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All Reserving or Purchases are Non — Refundable. All deposits are able to be postponed to the Next Litter upon request and acceptance with a contract. No refunds will be given only Postponing purchase. Labradors were originally called a St. The Labrador Retriever started as a water dog in Newfoundland, a shipmate and duck retriever. They are well know for their outgoing and gentle personality. The breed is always eager to please and non aggressive toward humans and other animals. In the breed topped the charts as the most popular breed and has been in the 1 spot ever since. Labradors can be food hogs and will eat everything in sight if given the chance. Proper exercise is required to to release their energy and maintain a healthy weight, playing fetch will also satisfy their need to retrieve. Labradors are known to be lap dogs, wanting to be where ever you are. They love to cuddle and be close to their owners and require much needed attention. Labradors are great with small children especially growing up with them and will be great protectors of your family. Weather your looking for a Chocolate, yellow or black lab they all have one thing in common, they are lovable additions to any family who are willing to put in the proper time needed for this breed. Weather your looking to raise a hunting dog, a show dog or even a companion make sure you do your research on the breed and can dedicate your time to the new addition to your family. Our AKC Labrador parents were hand picked for quality and specific traits to produce quality puppies. All puppies are vet checked from day one all the way until you receive your new family member. We have weekly weigh ins to closely monitor the puppies growth in every stage. Come see the quality for yourself, make an appointment today! Each puppy gets quality one on one time with their mother and special bottle feeding time to connect with humans. These dogs are phenomenal as Working Service Dogs. They are incredibly connected to their environment and have a developed sense of surroundings. Her ability to be flexible and focus is evident in her ability to learn types of lessons, from formal lessons to observations. She has quick reflexes and her ability to concentrate is unmatched. PLP has been professional, courteous and friendly. Their environment is absolute pristine and well managed. The vet was impressed with her spectacular appearance and behavior. The vet records were kept extremely well and additional information about her parents was helpful. The transaction from one care taker to another was seamless. We would highly recommend this types of dogs as working dogs and the breeder care is absolutely unmatched! Bill H. All paperwork and records were all kept up and everything went smooth. We love are puppy but beware they are puppies and Labs at that they need and deserve attention. Thank you for a grate pup we love our Haylee! Kaleb R. Our Labrador is so smart, beautiful, calm, and great with our three young children. We are very happy with our experience and were treated professionally. If you have your eye on a Labrador, this is the place!! He has a great loyal, loving and protective personality and can be seen playing with the pups when they get older as mom needs a break. Her hunting instinct is incredible, and she has passed on her traits to her past litters creating some incredibly smart hunting dogs. After loosing these members of our family many years ago we decided that we wanted to bring the breed back into our lives. After carefully picking out our two labs from two very strong and healthy bloodlines , we then decided to breed them once they became of age and we felt they were ready to breed. They are well socialized with humans, other dogs and many farm animals on a small farm in san tan valley. Each parent is monitored by a vet for health and defects prior to breeding. Abbie the mother is also monitored along her pregnancy to make sure she is in top health condition for her and her pups. All puppies are hand raised and socialized from day one, exposing them to noises , new surroundings , and human interaction along with our nanny dogs who watch over the litter. We take pride in our litters and love placing our puppies in homes we feel fit for this breed. We love staying in touch with our past customers , receiving report cards and photos along the way. Some of our past puppies have grown into therapy dogs, ranch hands, hunting dogs, show dogs and many more. Let us help you pick out a new member for your family…. Contact Us Today — .These predictable, durable, steady breeds, like Labs and Goldens, are great with kids and offer the whole family more dog to love. Our industry setting Puppy Guarantee makes buying one of our pure-bred Labrador retrievers one of the wisest decisions you will ever make. Read the personal testimonials from prominent Labrador Retriever owners from around the country. Our Labs can be found across the states from the great Southwest to New England, from frigid Alaska to the Sunshine state. Located near Laurel Hill, NC, we have delivered more than 8, world class Labrador retriever puppies and adults to locations as far away as Alaska. We can easily deliver our guaranteed Labs to your location in or around Phoenix. For details, Visit our Puppy Page or call Woody or Judi for up-to-the-minute puppy information at .Labrador Retrievers Make Good Therapists In recent articles, a licensed professional counselor with thirty years of experience, explained how owning a Labrador retriever can help produce healthier, happier, more well adjusted children and seniors. Dogs are better than popping pills. Children with dogs for pets have been found to have lower cholesterol, lower blood pressure, and fewer overall physical complaints than those without dogs. In fact, there are several diseases where dogs have been used to help those who have the disease. Two of these are: rheumatoid arthritis and emotional disturbance stemming from cases of severe abuse. Samuel B. Older people greatly value their friendship with their dogs. This greatly improves their emotional health. Furthermore, it helps people to overcome one of the greatest nuisances of old age, boredom. The responsibility of taking care of the dog who is dependent on them gives the older adult a reason to live life meaningfully. Dogs are especially responsive to conversation—specifically, tone of voice. The voice is a large part of training the dog. When the senior citizen has no humans to converse with, talking with their dog is a great substitute. Our world class Labrador Retrievers puppies for sale! Our Latest Happy Clients! Become A Happy Client! Labrador Retriever Description Labrador Retriever puppies have long been regarded as the most suitable pet throughout the world and is the most popular breed in the U. It is a remarkable working companion often used in physical assistance and personal protection. Highly intelligent, good-natured, very willing and eager to please, they are among the top choices for service dog work. Its loyal and friendly temperament makes it an outstanding pet; reliable and superb with children and other dogs. The Lab features a strong jaw set in a broad head with strong legs and shoulders which add to its fast pace. They also have webbed feet to aid in swimming. The coat is straight, dense and short with the outer coat being a bit coarse and the undercoat thick and soft making it almost completely waterproof. Their coat also comes in multiple colors including black, chocolate, silver, or yellow. Discover more about our Labrador Retriever puppies for sale below! Disposition The Labrador Retriever is loyal, playful, alert, curious, patient, and good-natured. Labrador Retrievers have a distinct elegance, carrying themselves in an upright, proud demeanor but with a friendly expression making them so endearing. One of the most popular breeds in the U. They love to play, especially in water, never wanting to pass up the opportunity for a good swim. Exercise Labrador Retrievers require a lot of exercise and playtime as they have a high degree of stamina, energy, and strength. Labs love to exercise so be sure that you like to exercise too. Adult Labs are very strong so train them while they are a puppy to heel on the leash, and not to bolt out of doorways and gateways before their owners. They can also become destructive without enough mental and physical exercise or if they are left too much to their own devices. Training The Lab is highly intelligent and willing to learn, always loving a job to perform so your job as a trainer will be easy. However, you need to be a calm, knowledgeable owner giving consistent and committed leadership to your Labrador Retriever using motivational training methods. They crave human leadership and need to feel as though they are part of the family. Your Lab may be reticent with strangers unless socialized, so train and socialize your Labrador while they are still puppies in order to avoid negative behaviors as they get older. Labrador Retrievers love to eat and many owners need to keep the food out of reach and even under lock and key because this breed will find a way to get to the food with or without the owner; sometimes eating until they get sick. Grooming The Lab is an average shedder with a smooth and thick, water-repellent double coat. As with all dogs, trim their nails and brush their teeth regularly. Origin The Labrador Retriever is from Newfoundland and was bred to work with fishermen. They were trained to work in the water to pull in the fishing nets and to retrieve fish that came loose from the lines. In the 19th century, this breed was brought to England where they were crossed with various breeds of Spaniels, Setters, and other Retrievers to advance their hunting skills. Today this breed shines in hunting, tracking, retrieving, search and rescue, military and police K-9 units, narcotics detection, assistance and guide dogs, and field trial competition. See store for details on a particular puppy. American Canine Association. This is an exciting phase for both owners and puppies alike! At two weeks old, puppies should have their ears open, be alert, and start opening their eyes. At this stage, puppies start to stand, walk, and sit without falling over. With this rapid increase in function, puppies can begin to socialize with each other and their mother. Puppies begin to explore the world around them. They can hear, smell, and see and their canine teeth are growing in next to their incisors. When they play, four week old puppies will begin to exhibit distinctive body language such as play bows, as well as growling. Four week old puppies are much more independent. At this age, puppies begin the weaning process, transitioning from milk to Life Abundance All Stage Dog food. Week 5 WEEK 5 A five week old puppy continues to learn from and socialize with their mother and litter mates. During this time, puppies learn more bite inhibition through play. The weaning process also continues at five weeks. Your five week old puppy should gradually be moving on to solid food instead of nursing from their mother. They have freedom out in the play yard through a dog door. Start learning to go outside to potty. Week 6 WEEK 6 Mom usually will not let puppies nurse at this stage and wants to be away from the pups. Some puppies complete the weaning process by 6 weeks old. At this age, they are still socially developing and learning how to be dogs. Because they are so keen to learn, we work more on potty training and no bite. We also start socializing them with other dogs and or older puppies. In addition, at 7 weeks old, your puppy is noticing it can get frightened. Proper socialization can prevent your puppy from becoming timid. Week 8 WEEK 8 When puppies are 8 weeks old, most are independent, fully weaned, and usually ready for their new homes. Puppies for Adopting Our goal is for the original intent for the breed, the all versatile dog. All of our adult dogs at Graves Labradors have been health tested and we guarantee that we do not produce affected pups to known disorders that are common in labradors! Life's Abundance is required by Graves Labradors for your new puppy's extended health guarantee. We feed all our dogs Life's Abundance. They are also regularly tested for parasites and preventively treated. All puppies come with a full written health guarantee which covers hip and elbow dysplasia, heart murmurs, EIC, CNM, and eyes. All of this health testing insures you have a healthy, sound family member for years to come. You can pay up front for a sound guaranteed dog, or you may pay MORE later for a puppy that has one of these medical problems. Please do not support unexperienced breeders that are not properly testing their dogs. This leads to the potential of so much pain and suffering that is preventable. My love for animals has been life long. I was a Certified Veterinary Technician for 15 years, mostly working in a small animal hospital. I also received an Animal Science degree. My husband and I are Arizona natives and are located in the beautiful desert of North Phoenix. We live on property with our dogs and horses. Our labs enjoy our swimming pool and room to run. They are truly part of our family. Our puppies are raised in our home with us where they received lots of love and attention by our 2 daughters and many nieces and nephews. Contact us to schedule a visit and for our physical address. This is our mailing address but we live near this location.

