have healthy weight throughout their lives. The oldest Labrador retriever lived for 27 years. Known as Adjutant, he was born in August , died in November , and lived in Lincolnshire England. Short Background on Labrador Retrievers Labradors are thought to have had their origins in Newfoundland, rather than Labrador— Canada, around the s. They have excellent retrieving abilities, especially in water. These affectionate, sporty, friendly, and loyal dogs make great duck hunters and family pets. They can also work as search and rescue dogs and scenting dogs, among others. Labrador retrievers have a nice temperament and are easy to train and socialize with. Their most abundant colors are black, chocolate, and yellow. Labrador Development Newborns Labrador puppies are born after a gestation period of about 63 days. At birth, they can neither see nor hear and rely on their sense of smell and touch to interact with their new environment. They also have no teeth. At this very early stage, newborns are wholly dependent on their mother and human caregivers for warmth, sustenance, cleanliness, and overall survival. But that does not mean newborns are absolutely helpless. With their tender front feet, they can drag themselves around in search of milk from their mother or a source of heat to keep their frail bodies warm. Being very young, extreme temperatures are bad for their delicate bodies since they cannot regulate their body temperatures. So, they should be kept in a warm enclosure with moderate and stable temperatures. By the second week of development, the young puppies gain more weight and begin to see and hear, either partially or completely. They also become a bit more mobile and gradually learn how to stand up. Some people start growing teeth after three to four weeks. By the eighth week, they are fully weaned and ready for adoption, having learned several necessary skills for living independently from their mother. Puppyhood Between 8 and 12 weeks of age, a Labrador puppy will usually arrive at its new home. Body weight at this time is around 15 to 18 pounds. They are often vaccinated before arrival, but you can have your vet examine them to be sure. Ensure they are vaccinated within the first 48 hours of arrival if they are yet to receive vaccination. The early arrival period is one of significant excitement for the puppy as he happily adapts to his new owner, living conditions, and environment. But adaptation can also be challenging, so be sure to offer your puppy all the care and support it needs. This is the same time when you should think about getting your Labrador puppy a good fitting collar. You can intensify basic training and socialization when your puppy becomes three months old. Potty training should focus mainly on positive reinforcement methods and should often be brief, and interesting. Dogs can misbehave at times, so ensure you evolve potent ways of enforcing disciplinary measures for undesirable behavior, e. Intelligent dogs like Labradors will quickly learn that not giving them attention is a consequence of bad behavior. Adulthood Labrador puppies attain adulthood when they are between 1 and 2 years old. At this stage, they are now at their peak when it comes to growth and maturity, though some may still be growing. A fully grown Labrador retriever can be introduced to adult food at around 12 months old. But before this switch, you may have to rely on your vet to determine whether or not he is due for an adult diet or is still growing. Because a Labrador is at its prime around this time, it is essential to subject it to sufficient mental and physical exercises to ensure it is well-conditioned. Ensure it goes on a brisk walk at least once a day in addition to playing regularly in a spacious location. Senior Years At the age of seven, your Labrador is now a senior citizen in the world of dogs. Male Labradors are usually larger than females. A typical male has a weight not less than 80 pounds while a female will usually weigh from 55 pounds up. From the age of seven, a Labrador may start contending with a variety of health challenges, but many will remain healthy long after their seventh birthday. It was mentioned above that Labradors may be prone to health problems at a certain stage of their adult lives. Here are some leading Labrador killers. Tumors Scientists are yet to completely understand what causes tumors and cancers in Labradors and other dog breeds. However, UV light, teratogens, and other DNA-altering substances have been identified as possible causative factors. Tumors are common among Labradors and even more common among female species. Skin tumors on the legs and chest are the most common kinds of Labrador tumors. Tumors can be benign or malignant. Unlike malignant tumors, benign tumors are not cancerous but may still require medical attention. Treatment options include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and biopsy, among others. Arthritis From the age of 8, the risk of dogs becoming afflicted with arthritis increases significantly to 80 percent. Arthritis will usually not hinder them from living happily but may leave them finding it difficult to cope with rigorous exercises. Like tumors, arthritis is also common among Labradors, especially seniors. This is because the older dogs become, the weaker their bones and joints tend to be. Some signs that your Labrador may have arthritis include swollen joints, difficulty in movement, reluctance to climb stairs or jump, limping, and sleeping more often than usual. You can take certain preventive measures to help your Labrador avoid arthritis, especially if it has advanced in age. For instance, you can feed them in a way that ensures they do not become overweight because the more they weigh, the greater the pressure on their joints and the likelihood of arthritis. Heart Disease A lot of causative factors can be responsible for heart disease in Labradors. Some of them include genetics, diet, and weight. Symptoms of heart disease include fatigue or tiredness, difficulty breathing, and persistent coughing, among others. A healthy diet program will help check excess weight but may not prevent genetically predisposed Labradors from suffering heart problems. Kidney Failure Both acute and chronic kidney failure can be fatal or tragic for a Labrador. Your dog may suffer acute kidney failure if it ingests substances that may be poisonous to it, for example, antifreeze and raisins. Bacteria infections and some drugs - including pain relievers such as aspirin, are also acute kidney failure causal factors. Acute kidney failure leads to a quick collapse of the kidney. In contrast, chronic kidney failure progresses slowly with the passage of time and can be caused by several factors, including a lack of adequate dental care and aging. Nutrition and genetics have been identified as the major reasons for hip dysplasia in Labrador retrievers. Hip dysplasia is a kind of degenerative joint ailment. It can result in either old age or excess weight, or a combination of both. In this condition, your Labrador retriever will find it difficult or reluctant to play, jump and run as previously. There may also be hind leg lameness, limping, or stiffness, among other symptoms. Diet is crucial when it comes to preventing CHD. Hence, do not overfeed your Lab puppies in their growth years to avoid obesity, which can strain the joints and cause puppy hip dysplasia. As noted earlier, the average lifespan of a Labrador is 10—12 years. Labradors often have a shorter lifespan than smaller dog breeds but compare favorably with large popular dog varieties. Average Dog Lifespans. Chocolate Labradors have shorter lifespan than rest of the breed Published: 22 Oct Last Updated: 10 Aug Chocolate Labrador Retrievers have a significantly shorter lifespan than their black and yellow counterparts, according to the results of the largest study ever done of the breed in the UK. The median lifespan for chocolate Labradors is just .Chocolate Labradors suffer the most from ear infections, with .Obesity and joint disorders were also found to be major afflictions for Labradors, with 8. Meanwhile, the most common cause of death was from musculoskeletal disorders, which lead to the death of .The research will help breeders and vets to prioritise approaches for tackling health concerns within the breed and guide prospective owners to the top health issues they need to be aware of. Other key findings from the study include: The popularity of the Labrador has dropped by over a third in 10 years, from 9. On average male Labradors weigh .Because chocolate colour is recessive in dogs, the gene for this colour must be present in both parents for their puppies to be chocolate. Breeders targeting this colour may therefore be more likely to breed between only Labradors carrying the chocolate coat gene. It may be that the resulting reduced gene pool includes a higher proportion of genes conducive to ear and skin conditions. The RVC offers undergraduate, postgraduate and CPD programmes in veterinary medicine, veterinary nursing and biological sciences. The RVC also provides animal owners and the veterinary profession with access to expert veterinary care and advice through its teaching hospitals; the Beaumont Sainsbury Animal Hospital in central London, the Queen Mother Hospital for Animals Europe's largest small animal referral centre , the Equine Referral Hospital, and the Farm Animal Clinical Centre located at the Hertfordshire campus. Immune-mediated polyarthritis Cranial cruciate ligament rupture While musculoskeletal disorders do not typically cause death in Labradors directly, they can cause pain and immobility to the point that euthanasia becomes the most humane option. Other frequent causes of death Cancer and musculoskeletal disorders are the Big Two causes of death in Labradors, but of course there are many other possible causes, of which these are the most recurring: Kidney disease including kidney failure induced by Lyme disease contracted from tick bites Heart disease Parvovirus Trauma for example being hit by a vehicle Something clearly observable but not well quantified at the moment is that what Labradors are most likely to die from changes over the course of their lifetime. For example, puppies are most vulnerable to parvovirus, traumatic injuries are more common in adolescent and young adult dogs, and cancer is most often diagnosed in senior dogs. On average, black and yellow Labs on a healthy diet, with an active lifestyle and access to regular preventative veterinary care live to about 12 years of age. However, chocolate Labradors have a shorter expected lifespan of around 10 years. Labrador Retrievers are classified as a medium to large dog breed. In general, the larger the breed, the shorter their average life expectancy. The majority of large dog breeds live for 12 to 13 years at most. And the average life span across all dog breeds of all sizes is years. Yet while the vast majority of Labradors only live up to 12 years, there are some positive exceptions. Some Labs have lived as long as 15 or 16 years and one extraordinary Labrador even lived 18 years! Research studies have identified that longer-lived Labs tend to have more lean body mass muscle mass and a lower body fat percentage than Labs that die earlier. So if you can keep your dog at a healthy weight, you can potentially add precious extra time to their life. The Labrador Retriever is the most popular dog breed in the world. This is both a good and a less good thing. Some good things about that, from a health and longevity perspective are: It means there is a big gene pool to breed from. A large gene pool usually means more genetic diversity, and a lower likelihood of experiencing some inherited health problems. There are lots of Lab breeders. This makes it as easy as possible to find a litter of puppies from health tested parents, without having to travel far. Any study of pet dog health is likely to contain a lot of Labs. Many papers have been written solely on Labrador health. Which means we know a lot about them, and how to keep them well. Armed with this information, you have a much better chance of choosing a puppy from a reputable Labrador breeder who participates in the CHIC program. Watch cute Labrador puppies growing up! Check them out at the bottom of this article, but make sure you have a tissue handy! What Controls Labrador Retriever Lifespan? Some Labradors live a good deal longer than twelve. So what controls how long your Labrador will live? And the life span of any dog. One is the genetic information you dog has inherited from his parents. The other is the events that happen to your dog during the course of his life. Through puppy hood to old age. Things like accidents, injury, and disease. Life span statistics for dogs are often wildly inaccurate and based on outdated information. But luckily we no longer need to guess. We can give you accurate Labrador life span information, as we now have data from scientific studies. Labrador Lifespan Surveys Two surveys were carried out in and .The earlier study showed the median age of death in over Labradors was .The later study gave a median age at death in a group of over dogs as .A bigger and more recent study published in looked at over 30, Labradors. This one found a median longevity of 12 years in Labradors overall. So the average Labrador lifespan seems to work out at around 12 years. Is Labrador Lifespan Getting Longer? But there is some good