Find more Pug puppies for sale in closest states: Oklahoma , Missouri , Texas , Mississippi , Kansas , Tennessee If you have never owned a Pug before, or are interested in reading more information, check out our Pug Dog Breed Information page. Latest Dog Articles Puppy home alone When we decide to have a puppy, no matter what breed, we, together with new and quite pleasant emotions and gain a lot of unpleasant moments. Small puppy - this is the same child, but watch out for that sometimes is more difficult than for the child. Chil Everything you wanted to know about your dog: wool Are there any dogs in the stomach hairballs? If you compare a dog with a cat, the dogs did not strongly monitor your hygiene. Dogs love lain in a different moldy stuff, bathe in dirty water, and even will not oppose whose eating - that excrement. And it i Tips novice dog breeder A complete and accurate answer for you, no one can give, because it all depends on many factors, the life of a breeder. By and large it all depends on the purpose for which purchased the dog, who will care for her, where you'll have it, and where and by w Methods of teaching a puppy Establish a connection with a young puppy can by feeding him from his earliest days. The puppy should pnyat you for it - the power supply. She should realize this and get used to you as an owner. The same way you can teach your puppy to respond to his nic When we get a dog, immediately the question arises as to accustom the puppy home "walk" in the toilet. In fact, it is not difficult. As a rule, the need arises after active play, sleep or eat. Surely, you know that pets, on the paws have pads with scent glands. So they scrape the ground and the front and hind legs, thus mark, so to speak, its own territory. Paws they scrape after urination, and also after a bowel movement. Dogs in general are b please choose. So cute and friendly. Always wanting attention and cuddles. Litter was 7 puppies with 1 girl, 5 boys currently available. All adorable and love people. The girl is a sable color as are 2 of the boys. The other boys are fawn and 1 apricot. Mom is fawn colored and dad is a deep apricot - both great parents and on site to meet. She is looking for a forever home. Please contact me if interested. Ready to go feb 23rd! I also have a fb group you can join, if you would like! He has had second set of shots will come with records hill, science, puppy, food, food, dish, and toy and other items. Must call for pricing will not respond to texting. This is for scammers. That way. I know that you are very interested. Location, Ozark, Arkansas. View Detail Black and Fawn pug Beautiful male 10 weeks old! He comes with food and other items will have 2 nd shots and records show come with! He is fawn and black! If interested please CALL only! He is very smart! Have been working on potty training also! View Detail Christmas male pug Christmas male pug! Must go to his new home! He will have 2 nd shots he is 9 weeks old he is precious! Very playful! He will come with food and other supplies! He is on Hill Science Diet puppy food small bites! View Detail Christmas Male pug We have a8 week gorgeous black and fawn male he is the last of our litter. He is great little guy! He loves to snuggle! He comes with food and toy! If we have to give him a second shot his price will go back up! Please call for him if you are serious about getting him. Absolutely no text. I will not respond! Link does not work! Absolutely no txt just calls for serious buyers. I have 1 female and 1 male still available. Are ready to go to new homes this weekend! Must make arrangements for pu! Located in Ozark,Arkansas. For more information on these beautiful babies call xxxxxxxxxx View Detail Christmas Pugs I have 3 beautiful fawn puppies ready to go this weekend to their furever homes! They have had 1st shots! Come with food and toy! For more information please contact me directly at xxxxxxxxxx please do not txt. I will only accept phone calls! Orange ribbons females purple male must Contact thru Facebook messenger under TammyBush View Detail 3 pugs puppies Pending pug puppies we will be selling them as soon as they are born. We have 3 puppies now 2 female 1 male View Detail Brindle pug Black and fawn brindle pug puppy needs a loving family View Detail Fawn and brindle colored pugs Brindle and fawn pug puppies ready to be a sweet addition to your home and give you all the live your heart desires View Detail Adorable Pug Puppies ready for forever homes Ready for My Furrever Home! Pug Puppies are ready to meet their new families! Born Memorial Day weekend. Adorable and incredibly loving. Both parents on site. They want to be held and make excellent companion dogs. Pugs have big personalities! There's never a dull moment with them around. Funny, loving and with no concept of personal space, the pug puppy will be your new best friend forever. Health Guarantee Will travel a reasonable distance for delivery. View Detail Theresa Coley The pug puppies come with ACA limited registration papers vaccination deworming record 1 year written health guarantee located in Waldron Arkansas text me at xxxxxxxxxx if you have any questions xxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxx. Black, no papers. Shots, wormed. Located in Ward, Arkansas. She has not had shots yet I have a dog bed and kennel water dish and food bowl with the rest of her dog food View Detail Locations Where Pug Puppies are Available in Arkansas. You will be able to find all their current contact information, as well as a link to their website, so you can see what puppies they currently have available for sale. We provide you with all this information so that you can research each breeder individually and find the one that has your perfect puppy available! If you are considering getting a Pug, you'll want to check out the incredible book "The Complete Guide to Pugs". It's written in an easy-to-understand way but still has the expert knowledge to help any new owner successfully raise their Pug from puppy to old-age. It's widely available, so pick up a copy if you see one, here is the link to grab one on Amazon, or you can download the audiobook version here. If you can't find the perfect Pug puppy in your state, try checking at your local animal shelter or rescue organization. Many Pugs young and old need a loving home and adopting one can be a great way to save a life. We are so happy that you have chosen Local Puppy Breeders to help you find the puppy of your dreams. In addition to visiting us often here, you can check us out on Facebook , Twitter , and Pinterest for more information, pictures, and videos!

We Produce Australian Labradoodle Puppies … and not just any puppy, but one of the best! Our focus at Mountain View Doodles is breeding multi-generation Australian Labradoodle puppies that have a blocky body type, a wonderful coat of silky soft, non-shedding fleece, as well as a fun-loving, sweet temperament. Since our puppies have gone all over Oregon, to every state in the US, and some internationally as well! Apply Today We are always accepting applications for Australian Labradoodle puppies to reserve! Please visit our Available Puppies page to see our expected litters for the coming months. Sometimes our litters fill up fast so we encourage you to apply and get on a reservation list to ensure your spot. We provide all three sizes of Australian Labradoodles. We take great pride in the puppies we produce as well. Our process works with each family individually to find exactly what they are looking for not only from a aesthetics standpoint, but also a personality point of view. Our goal is to find a fabulous fit for each family that will thrive in their home. Available Puppies. Signature Labradoodles Our purpose.We are a small family breeder located in Oregon. It is our sincere desire to match the best Labradoodle puppies to wonderful families. They are truly magnificent animals. With 15 years of experience, we have always strived to bring the best of the breed to our customers and soon to be friends. We are proud to be listed among the other fine breeders in the Australian Labradoodle Association of America! Do you live within a couple hours of Eugene Oregon? Please go to our Guardian Home Opportunities page to see if you are interested in this unique program. We have an exciting lineup of litters. You can see what is happening on our Current Litters page. We have some special summer prices on our Older Puppies page! Dale Lindgren, Co-Owner, Website designer, and facilities manager. Thank You! The organization promotes responsible dog companionship by cataloguing helpful information about the breeds and by offering networking services to breeders and owners. As a leader in this effort, we are working to make a difference. The ALAA manages the largest database of Labradoodles and Australian Labradoodles in the world, with vital statistics for nearly 20, dogs and ancestral information for more than 25, dogs. Our membership grows daily, and we invite you to join us as we help to write the history of these incredible breeds. Recommended Breeder Since , owners have found this site and placed their stories on it. We decided then as a group that we would only list Goldendoodle and Labradoodle breeders who met certain criteria. We wanted breeders who not only health tested, we looked for breeders who backed their puppies with owner-friendly health warranties and who earned a reputation for providing healthy puppies and treating people with professionalism. The breeders who are awarded this logo are tried and true, and come highly recommended by the owners of their dogs. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy. Why get a labradoodle puppy? Labradoodles are smart, loving, child-friendly dogs. They have light to non-shedding, allergy-friendly coats, and they do not have the dog smell associated with other breeds. They are highly trainable, fun loving, family companions. Labradoodles also come in miniature, medium, and standard sizes. We breed all sizes of labradoodles, but concentrate mostly on mini labradoodles and medium labradoodles with an ocassional litter of large standard size labradoodles. We have found the miniature and medium sized labradoodles to be the perfect size for families on the go. They are wonderful companions and are just the right size for a snuggle on the couch, sleeping at the foot of the bed, or riding in the car running errands. On a personal note, our family fell in love with labradoodles when we saw what a patient, loyal companion a labradoodle was for our 6 year old son with autism. By breeding labradoodles, it is my hope to provide this type of loving companion for other families. Why choose Pacific Rim Labradoodles? Located in Southern Oregon, Pacific Rim Labradoodles takes pride in being a very reputable and ethical breeder of Australian and American multigeneration labradoodles. We are a family that has fallen in love with the labradoodle breed. We began breeding labradoodles in so that others could experience the joy of labradoodle ownership. Every labradoodle puppy is born and raised at our home. We are a small Oregon breeder that believes in quality before quantity. Our goal is to breed wonderful labradoodle puppies for companion and family dogs while continuing to advance the labradoodle as a breed. All of our breeding stock undergoes genetic testing for soundness of hips and eyes. The temperaments of our breeding dogs is also very important to us. We breed only labradoodles with phenomenal temperaments since the disposition of the parents is the best indicator of the disposition of your puppy. We back up all of our labradoodle puppies with a 2 year genetic health warranty and our continued support for the lifetime of your dog. The climate and low population of our gorgeous Oregon coast means that our dogs and puppies have 36 acres of trails and forest land to play on. Our labradoodles are kenneled only for safety issues when necessary. Our goal is to provide you with a happy, healthy labradoodle puppy and an enjoyable puppy purchasing experience. We look forward to working with you to find you the perfect new addition for your family. Email us at: springcreeklabradoodles gmail. Spring Creek Labradoodles has served on several committees focused on the development and health testing of the Australian Labradoodle breed. Our commitment to quality and accountability means you can have peace of mind about purchasing one of our puppies. We specialize in allergy friendly, non-shedding, wavy fleece coats and gentle, intuitive, friendly, intelligent puppies. Consistency in looks and temperament set our dogs apart. We are dedicated to breeding only the best Australian Labradoodle puppies that are the quality you deserve, from health tested lines. We offer life time support to our families who adopt one of our puppies! Our 20 acres of forest land is nestled in the rolling hills between Creswell and Lorane. It is the ideal place to raise our puppies and to give them room to run and play. Come visit us when you pick up your puppy and enjoy some time exploring this gorgeous area of the Willamette Valley! Read our testimonials from families across the world and discover why Spring Creek Labradoodles has been the Australian Labradoodle breeder of choice for many families when looking for the Australian Labradoodle puppy of their dreams! What does our commitment to health testing for all the common genetic issues mean for you? It means peace of mind. We ensure all breeding dogs will not produce genetic issues that can be ruled out by diagnostic testing. Being a conscientious Australian Labradoodle breeder, we have very strict guidelines and requirements in place for our dogs before they become part of our breeding program. Newsletter Subscribe to Spring Creek's monthly newsletter for training tips, recipes, dog health care, seasonal tips, grooming advice, behavioral help, and more! Just enter your email address and sit back and enjoy our monthly news! Email address: Leave this field empty if you're human: Spring Creek Labradoodles is an Oregon Labradoodle breeder, and one of the first in the U.