news. There is evidence that the Labrador lifespan might be increasing. One recent study, although it only looked at 39 dogs, suggested that the average could be getting closer to 14 years. The longest lived Labrador we can find official confirmation for was over 19 years old. So, can you help your dog to reach these high numbers? And which set broad limits to the life span of your Labrador. They also control aspects of his temperament and susceptibility to disease. Labrador Body Shape To some extent Labradors are lucky. They inherit a basically sound conformation or body shape. Their bodies are nicely proportioned and designed for athletic ability — running and jumping. Labradors have not been bred with shortened faces that can cause breathing problems or small skulls that can damage their brains. Nor do they have excessive skin or a massive amount of fur. This is great because a good body structure makes a dog naturally healthier than a dog with poor conformation. And his ability to carry out certain tasks, like running and hunting, or fetching things. Temperament, including tendency to fearfulness, is influenced by genes. But it is also strongly influenced by environment. One study showed that fear and anxiety has a negative effect on life span in pet dogs. And some dogs are euthanased for aggression or behavior problems. So temperament is also a factor to consider when looking at life span. Some dogs inherit a number of favorable genes that improve their chances of good health — reduced risk of cancer for example. They then pass these favorable genes on to their puppies. It will also affect how healthy each dog will be during that lifetime. For some of these diseases, hip dysplasia for example, and CNM, we have tests that can and should be carried out on adult dogs before they are used for breeding. We just know that in some cases, Labradors may be more susceptible than some other breeds of dog. Which is slightly higher than the rate of cancer in dogs overall. How Size Affects Longevity Little dogs live longer than big dogs. Of course, there are many exceptions to the rule. But in general the longevity of dogs is quite strongly linked to body size. This is the reverse of what we often find when we compare large species of mammal. The elephant for example, with smaller species — such as the mouse. When we look at individuals within a single species, in this case the domestic dog, being larger seems to be a disadvantage. As a medium to large dog, size is therefore a limiting factor in the lifespan of your Labrador. In short, the average Labrador is probably never going to live as long as the average toy poodle. Labrador Lifespan and Inbreeding Like all pedigree dog breeds, there are certain genetic diseases that have become established within the Labrador breed. This is due to breeding between dogs that are closely related. The average coefficient of inbreeding for Labradors is 6. Another factor influencing longevity in dogs is size. This is another area where Labrador are slightly disadvantaged. Do Purebred Labs Live Longer? A study published in The Veterinary Journal in showed that mongrels live on average 1. Comparing Pedigree Dogs When we consider pedigree dogs as a whole, there are differences in longevity between the breeds. Not just in terms of size, though this is important. There are also differences between different breeds of a similar size. Sometime shorter life spans are linked to poor conformation. Many very tiny dogs have hormone problems, brain problems through skull compression, and a range of other health issues. In comparison, Labrador conformation is pretty healthy. The recent discovery that Chocolate Labs live shorter lives than their black or yellow cousins. Color vs Lifespan For a long time it was believed that coat color had no influence on Labrador life expectancy. With the exception of color dilution alopecia in silver Labradors, it was thought that inherited diseases were not linked to any particular color or type of Labrador. A recent study of over thirty three thousand dogs has thrown that assumption into doubt. It shows us that black Lab life expectancy and yellow Lab life expectancy is around .While chocolate Lab life expectancy is quite a bit shorter at .But the Chocolates in that study were more prone to ear and skin problems. The study was a very big sample of dogs. So it is likely that the results represent the wider Lab population as a whole. Apart from your ability to be selective over the parents of your puppy, genetic factors are largely outside your control. But as your Labrador grows and matures, there will be life events that happen to him which may influence his life expectancy. Some of these are events that you can control. And many of those could have been avoided. Accidents are far more common in dogs that are allowed to spend time outdoors unsupervised. Fencing your property or a small part of it securely will help to prevent your dog from roaming. Plus, training him to come quickly when you call will help you to bring him to you in an emergency. Neutering At one time is was believed that neutering increased life expectancy. One of the reasons that some older studies show a higher death rate for dogs that have been neutered is because if dogs are not properly controlled. Those that have the urge to mate will roam further from home and have more accidents. Recent studies have however linked neutering to some serious health issues including joint disease and cancer. Both leading causes of illness and death in Labs. The neutering issue is not clear cut any longer. These two principles — training and control — will help to ensure your dog lives out his allotted years to the full. Recall is fundamental for most Labradors safety. So make sure that you take the time to teach him to come when he is called. Whatever distractions may be surrounding him. Vaccination In some parts of the world there are still many serious diseases that kill unvaccinated dogs and puppies on a regular basis. Serious infections and diseases have the potential to kill your dog. But they also have the potential to make him generally less healthy should he survive them. So, where you live, and whether or not you vaccinate your dog may also affect his longevity. Overfeeding Decreases Labrador Lifespan Obesity is increasingly common in dogs generally and in Labradors in particular. It is a direct result of overfeeding. Labradors are greedy and friendly dogs that are very good at persuading people to hand over the treats, and to refill that food bowl. Added to which, many Labrador parents find it hard to judge how much their dog should have to eat. And whether or not he is overweight. We can help you with that. Check out our guide to Labrador weight to make sure your dog is at the right weight for best health. But feed your dog according to how he looks and feels. That article will help you. If you have a greedy Lab then you might find a slow feed bowl helpful, like this one What Do Studies Say? Studies have shown that reducing calorie intake in dogs, can increase life expectancy by a significant amount. But it is a message that is being ignored by a great many dog owners. A study published in showed that Labradors are capable of maintaining a consistent lean body mass throughout their lives. Hungry Labrador Eyes! Keeping your dog slim can help him live a long and comfortable life. It can defer the onset of, and reduce the impact of, conditions like arthritis in older dogs. Elderly dogs that retain their youthful waistline have a more active and happy retirement. Being firm about the quantity of food that your dog eats each day will also help to ensure you have the benefits of his company for the longest time. Is Longevity In Dogs Inherited? Yes, to a certain extent, it is clear that longevity is inherited. In that some dogs will have an inherently higher potential for long life than others. Being a Labrador, being purebred, being a largish dog, all go against your dog when it comes to life expectancy. On the other hand, being athletic, good tempered, and well structured go in his favor. So, for these reasons, the Labrador falls into the medium range of life expectancy when compared with other dogs. And quite a few that are much shorter lived. If you are choosing a puppy, choose his parents wisely. Make sure that they are health tested and bred by a responsible breeder. Consider choosing a black or yellow Lab. And make sure the parents have great temperaments, and have been well cared for. Socialize your puppy thoroughly when you get him home. So that he is confident and views the world as a happy, friendly place. Above all, keep your dog slim. Really slim. A Basset hound. Photograph by Joel Sartore, National Geographic Photo Ark But compared with other labs, chocolate labs appeared to suffer certain non-life-threatening ailments more frequently. This doesn't necessarily mean that the pigment genes are linked to a shorter lifespan, researchers caution. The chocolate color is a recessive trait, meaning that to produce a chocolate lab puppy, both parents must have the gene that produces the color. Related: Why Siberian huskies have those beautiful blue eyes. This narrows the gene pool and may result in a higher proportion of genes conducive to ear and skin conditions, he said, and could ultimately affect longevity. These are self-inflicted wounds caused when the dog reacts to irritation from pests such as fleas or lice, or from being trimmed with clippers. For example, some researchers suspect that the gene that causes black fur in wolves could also be related to reducing inflammation and fighting infection. Overall, labs were also one of the most obese dog breeds, the study found. Nearly nine percent of the U. Notably, male dogs who had been neutered were more likely to be obese .The researchers concluded that the finding might help vets more quickly identify potential health problems, and ideally, affect breeding practices to produce healthier, longer-living dogs. By Tom Massey Feb 19, When you first welcome your new labrador retriever puppy home, the last thing that may be on your mind is life expectancy. After all, your dog is still a wee pup! Saying goodbye to your furry friends is one of the most heartbreaking things any family will have to do. So the key is to help your pups mature into happy and healthy adult labradors who live as long as they can. In general, experts agree that labrador retrievers will live for around 12 years of age. With preventative care, your labrador retriever may even advance to 13 years of age. However, labs with health problems tend to have shorter lives and live to reach 10 to 11 years. The good news is that both male and female labrador retrievers live around the average lifespan of 12 years. However, there is something you can do with female dogs that can help them live longer. These differences include traits like: Females are a little more demanding of physical affection than males — whereas a male labrador would be happy to sit at your feet, female labs want to be petted and cuddled. Males display territorial behavior like urine marking and displays of dominance. Though all labs love their food which is one reason they can have health problems , males are just a tad more food-motivated than females. However, another related genetic characteristic causes a shorter life expectancy in a certain type of lab. Which Types of Labs Live the Longest? You may hear that chocolate labs live a shorter life and have many health conditions that increase as they age. They may only live up to 10 years of age. Now, coat color might, at first, seem to be a matter of aesthetic. Chocolate is a recessive gene, which means that both parents of a chocolate labrador retriever would need to be that color. A breeder would have to breed only labs with that gene, which would mean a much more limited gene pool. This is an inflammation of an ear canal, which makes your pooch more prone to infections. Fortunately, this particular disease is not serious or life-threatening. Brown labs are more likely to contract other skin diseases, such as hot spots. This is a form of acute moist dermatitis and can cause your dog to constantly lick, bite, and scratch an inflamed area until it becomes a painful skin lesion. You may be wondering: What do labs usually die from? Obesity is, in fact, the number one cause of arthritis, diabetes, bloating, and flipped stomachs, which can then cause your lab to suffer needlessly. The best way to keep them healthy on this front is to make sure they get plenty of age-appropriate exercise and control their diet. Joint and Hip Issues Due to Overfeeding A lab has a predisposition for a condition known as hip dysplasia. This is a form of degenerative joint disease, which affects around 5. A lab is also more prone to arthritis — and additional weight will only create added pressure on the joints of a large canine. Hip dysplasia is a rough diagnosis for a labrador. Yet, they need the exercise to keep the weight off, so it can be tricky managing this issue. At Snowy Pines, for example, our guarantees offer a full replacement against genetic defects in labrador puppies for five years. Though it does affect some of the oldest dogs, diabetes is still fairly common among a wide variety of breeds. As in humans, diabetes in dogs comes down to the balance of insulin and glucose. The swollen stomach can start to press on blood vessels, blocking blood and oxygen, and your dog may collapse. Cancers Cancer in dogs is quite a bit like cancer in humans. There are a variety of factors that may contribute to your dog developing this condition. A particular type of cancer that affects labradors more than other breeds is lymphoma. If your lab experiences this form of cancer, the prognosis is good! Tip 2: Neuter or Spay Your Lab Having a spayed female and a neutered male reduces the incidence of certain types of cancers. It also eliminates the possibility of an unwanted pregnancy, which, in young dogs, can cause quite a bit of stress leading to inflammation. Choose an age-appropriate food formula with the right nutritional value for their health. With labs, less is always more, and regular, once-a-day feeding is enough. While exercise is important for keeping an overweight dog healthy, you want to be careful not to overdo it. Furthermore, some young lab pups are born with a condition known as EIC or exercise-induced collapse. Once again, the right breeder should make you aware of this and screen dogs before breeding. Tip 5: Add Supplements to Their Diet Dog food is formulated to give your puppy everything they need throughout their life in most cases. It can help prevent simple health maladies and keep your dog happier, longer. Use these tips to help your black or yellow lab live a high quality of life with minimal health conditions. Share on.