Since the Labrador could grow to a hefty size, its yearly upkeep still falls within the expected price range of other big dogs. Always take your puppy to regular vet checkups, even if it looks like the very picture of health. Though these things are not high on the priority list, consider them nice-to-haves once the budget allows. Besides, we all want the best for our four-legged friends, and that alone is reason enough for most of us! Boarding Kennels: This service is a lifesaver for owners who have to travel for days or weeks at a time and cannot bring their dog along with them. Professional Grooming: As we said earlier, Labrador Retrievers shed a lot, so an afternoon at the groomer will help keep your pooch looking clean and tidy. You can put off spending on these things until the budget allows. However, give some serious thought to investing in an emergency fund, as this would take a big worry off your mind in case of any unexpected trips to the vet. Though it is tempting to buy a dog from pet stores or backyard breeders because of their low puppy prices, getting Lab puppies from a reputable source is still a more responsible and ethical choice. Here is a list of responsible breeders where you can find Labrador puppies for sale: Rhumbline Retrievers — This New York-based kennel has been breeding quality Labrador Retriever puppies since , and a good number of their dogs have participated in agility, obedience, and hunting tests at the national level. Due to their commitment to only breed dogs of the highest quality, they have limited puppies for sale at a time; thus, expect a long waitlist. All their puppies are tested for genetic disorders such as elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. They raise show-quality Labs and have championship bloodline puppies as well. For a more comprehensive list of reputable Labrador Retriever breeders, take a peek at our 10 best Labrador breeders article. All their dogs are fostered and given medical care before being turned over to their new family. Based in Colorado and licensed by the Pet Animal Care Facilities, they foster and provide medical care to Labs until they can get adopted. American Lab Rescue — This organization makes use of foster homes to rehabilitate and care for their rescued dogs. For your adoption application to be approved, they will require a fenced-in yard and will also do a home visit to your place before releasing a dog. Alternatively, you can also check out our top 10 picks of Labrador Retriever Rescues and our dog adoption guide. The Labrador Retriever is popular for its great temperament and personality. Unfortunately, most people fail to expect its high energy level as well, which is why some Labs find themselves in animal shelters. That said, doing your research about the Labrador Retriever before buying or adopting a puppy is necessary to make sure that the Lab is the best dog for you. Money-Saving Tips for Labrador Retriever Owners We all want to give our dog the best life possible, and if we can do that without breaking the bank, then even better! The trick is finding the right balance on which expenses to let go of and which ones to keep. To help you achieve this, here are some money-saving tips for Labrador Retriever owners: DIY dog food and treats. Not only is this a more practical option, but this is also healthier for your dog. Practice your grooming skills. Watch a good tutorial and practice your skills on your pooch. Invest in high-quality supplies. You may want to scrimp on supplies such as food and water bowls, but investing in high-quality and durable essentials will save you more money in the long run. Training Labrador Retrievers is a fairly easy task, even for novice dog owners. A lot of great tutorials can be found on the internet, and being the intelligent dogs that they are, they will learn all their tricks in no time! Like pet insurance, regular vet visits will save you from procedures and medications that could cost thousands of dollars later. Pet quality pups are affordable and budget-friendly to most people who are looking for an intelligent and well-tempered canine companion. However, like most dogs, their lifetime cost would still require you to spend considerable money. As such, think long and hard about the commitment and financial implications of taking in a dog. These canines make great family pets, even for those looking for their first dog. So, if your budget is enough to shoulder the price and long-term costs of the Labrador Retriever, then it might just be the pooch for you! Tell us in the comment box below! My passion for animals started at a very young age as I grow up on a farm with several horses, cows, cats, chickens, and dogs on our property. Leave a Comment. The cost of a Labrador Retriever puppy can vary significantly, depending on where you get your dog. If you decide to adopt a dog instead of buying a puppy from a breeder, you may get your dog for free or only be looking at a couple of hundred dollars, which will offset the rescue costs. These dogs are extremely popular, being the most registered dog in America and England since , and thus finding a Labrador Retriever to call your own is not a challenging task. A beautiful black Labrador Retriever dog Should you buy a Lab puppy or an older dog? There are pros and cons to buying both puppies and older Lab dogs. Labrador puppies are more expensive and require more vaccinations initially; however, older Labradors may have health issues or require intensive training to iron out negative habits. They are some of the cutest in the doggie kingdom. A Labrador Retriever is a large dog and this is going to cost more in the long run, than say, buying a Chihuahua. Large breed dogs like Labradors eat a lot, and this expense can be pretty significant, depending on the brand of dog food you buy. For instance, a Labrador Puppy will consume around pounds of dry puppy food a year, whereas an adult Lab will eat about pounds of food each year. That said, be sure not to overfeed your Labrador Retriever, as these food-obsessed dogs are prone to developing obesity. Dogs that are bred to be show or field-quality dogs can be significantly more expensive. How to find a reputable Labrador breeder and avoid puppy mills Be very wary of Lab puppy mills and backyard breeders when looking for your new dog. These parent dogs are often not health screened and sometimes live in very poor environments where their sole purpose is to have more and more puppies. To this end, a Labrador dog that is too cheap should be seen as a red flag. A breeder who generally cares for their pet will undoubtedly charge more, but then you have peace of mind knowing that the parent dogs are happy and healthy and well looked after. These fees often already include spaying or neutering costs, vaccinations, and microchipping. These include the following: Two adorable yellow Labrador Retriever puppies staying warm 1. Age Generally, the older the dog, the cheaper the initial purchase price. Young eight-week-old Lab puppies are going to be the most expensive choice. The double coat of the Labrador Retrievers comes in three main colors, namely chocolate brown , black, and yellow Labrador which is a creamy color. Black Labradors are generally the most expensive of the three. Silver Labradors are also a possibility but are pretty rare and also costly. Read our article here to learn more about Labrador Retriever colors. Purebred or mixed Labrador Retrievers are commonly mixed with other breeds to create interesting crosses like the Borador , Bassador , and Boxador. Mix breed dogs are generally less expensive than purebred Lab puppies and have fewer health issues, so they can also be cheaper in the long run. Parents that are champion or show quality dogs are going to produce more expensive puppies. Labrador dogs that have been specifically trained for specific roles like service dogs, guide dogs, and search and rescue dogs will also be more expensive than those destined for a life of leisure as the family pet. Labrador type Did you know there are two types of purebred Labradors? The most common pet Labrador is the American version, whereas English Labs are more common amongst show dogs. American Labradors are generally more athletic compared to the fluffy, broad-chested English Labs. Labrador puppies registered with the AKC are more expensive. Gender Female Labrador dogs will typically cost more than male Labs because they have breeding potential. That said, dogs that have already been spayed or neutered and are not bred for subsequent litters should cost around the same. These should include screenings for hip and elbow dysplasia as well as progressive retinal atrophy PRA. A DNA test for exercise-induced collapse is also sometimes performed. In addition, most reputable breeders will bear the costs of the first worming and vaccinations as well as tick and flea treatments and microchipping your pet. As mentioned, Labs are one of the most popular dog breeds, and being so in demand can push the price of puppies up, especially if you only have limited breeders where you live. Training and socialization Some breeders take the time to train and socialize their Lab puppies. There are grooming, exercise, food, training, and health care costs to consider. Vet expenses are one of the most significant cost considerations. These include regular vet checkups, vaccines, deworming, spaying or neutering, and attending to any health issues that may arise. Some common health concerns with this dog breed include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, ear infections, and eye problems. It is a good idea to add pet health insurance into your budget as this will help pay for any emergency medical treatment or health problems should the need arise. Seven yellow Labrador Retriever puppies indulging on their meal A quick search on Amazon will yield thousands of Labrador dog food options to choose from with various price tags. Be sure to check out our article on the best dog foods for Labs to help make your selection. Professional groomers will usually bathe and shampoo your Lab dog and also clean the teeth and the ears. Introductory obedience group sessions can be a good idea to socialize your puppy and learn a few basic skills. Another cost is a dog license. Two newborn Lab puppies getting as much sleep as they can There are some essential things you need to take into consideration before getting a Labrador puppy. Do you have the right space for your Labrador Retriever? Labrador Retrievers are big dogs that need space. They will need a house with a yard where they can expel their excess energy. Do you have time for your Lab dog? Labs are not couch potatoes, especially when they are puppies. These dogs require active owners who can dedicate time to exercise and play with them. They need to be walked at least once a day and may also enjoy a good swim. Can you afford a Labrador dog? As mentioned, the cost of buying a Labrador dog is just the first step. There are many other factors to consider to keep your pet healthy and well-looked after. You need to keep these in mind when asking yourself if you can afford a pet. Will a Labrador suit your lifestyle? Also, if you like a clean house, then a Labrador Retriever is not the best dog for you. These messy pups like to swim, and they shed a lot. A new Lab puppy is also likely to make a mess in the house a few times while being potty trained. Will a Labrador Retriever dog fit in with your family? Labrador Retrievers are known to be excellent family dogs. Just be careful with bringing a tiny puppy into a home with young kids. Labs, however, are very gentle dogs and so make excellent family pets when your kids get a bit older. What are great names for a Labrador Retriever? There are so many great dog names that you can choose for your Labrador Retriever. A good name should be easy to call and preferably just one or two syllables as it will be easier for your dog to learn. These names could include options like Max, Rover, Ace, or Buddy. Other popular Labrador Retriever names are inspired by coat colors such as night, shadow, onyx, or raven for a black Lab and sunny, blondie, goldie, or summer for a yellow lab. Conversely, chocolate Labs could go by the name Hershey, brownie, brandy, cookie, or muffin. Labrador Retrievers are some of the most loving, intelligent, and fun dogs out there. There is a reason why they are one of the most popular breeds in the world. That said, getting one of these puppies is a significant investment. If you can afford the cost of buying a Labrador Retriever and the monthly expenses that incur looking after a pet, then no doubt a Lab will be a fantastic addition to your home and possibly your most loved family member. Do you already have a Labrador Retriever at home? How much did you pay for your Labrador dog, and is there anything you wish you knew before bringing your new pet home? Be sure to let us know in the comments below. Further reading: The Cost of Popular Pooches. The costs will be a bit higher at first while you get your dog the shots it requires and pay for the frequent visits to the vet. We also recommend getting your dog spayed or neutered unless you are a professional breeder, and it might even be required as part of your contract if you purchase from a breeder. Once your dog is an adult, it will not require as many vet visits and will only need booster shots every few years, so the average monthly costs will be much lower. Experts recommend getting all of the shots, but your dog is only legally required to get the rabies shot. We recommend purchasing a high-quality brand with real meat like chicken, turkey, or salmon listed as the first ingredient. The protein in meat will help build muscle and provide the energy your dog needs to stay healthy. High protein diets will also help your dog stay full longer, and it will be less likely to come looking for food. Foods with corn as the top ingredient are mostly empty calories that will leave your pet feeling hungry and looking for more food, potentially causing it to become obese. During the shedding seasons of spring and fall, you will likely need to increase the brushing to several times a week to help keep the fur off your furniture and floor. Professional grooming can also help with teeth brushing and nail clipping. This medication can also help prevent heartworm. Spot Pet Insurance offers customizable plans that you can adapt to your breed's specific needs. Many people forgo pet insurance, but it can be a great way to protect yourself from a huge expense while making sure your Labrador Retriever has the best healthcare possible. Accidents and serious illnesses can occur at any time, and many procedures can cost thousands of dollars which makes the price of insurance more than worth it, especially if you get it while your dog is still a puppy. It can chew up stuffed animals quickly, so they can get expensive, but there are plenty of options for a chewing dog, like the Lab. Another option is to purchase a subscription to a monthly service like the Bark Box that sends your dog new toys and activities for as long as you keep up your subscription. A full-grown dog only requires food and flea and tick medication to stay healthy, a few toys to play with, and treats here and there. Additional Costs to Factor In If you like to go on long vacations, you might need to factor in the additional costs of traveling with a dog. Many rental cars do not allow pets or will charge you extra, and the same is true for hotels. Owning a Labrador Retriever on a Budget Your Labrador Retriever will be relatively inexpensive once you get the medical things out of the way. A high-quality food may seem more expensive, but it will help keep your dog full so that it will eat less. Image Credit: Pixel-Shot, Shutterstock Saving Money on Labrador Retriever Care The best way to save money on healthcare when raising your Labrador Retriever is to keep it a healthy weight by following portion recommendations on the food you serve and by helping them get enough exercise. Obesity can lead to heart disease, diabetes, and other health issues that can shorten the lifespan of your pet. After the initial cost of the puppy , you will need to pay a few hundred dollars to get it spayed or neutered and get the shots it needs. After that, you will only need to provide food and shelter with the occasional booster shot. We hope you have enjoyed reading over this guide, and that it has helped answer your questions. If we have helped you create a budget that allows you to get one of these amazing pets, please share this guide on how much it costs to own a Labrador Retriever on social media. Featured Image Credit: scott, Pixabay Contents. Are they good family dogs? Labrador Dog Price — The Costs Involved Buying a Labrador is not just a question of the purchase price of a Lab puppy, though of course that is important. There are other costs involved, both financial, emotional and in terms of time and effort. So we need to look at those too. You may be wondering whether you will have the time for a dog, and if you have the space and energy for a large and lively breed? But this page will take you back to the fundamental considerations, to help you to make the right choice for you and your family. Do you have time for a dog? Can you afford a dog? What about your lifestyle? Will a dog fit in with your family? Is a Labrador the right dog for you? These questions all apply regardless of the type of Labrador you are looking for. The needs of a black Lab, yellow Lab or chocolate Lab are all the same in these respects. The same goes for an English or American Labrador too. Dogs need space, both indoors and outside. Even small breeds need room to stretch their legs and run about. And Labradors as fairly large and lively dogs need quite a lot of space. This means you need a decent sized backyard if you plan on buying a Labrador puppy. Somewhere that your Lab dog can run around, play and enjoy training sessions with you. Labradors can be quite silly during adolescence, bouncing and cavorting in the home. Their tails are long and thick, easily knocking any fragile decorations you might have from shelves. If you have lots of ornaments then you will need to move them to higher shelves to avoid them getting damaged. You will also need to move anything that could be easily damaged by chewing. With small puppies this will be very often indeed. Perhaps every 15 to 20 minutes during their first few days with you. If you live in a flat, or do not have a garden, this will be difficult for you. These are helpful but do take up a lot of space. Although this will take up a lot of space indoors, it can work very well for larger apartments with no easy outside access. Ideally however you do need to have a garden, and a part of the garden which your dog can use as a bathroom, along with a good system for clearing up after him hygienically. Space is key for a Lab dog! The right space for a Labrador includes large clear rooms in the house, with no breakable or fragile objects within his grasp. And ideally access to a garden where they can easily be let out to the bathroom and have room to play. Keeping a single Labrador permanently outside however is not usually a good idea, even with adequate shelter and security. Labs are very sociable dogs and prone to separation anxiety if they lack company. This means your dog may be both sad and noisy. It is always sad to hear from new puppy owners that are struggling to juggle the needs of a puppy with their need to work. These articles will help you to deal with this common issue. Even with a visit at lunch time. An older dog may cope with being left for up to four hours in row on a regular basis, but puppies need more attention than this. Contented Labradors are fairly quiet dogs and unlikely to disturb your neighbors. Nor are they very good guard dogs. However, lonely dogs bark and wreck things. If you work all day, can you afford to pay someone to come in and let him out to stretch his legs and empty himself? Or do you have a relative or friend that would be prepared to do this on a regular basis. Bear in mind that this is quite a lot to ask of anyone in the long term. The biggest long term time commitment in owning a dog is in the form of training and exercise. Training Takes Time All dogs need training in order that they can rub along in human society without being a complete nuisance. This means a regular daily commitment of ten to twenty minutes from you, in addition to your regular interaction with the dog. Training cannot be saved up for the weekend, your dog will have forgotten most of what he learnt the weekend before, and he does not have the attention span to concentrate on you for an hour and a half. You can find out more about training your Labrador puppy here. Staying Fit Exercise is required on a regular basis, for some breeds of dog this means at least an hour a day of walking or jogging to keep your dog fit and healthy. You can find out more about the exercise requirements of a Labrador puppy here. Whilst your dog will not come to any harm if you miss a day occasionally, a daily routine is often the best way to ensure that you build this important habit. Can You Afford A Dog? Dogs can be quite expensive to run. You need to consider not only how much a Labrador will cost you to buy, but also how much it will cost you to keep. How much do Labradors cost from breeders? The price of a Labrador puppy will vary from breeder to breeder, and from place to place. Perhaps you know a friend that has a litter of puppies and they are going to let you have one for free. However, the purchase price of a dog is almost irrelevant. It is such a small part of the final cost. The cost of keeping a Labrador The reality is, you are also going to need to fork out a chunk of your wages each week on keeping your pooch happy and healthy. Obviously you will have taken the cost of a good brand of Labrador puppy food into consideration. It is a good idea to budget for veterinary insurance too. Not because it is unreasonably priced, but simply because it is now so advanced. You can fix a lot of problems these days. We can do open heart surgery, mend complex fractures, treat cancer with radiotherapy or chemotherapy. Pretty much anything you can treat in a human, you can now treat in a dog. And the catch? It costs. The more comprehensive your insurance package the more it will cost. Watch out for very cheap deals, as they may not provide continuing cover for long term ailments. You will also need to vaccinate your dog against common canine illness , and this will probably need to be done each year too. Especially if you are wanting to occasionally leave them in boarding kennels when you go away, as they require up to date vaccination certificates. Labrador Puppy Costs There will be a few other one-off costs such as a puppy crate and puppy play pen for your home for when your dog is young, another for your car if you have one. Then there are bowls, bedding, collar, leash etc. But you may be able to borrow a crate or get one second hand. Here are some of the items you will need for your new Labrador puppy, and reviews on the best options for Labradors:. How Much Does a Labrador Cost? And, this is just the upfront cost of the puppy. This includes the cost of food, veterinary bills, grooming, bedding, and so on. Labrador puppy costs depend on a few factors. Quality of the breeder Quality of the parent dogs Type of Labrador eg. For instance, puppy prices tend to be higher before Christmas, so buy a puppy in the spring, instead. Originally, black Labs were favored above other colors. Brown and yellow Labs were extremely uncommon, and were not at all desirable. Over time, this opinion changed and brown and yellow Labs became more accepted. Shooting communities still tend to prefer the black Lab, but yellow Labs are very common in other working roles, like as therapy dogs and guide dogs. On the whole, each official Labrador color will cost a similar amount. But, yellow and brown Labs may cost slightly more than black Labs, since the genes that cause their coloring are recessive and therefore are less common. Non-Standard Colors Labrador costs can be hugely increased or reduced by non standard colors or patterns. For instance, dilute shades or mismarks. Dilute coloring is recessive and highly controversial in the Labrador community. The genes that cause these shades will dilute pigmentation, turning black Labs into charcoal Labs, chocolate Labs into silver Labs, and yellow Labs into champagne Labs. Some believe this color results from cross-breeding. But, others believe the recessive genes simply remained hidden over generations, like original yellow and chocolate coloring. Dilute colors are not accepted in the official breed standard. So, many breeders will not adjust their price, and may even lower it for unexpected dilute puppies. The same is the case with mismarks. Mismarks can include white patches and spots, brindling, and even tan markings. Extensive mismarks will disqualify a Lab from show. Show type Labs are bred to fit the Labrador breed standard. They are usually slightly stockier and less active than field types. Field types are more often bred for their working ability than for any specific appearance. Labradors cost more when they are bred to show standards. Field Labs tend to be cheaper than Labradors bred for show. But, you should consider which type is best for you, rather than just going for the cheapest Labrador you can find. Field type Labs can be much more energetic and active than show types. First time owners may find the English Lab slightly easier to raise and train! Conversely, Labrador costs can be highest with field trial champion bred dogs that are likely to win awards. Labrador Costs From Breeders vs Shelters Labrador puppies from reputable breeders will cost more than dogs from a rescue center. Whilst Labs from breeders can cost thousands of dollars, Labradors from rescue centers can only be a few hundred dollars. A major difference between Labs from a breeder and Labs from a rescue center is the history of the dogs. Puppies from a breeder will stay with their mom and siblings until 8 weeks old. At 8 weeks, puppies can go to their new home. Rescue center dogs can have unknown histories, or even histories that involve abuse. Labs from rescue centers are usually older, and have often lived with other families. However, many Labs are given up for non-behavioral reasons. They can be just as wonderful pets as puppies from a breeder. And, many dogs from rescue centers will have basic training, including house training, obedience, and potentially recall. Why Are Breeders So Expensive? Reputable breeders tend to cost more than any other puppy source. Breeders have to spend a lot when breeding a litter, and all of this will lower their profit margins. Labrador breeding costs include: Health testing and certificates. Less - The Labrador Retriever is a medium to large-sized , short-coupled, powerfully-built dog with a short, dense, water-resistant coat; small, drop ears; and a short, thick otter-like tail carried level with the back or with a slight upward curve. The length of body is equal to or only slightly longer than the height at the withers, and the distance from the elbows to the ground is equal to one-half the height at the withers. Balance, outline, intelligence, temperament and movement are of overriding importance. The Labrador Retriever is a breed of moderation, thoroughly sound, and willing and able to do its work. The Labrador Retriever is a dog without exaggeration, so light, weedy dogs; long, low-stationed dogs; and cloddy, lumbering dogs are to be equally penalized. The Labrador Retriever is an enthusiastic hunter with a good nose and a soft mouth. They excel in all performance activities. Another essential characteristic of the Labrador Retriever is the short, dense, double coat that protects the dog when retrieving from water. Labrador Retrievers are noted for their excellent temperaments. This breed is friendly, outgoing and eager to please. They are extremely intelligent and easily trained to perform a variety of complex tasks. These dogs were brought to England, probably on fishing boats. Originally black in color, the first recorded yellow Labrador appeared in a litter born in .Chocolates were also recorded at about the same time, but never achieved the same level of popularity as the blacks and yellows. Originally bred to retrieve from water, the modern Labrador Retriever has proven to be one of the most versatile breeds, excelling in hunt tests and field trials, in obedience and agility events, and also as service dogs.