One practical difference between curly and wavy poodle fur involves dog show competition. If your mature poodle's hair tends to waves rather than outright curls, you can't compete in conformation breed classes. Poodle Coat Standard The American Kennel Club, the governing body of canine breed competitions, states that the poodle's coat should be curly. It adds that the curly coat is dense throughout the body and of "naturally harsh texture. The cords are shorter on the tail puff and legs, and longer on the trunk or neck. The standard does not mention a wavy coat. Puppy Coats Poodle puppies have wavy coats, which are also softer than that of the adult dog. While the coat changes over time, how long it takes depends on the size of the poodle. In toy and miniature poodles, the wavy coat starts changing into a curly coat at approximately 9 months of age, and takes about 9 months to completely transition. By the time your smaller poodle reaches the age of a year-and-a-half, his curly coat should be complete. For standard poodles, the change in coat type begins between the ages of 9 to 16 months, but the entire transition takes just about three months to complete. By the age of 19 months -- approximately the same age as his smaller cousins -- the standard poodle sports an entirely curly coat. Poodle Mixes Because they don't shed and are believed to be hypoallergenic, poodles are often crossed with other dog breeds. The results include the cockapoo -- poodle and cocker spaniel; schnoodle -- poodle and schnauzer; Labradoodle poodle and Labrador retriever and many more. Crossing dogs with dissimilar hair coats is always a gamble, because you could end up with a shedding, non-hypoallergenic canine that only faintly resembles a poodle. One of the older crosses, the cockapoo, tends to breed true, although many of these hybrid dogs have wavy rather than curly hair. A good breeder can tell you what type of coat a cockapoo puppy is likely to have when the pup is still quite young. Poodle Grooming All poodles require regular grooming and clipping. Without this basic maintenance, they turn into a matted mess. Poodles whose curly coats haven't yet come in can sport a "puppy" clip, which is also an easy maintenance style for owners of older poodles who don't compete in the show ring. With a puppy clip, the tail base, feet, face and throat are shaved. Show dogs might appear in a continental, English saddle or sporting clip, each of which has strict rules about what areas of the body are shaved. If you have a poodle mix with a wavy coat, or a poodle still in his puppy coat phase, you can opt for a full coat, but that requires extensive grooming. A simpler option is the "teddy bear" clip, which just needs weekly brushing. Why have poodle coats evolved this way? What purpose do Poodle coats serve? Poodles were bred to be water-retrievers. Their job was to retrieve ducks from the water for hunters. Physical characteristics, like webbed feet, physique, and the thick, water-resistant coats were bred into the breed to help them swim and move easily in the water. Long, thick fur around the chest, ankles, and head kept vital body parts warm. Legs and the body were shaved short to aid agility in the water. Tangles and knots lead to serious matts very quickly and can be painful. They also trap dirt providing the perfect breeding ground for bacteria, and leading to skin conditions, infections, and sometimes costly trips to the vet! At home If you have a puppy, get them used to regular home-grooming to reduce stress later on. Establish a relaxing routine of daily brushing, focussing on areas where the most friction occurs, like the arm-pits, or anywhere a harness might rub. A coat that is clipped short will reduce daily brushing and help keep the coat clean in between visits. Red Berry Performance Shampoo or Aloe and Avocado An everyday wash that is great for woolly coats, freshening your dog between visits to the groomer. Providing a deep clean, our shampoo is ideal for dogs that are naturally drawn to muddy puddles and ponds. It is pH balanced and vitamin-enriched with Argan Oil and Pro-Vitamin B5, keeping fur strong, healthy, extra-manageable and clean with degreasing and deodorising properties. Some dogs like Labradors have two layers of fur, which makes them ideal dogs for hunting waterfowl since they have an additional layer of hair to insulate them from water. Other dogs like poodles have a single layer of hair. Because their coat is dense and wiry, it does a great job of protecting them from cold temperatures. Puppies spend most of their time snuggling with their mother or with their littermates. As a result, they have little need for a dense and wiry coat. Puppies typically have hair that is soft and less dense than what you would find on an adult dog. In the case of poodles, puppies are usually born with hair that is soft and straight. As your puppy gets older, their hair will start becoming wavy or curly at the base. Your poodle will shed during the first few months of her life. Poodles are hypoallergenic dogs because they do very little shedding as adults, which means they release less pet dander than other dogs. However, poodle puppies have fast hair growth cycles. Old hair has to fall out to make room for new growth, resulting in shedding. Most dogs shed their puppy coat to make room for their adult coat around four to six months of age. However, poodle puppies tend to blow their coat later: Standard poodles usually lose their puppy coat around nine to 16 months of age. Miniature and toy poodles tend to shed their puppy coat earlier at nine months. This process is also longer than for other breeds. It can take up to three months for a Standard poodle to fully lose her puppy coat and grow her adult hair. Miniature and toy poodles can shed for as long as nine months before their adult coat comes in. Note that shedding can vary a lot from one individual to another. If you got your poodle from a breeder, ask when the parents lost their puppy coat and how much shedding they did. Can Poodles at cats be taught to get along? You will typically see hair accumulate where your puppy sleeps, or even find hair clinging to your hands and clothes after petting your pooch. The adult coat that grows will look very different. It should have a wiry or wooly texture and be denser than the puppy coat. A Black Poodle at the beach How to Manage Shedding There are a few things you can do to help your puppy shed her coat faster and prevent hair from accumulating in your home. Brushing Brushing is important. Plus, it stimulates circulation, which will help your pooch grow new hair. You should be able to remove most of the dead hair with a comb or slicker brush, but you might need a de-shedding tool if your puppy is losing a lot of hair. You should brush your puppy daily once she starts blowing her puppy coat. Bathing Bathe your pooch regularly. Warm water will open follicles and help your puppy shed old hair faster. You can use a de-shedding shampoo. These shampoos contain hydrating ingredients that support a healthy hair growth cycle. Diet A healthy diet and water intake are also important. You should feed a diet that is rich in vitamins and minerals to support a healthy skin and coat. As poodle owners know, regular grooming is an important part of taking care of your furry companion. Poodles have long hair that can become dirty and matted. Trimming this hair helps keep it clean. It also helps your poodle regulate her body temperature , especially if you live in a warm area. Most poodle owners schedule their first grooming appointment between 11 and 16 weeks. During her first trim, your poodle will not need to have a lot of hair removed. The groomer will probably focus on hair that could get in her eyes, trim the coat around the genitals since it can become dirty, and get your puppy used to having her nails trimmed. When your poodle starts blowing her puppy coat, you can take her to the groomer again for a warm bath and de-shedding shampoo. The groomer might not need to trim a lot of hair but bathing and brushing will help with managing shedding. You should take your poodle to the groomer again once her adult coat comes in. This longer and denser coat can become dirty and matted quickly without proper grooming. Plus, this thicker and denser hair can cause your poodle to become overheated if you live in a warm area. A happy Poodle running outside on the grass Wrap Up Poodle puppies tend to blow their puppy coat later than other breeds. You should start seeing a lot of shedding around nine months of age, but it can happen later for Standard poodles. You can manage to shed with brushing and bathing. The good news is that your poodle will shed very little once she grows her adult coat, but it also means you will have to take your pooch to the groomer regularly to prevent this coat from getting too long. My wife and I love playing with our active miniature Labradoodle Max. We want all Oodle puppies to be healthy and happy, have lots of fun and be part of the family. Load More. Often, this coat will look and feel much different than the future adult coat. Many Poodle puppies have very soft, wavy hair as opposed to the adult's thick and curly coat. This process usually takes about 9 months. Therefore, when a Poodle is approximately 18 months old, they will have their full adult coat. In some cases it will be 24 months until the adult coat comes in. During this time, the coat can become very matted. Large mats tangles can ruin a coat, often needing to be clipped off if they cannot be worked out by hand. For this reason, it is important to brush the coat with a pin brush very often and thoroughly during this stage. Once this change over is complete, the coat will be easier to maintain. The above also happens with Standard Poodles, however this stage does not last quite as long. The Standard Poodle will go through a coat change starting anytime between 9 and 16 months. The changeover will last approximately 3 months. Shedding It is said that a Poodle does not shed. This can be looked at 2 ways. A Poodle does not have the plush double coat that many breeds have. Poodles have a single, dense coat of curled hair. Just like human hair, it grows and some hairs do fall out. When the hairs fall out of a Poodle's coat, they often fall back into the coat. Therefore, a Poodle does not shed in the traditional sense of canine shedding. Because the hair can contain varying amounts of dandruff and some people can have allergies to that. In addition, all dogs have allergens, these are microscopic dander elements. The Poodle, and other dog breeds such as Schnauzers shed from their skin approximately every 21 days, thus greatly reducing the amount of allergens that could trigger an allergic reaction. Note: The coat is one of the most important elements that the Poodle breed is known for.For this reason, an owner should be aware of every hair issue that affects this dog breed. Find out more about the AllPoodleInfo Book. Hair Loss with Female Poodles For the female Poodle, the coat may thin and hair loss may occur when she is in heat and also when she is whelping a litter. For many female Poodles, the coat can be affected by hormonal changes, particularly a surge in estrogen that occurs when she is in a heat cycle and after giving birth and whelping her litter. The female's coat may thin out, sometimes so severely that skin is exposed in many areas. This can happen in random areas of the body. If this does happens, it can take up to 4 months for the Poodle's hair to grow back to normal. Unfortunately, by that time the dog will be almost ready to enter another heat cycle. Therefore, if you are not planning on breeding your Poodle and she suffers from hormonal hair loss, it is best to have her spayed. Among them are: Red Mange when your Poodle has an allergic reaction to microscopic mites that live on all dogs, this causes patches of hair loss Allergies from commercial dog food additives, dog shampoo and everything in between - intense itching can cause a dog to scratch so severely that hair is lost and scabs form Sebaceous Adenitis - This is an inherited medical issue that causes the coat to thin out or completely fall out, that can be stopped if all breeders test for SA before breeding dogs Castration responsive Dermatosis - A hair loss in young male Poodles that begins in the groin area and can spread over the body. Hypothyroidism - This causes the coat to become excessively thick and have an abnormal texture When Hair Does Not Grow Back When a Poodle has health issues which causes the hair to fall out or to thin; there is always a chance that the coat will not grow back as expected. This is called post loss alopecia. Studies are currently being done to understand this further. However, as of now, it is thought that there are certain changes that take place in the dog's skin because of the temperature changes that occur when the fur is gone or very thin. When this happens, it can take up to 24 months for the Poodle's coat to grow back. There have been some promising results in using Melatonin to help stimulate the hair follicles. We have a detailed section regarding the best shampoo for Poodles. Conditioners- The Poodle should have a coat conditioner applied to keep the hair soft, moist and tangle free. High quality brands will have anti-static compounds to keep hairs on the dog from becoming fly-a-ways and will contain mink oil which adds a gloss or luster to deepen and enrich the natural coat color. It is best to choose a brand that also contain PABA ultraviolet sunscreen to protect the Poodle from excessive ultraviolet radiation when your dog is outside. These conditioners contain protein to help rebuild and restructure the coat by bonding to the shaft of each individual hair. They help to add body to thin coats and improve its appearance and manageability. They also help to repel dirt that would otherwise stick to the coat and many do contain the needed ultraviolet sunscreen. With grooming, finishing spray is used during brushing and combing when no oil is desired on the Poodle's coat. You may also wish to see: Apricot Poodles - One of the most beautiful colors of this breed. Phantom Poodles - Photos and explanation regarding this gorgeous type of coat. Black Poodles - Solid black coats are a popular choice for owners when searching for a pup. All rights reserved. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon. Share Us. Brushing the head of a Poodle using a slicker brush The significant difference between the puppy and adult Poodle coats is their textures. Puppy hair is always softer. The adult Poodle coat is curly and coarser than the puppy coat. When your Poodle is a puppy, his coat will be wavy rather than curly. Ready to Adopt Puppyspot Poodle Adoption 5. They have placed over , puppies into homes in the US! Hair has a much longer growth cycle than fur, meaning it can grow long. The Puppy Coat Shedding Process A happy cream Poodle enjoying a field of grass in Spring The Poodle puppy coat shedding process may last between three months and nine months. Toy and Miniature Poodles usually take longer to shed their puppy coats, and Standard Poodles get it done more quickly. There seems to be a genetic component. In other words, your pet may follow the same pattern as his parents. Just continue doing correct grooming and keep your dog healthy. How to Manage the Mess Brushing your dog every day is the best way to cut down on the amount of hair that will end up all over your furniture. Try covering your furniture with throws and invest in a good vacuum. Once the process is over, your pet will have the adult Poodle coat that is famously good for people with allergies. A larger standard size Poodle. Grooming is more important than ever after the puppy coat sheds and the adult coat starts growing in. As the adult coat grows in, your dog will be especially prone to matting. Brush your dog every day to prevent this matting from developing. Use a brush with pin bristles on your Poodle daily during this period. What Is Matting? Coat matting is extreme tangling. Active and sometimes hyper dogs like Poodles with single coats are prone to matting. Never risk hurting your dog by trying to tackle serious matting with a brush. The leading cause of matting is inadequate grooming. Why Is Matting a Problem? Using a blunt comb to groom and style a Mini brown Poodle dog Coat matting is harmful to your Poodle. It will cause severe problems if you ignore it. In addition, your dog will probably scratch and even bite at it, leading to a dangerous infection. Once cuts and lesions develop under the mats, they have trouble healing because of the moist atmosphere and debris trapped in the coat. How To Prevent Matting As I mentioned, the Poodle coat is especially likely to end up matted when the adult coat is growing in. Daily brushing with an appropriate pin bristle brush is key to preventing matting. Also, be aware that your Poodle is more likely to have this problem if it gets mud on its coat. So when you bring your dog outdoors for play, and he gets dirty, wash off the mud right away. If you have any doubts that you can get out the matting without hurting your dog, cut out the matting yourself or bring your pooch to the groomer. Pretty odd to look at! First things first: get the right kind of brush. Many experts say that slicker brushes with stiff wire, short bristles are best for Poodles. Find one that is rectangular or square in shape. Always brush thoroughly, getting down to the skin. If it is, you need a different brush. You should bathe your dog at least once every one or two months. Poodle owners usually bring their pooches to professional groomers for their trims. Shampooing a Poodle Only use a shampoo that is formulated for dogs. This depends on the severity of the matting. You may be able to take out mild matting with a high-quality dog grooming brush with pin bristles. Look for grooming tools specially designed for de-matting. If the matting is more stubborn, use a detangling spray or conditioner formulated for dogs. If you have to clip off matting, make sure you regularly groom the new hair that grows in. Are Poodle Puppies Hypoallergenic? Showing the extra soft and lovely ears of a Labradoodle dog. This wavy coat Labradoodle has either a red or apricot coat depending who you ask. Yes, adult Poodles are considered hypoallergenic. Well, as hypoallergenic as a dog can be. That is because of the shedding it will do when it loses its puppy coat. Also, keep in mind that no breed is completely hypoallergenic. However, if you notice specific other symptoms along with hair loss, your dog may have a separate underlying problem that needs veterinary attention. Worrying symptoms include:. English Saddle clip Continental clip A poodle can have any of the above hair types or some combination of them. Read on to find out more about the different types of poodle hair. Types of Poodle Hair Explained There are many types of poodle hair that you can find on poodles, and these different hairstyles are dependent on the grooming practices used as well as the age and breeding stock that the dog comes from. This hair type starts out as super soft, thin, wispy, and straight, but begins to grow curly and denser around the base as the pup grows older. Curly Coat Once a poodle transitions out of its puppy coat, it develops a thick curly hair type that covers the entire dog from head to toe. This coat is non-shedding and hypoallergenic; while poodles are well-known for their lack of shedding, this also means that their curly coat needs constant maintenance to avoid matting. Corded Coat Another hair type seen less commonly in poodles but commonly seen in other water dogs, such as the Portuguese water dog , is the corded coat. Improper Coat Unfortunately, due to a lack of careful selection during breeding, many poodles that are kept as companion animals rather than show dogs exhibit an improper coat, at least with regard to the breed standard. Improper coats are not curly throughout and will often exhibit soft waves in patches or across the entire dog. Improper coats are easier to brush, but a fault in the show. This kind of hairstyle is practical for pet poodles but is also the only cut permissible in a competitive show for any poodle under twelve months of age. English Saddle Clip An English saddle clip on a poodle is what most people think of when they imagine a fancy cartoon poodle—legs, tail, and chest cut into elaborate pom-poms, with shaved sections in between each ball of hair. This hairstyle was much more popular in the mid-twentieth century than it is today when puppy clips are more popular outside of dog shows. The clip has also lost popularity in dog shows, as it is not flattering to many dogs and is said to disguise the lines of the dog, making it a less attractive choice during judging. The English saddle clip is generally considered to be a poor choice for soft-coated dogs. Continental Clip A Continental clip is a similar hairstyle on a poodle to an English saddle clip, with the major difference being how the rear legs and back are cut. In an English saddle clip, the rear legs are cut into a series of pom-poms, whereas in the Continental clip, these sections are shaved. A Continental clip, like an English saddle clip, can be very difficult to maintain. Check out this article I recently wrote on 25 haircuts for poodles. Poodles and Hypoallergenic Hair One of the major advantages of poodles is that their hair is hypoallergenic, which means that it does not tend to cause problems for most people who have dog allergies. This makes poodles a good pet choice for anyone who wants a dog but is susceptible to the sniffles and leaky eyes around them. If you are on a budget, it may be more economical to purchase an allergy kit from Amazon. My favorite is the 5Strands deluxe tester. With this test kit, you can easily test for any pet-related allergies you may have. Check it out here on Amazon for more information and current pricing. While many dogs such as golden retrievers have a double coat, which is comprised of a soft undercoat that is protected by an outer layer of guard hairs, poodles only have a single coat. The biggest difference between the two coat types is that single-coated dogs do not shed and are considered hypoallergenic. Double-coated dogs tend to shed throughout the season and are a bane for those with allergies since their shedding also results in a lot of lost dander that tends to cause allergies to act up. Does Poodle Hair Stop Growing? In most cases, this is a very undesirable outcome. This coat type can be seen in other water dogs, too, such as the Portuguese water dog. But to make sure that the cords are presentable for exhibition, groomers will train them for a uniform appearance. Problems with Poodle Hair Despite the fact that it is hypoallergenic and lovely to look at, poodle hair comes with its own particular set of grooming and health problems. The hair of poodles has a tendency to thin and fall out, especially in female dogs that are going through heat or other hormonal surges. Here are some other common issues with poodle hair: Alopecia X: This is a balding condition caused by growth hormone deficiencies during the transition to adulthood in poodles and can cause loss of hair along both sides of the body. Luckily this is strictly a cosmetic issue for poodles generally caused by poor breeding practices and does not cause any other health problems. Allergies: Like many purebred dogs that have enjoyed an immense amount of popularity, some poodle breeding lines have developed a series of allergies to things like food and shampoos that affect the skin, eyes, and hair. Excessive itchiness can cause a poodle to scratch its own hair out eventually, and even form sores and hot spots. Sebaceous Adenitis: Like alopecia X, this is a hereditary disease of poodles and other breeds that are caused by poor breeding practices. Neutering is the recommended treatment or spaying, as the condition can show up in females too. Lemonade Pet Insurance insurance has enabled me to afford the highest level of veterinary care for my dog, Angus. Especially after he was diagnosed with cancer a few years back. Visit the Lemonade Health Insurance website here to get a free quote and see why Lemonade is a good fit to protect the health of your dog too. It easily gets the tangles out and is a great quality product. You can see more details and the current price here. The main cause of matting on a poodle is not brushing a poodle correctly or often enough. The cure for matting is to work the mat out with a proper grooming tool and brush the dog properly or more often going forward to avoid the formation of new mats. Matting can become severe if not addressed early on, and if matting becomes too serious, the only option is to cut the mass of hair off the poodle entirely or shave it down to the skin in the area where the mat is located. Obviously, for show coats, this can be extremely detrimental. The best preventative to avoid mats is to set up a strict and regular grooming schedule for your poodle. As long as a poodle is brushed regularly, their coats are not that much more difficult to manage than many other breeds of dog. Once a puppy is used to the process of being brushed, it will be much easier to train the poodle to stand still, and the process of brushing becomes a much quicker and more enjoyable process. The easiest way to regularly brush a poodle is to train it to stand and stay on a table. Training dogs to give a paw readily can be helpful for simplifying this process, as