Like many large breeds, a German Shepherd dog is not considered fully grown until they are about 18 months old. Female German Shepherds continue to fill out until they are around two years old, while the male German Shepherd growth rate continues until they reach two and a half years of age. Males are larger and require more time to fill out their chest and abdomen. As you can see by the German Shepherd weight chart, these dogs can continue to grow until they are three years old, but the majority of growth occurs within 24 months. If your GSD is older than 36 months and continues to put on weight, contact your veterinarian to ensure weight gain does not lead to obesity. How big should a 6-month-old German Shepherd be? A six-month-old German Shepherd puppy will be quite large, as many German Shepherds undergo massive growth spurts between two and five months old. By six months, a male German Shepherd will weigh 53 pounds on average, whereas a female will weigh about 46 pounds. How much bigger will my German Shepherd get? There are a few ways to gauge how much bigger a German Shepherd will get. First, check your puppy's age. If your GSD is younger than two years old, they definitely have room to keep growing! Another way to tell if your pup still has a lot of growing to do is their paw size. Do their paws look large compared to their legs and body? This is a classic adolescent feature of a dog and means your pup is likely still growing! Most of the time, a dog will not grow bigger than its larger parents. What is the size of a full-grown German shepherd? An adult male German Shepherd is typically 24 to 26 inches tall, while adult female German Shepherds are 22 to 24 inches tall, according to the American Kennel Club German Shepherd Standard. The estimated full-size varies significantly between sexes. In terms of weight, an adult male German Shepherd weighs anywhere from 75 to 90 pounds. A female German Shepherd weighs notably less at 55 to 70 pounds. Please keep in mind that these numbers are only estimates to give you an idea of how much bigger a German Shepherd puppy may get. Some dogs will be both smaller and larger than these weight ranges when fully grown due to a variety of genetic and environmental factors. Learn all about your puppy's physical characteristics, breed history, personality traits, and more in our comprehensive guide. Preventive care is key in helping your German Shepherd live a healthy and long life. Helping your dog maintain an optimal weight is one of the best things you can do for their health. Taking your German Shepherd to regular veterinary appointments is one of the best things you can do to ensure that they are healthy and feeling their best. Compare German Shepherd health insurance plans before they get sick or injured. They are also more susceptible to gastrointestinal tract and hip issues. A veterinarian should regularly assess your pet for these health problems and run tests for anything they may be more prone to due to their breed. Treatment for many conditions, including bloat and GI issues, can cost thousands of dollars. Dog insurance is a wise investment that can give you peace of mind by covering pet emergency expenses. Wellness plans are also available to help cover the cost of vaccinations, vet exams, microchips, and more. Some people can predict the future. For everyone else, there's pet insurance. Use Pawlicy Advisor to easily compare plans from top providers so you can find a great deal with great coverage. Get Peace of Mind Today Do you want to find the best pet insurance? Let's analyze your pet's breed, age, and location to find the right coverage and the best savings. Analyze My Pet About Pawlicy Advisor The pet insurance marketplace endorsed by veterinarians, at Pawlicy Advisor we make buying the best pet insurance easier. What kind of diet do we give our pooches for a healthy weight? What you should never overfeed a dog? You should never ever overfeed your dogs too much carbs as they get stored as fat in the body if they are not used. Unfortunately, carbohydrates are much cheaper an ingredient as compared to the other nutrients like protein. Hence, they are often used by major large dog food manufacturers to make up the weight of dog food whilst keeping the prices of the dog food low. This is the main reason why pets all over the United States are getting obese. And, ironically, this became the driving forces behind the rise of these healthy pet food startups , as their founders seek to provide their own proper and much healthier alternatives. The high fiber content will make your dogs feel content faster and thus eat less. And since fiber does not get stored in the body like carbs do, it can be promising measure to keep your pooch's weight under control. Mathematically, eating less will reduce weight gain. However, it can easily lead to malnourishment if your dog is not given the proper nutrition. We are talking about nutrients beyond the common proteins and carbohydrates. They include omega fatty acids, minerals, vitamins, amino acids and many more! The key here is not to eat less. The key here is to maintain a balanced diet. And what constitutes a balanced diet? That requires a deep understanding and a wide study in the field of pet nutrition to truly determine it; so much that it warrants a university degree. To get the most balanced, holistic and healthiest dog foods , it is often better to leave it to the experts. Have you been scheduling your dog's meal time wrongly? And does it really matter? Scheduling your dog's meal time will tune their stomach to become hungry only at their meal times. Combining this with the right amount of dog food given to them, it will keep your dogs from becoming hungry out of meal hours. In turn, this will maintain their metabolism rate and utilize all the food they consume fully and appropriately. As a bonus, regular meal time will also discourage them from scavenging around the house like little vacuum cleaners as they grow accustomed to the amount of food they are given and to be used for the intervals between meal times. These food brands are not your typical corporate pet food manufacturers. These are pet food startups fueled by the passion from their pet enthusiasts founders who only want the best for all dogs under the sky. Each of them have came up with their own unique formula that will surely satisfy your dogs' taste buds without compromising their health. Click here or the button below to learn more about these bespoke food brands. Underweight and undernourishment is as real an issue as obesity among dogs. Underweight dogs appear thin and frail. And before you know it, they will start to lose all the hair on their coat and look like anything but a dog. These cases created a market of specialized dog food that help your dog to gain weight healthily. Here are 7 of the best dog foods for weight gain that can help your underweight dog get back its glory. Read more by clicking the button below. Useful Reads Dogs come in all sizes, shapes, and heights, from tiny teacup pooches to the gentle giants that we simply cannot get enough of. The height your dog grows to be is particularly important not only due to personal preference but also as it is part of your dog's identity and potential life quality. How tall your puppy will grow up to is dependent on a number of factors, but the most important are breed and individual genetics. In the sections below, we shall answer all the questions you probably have about figuring out your dog's potential height, from what determines it to how to predict it. That way, you will have a great idea of what to expect from your pooch before or once you bring them home with you. After all, is said and done, size really does matter when it comes to your dog's height, both for you and your dog. How tall your dog will grow to become depends on several factors. In the sections below, we shall go deeper into the most important of these factors to help you better understand your dog and its height potential. Breed Each dog breed has its expected height range. This is based on genetics that is passed down from the puppy to its parents. Therefore, if you wish to know what your dog's height potential is, it might help to take a look at its dog breed's weight and height ranges. However, you will notice that the ranges are often quite wide as many other factors are at play when determining your dog's potential height. Gender Most dog breeds display what is referred to as sexual dimorphism. This phenomenon refers to differences in physical characteristics between male and female members of the same species. In this case, the dimorphism results in male dogs typically being taller than their female counterparts. As a result, you will notice that the average height ranges given for your dog's specific breed are divided into two sets of ranges, one for males and one for females. Diet Your dog's height is determined mainly by its bones, but the muscles could add a few significant inches to the final height value. The dog's diet largely determines both bone and muscle growth. As such, dogs that have a healthy diet are more likely to reach their full height potential than those that are malnourished in one way or another. Health Status Studies have shown that sickly dogs are less likely to achieve their full height and size potential than dogs with no recurring health issues. These issues mainly refer to health problems that affect the dogs in their crucial puppyhood, where most of the growth happens. The conditions could be anything from chronic or recurrent infections to lifetime conditions like epilepsy. Individual Genetics It is possible for dogs to be significantly shorter than what is expected for their breed, even with a good diet and overall health. In these cases, individual genetic mutations are to blame for the failure to thrive. The most common of these genes are disproportionate dwarfism genes, including those that cause short legs in dogs like corgis and dachshunds. There are also rare genetic mutations such as the gene responsible for Pituitary Dwarfism in traditionally tall dog breeds like German Shepherds, Carnelian Bear Dogs, and Weimaraners. The age at which your dog will reach its full height depends on how large the dog breed is expected to be. Larger dogs typically take much longer to reach physical maturity than their smaller furry companions. In a nutshell, small dog breeds typically stop growing at 6 to 8 months of age, while medium dog breeds require about 12 months to reach their full height. Finally, large dogs can take up to 18 months to grow to their specific breed's expected height. The best way to predict your dog's height is using a dog growth chart. These may be provided by your vet but can also be found online. More often than not, these charts are based on your dog's general size category, which could either be miniature, small, medium, or large. However, it is possible to get a puppy growth chart specifically designed to track growth for an individual dog breed. The best part about puppy growth charts, in general, is that they help you keep track of your pup's growth and to pick up on any growth retardation early enough to intervene appropriately. In addition to puppy growth charts, you could also use growth calculation formulas to try and estimate your dog's expected height. You can make your life easier by using an online growth calculator. Just make sure that you find one that accounts for a dog breed and gender for more accuracy. The answer is both yes and no. For the most part, the majority of the factors that determine your dog's potential height are beyond your control. These include factors like gender, individual genetics, and the dog's breed. However, there are a few factors within your control that could help you influence your dog's height. Just remember that these will only give you a way to help your dog reach its full potential but will not actually change its expected height range. Without further ado, here are a few ways to determine how tall your dog will grow to be. Ensure They Have An Adequate Diet A diet rich in protein is crucial for your dog's growth, especially when it comes to muscle development. Because muscles contribute a small but significant amount to your dog's height, having a protein-rich diet could help your puppy get closer to its expected height. Furthermore, ensure that your dog's diet is rich in nutrients that support bone development and strength. These include minerals like calcium and phosphorus, as well as vitamins like vitamin D. Prioritize Regular Vet Care A healthy dog is more likely to reach its predicted height range, which is why you have to make sure that your dog's health is well covered. This includes keeping up with vaccinations and deworming. It also means seeking veterinary care when your dog gets sick and keeping up with both routine and follow-up vet appointments. This is because, like its diet and physical health, your dog's psychological health heavily influences its growth. This may also mean getting professional help for any issues your puppy may be facing, from separation anxiety to PTSD. Your dog's paw size cannot be used as an accurate predictor of how large your dog will be. However, there is an undeniable relationship between this paw size and your dog's eventual height. This is because taller dogs also tend to be heavier and thus require large, sturdy paws to support all that weight. Despite this relationship, there is no way to definitively conclude how tall or short your dog will be by simply examining its paw size. July 25, 0 Comments WorldAnimalFoundation. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Typically, there are four main size categories for dogs: 1. X-Small or Toy Breeds: Toy breeds are typically smaller in size, often weighing less than 12 pounds. Examples are Chihuahua and Toy Poodles. Small Breeds: Small dog breeds generally weigh between 12 to 22 pounds. Examples include French Bulldogs and Yorkshire Terriers. Medium Breeds: Medium dog breeds usually weigh between 22 to 57 pounds. Breeds like Doberman Pinschers and Siberian Huskies fall into this category. Large Breeds: Large dog breeds typically weigh between 57 to 99 pounds. Giant Breeds: Giant dogs can weigh over 99 pounds. These factors include: 1. Breed: Different dog breeds have specific size ranges. Smaller breeds tend to reach their full size earlier than larger breeds. Nutrition: Proper nutrition is crucial for healthy growth. You can use our dog dood calculator to estimate the right serving size for your furry friend in order to avoid obesity or malnutrition. Regular exercise and check-ups with a vet ensure any health issues are addressed promptly. Gender: In some breeds, male dogs tend to be larger than female dogs. Spaying or Neutering: Spaying and neutering can increase the likelihood of puppy weight gain if their diet is not adjusted accordingly. The decrease in sex hormones makes way to reduced energy needs, often necessitating a decrease in food portions to avoid getting overweight. Some puppies may experience growth spurts, and their final size may differ slightly from the breed standard. Additionally, some dog breeds have longer growth periods and may continue to develop and fill out for a couple of years after reaching their full height. It starts from the neonatal stage as helpless puppies and progresses through crucial socialization, juvenile, adolescent, adult, and senior stages. Proper care, nutrition, and training during these phases are vital for their physical and behavioral well-being, ensuring they grow into happy and healthy companions. What will be the Weight of your Dog Knowing the body weight of your dog offers several benefits. Just follow these simple steps: 1. FAQs How big is a 33 lbs dog? Generally, a 33 lbs dog would be considered a medium-sized dog, but it can vary depending on its breed or mixed breeds. For example, some medium dog breeds that typically reach a maximum height of 25 inches to the shoulders include Beagles, Cocker Spaniels, and French Bulldogs. The average brain-to-body ratio for dogs is about , indicating their intelligence and cognitive abilities. How big will my puppy grow if he is 8 lbs in 10 weeks? According to our dog size calculator, your 8 lb puppy might grow to approximately 41 lbs by 12 months, but actual adult weight and size can vary based on dog breed and several factors. At which age do puppies stop growing? Generally, a puppy stop growing and reach their full adult weight and size between 9 months to 1. However, the exact age at which a puppy stops growing can vary depending on the dog breed and environmental factors. Smaller dog breeds tend to mature earlier, often around months, while large dog breeds may continue growing and filling out until 18 months or even up to 2 years of age. Conclusion Knowing the future adult weight of your puppy with the puppy weight calculator allows for proper nutrition, space planning, and training. It helps make travel arrangements, monitor their health, and build a strong bond with your pet. Editorial-Team WAF editorial team is a passionate and diverse group that includes animal experts, researchers, writers, editors, and devoted pet owners. Our main goal is to share valuable insights about the animal kingdom and strengthen the special bond between humans and animals. Our eclectic and ever-growing team is committed to bringing you accurate and informative content to promote animal welfare and foster positive interactions with the wonderful world of animals. Join us on this exciting journey as we explore and celebrate the beauty and importance of our animal companions! Leave a comment Your email address will not be published. Post Comment. This is the point between their shoulder blades. They are likely to continue to increase in size and weight until they are around years of age. Unlike other pure breeds, there are some quite considerable variations within the German Shepherd family. This can have an impact on their color, pattern, and body style, as well as their size and rate of maturation. The most significant distinction of German Shepherd size is between those that were bred for showing as opposed to working. With the former, there was a focus on the look and gait of the dog over its personality and general health. In some countries, including the States, these dogs have exaggerated rear angulation, which can lead to hip problems — not ideal for a working breed. Photo by elisabetta ventura on Unsplash Of the two, the working dogs tend to be larger with bigger bones, heads, and an all-round more athletic build. Although again, there are variations between these depending on the country they were bred in and the tasks they were required to do. Sex also plays a crucial role in size. Female dogs will be at the lower end of the scale of the dimensions given in the above chart 22 — 24 inches , while males will be closer to the upper limits 24 — 26 inches. German Shepherd Size Charts and Growth Patterns Like most other dogs, German Shepherds have their most significant growth period in the first 6 months of their lives, achieving more than two-thirds of their adult height by this time. As is common to larger breeds, their growth will significantly slow after that. They will reach their adult height a little before their adult weight. Our interactive puppy growth chart and calculator has more information on that. Check out these guides on best dog food for puppies here. While there are some variations depending on the gender of the animal, generally speaking, a full-grown German Shepherd will stand somewhere between 22 — 26 inches and weigh around 50 to 90 pounds. This is the average German Shepherd size. You can calculate their potential adult weight at 23 weeks by taking what they weigh at that age and multiplying it by two. Your German Shepherd will have acquired much of their adult size and weight by the time they have hit their first year. However, they will continue to grow, usually reaching their full adult size somewhere between 18 months to 2 years of age. The age of maturity, though, is somewhat dependent on the specific type of German Shepherd that you have. Eastern European varieties, for instance, are particularly late bloomers and are unlikely to reach their full size much before the age of three. Larger dogs will also naturally take longer to achieve their full size. A female German Shepherd might be expected to get there at 24 months, whereas for a male, it could be closer to .At this age, they are reaching the end of their rapid growth period, and you will notice their growth slows down significantly after this milestone. With German Shepherd size, there is quite a bit of variation depending on the type you have and what they were initially bred for. All this information can help you to anticipate their adult size, and our calculator can get you the rest of the way there. Let us estimate how large your German Shepherd will be as an adult by inputting their age and weight into the calculator below. German Shepherds are considered a medium-to-large-sized breed. This means they often fall around the line that separates medium-sized dogs from large-sized dogs. The AKC wants males stand at inches and weigh pounds, making them considerably larger than females in some cases. Females stand at inches and weigh around pounds. As you can see, this is a huge range. There is a significant difference between a pound dog and an pound dog. Therefore, how big your particular dog might get depends largely on their genetics. You can often get somewhat of an idea by looking at both of their parents. Typically, if the parents are smaller, their puppies will be as well and visa versa. What does a 4-month German Shepherd weigh? Usually, 4-month-old German Shepherds weigh about pounds if they are males and pounds if they are females. Once they are born, genetics tend to take over. At 4-months-old, the puppies have been growing according to genetics for long enough for you to guess what their adult size might be. A dog that is small at this age is likely to remain small. They are simply focusing on growing larger at this point. They should have all their puppy teeth and decent motor skills. How big is a 6-month-old German Shepherd? Puppies undergo massive growth spurts before five months. By the time they reach six months, their growth has slowed down considerably. The average male will weigh about 53 pounds, while females weigh 46 pounds. They have not reached their full adult weight yet, but they are very close. Because their growth has slowed down so much, though, they will continue to grow for a long time to come. This is normal. It is also normal if your dog retains their somewhat skinny appearance for a few more months to come. When is a German Shepherd fully grown? Female German Shepherds often stop growing at around two years. Males may continue to grow for another six months or so. The exact time that each dog stops growing depends on genetics and their diet. This can make them grow too fast, which can mess up their joints and cause other health problems. In fact, hip dysplasia is much more likely in dogs that were improperly fed as puppies. Instead, we recommend patience. Dogs may not grow evenly. Many may reach their full height before gaining much of their muscle mass and fat. Dogs are a lot like children in this way. They grow at their own pace. While these dogs reach sexual maturity before they are fully grown, it is generally not recommended to breed them until they have reached their full size. Otherwise, it can stunt their growth and potentially cause health problems for the mother and the puppies. Do German Shepherds Grow Fast? Generally, German Shepherds grow rather fast in their first six months of life. They will double their weight many times in this period and undergo many growth spurts. However, after five to six months, it will begin to slow down substantially. While they will almost reach their full size at about six months, it will take them until they are about two to finally gain those last few dozen pounds. Why is my German Shepherd so small? German Shepherds all grow in a unique fashion, similarly to people. For this reason, a German Shepherd may not seem to be growing much at all, only to hit a growth spurt. Your dog may seem small compared to other German Shepherds while still being in the normal range. This increases their risk for many health problems, including hip dysplasia. The dog needs to grow at their natural rate. A dog can simply be smaller than normal but completely healthy. Some German Shepherds have been crossed with other kinds of shepherd — these dogs are likely to not grow at the same rate as their pure-bred peers, too. Do not make the mistake and keep your German Shepherd outside most of the time. These dogs get highly attached to their humans and want to spend time with them! If your dog lives outside and is experiencing stunted growth, he may be refusing food due to loneliness. Make sure to take him to a vet — and in addition, let him spend time inside with you! Unleash the real potential of your companion! We will email you daily with training tips, ideas and videos. This is an introductory course into our training philosophy. You will get customized video lessons based on your training goals — and you can implement them in just 5 minutes a day.

Black, blue, liver, blonde, black and tan, fawn, gray Activity level High; requires up to minutes of exercise daily Suitable for families Yes, for active families that can meet the exercise requirements Dietary needs High-protein diet; adults require high-quality food depending on activity level Potential health issues Hip dysplasia, bloating, arthritis, Megaesophagus, Dilated Cardiomyopathy, and cataracts History of Irish Wolfhound The Irish Wolfhound is a very old breed of dog, thought to have originated in Scotland or Ireland. They were bred to hunt wolves, and have been used as war dogs, messenger dogs, and sled dogs. In , Captain George Augustus Graham successfully started a breeding program to revive this amazing breed. The first Irish Wolfhounds came to the United States in the early s. The breed was later brought to the United States, where it was used as a working dog for police and military purposes. Today, the German Shepherd is one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States. They are typically black or gray in color, with white markings on their chest and paws. This crossbreed is known for being loyal and protective of their family and home. Irish Wolfhound mixed with German Shepherd are relatively easy to care for, as they are not prone to many health problems. However, they do require many exercises , so make sure you have plenty of room to take your dog for walks or runs. This crossbreed is also known to be quite intelligent and can easily learn new commands. They can weigh up to pounds and stand over two feet tall at the shoulder. Because of their size, they are not recommended for apartment living. They need plenty of space to run and play. These dogs make great family pets and are known for their gentle temperament. Irish Wolfhound German Shepherd Mixes are very active and need plenty of exercise. Temperament The Irish Wolfhound cross German Shepherd is a large and muscular dog that is known for its friendly temperament. This crossbreed is good with children and makes a great family pet. They are also very loyal to their owners and protective of their family. Irish Wolfhound x German Shepherd are intelligent dogs and are easy to train. They are not recommended for homes with small children as they may accidentally knock over a small child. Irish Shepherd Mix make great guard dogs and will protect their family members fiercely. If you are looking for a large dog breed that is gentle and loving, the Irish Wolfhound mix is an ideal choice. This mix can have a lifespan of anywhere from ten to thirteen years. They are a large breed and will require plenty of exercise. Owners should be prepared to commit time and energy to training and socializing their dog, as they can be dominant and territorial. Irish Wolfhound German Shepherd Mix make great family pets and are known to be loyal and protective of their loved ones. Grooming Irish Wolfhound x German Shepherd are beautiful dogs, and they make great pets. German Shepherd cross Irish Wolfhound needs to be groomed at least once a week. This will help keep their coat looking healthy and shiny. This will help prevent infection and keep their ears healthy. This will help prevent them from getting too long, which can be painful and dangerous. German Shepherd Irish Wolfhound Mix are beautiful dogs, and they make great pets. Exercise German Irish mix dogs are a great choice for those who are looking for a high energy dog. These dogs need plenty of exercise to keep them happy and healthy. Without enough exercise, they can become destructive and may start to bark excessively. GSD Irish Wolfhound mix love to play fetch and go on long walks or hikes. They are also good at agility training and can learn new tricks quickly. A well-exercised dog is a happy and healthy dog. Feeding One German Shepherd Wolfhound Mix owner found that their dog loved to eat everything in sight, including rocks and sticks. Your Irish Shepherd dog should have access to fresh water at all times and be fed a balanced diet of wet and dry food. The Irish Wolfhound German Shepherd Mix is a large breed, so they need plenty of protein and calories to grow and stay healthy. Feed your dog two or three cups of food per day, split between breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Overfeeding can lead to obesity, which can cause a number of health problems for your dog. Training The German Irish mix is a great dog for people who are looking for a companion that is both loyal and protective. This breed needs plenty of exercise, so make sure you are able to provide it with the activity it needs before bringing one home. Irish Wolfhound German Shepherd Mix training should start early and be consistent in order to create a well-behaved dog. When training your dog, always be consistent with your commands and rewards. This breed is very intelligent and will quickly learn what you expect from them. Be sure to provide plenty of positive reinforcement when they do something you want them to do, such as coming when called or sitting on command. Common diseases among German Shepherd Wolfhound Mix The Irish Shepherd dog is a popular crossbreed, but as with all hybrids, there is some uncertainty about the potential health problems these dogs may develop. Some of the most common diseases among this mix include hip dysplasia, bloat, and cancer. This can lead to pain and arthritis. Bloat is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the stomach fills with gas and twists. It can be fatal if not treated promptly. Cancer is also a common killer of dogs, and any breed or mix can be affected. Another disease that can trouble these dogs is Dilated Cardiomyopathy. While it is important to be aware of these potential health problems, it is also important to remember that not every dog of this mix will develop them. Dogs are individuals and some may be more prone to certain conditions than others, but with proper care and preventative measures, most dogs will lead healthy lives. I hope this gives you a better understanding of what to expect if you decide to adopt an Irish Wolfhound German Shepherd Mix. Is Wolfhound German Shepherd a good guard dog? The Irish Shepherd dog is a good guard dog because it is big and has a loud bark. It will scare away intruders and protect your property. The German Shepherd x Irish Wolfhound is also intelligent and can be trained to do other things, like fetch the mail or play catch. This mix breed dog is a great choice for a guard dog. The German Wolfhound dog is a large dog that can make a great family pet. They are loyal and protective of their family, and love to play. These dogs need plenty of exercise, so be prepared to take them for walks or runs several times a day. Overall, the German Shepherd Wolfhound mix is a great dog for families who are prepared to provide plenty of exercise and companionship. Make sure to do your research before purchasing a puppy to ensure you are getting a healthy and well-socialized dog. These dogs are generally gentle and good with children, but they