many dogs are naturally reluctant to let anyone handle their feet. Teaching the poodle to respond to simple positioning commands can be very useful in accomplishing this. The more careful you are in grooming the dog, the more trust you will build up and the less reluctant the dog will be to get brushed. As you work, spray each section with a conditioning spray to reduce potential tangles. Note: This is especially important on darker-colored poodles, such as black or chocolate poodles, since fleas and ticks will not show up as readily against their hair as in lighter-colored dogs. Be sure to talk calmly to the poodle throughout this process and offer treats when they are behaving correctly, as this will encourage good behavior in the future. Once the coat is brushed out, the poodle can then be bathed. If you own a poodle pup, you may encounter some special challenges when it comes to grooming. I wrote a comprehensive guide all about how to groom your Poodle puppy. Check it out here. Home Grooming vs. Professional Grooming Many people are intimidated by the grooming of poodles and assume that to keep a poodle looking good, they have to be professionally groomed much more often than the average dog. The downside is that it takes a bit of practice grooming a poodle in order to do it well. Since a poodle is years of commitment and professional grooming can cost thousands of dollars over the course of its life, it can be a financial good investment to learn how to groom your poodle early on. Plus, it also acts as a good bonding activity. Bathing Poodle Hair In order to maintain a good coat condition, poodles should ideally be bathed approximately once every three weeks. Too much bathing can also irritate the skin or make existing skin irritations worse. I recently wrote this article on how to properly give your poodle a bath. Poodle Hair: Fussy but Not Complicated While poodle hair can be somewhat fussy to deal with compared to a smooth-haired breed of dog like a hound, these majestic dogs can be easily maintained with just a few tools and some regular brushing. Consistent brushing is the key, not fancy tools or professional grooming. I hope you found it helpful. Here are some products that I personally believe every owner should employ to help ensure the best quality of life for their dogs. But in all honesty, these are the exact products that I use and recommend to everyone, even my own family. Lemonade Pet Insurance : Lemonade Pet Insurance has enabled me to afford a very high level of veterinary care for my dog, Angus. Even after he was diagnosed with cancer a few years back. This program actually works, and at a small fraction of the cost of hiring a dog trainer! Pet Plate is the dog food subscription service I use to provide extremely healthy, pre-portioned meals for my dog. Pet Plate gives my dog Angus the highest quality nutrition at a very affordable price. BarkBox : Without a doubt, my dog enjoys Barkbox more than anything else I buy him. BarkBox delivers a customized box of themed toys, treats, and other products to your door each month. In addition, I like that a percentage of proceeds is donated to local animal shelters. I Purchase this service for my dog Angus and have saved hundreds of dollars over visiting his local vet with questions or more minor health concerns. Brent Hartman I'm Brent Hartman. I've been a dog lover my entire life and have owned many animals over the years. When my black lab Angus passed away, I was looking for another friend to share my life with. As a result of my research, I've come to love poodles and wanted to share some of what I've learned with you. Whether you're looking to adopt a poodle, or already own one, I created Poodle report to be the ultimate guide to help you find the answers you need. Recent Posts. This will be good practice for later on — for both of you! Yes, haircuts are essential for Poodles. Their thick, long, curly coats are prone to tangling and trapping debris. When will my Poodle puppy need haircuts? Then, at around four months old, they will shed their puppy coats and start to grow out their rougher adult coats. Frequency As a general rule, Poodles should have their coats clipped every weeks once their adult coats grow out, whatever your desired length. This is because they grow so quickly and can become matted just as fast! What equipment should I use? There are three main types of dog grooming scissors; straight scissors, curved scissors, and thinning shears, and they all perform slightly differently. Straight grooming scissors are a multi-task tool, they have straight blades for general, basic grooming, creating straight lines in the coat, and adding the finishing touches to haircuts. Curved dog grooming shear has a curved blade that can be used to fine-tune and shape specific areas of the coat, such as the paws and hindquarters. Thinning shears have a cutting edge on one blade and teeth on the other, and there are also double thinners that have teeth on both blades. They are designed to remove lots of hair in even sections for a natural finish, and they can also be used to blend out the harsh lines from clippers and texturize the coat. Or, if you just need something for the occasional touch-up between visits to the groomer, a simple pair of electrical motor clippers will do just fine. Electric motor clippers are also good for keeping short coats short. You should also be aware of the types of blades that come with clippers. The higher the number of the blade, the more hair that it will remove. Or, you can get guards that fit a single blade to customize the length, which is a lot more convenient. Start by showing them the equipment and getting them used to the sight and sound of it before you cut any hair. Reward them just for being around it and then try cutting a small section of hair. If they react well, reward them again, and then do another section. Keep rewarding them as you go and again after the haircut is finished. Do it in a well-lit, comfortable part of the home that your pup can stand up in. Once you get them into a routine — keep it up! Work your way down the legs first, then from the neck to the hindquarters, or vice versa, and then the tail. Take care with the feet, underside, and head, shielding their eyes from falling fur. Use long strokes and go from the neck down to the back legs. How to deal with grooming anxiety If your pup is afraid of the scissors or clippers, take it really slowly and try to make it an enjoyable experience. You can do this by breaking up the haircut into smaller sessions to make it less stressful and taking breaks in between each one. Give your dog lots of praise and a reward every time you take a break and ask another family member to comfort them during the haircut. You can start brushing your Poodle from any age. To brush them, simply go in the direction of hair growth using short strokes. Hold the fur at the base with your free hand to remove knots, and use a mat remover for any stubborn mats. Bathing a Poodle puppy As for bathing, you should give your Poodle pup their first proper bath at months old to help them shed their puppy coat, unless they get seriously dirty before that. However, you can give your pup a bath any time after weeks of age to get them used to the sensation, but avoid overbathing them, as this will strip the fur of its natural oils and make it dry and brittle. Once they have their adult coats, your Poodle pup will need a bath once a month. You can even buy shampoo that is designed especially for Poodle coats. To give your Poodle a bath, lather up their wet fur with the shampoo, massage it in, leave it for as long as directed on the bottle, and rinse thoroughly. Follow up with conditioner if necessary. Starting out just training her own Border Collies, she gradually expanded to local classes and seminars, now she travels as far as Europe and teaches students all over the world on how to train their dogs in a positive, bonding, game-based way. She is known for her clear, step-by-step training that lets beginners and advanced dog trainers see lasting results very quickly.

Country Life June 21, This picture could only be improved if the puppies were using their paws to cover ears, eyes and mouth respectively.But, well, you can't have everything. Credit: Alamy If you're after a labrador — aka 'the world's favourite dog' — you'll need to take some expert advice. It is one of the most versatile breeds, capable of working in search and rescue, as a guide dog, in medical detection, as a sniffer or assistance dog and in the theatre of war. Labrador tips from the experts Go to a specialist breeder, so that you can see the different generations of a breeding line. Make temperament, not sex, your overriding factor when choosing. As soon as your puppy wakes up, take it outside. When introducing the labrador to a lead, walk it with an older dog. A yellow Labrador puppy. Possible labrador problems to look out for Canine hip dysplasia is a genetic disease, causing the abnormal development of the hip socket, resulting in pain and lameness. Listen for a popping sound when the dog walks, and look for reluctance to use stairs, as well as sensitivity when you touch the hindquarters. Labradors can also be prone to retinal dysplasia, an inherited condition that affects labradors used for field work, and results in their developing blind spots. Generally, the dog can work around this by changing head position. Reputable breeders will be able to show certification that the dog has no eye conditions, which you should ask to see when buying a dog. Head and skull: Skull broad with defined stop; clean-cut without fleshy cheeks. Jaws of medium length, powerful not snippy. Nose wide, nostrils well developed. Eyes: Medium size, expressing intelligence; brown or hazel. Ears: Not large or heavy, hanging close to head and set rather far back. Mouth: Jaws and teeth strong with a perfect, regular and complete scissor bite. Coat: Distinctive feature, short dense without wave or feathering, giving fairly hard feel to the touch; weather-resistant undercoat. No need to scroll down: we can confirm that the Golden Retriever is indeed on the list below. Credit: Alamy Which is the more popular spaniel, the springer or the cocker? Shooting Times's David Tomlinson weighs up the pros and Close up of dog. Credit: Getty Images With a silken coat, affectionate nature and boundless enthusiasm for life, the Cavalier King Charles spaniel lives up to its Credit: Getty As the dog world prepares for Crufts , we take a look at the breed of dog which has been A sprocker spaniel Picture: Alamy Whether you own labradors, springers, cockers or a mix of all three, debate over which gundog is best has raged Related. Your breeder should be concerned with breeding healthy dogs, rather than focused primarily on selling them. Visit a potential breeder and observe his interactions with his dogs; they should be friendly and relaxed. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source Look for breeders who are registered with national organizations such as the American Kennel Club [3] X Research source or with breed-specific organizations such as the National Labrador Retriever Club. Ask the breeder why these two particular dogs were bred. If they have had other litters, ask for references from people who bought those puppies. If you want a gun dog, don't choose a breeder who primarily raises cuddly pets or award-winning show dogs. These breeders will be able to assess puppies more accurately for the qualities you're seeking. Look for quantifiable measures. For example, select breeders with litters from parents who have hunt test or field trial scores if you want a puppy who will grow into a good hunting dog. These are organizations that work to find homes for Labradors who need a good home. While these organizations often have many adult and even senior dogs who need homes, they also place puppies. Charities or non-profits may offer Labrador puppies for auction as a means of raising funds. Because these auctions are often conducted without appropriate legal oversight and because they encourage rash decisions about pet ownership, they are opposed by groups such as the National Labrador Retriever Club. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. That sweet ball of fluff who will be your walking buddy, later snuggling up on the couch together. After all, your pup will probably be with you for a dozen years or more. So he has to be a great fit. It should never be a hasty decision. But it should also be FUN! That brings us to the question: how to choose the perfect puppy? Read on! You picture fun romps in the field, playing frisbee, and showing little Max off to all of your friends. But before getting a puppy, there are so many practical things to review in deciding whether to even get a puppy. My first dog as an adult was a shih tzu named Cuddles. My husband and I had discussed getting a dog for a while. We both worked and knew that the pup would take up a lot of time. Not to mention the expenses associated with a dog. But I saw the little gold and white week-old ball of fluff and was smitten. Luckily, I had a family member who could take her out to potty and exercise her during the day. In choosing your new pup, the following considerations are important. Are You Active or a Couch Potato? Can You Afford a Puppy? A puppy is more than the initial purchase. That can be a drop in the bucket compared with the lifetime costs of owning a dog. There are bills for: food and treats; chews; vets; crates ; beds; collars, harnesses, and leashes; training classes; dog walkers; dog daycare; pet insurance; enzymatic cleaners ; grooming—and more. These can really add up. You may decide not to get pet health insurance and not need pet walkers or doggie daycare, but expenses can really add up over the years. Do You Have Children? Children and pets can be a great match. You want to make sure that you choose the right canine. A toy breed may not be the right choice for a toddler. A tiny dog may inadvertently be injured by such a young child. We raised puppies for years before we had kids so we had a good idea of expectations for our puppy. If you have very young kids a rambunctious Lab may not be the right choice. Do You Have Other Pets? You need to take into consideration any other pets you have. If you have a senior dog, for example, a young puppy may not be a great choice. Are you gone too many hours to take care of a puppy? A friend of mine who works hour days decided not to get a puppy. The pup would have been alone too long. A puppy needs attention and potty breaks. Of course we need to work. You may be able to have someone come in and exercise, feed, and potty the pup. And give him attention during the day. As I discussed, you may need help with the new puppy. If you have reliable relatives or friends who can regularly help out, it can make getting a puppy much more realistic. Or you can hire pet sitters or walkers to help out. If you live in small quarters, a large, rambunctious breed may not be best. As young puppies, goldens can be wild, even inside. Of course, with a sufficient amount of mental stimulation and physical exercise, you can make it work. After Dalmations came out, everyone wanted one. Dalmations are high-drive, independent dogs. I was called to work with a family who got a Dalmation puppy that was wrecking their house. The minute walk the pup was getting was just a warm-up for the dog. We set up an exercise and training program for the puppy and the family was able to keep him. Do your research. The American Kennel Club lists purebred dogs and their needs and health profiles. Before choosing a certain breed, consider the following. Large or Small? You should have an idea what size dog you want. Conversely, if you want a frisbee or jogging partner, a chihuahua would be a bad choice. Why Do You Want a Dog? This may seem like a silly question. Most people want a dog for companionship. But you may have additional things in mind. You may want a jogging partner. Or a dog to do therapy work with. Or to show in obedience. Grooming Needs Would you love spending time every day brushing and combing a dog? Exercise Needs As you know, some breeds need a lot of exercise. We also do obedience training and she plays with puzzle toys. Lifespan Of course we want our pups to live forever. But some breeds generally live longer than others. Generally, larger—especially giant breeds—have shorter lives than their smaller counterparts. Friendliness or Independence Of course within any breed and litter you can have a wide array of personalities. But there are certain breed characteristics that can help guide your choice of which breed you want. I have dogs at both ends of the spectrum. My golden retriever Riley loves everyone and would do great in any setting. But my Lhasa apso Ralphie—true to breed—is more discriminating when making friends. So Riley would be great with well-behaved children and would love to be hugged by them. Health Problems Any dog can have unforeseeable health problems. But some breeds are likely to have more health problems than others. For example, bulldogs, pekingese, and pugs are among the breeds that are more likely to have breathing problems and overheat. Breed Types Of course there are many breeds and mixes to choose from. If you get your dog from a breeder, consider what lines your puppy comes from. If from working lines, the dog will likely be more intense than if from show lines. All of the below classes of dogs can make great companions in the right setting. Herding dogs were bred to herd, of course. Popular examples are border collies, Australian shepherds, and Shetland sheepdogs. Generally, they require more exercise than some breeds like toy breeds. And they may become destructive if left to their own devices. Also, some bark excessively and may not be good in an apartment setting. Sporting dogs were bred to hunt. They have a lot of energy and need regular, invigorating exercise. Popular examples are golden retrievers, labrador retrievers, and cocker spaniels. Just like other working-type dogs, hounds have almost limitless energy. So attention to you may be an issue. Also, some bay when excited. Popular examples are beagles, dachshunds, and greyhounds. Dogs from the working group are alert, intelligent, strong, and bred to work with people to perform various tasks. Some were bred to guard property, to pull sleds, or to perform water rescue. Some popular examples are Doberman pinschers, huskies, and rottweilers. They require not only exercise and precise training so that their natural instincts are kept in check. Terriers are feisty and energetic and vary greatly in size. They were bred to hunt and kill vermin, So a squirrel they see on their walk will be very alluring to them—and, without training, they may almost pull you off your feet trying to get to it. Some popular examples are Parson Russell terriers, Staffordshire terriers, or West Highland whirte terriers. Pit bulls which is a generic name for many types of terriers are also in this group. Toy breeds were generally bred as amiable companions. They may make great lap dogs and have big personalities despite their small stature. Shih tzus, Maltese, Yorkshire terriers, and chihuahuas are some very popular examples. Nonsporting group dogs are a catch-all group with various sizes and personalities. Some popular examples are bulldogs, French bulldogs, bichon frise. There are so many options. You may want a certain breed. So a breeder or rescue of that breed should meet your needs. Just make sure that the breeder is a good one. Good breeders do so to improve their breed. Bad ones care only about making money. They do any necessary health certifications. They put a lot of time into their litters socializing them to new experiences and people. Good breeders are invested in their litters and will help you choose the right puppy for you. They stand behind their dogs for life and will readily answer your questions and take the dog back if you need to give him up. You can get referrals to such breeders through breed clubs, dog clubs, and resources such as the American Kennel Club. A reputable, good breeder also will have questions for you regarding your family, work, home, activity level, and reason why you want a dog or their breed. The pups will also have been checked by a veterinarian and been given the appropriate vaccinations for their age. There are also breed rescues that rehome dogs of their chosen breed. However, they rarely have puppies. Shelters and rescue groups can also be great places to get a puppy. Many use foster homes, where a puppy or litter of puppies are located. Foster parents get to know the puppies and can help determine whether any particular puppy is a good fit for you. Many rescue groups try to place a puppy in the best home possible. When I adopted my Aussie mix puppy Mille, the rescue group would adopt her out only to people who had experience with herding breeds. Many shelters are first come-first served. In order to place as many dogs as possible, they will adopt out a puppy to the first person who wants him—barring any obvious reason not to. How to Choose a Puppy from a Litter There are many tests that can be given to determine whether a puppy is a good fit. This assumes you have a litter to choose from. There is a range of temperaments and personalities in each litter, No puppy may perfectly meet every test below. But look at the big picture. So, in addition to your own observations, you can bring a friend along to have another opinion about the litter. Or you could hire a trainer to help you choose. Overall, as a companion, a middle-of-the-road dog usually works out best. Also, a reputable breeder or good rescue group or shelter who knows the puppy can help guide you in making your decision. See the Mother and Littermates If you can, watch the puppy and his littermates and mother interact. The puppy you choose should be able to take a proper correction and back off then re-engage. The breeder should have the mother available. Check Out the Puppy The puppy should look healthy and alert, not lethargic. Inspect his coat and skin. He should be well-fed with a little fat around his rib cage. The pup should run and walk normally, without a limp. A puppy should engage with people and be curious, not slink away or cower. A scared puppy will probably be more difficult to socialize and train. Will he follow you if you walk away? Clap your hands and make a kiss sound. Will he come towards you or run for the hills? Hold Puppy on His Back Hold him on his back for about 30 seconds. Ideally, he should briefly struggle and relax. When I had two sheltie puppies to choose from and one fought constantly when held and the other struggled briefly, then settled, I chose the latter. I had already gotten another dog from this great breeder. I wanted a dog who was a companion but who I also wanted to show in competitive obedience. My choice turned out to be the right one. Duffy was a great dog to live with and became a nationally-ranked obedience dog. He also did agility for fun and was a therapy dog who visited a hospital on a weekly basis. Hold the puppy and touch and gently open his mouth. Look in and gently rub his ears. .Gently touch each paw, even putting slight pressure on them. The puppy should be comfortable with these activities. He may slightly struggle. But a puppy who really fights against such touching, even to the point of mouthing or growling may turn out to be difficult to groom, handle, and pet. Pet the dog calmly from head to toe. He should enjoy it and relax. Pick the Puppies Up If you hold each puppy around the middle, ideally he would be relaxed and not struggle. Also, cradle the puppy up against you. Ideally, he should relax and like the attention. He may startle at first but should rebound and even go and check out what made the noise. Social Dominance Fall to the ground at least a few feet away from the puppy. He should want to come over and see what happened. Even if you like the look of a certain puppy, he may not be the right puppy for you. Consider the above factors as well as the following when choosing a puppy. The dogs live in rabbit-type hutches or dark barns. They receive no proper socialization, vet care, or human contact. There are also small back-yard breeders which, essentially, are puppy mills on a smaller scale. The mothers are bred at each heat and have horrible lives. Dogs sold in pet shops and through the internet usually come from them. Of course, do your own research because no one will admit they are a puppy mill. But two puppies may bond too much with each other. And to train, socialize, and exercise each puppy requires a lot of time, energy, and money. The dogs in shows have been highly trained and specially selected for their jobs. Then pick a great breeder, rescue, or shelter. Final Thoughts Getting a new puppy is such an exciting time! Do you have a puppy? How did you decide to choose him? Please let us know in the comment section below. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining. I had wanted a female red lab, none were available. A trainer near me was getting a second dog from a renowned breeder in Ireland and she asked if he had a puppy for diabetic service dog work. Both her pup and my pup flew over from Ireland together. A pup with a desire to work, a willingness to please, and a calm demeaner. I received a cute ball of fluff, a male yellow lab pup with red ears and red highlights. A good breeder is able to match you with a dog that will meet your needs, give them all the information you can. I never met the breeder, but my pup arrived at 10 weeks old already already on his way to being well socialized, exposed to sounds, not nervous, liked the vacuum, fireworks are not a problem, loves the motorcycle sounds, handled all sorts of traffic noise at 3 months. We started his public training at 3 months old and he handled it like a champ. I had to buy a motorcycle with a sidecar as he always wanted to go out when the bikes were started up, so at 9 months he was in the sidecar with Rex Specs goggles. Did I mention he loves to travel and meet me people, when his tail wags which is all the time his whole body wags. I am new to this forum so should introduce myself. As you can imagine its left an uneasy quietness to the house so we are looking for her successor In our home its my wife, myself and our 8 yr old daughter and 6 yr old son. He says he breeds only for good disposition only as any good breeder should and our quick meeting with parents it looked to be accurate. The dad was in a large outdoor kennel and looked to be very friendly. She did a quick snarl when we first got near which I have to give a pass as i'm sure she's just being protective, right? After the breeder told her its OK she calmed right down. Anyways, there are 4 females that we get first pick of when we go back. Of course training and exercise play a huge role in this so that we'll have covered. Does it still hold true that when you are looking at the liter to see which ones come to you and let you hold them on their back and settle after a short period to determine good nature rather than overly squirmy? Such a big decision i just wanted to make sure we do this right. We were so spoiled with our last pup its hard to compare! Selecting Your Labrador Retriever Puppy Selecting your puppy Try to restrain your emotions when you are selecting our pup. Remember that the breeder has been with the pup from day 1 to selection day at 5 weeks. At Pawlinglabs, we will ask you to forward a list of the characteristics that your are hoping for, prior to selection. When you come to select, we will ask you to observe the litter before entering and handling the pups. Labrador pups are very cute and cuddly, but when it comes time to select the right one for you there is plenty to consider. Carefully observe Labrador Retriever puppies before buying them, ensuring that the pup you select looks healthy and is to breed standard. There are some basic points to note about Labrador Retriever standards. The coat of a Labrador is their most distinctive feature. Labs have two coats, the water resistant undercoat which is unseen, and the top coat which is dense, straight and short. There is might be a slight wave in their coat, however the coat should feel rough to the touch. Labrador puppies come in three different coat colors: yellow light cream to red fox , chocolate liver and black. There must not be any other colours in the coat. Labs have a broad skull and a well defined stop. Their head is quite large but the features on the head, such as the ears, look proportioned. The ears of a Labrador should be set far back from the face. The inside skin of the ears should be a pale pink and soft without any scabs or discoloration. There shouldn't be any odour coming from them. The eyes of a Lab pup are round, either deep brown or hazel with black rims. The eyes should be friendly and express intelligence. The Labrador Retriever has a wide black and well developed nose with distinguished nostrils. The nose should be clean and without discharge. Be aware that a wet nose is not an indication that the Lab is healthy, nor does a dry nose indicate he is unwell. The teeth should be set square to the jaws with the top teeth slightly overlapping the bottom. Labrador puppies have fewer teeth than adults and they will lose their baby teeth as their adult teeth grow in. Labs have a well developed and strong chest. It has good depth and width. Their barreled ribs are well sprung and their back is level. Their loins are wide and strong. The skin of a Lab should be without scabs or bumps. It is normal for Labrador puppies to have extra skin at the back of their neck; this is how their mother picks them up. The skin color of a lab is usually pale pink but it can also be brown or even spotted. The tail of a Labrador is thick at the base and tapers towards the tip. The tail is a moderate length and has no feathering. It is as smooth like the rest of the coat with a rounded appearance. The tails is even with the back or slightly upwards. It should never be carried over the back or hang down. Labrador have long and sloping shoulders that connect to the strong front legs. The hind legs are developed well and have a turned stifle. Both the front and hind legs should be straight. The feet of Labrador pups are compact and perfectly round. Their toes are arched and pads well developed. Feet should be straight, not turned inwards or outwards. The gait of a Labrador should be carefree. Labs take long strides and walk straight. Observe your puppies as he walk. Make sure it is not favoring any leg or paw. This can be a sign of a current or future health issue. Pawling Chocolate and Black Labradors. Tweet on Twitter Buying your first dog can be a life changing decision. Choosing the right dog will help to ensure that your life changes in a good way. There are some wise precautions you might like to consider before viewing any litter of Labrador puppies. Or choosing which one to bring home with you. Buying a Puppy from a Friend It is often tempting to buy a puppy in an opportunistic moment of enthusiasm. Perhaps because you happen to hear of a friend who has a litter that will be ready to go to their new homes soon. Or a neighbour who has a gorgeous litter of puppies that you fall in love with when you pop over to admire. But the puppy that lives just around the corner, and the puppy that is going to bring you years of pleasure, may be two very different things. It is a really good idea to put your sensible hat on at times like these, and to approach the whole business of selecting your puppy in business-like way. The first decision to make is to choose what type of Labrador you wish to end up with. Which characteristics are most important to you, and will help him to fit into your family best. Choosing a Working or Show dog? Those bred for work, and those bred for the show ring. The working bred dog is generally very responsive and easy to train. But he may also fall short of what you expect in appearance. If you are hoping to get involved in gundog fieldwork, or agility at some point it is important to purchase a field or working bred labrador. Of course choosing a dog is so much more than just weighing up the pros and cons. There are now a number of hereditary diseases in labradors that can be tested for. Routine testing under these schemes is gradually growing in popularity for a number of conditions. These include hip dysplasia, elbow displasia, and a number of inherited eye diseases. However, there are still many puppies available for sale in the UK whose parents have not been tested, or that have been tested and fall below the necessary standard for breeding. Amazingly, in the UK, the Kennel Club will still register puppies from parents that have poor hip scores. Hopefully this will change in the future. You will need to read up on these to make sure you understand what you are looking for. Finding the right dog breeder Knowing where to look for a breeder is not easy. Labrador breeders come in all shapes and forms. At their best breeders are dedicated experts on their breed, who produce a few litters each year of top quality puppies for their own kennels show or field and sell any surplus to quality pet homes. At their worst, breeders are simply puppy farmers who churn out litter after litter with no thought to the health and welfare of either the puppies or their mother. Telling the difference is not always straightforward. In some cases these may be excellent puppies, in other cases they will not. The key to a good litter is a quality female dog with excellent health clearances, put to a compatible quality dog with equally excellent health clearances, and given quality care throughout pregnancy and beyond. The female dog must have a purpose beyond producing puppies, whether that is as show dog, working dog or highly treasured family pet. On the whole, this is more likely to be achieved by an experienced breeder. The Kennel Club in the UK run an accredited breeders scheme, and members agree to meet certain minimum standards. However, there are many excellent breeders who are not members of this scheme so do not dismiss a breeder on these grounds alone. The scheme is not perfect yet, and its standards are not necessarily enforced, as the KC prefers a voluntary approach. If you are inexperienced it is very important that you get some help in finding a breeder. Choosing one from a newspaper advert or from the internet when you know nothing of the source can be a risky decision. If you want to buy a pup from top working parents, then you may find the pups are all spoken for very quickly, long before they are eight weeks old. It can be disheartening to phone advert after advert only to find all the pups are gone. It pays to plan ahead. If you do some research, locate a really nice female dog, and book one of her pups before they are born, you may find the whole process a lot smoother. You may also be able to enjoy visiting and photographing the puppies whilst they are growing. Check the ancestry of the dog If you are buying a Labrador for gundog work, or agility, make sure the parents of the litter you want to view are from working stock, look for a few FTCH and FTW field trial champion and field trial winner in the pedigree. If you are hoping for success in the show ring, you should be looking for CH and SH CH title SH CH is show champion, CH is a show champion with a working certificate which is not a demanding or difficult test of working abilities. Viewing the puppies Some puppies will be raised in the home with the family. This can be ideal, as the pup will have been accustomed to people and the hustle and bustle of family life from the very beginning. Be aware though that not everyone who has a litter of puppies knows what they are doing. Look at how the pups are handled and how clean their quarters are. The pups should smell nice, and look bright and healthy. The litter may have been whelped and raised in kennels. This is also perfectly acceptable provide the breeder has accounted for this. An experienced breeder will have made sure that the pups have had plenty of human contact regardless of where they are living. Again look at the surroundings. A responsible breeder will run a clean and tidy kennels. Always see a puppy with its mother. If possible see the father too. The parents should be friendly and relaxed. The mother may not look her best seven or eight weeks after giving birth, but she should look healthy. Again, if you doubt your ability to make a judgement on a puppy or his parents, take an experienced person with you. Dog or female dog? Until fairly recently male dogs were more popular than female dogs. Fashions come and go, and at the moment, female dogs seem to be in favour. You will hear various claims as to the differences in temperament between them, but most of these contradict each other and it really is a matter of personal taste. The main disadvantage of a female dog is that she will come into season twice a year each year from the age of months until the end of her life. This can be inconvenient. Having your female dog spayed will prevent her coming into season, but the procedure is a major and expensive operation, and recent research has shown a few problems associated with spaying that you will want to consider before making your choice. Because female dogs are currently fashionable, you will probably pay more for a female dog, but as the price of a puppy is such a tiny fraction of what you will spend on her over her lifetime this is probably the least relevant factor. The appearance of a male dog may be more pleasing to some. Males tend to develop a squarer, more chunky head which some owners prefer. The average male will also grow a little taller and weigh a little more than a female. These differences are however fairly minor ones. If you are not sure whether you want a dog or female dog, keep an open mind. At least you will have a wider choice of puppies. Which puppy? If you have booked a puppy in advance from a reputable breeder, there may be little or no choice as to which puppy you have. It is not unusual to find that all puppies due in popular kennels have been booked before birth. If you are keen to buy a dog with plenty of red ink on the pedigree, you may need to do some research and book the pup as soon as the female dog has been mated. If you do get the chance to choose your puppy out of several in a litter, how should you go about it? Puppy Health Having made sure that the parents of the puppy you are viewing have good health clearances is a good start. You still need to make sure your puppy is healthy. A thorough check up by your own vet soon after you get him home will help put your mind at rest. But how can you be sure the puppy you are viewing is not sickly even before you bring him home? Some puppies may be more lethargic than others when you visit, but this may be a reflection of how hard they have been playing before you arrived, rather than how healthy they are. A good breeder will not try and sell an unhealthy puppy and if relevant, will point out any minor defects to you. Puppies are sometimes born with slightly misaligned jaws for example, which may not matter to someone who has no intention of breeding from the puppy or working him, but such a defect should not be concealed from the buyer. Umbilical hernias are not uncommon and can be troublesome. When you go to view a litter of pups it is really important to take someone with experience with you. This is especially important if the breeder is unknown to you and does not come recommended by anyone. Arrange to visit your vet within a day or two of bringing the pup home, and try not to form an attachment until he has been given a clean bill of health. If you have any doubts about the health of the puppy or the litter in general, ask for time to think. This dog will be with you for the next 12 years or more. You will become deeply attached to him or her and serious health problems can be cripplingly expensive to fix. Not to mention very distressing for you both. This needs to be the right decision for you and your family. Whilst health problems in puppies can be devastating the majority of puppies are robust and healthy and providing you take the precautions outlined above, you are unlikely to have any problems. More