may be too big for some homes. If you have lots of space and are looking for a large, loyal dog, a German Irish Mix may be the perfect pet for you. German Wolfhound dog is a great dog for active people. They need plenty of phyical activity and can be quite energetic. If you have the time to commit to exercising your dog regularly, this could be the right breed for you. They are also very smart dogs and can be quick learners. This makes them great candidates for obedience training. With the right training, German Wolfhound can be a well-behaved member of your family. This breed can be quite large, so make sure you have enough space for them in your home. They also tend to shed a lot, so be prepared to deal with hair all over your house. Overall, Irish Shepherd dog is a great breed for people who are active and have the time to commit to training. This breed needs plenty of exercise and can be quite energetic, but with the right training, they can be a well-behaved member of your family. Sergey Uhanov, a certified veterinarian, has authored all of the content here. With over 20 years of experience in dog care and breeding three dogs of his own, he has a deep passion for these furry friends. Sergey owns a pet clinic in Israel where he provides care and treatment to dogs. He enjoys sharing his expertise and knowledge to assist others in caring for their dogs. All content on this site is written by Sergey Uhanov who is an experienced veterinarian. For more information about Sergey, click here. As Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Where to Buy Them? Irish Wolfhound has been around from at least B. Originally, these were war dogs used unsurprisingly by the Romans and the Greeks because of their exceptional strength and skill of dismounting cavalry. Additionally, they were also used as fierce combatants by the Roman gladiators in the arenas. When the war was finally over, people were missing the rush of such events, so what did they do? They took these dogs hunting, and once prosperity came, these dogs found themselves working as guard dogs for livestock to fend off predators, especially the big bad wolves or average wolves in front of these large dogs. At this point, Irish Wolfhounds were seen as symbols of nobility, and the large number of them you had, the more you were honored. An early example of Irish Wolfhound As for the origins of the German Shepherd, the only thing common among these two breeds is their relation with cavalry, while the Irish Wolfhound dismounted soldiers from their horses, this hound was created by a cavalry officer. He kept on refining the breed and finally, at a dog show he deemed a dog, which he thought was perfect in both the appearance and attributes as the German Shepherd. A photograph of an early German Shepherd Now coming to the Irish Wolfhound German Shepherd, well, not much is known about their history. They may have originated as a part of the designer dogs trend or when the idea of crossbreeding was booming in the mids. Your guess is as good as mine, therefore, we must move to their aspects that we are certain about. Characteristics of Irish Wolfhound German Shepherd Mix Now, what do you get when you mix a fierce warrior breed with the renowned guarding dog? Depending on which parent breed has more influence on the puppies, either they will be reserved at first and quickly become friendly or might be standoffish with strangers. Despite their both parent breeds being known for their hunting and aggression, these are usually calm and gentle dogs. Their fur can either be grayish appearing more like Irish Wolfhound, or it can be tan, black, and anything in between. They also have a double coat. The overcoat is hard and wiry while the inner coat is dense and soft. Usually, they are medium to large, but in some cases, it was also seen that the hybrid puppies were on the shorter side. While there are some misconceptions about the difference between the size of males and females, however, it is identical. Males While these dogs are not larger than the original Irish Wolfhound, some expectations have been observed, and given such a range in their size, it is hard to pinpoint an exact number. However, these are anywhere from 28 inches to 32 inches tall and weigh approximately pounds. Females As mentioned earlier, they are identical to males in size and weight; 28 to 32 inches and pounds respectively. Exercise Requirements While both the German Shepherd and Irish Wolfhounds are dogs that require high-intensity exercises and an active lifestyle, this hybrid is satisfied with a little less. Therefore, you must train these hounds from puppyhood, and not stop there, but continue their training as much as you can. Plus, you must take them in the public from early on and let them socialize and get accustomed to the world around them. Grooming Requirements These pooches can shed, and they do shed quite a bit, so be prepared to brush them. Irish Wolfhound German Mixes are known to shed throughout the year and require brushing at least twice a week to avoid matting of the fur. However, they excessively shed during the spring season and during this time you must brush them as much as you can. Diet and Nutrition of Irish Wolfhound German Shepherd Mix Before you even plan on what to feed them, please know that they being large dogs, they have a large appetite as well. So make sure you have the funds to feed them. While some other breeds can easily thrive on mediocre dog food, not this one. Even when choosing dog food, not any food will do. They specifically require dog food that is catered to large dog breeds, as they have different requirements for proper growth and development. When you have a dog with such a large appetite, it is natural to think that any amount they eat is fine. However, it is important that you closely watch their diet, as excessive food can lead to hip issues. Both the parent breeds are known for their high-protein needs, and it is the same case for this dog as well. Avoid feeding them products with high-fat content, as they can have digestion issues. Health Issues to Look Out For Though both Irish Wolfhounds and German Shepherds are fairly healthy breeds, unfortunately, this hybrid dog is susceptible to many health problems and can generally be considered as an unhealthy dog. A photograph of an Irish Wolfhound and a GSD because of how rare they are even on the internet Hip Dysplasia Among all the conditions, hip dysplasia is one that this dog suffers the most from and is fairly common in large breeds. Furthermore, both Irish Wolfhounds and GSDs are affected by it, so it is only natural that it occurs in their hybrid child. Arthritis Another common health issue that is faced by almost all large dogs in the world. Being large means, there is additional strain on the joints, which over time leads to arthritis. Degenerative Myelopathy A problem that is often seen in old dogs, is a progressive disease of the spinal cord. Usually, it affects dogs that are in the age group of 8 to 14 years old. It hinders the functionality of hind limbs, causing the dog to wobble and drag its hind legs, and this mixed breed suffers from this quite often. Dilated Cardiomyopathy While other conditions cause pain and discomfort to this breed, but the leading cause of their death is this disease. In this, the heart loses the ability to maintain adequate pressure to pump the blood throughout the system. The temperament of Irish Wolfhound German Shepherd Mix As mentioned previously, these are comparatively gentle dogs to their parent breeds. They are family-oriented dogs and love spending time with them. Not social by any means, but as for their family they love being around them. These are great around children as well, though it is not recommended to let any small toddler around them, once a child is grown enough they can play with them nicely once trained. While they are not aggressive towards strangers, they are no labs either; they will be reserved around strangers. Who are they Good For? Despite their parent breeds being completely independent, these dogs do great with families. While they can be somewhat territorial if you socialize them from an early age, they can get along with other pets easily. Living Conditions I guess it comes as no surprise, that these large dogs are not suited for apartments and small spaces. Furthermore, they require large areas just to stretch, and given the present-day prices for apartments, they might not even be able to do that. Therefore, it is best to keep them if you live in towns or cities with access to dog parks and have a backyard, or in the best-case scenario, you live in the countryside. Your best bet is to go online and see if any reputed breeder is willing to deliver this pooch to you. These large dogs are an excellent choice for families, they might not be great guard dogs, but their sheer size and looks are enough to scare away most intruders. Just take care of their needs and they will become great family dogs. Lifespan Sociability The main difficulty of purchasing an Irish Wolfhound German Shepherd mix is finding one to begin with. German Shepherds are relatively common dogs. They have remained one of the most popular dogs globally for the last years or so. However, the Irish Wolfhound is another story. There are very few breeders that specialize in this mixed breed — if any. However, puppies found at animal shelters tend to be affordable, as these are not-for-profit organizations. Irish Wolfhound Shepherds can be huge — or not. Irish Wolfhounds are known for their massive size. It depends mainly on what traits the puppy inherits from what parent. In some cases, they may not be that much bigger than a German Shepherd. Mixed breeds are usually known for being extremely healthy. Most of the health problems experienced by the German Shepherd and Irish Wolfhound are due to their larger size. When you have a giant dog, more weight will be placed on their joints, which can cause all sorts of problems. This mixed breed will likely be significant in size — and therefore, have these same joint problems. For this reason, caution should be taken when feeding puppies and exercising your dog. The German Shepherd is one of the best-known protection dogs around. They were initially bred to herd sheep and protect them, which led to them developing severe protection instincts. It depends on the traits that they inherited, as well as how they are raised. Some of them are just as smart as German Shepherds, known as being one of the most intelligent dog breeds around. Others are closer to the Irish Wolfhound. Therefore, their training intelligence tends to be a bit lower. You can likely expect your mixed puppy to be somewhere in the middle. Your puppy will probably be able to pick up most commands with ease, but they may not need the extensive mental stimulation that German Shepherds need. These dogs may or may not be super eager to please. Most of the time, this breed will be aloof and reserved with strangers. A well-socialized dog will never be aggressive towards strangers without some provocation. They are far more focused on their family and owner than random people on the street. This makes them somewhat easier to train than other dogs. However, they need to be socialized, trained, and exercised regularly, which busy families can have difficulty doing. Their larger size makes them an excellent option for homes with smaller children. Most child-aimed dog bites are caused by fear or injury on the part of the dog, so their large size lowers the chance of biting considerably. If these dogs are kept around children from a young age, they tend to do very well with them. Irish Wolfhound German Shepherd mixes are also good with older children. They are family-oriented and tend to get along with everyone equally. They will happily go for a jog or settle down on the couch for a cuddle session despite their large size. They can be somewhat territorial, which can make housing other dogs with them difficult. However, socialization starting at a young age can typically teach these dogs to behave well with others. Most of them do fine with dogs they are raised with. This breed has an extremely high prey drive and will chase just about anything. Their larger size often makes this more troublesome than other breeds. Could you imagine a pound dog chasing a cat through your house? There is no scenario where that ends well. Not only can they easily injure the cat, but they may destroy your house in the process. Their large size and appetite can quickly put a dent in your wallet, so be sure that you can afford to feed them before you adopt one. Because they eat so much, you may be tempted to reduce the quality of the food you purchase. However, this is not recommended — especially with this breed. Their predisposition to joint problems and higher activity levels translates to more intense nutritional needs. You should be particularly cautious when feeding Irish Wolfhound German Shepherd puppies. As large breed dogs, these canines have specific nutritional needs when they are growing. You need one specifically designed for large-breed dogs. Too much food can cause them to grow improperly, leading to conditions like hip dysplasia. Be sure you keep up with their current weight and adjust their food appropriately. If they seem to be growing too fast, you may be feeding them too much. It is best to work alongside a vet to determine the perfect amount of food for your puppy. Typically, the German Shepherd and Irish Wolfhound have higher exercise needs, so their puppies are likely to follow suit. You should plan on moderately exercising your canine for at least 2 hours per day. A game of fetch in the backyard is often plenty. In fact, due to their large size and predisposition to joint issues, lighter exercise is often best. You never want to force a dog as big as an Irish Wolfhound to exercise. These canines are very good at listening to their body. If you force them to exercise, you could injure their joints and cause growth problems in puppies. Like all animals, these canines may have to work up to 2 hours a day of exercise. You should preferably spread this out throughout the day — not try to accomplish it all at once. Puppies significantly benefit from concise exercise sessions. However, Irish Wolfhounds are not typically considered obedient dogs — and for a good reason. Irish Wolfhounds are hunting dogs. They were bred to make their own decisions while hunting, and many of them still have this tendency in the modern age. Therefore, the Irish Wolfhound German Shepherd can have varying trainability. Some may be very people-oriented and eager to please. However, others may be just as likely to ignore you as they are to listen to you. Either way, training should start early and be practiced often. They could seriously injure someone. We highly recommend puppy obedience classes. Choose group classes, when possible, as these provide both training and obedience. Due to their territorial behavior, this breed often needs socialization just as much as they need training. They often shed throughout the year, but shedding may increase during the spring and fall months. They will have a double-coat. The outer coat will be rougher and water-proof, while the inner coat is soft and used for insulation. When they shed, it is primarily this undercoat. You should plan on brushing them at least once a week. This brushing session removes dead hair, as well as dirt and debris. Because of their large size, this should be reason enough to brush them regularly. Brushing also helps keep their coat healthy. It spreads out their natural skin oils, which are vital to protect their coat from the elements. It may also help limit skin problems since too much oil on the skin can be a bad thing. You may have to increase these sessions to two or three times a week during the heavier shedding periods. Your goal is not to remove all the dead fur from their coat — that would be impossible. Instead, you want to remove the large majority of it. Like most dogs, they will also need their nails regularly trimmed. You can do this yourself or pay a visit to a groomer. Their ears can become infected if the hair