information on puppies Check out our Labrador Puppies section for more help and advice on choosing your new friend. Published in April , the Happy Puppy Handbook covers every aspect of life with a small puppy. It will help you prepare your home for the new arrival, and get your puppy off to a great start with potty training, socialization and early obedience. This article was first published on 21st November , and was updated to include new information in March .Readers Also Liked. No doubt, selection of the right pup to meet one's particular expectations is extremely important. Making a correct choice can improve the odds of producing an excellent retriever with the least amount of frustration and perhaps even avoid disappointment. The first and most important point to consider is that one must approach puppy acquisition as a genetic selection process rather than trying to utilize methods to select a promising prospect from a particular litter. Focus not so much on picking a pup, rather pick litters. The way to pick potentially successful liters is to pick a breeder who has proven brood stock and a credible reputation for producing healthy pups genetically predisposed to perform in a manner you desire. Carefully consider your expectations for your future gundog. What are the desirable traits? What will the dog's primary functions include? What breeds interest you and why? Once you decide on a breed and the desired traits are defined based upon your intended uses, then seek a reputable breeder who has experience producing pups which exemplify the traits that best suit your purposes. Genes determine the reaction of the dog to its environment, as well as, confirmation and soundness. Genes are the building blocks of heredity and are passed from parents to offspring in a predictable manner. The topic of genetics can quickly progress into a lengthy discussion unsuitable for this article but one can count on knowing this-like begets like. Total outcrosses, matings of unrelated genetics, may produce the occasionally exceptional offspring, but this is an unpredictable undertaking. The only way to gain predictability of traits is to seek an experienced breeder with proven bloodlines which produce successful progeny. This will usually involve some form of line breeding. The mating of similar genetic relationships line breeding is conducted to intensify qualities within the line and to improve upon the predictable traits within litters. Line breeding is successfully practiced in all forms of livestock. Line breeding itself produces nothing, good or bad, it merely intensifies what is genetically there in the bloodline. Most professional breeders use some form of line breeding as soon as they find a successful combination. In other words, outcrosses, random matings, despite the parents' apparent abilities and or titles, will not assure that the traits of the parents will be passed to the offspring. Only line breeding can offer this possibility. Consider, too, there is often as much difference between litter mates in ability, temperament, and tractability as one might find between separate litters within a breed. The chance factor remains, but the odds improve if the buyer: 1. Buys from established, reputable breeders who know their business. Buys pups from breeders who specialize in producing the type retriever they desire. Buys pups produced by excellent gundog parents who have produced proven progeny from previous matings. Select litters with strong mother lines. Dams should be trained hunting dogs and she should possess the qualities you desire in your dog, not just in the sire. Dams project more influence on the litter than the sire. Good bitches are seldom mated to poor dogs, yet the opposite frequently occurs. A poor bitch is unlikely to produce good pups despite the virtues of the sire. Look closely for desirable traits and strength in the trailing bottom line of the pedigree That is the dam, granddam, great granddam, etc. Excellent mothers are important. Don't pick litters based solely on the number of titles in the pedigree. These are impressive achievements to be sure, but they are not indicators of natural tractability, temperament, and gamefinding ability. Nor do titles indicate whether the traits may be passed successfully to the offspring. Evaluate parents of pups based upon gundog standards important to your needs and their demonstrated ability to produce good pups. Seek out sires, dams and grandparents that project strong genetic traits that can be passed through to their offspring. Research has indicated grandsires and granddams prove to have more genetic influence upon the litter than the sire and dam. Genetics can influence natural gifts, such as: calm temperament. Normally Lab puppies travel well, find more on this here. For many people it can be stressful not knowing how to pick or why you should pick any specific puppy. We will try to clear things up here so that you have a few criteria to select with. For the most part, the genetics of the purebred Lab puppies in the litter are set once the parents mate. When we choose to keep parents to breed we are choosing the best specimens and mating them with the hope that we are going to be creating even better puppies through the combination of their genes. Improving on weak areas with each litter is what professional breeding is all about. Now that you understand the genetic potential is set, you will work within your litter to try to narrow down the puppy who goes home with you. Keep in mind, that all of the puppies in the litter are of high quality. So, standing over the puppy box containing the puppies have a look without saying anything or doing anything. The puppies will either have different colored collars or different colored ribbons on them to identify them. Each different color corresponds to a unique microchip number implanted in that puppy. What are you looking for? Well, observe which puppies are the most active and the least active. Observe which puppy is bossy and more of a leader, and, which is more of a follower. Are there any outgoing puppies? Are there any shy ones? Please understand that puppies and all dogs for that matter will feed off of the energy of the animals and the humans around them. So, if you bring your children and they are full of energy, talking loudly, excited, etc… then the puppies will pick up on that and imitate their behavior to an extent. We love to see the kids! The vet bills, training, the poop cleaning, nail clipping, taking out to go pee at 6 am, trips to the vet, and so on are yours. All yours! So unless you feel your children have better skills to choose the puppy than you, try to leave them out of it. You want to use the criteria here to select the lab puppy that fits your family the closest. Ok, there are a couple of things I need to say first. On your pick up day and depending on how many puppies are in the litter, your puppies may be sleeping. The good news to this issue is that there will not be a bad puppy in the litter. As professional Labrador Retriever Breeders our primary goal is to create better Labrador Retriever puppies with each litter we produce. Depending on what the issue was with the puppy we would care for them or home them with a person who fully understood any issue present and was willing to care for them. Getting back to selecting your puppy. As you watch over the litter try to narrow it down to two puppies you are interested in and watch them. Look for any excitement, playfulness, shyness, active or lying around, or differences in color, size, or other physical attributes such as tail size, ear size, forehead and snout size, etc…. This means that these dogs are super smart, even tempered, loving and willing to please all because of the Labrador Retriever breed and the selections we make in our breeding program. Training is key to having a well behaved Purebred Lab Retriever puppy. On the day you pick up your puppy it will be normal for the puppies to be on the shy side. Though they have been socialized by 5 or 6 of us they get use to us. So the new sights, smells, sounds etc… that you bring will all be a brand new thing for them. At 8 weeks old they are unsure if these new stimuli are safe and they may be cautious coming to you. Again, all normal. On the other hand, a puppy who comes right up to you with no apprehension may be the one you want. Especially if you are a hunter and you need your dog to work to retrieve game. You should also know that if a puppy runs from its pack to see you it is not choosing you! It could be the more dominant or most curious puppy and it would approach anyone coming to see the litter not just you. Can we pick your lab puppy? Sure we can! The latest research we have read on the topic indicates that how a puppy behaves at 8 weeks old when with its litter has no bearing on the puppy it becomes after you train it properly. This means that for most people the training and socialization you provide is much more important than which puppy you choose. We always suggest picking the most easily trainable puppy and we will be happy to do this for you. For the best explanation on setting yourself up properly to lead your puppy to becoming a well behaved dog, please sign up for the www. A generous discount is available for our clients to help you understand how to use positive reinforcement to train your puppy. So we are happy to offer advice and can absolutely choose your puppy in the event you cannot make it, but doing so on your own would be the best scenario. Another method we frown on is the breeder evaluating a puppy with a tool to grade their personality and then comparing that to a marking tool that you complete to grade yourself. Remember when I said puppies respond differently to different people? Well they have basic emotions similar to that of a two year old. If you are not in the room, and I am evaluating the puppy remember my experience with puppies and your lack of , then how can a score sheet be used to match the two of you together effectively? You need to see the puppy behave with you. So you have it narrowed down to two puppies, compare similar personality traits and physical features as I mentioned earlier. Toss in the fact that they have medium energy and poof! Please understand what you see the puppies doing on pick up day are not how they are going to act for the rest of their lives. Puppies are not born with any knowledge of these things and rather need to be trained to understand your boundaries. For this reason we have focused on breeding smarter puppies generation after generation. At least you have some guidelines to use when you arrive. For example, the largest puppy is not necessarily going to be the biggest one when full grown. At 8 weeks old the biggest puppy has been the one who is the pushiest at the food bowl and eats the most at feedings. This is why 8 weeks is the best time for your Lab puppy to go to bond with their human family. As some puppies get larger in size they can push the other smaller puppies around so size then becomes another factor in the development of your puppy. Take your puppy home at 8 weeks old and you have provided them time with their litter to learn puppy to puppy manners weeks 4 to 8 and you have eliminated the possibility of them being bullied by the larger pups after week 8. The larger pups also will not learn to become overly dominant because there are not smaller ones around them to boss around. What about people who want the runt? The first group feel that because the runt is smaller they will listen better when truly listening is a skill learned through training. And the second group feel that a smaller puppy is sick and weak and will not thrive. Again this is not the case as smaller puppies simply do not have as strong of a food drive than their siblings. The larger issue surrounding the runt is this. Professional Lab Retriever Breeders breed for consistency. It is this consistency in our breeding program that ensures the first picked puppy is of the same high quality as the last picked. So before you arrive to choose your Purebred Lab Puppy, have a couple behavioral qualities in mind and a couple physical qualities. Observe quietly and try not to bring too many people with you so that the puppies only pick up your energy and not the energy of the group. This is the best way to truly observe how the puppy will react to you alone. Narrow it down to a couple and compare them together measuring them against your list of traits. If you make a choice to not train you have to be ready to deal with whatever your Lab decided to become. And one final note. Some people have heard to wipe a blanket where the puppy sleeps or on the mother because the scent will calm the puppy in your home. Think of it this way, if your puppy smells the mother or one of its littermates what does it do next? So a blanket with this scent on it will cue your puppy to look for someone who is likely not coming back. Imagine the frustration of a puppy newly separated from its litter being able to smell them but not find them. We suggest you do not do this to your puppy. Our suggestion to help settle the puppy only if you need to is to put a t shirt into the crate with the scent of the person who they bonded the most to. This is their new pack. Get them accustom to their new pack and the quicker they forget their old pack the easier it will be for them. Love them, set clear guidelines, and enjoy them for years to come. Chocolate Lab with pumpkin.