traps dirt and debris inside. The fur on the bottom of their paws is largely unnecessary and can make it difficult for them to grip slippery floors inside the modern home. Even in the winter, furry paws are more of a hindrance than a helper. Tiny bits of snow can get lodged in the fur and stuck between their toes, creating sores. Photo from: cedriczeke This is a so-called hybrid dog that was made by cross-breeding these two purebred dogs — the Irish Wolfhound and the German Shepherd. Both dog breeds are old and well-respected among dog breeders and dog lovers around the world. So, when you mix together dogs that already have such long and well-established traits, honed over hundreds of years by breeders all around the world, their mix has to be something special. If you are looking for a Teddy Bear dog or a stunner with unique black dots on its white coat — the Irish Wolfhound German Shepherd mix is not such a dog. This dog has a more raw, down-to-earth look. But, as you will see later, they are loyal, gentle, affectionate, and ready to be your best friend for the rest of their life. To understand this breed of dog, we have to meet the parents first, just as with all crossbreeds. Meet The Parents Being a mixed breed, this dog has two purebred dog parents. One of the purebred dog parents is the German Shepherd , and it is undoubtedly more famous. We know the GSD from TV shows and movies, and even the police and military around the world use these dogs to help them in their line of work. But, the Irish Wolfhound has origins dating back to BC. They are the tallest dog breed in the world, originally bred as scent hounds. They did their job so well that Ireland lost their elks and almost lost its wolf population. With their average height being a minimum of 32 inches 81cm , they are the tallest dog breed accepted by the AKC. They are also very large, with a male Irish Wolfhound weighing up to pounds 54 kg. They were first bred, and later on developed, in Ireland. They were definitely a developed breed of dog in the year BC because ancient Roman Emperors wrote about the Irish Wolfhounds during this time. Some of the dogs of this breed were given to the Romans as a gift, and everyone was amazed by them. So, the Irish Wolfhound dog breed was in danger of going extinct as well. Luckily, Captain George Augustus Graham took the matter into his own hands and developed a breeding program for this amazing Hound, preserving and perfecting the breed. Today, this dog is still not as popular as other breeds; hence, the rarity of the Irish Wolfhound GSD mix as well. But, they are still among us, and they are still a well-respected dog breed, always happily accepted and seen in dog shows around the world. This is one of the most popular dog breeds in the world. This dog breed was first bred in Germany in the late 19th century. Their original purpose was to be herding dogs, specifically helping with the sheep. But, today, this famous breed of dog has more than one job. They are intelligent and very loyal dogs that go great with young children, and children in general. Their coat color and coat markings are one of the most recognizable in the whole world. They are extremely popular as family dogs and guard dogs in the USA. Everyone loves them, and already knows a thing or two about how wonderful and intelligent they are. Now that we know the short origin story of the two purebred dog breeds that make the Irish Wolfhound Shepherd mix, we can see more clearly how this amazing mix will look when it grows up. But, chances are that the first official litter happened in the 20th century, and in Europe. The Irish Wolfhound dog breed is not very popular in other parts of the world, so the chances that the first mix happened in Europe are higher than the chances that it happened in other parts of the world. But, wherever and whenever it happened — we are happy and grateful it did! The breeders must have seen the quality traits of both dog breeds and realized the potential behind mixing them. Their offspring is a quality dog crossbreed called the German Wolfhound, and we are hoping it will gain popularity because it is simply amazing! Appearance Of The Irish Wolfhound German Shepherd Mix When we think about the appearance or physical traits of the Irish Wolfhound German Shepherd mix dog, we are actually thinking about all the physical variations that can come from mixing two purebred dogs, which are the parent breeds. Their physical characteristics will determine the physical characteristics of the German Wolfhound we are talking about today. And, because the physical traits are so different between the GSD and the Irish Wolfhound — their offspring can look very different from litter to litter, and even puppies from the same litter can look very different. In hopes of understanding the possible outcome of mixing the Irish Wolfhound with the German Shepherd, we have a chart that easily differentiates and compares these two parent dog breeds. German Shepherd. Exactly how large will depend on which parent it takes after. Because of this, it sheds steadily throughout the year. The texture and color of the outer coat will also depend on which parent it takes its coat after. Other common colors include black, white, brindle, red, and wheaten. Normally, these will come with black, white, or gray markings. The most common color is tan with the classic black saddle. However, German Shepherds also come in a wide variety of coat colors, including bi-color, sable , and solid black. Depending on the color and genetic combination of the parent, the Irish Wolfhound-GSD mix could also inherit a rarer GSD coat color like blue , liver , and blonde. Grooming The bulk of the work involved in grooming the German Shepherd-Irish Wolfhound mix is maintaining their coat. If they take after the GSD, they will experience the twice-a-year shedding seasons that require daily brushing. More frequent baths will also help keep shed hair more manageable. Apart from coat maintenance, the difficulties of grooming the Irish Wolfhound-GSD mix are mostly a result of its size. However, if it takes on the more docile temperament of the Irish Wolfhound, it should be easier to keep their nails trimmed, their ears cleaned, and their teeth brushed. Strength The German Shepherd-Irish Wolfhound cross may have a gentle demeanor, but they are undeniably strong dogs. Their large and well-built bodies enable them to engage in physically demanding work, although they might lack the endurance to work long hours. They also tend to be playful dogs that are unaware of their gigantic size and enormous strength. However, speed is inherent to these breeds because of their history as working dogs. German Shepherds reach top speeds of 30 miles per hour. As herders, they were required to run fast so they could control the movement of animals in their care. This is a trait that is still valued today, especially in police and military roles. Similarly, the Irish Wolfhound is also expected to run fast since their job was primarily to catch and fight wolves. Given the speed of both parents, you can expect the Irish Wolfhound-German Shepherd cross to at least reach top speeds of 30 mph. Of course, this depends on the drive and conditioning of individual dogs. Exercise Requirement Although the Irish Wolfhound-German Shepherd mix is expected to have lower energy levels and work drive than a purebred GSD, tiring them out with daily physical exercise will keep them on their best behavior. GSD-Irish Wolfhounds also thrive best when they have access to large, fenced-in areas where they can enjoy their zoomies and some independent playtime. Trainability Irish Wolfhounds are smart enough to be effective working dogs. They rank among the fourth tier of dogs. In contrast, German Shepherds belong to the top tier of working dogs. Additionally, these dogs are much more eager to please than purebred Irish Wolfhounds, which makes them even easier to train. Ultimately, the trainability of an Irish Wolfhound-German Shepherd mix will depend on the level of intelligence it inherits and also its eagerness to please. Of course, the bond it develops with its handler will also contribute to its trainability. With proper socialization, they can be good with children and other pets. The Irish Wolfhound-German Shepherd cross is also very affectionate with family but wary of strangers. They can be playful but they tend to be vigilant because of their intense guarding instincts. Overall, however, these mutts can be excellent dogs both as household pets and serious workers. Health Just like other large breeds, Irish Wolfhound — German Shepherd crosses can be prone to hip and elbow dysplasia. Their breeding stock needs to be evaluated for these conditions before they are allowed to mate. Otherwise, they could pass along those genetic predispositions to their offspring. This makes them more prone to bloat—a painful and potentially fatal condition that occurs in the abdomen. Owners of these mutts should be familiar with the symptoms of the condition and what to do in case it occurs. Lifespan Other than the medical predispositions caused by their anatomy, Irish Wolfhound-German Shepherd mixes are generally healthy dogs. However, the life expectancy of purebred Irish Wolfhounds is only between 6 and 8 years while GSDs are expected to live much longer at 12 to 14 years. The best way to increase the lifespan of GSD-Irish Wolfhound crosses is to keep them at a healthy weight throughout their life and feed them a high-quality kibble. It also helps to provide ample opportunities to exercise and stay on top of regular shots and vet visits. Nevertheless, these dogs can register through the AKC Canine Partners program , which is the registry for mixed breeds. Although the Irish Wolfhound was recognized as a breed over years ago, it is not incredibly popular. According to AKC, it is only the 76th most popular breed out of the the organization recognizes. It would be difficult to find professional breeders that focus on this mixed breed. Final Thoughts Given that both the German Shepherd and the Irish Wolfhound are large working dogs, you can expect their offspring to be the same. Although these mutts might be calmer and more sociable than the average purebred GSD, you will still need to provide good leadership and firm handling. They could also be just as demanding in terms of physical and mental stimulation. Height: inches at the shoulder Weight: lb. They have normal workouts but are also its time taking. Their stature is inches and body mass is lb max and their living age is yeras. German Shepherd Their beginning is from Germany and has big to giant dimensions. They have normal workouts but are also easy. Appearance Source More than likely, you will deal with four distinct types of dog when it comes to Irish Wolf German Shepherd. Now we explain to you the manifestation of the Irish Wolf German Shepherd The majority of puppies gave the impression of a German shepherd if you are going to take a guy Irish wolfhound as well as a German shepherd masculine into service. This dog is a mix of the agility of a Wolfhound with some protective qualities from Shepherds. Many miscellaneous verities also seem as like the Irish Wolf German Shepherd Diet Now we will explain the diet of Irish wolf German shepherd They take the best quality and planned food according to their age and requirements. Irish Wolfhound And German Shepherd Mix Nutrition Now we will suggest you some tips to make your dogs neat and clean They have twice-fold covers around their neck so you have to brush them one time in a week to look them neat and clean and take away their busted hair. You should make sure availability of breathing space for their stretching workout. You should take them out for daily walks and exercise because it is necessary for their mental and physical health. The Irish Wolfhound and German Shepherd mix need space to stretch their legs. These dogs have a strong tendency to hunt and prey, so they should only be safely entered in fenced areas. A house high enough off the ground where there are no neighbors close enough for loud noises such as sound pollution helps ensure these animals live happy lives free from stress while basking under sunny skies every day Training Wolfhound German Shepherd Mix The best way to train a help dog is by taking them out and teaching them basic tasks that they can follow, such as carrying things or bringing back your lost item. Positive reinforcement is the best way to teach your German Shepherd a new trick or get him not so lazy. Dogs are creatures who need love and attention, which means you should always be rewarded for doing things right! If he obeys by giving himself some food when requested without being told what needs done first shows how happy this makes us all feel and rightfully earns our praise in return with tokens like treats Magazine Size Water Dog bowls filled up on walks throughout town. In older times it was used as a guardian of domestic animals and materials. You can use the German shepherd as a protector of the families and home. They do not behave aggressively towards people. Although GST dogs as cautious of threats and show aggression. Before adopting a German Shepherd mix you should be aware of their drawback also They are not good for children under the age of 5 you should be care full of your child if you are going to take them home They also need a space to live and exercise at home. For the reason of their dimension and power, they were used in war. Irish wolf shepherds are quick, devoted, and alert. Most Irish German shepherd seems the same in appearance. They are often dark in color, chocolate some are also brown in color. Their eye color is mostly brown. Size And Weight Now we discuss their specific size and their The male German shepherd has a height of inches in addition to its mass is as regards pounds. German Shepherd Irish Wolfhound Mix Health Health clearances are a great way to ensure the health and wellness of your pup. Not only does it have skills that are suitable for hunting boars wolves and bears its appearance should also make us pause! Post navigation. The origins of the parent breeds are quite different The contrasts between the German Shepherd and Irish Wolfhound begin fittingly enough with origins. Irish Wolfhounds are one of the oldest breeds of dogs and German Shepherds among the most recent. Present as early as B. Wolfhounds had particular prowess for dismounting cavalry because of their size and strength. Roman gladiators used Irish Dogs as ferocious combatants in their sporting arenas. When conflicts resolved in Ireland, the Irish used their huge sighthounds for hunting boars, elk, wolves, and bears. Eventually, Irish Wolfhounds guarded livestock against predators, especially wolves, similarly to the Anatolian Sheepdog. Irish Wolfdogs soon became a sign of nobility, often accompanying King and Queens and guarding their castles. The number of Wolfhounds someone owned was a status symbol, and a gift of an Irish Dog was a great honor. As the Shepherd was taking root in the s, the Irish Wolfhound had almost become extinct along with its namesake, the Irish Wolf. Captain George Augustus Graham began a breeding program to restore the Irish Wolfhound to its original form in .Outcrossings with Great Danes had begun in the s, but the resulting offspring were clumsier than the nimble Wolfhounds. Graham may have added Borzoi and Scottish Deerhound, bringing speed, agility, and additional coat colors to the modern Irish Wolfhound. The German Shepherd Dog officially burst onto the purebred scene in .German Shepherd types had been in the process of separating from the French, Belgian, and Dutch Shepherds for decades. The magic began when Max von Stephanitz found a show dog with all of the physical attributes of an ideal working dog and proclaimed him the first GSD. Von Stephanitz was to further refine the breed by outcrossing with different types of herding dogs across the German region. German Shepherds quickly found use as police and military use, although their roles in wars were different than the Wolfhound. The GSD was mostly a messenger and ambulance assistant and now engages in ground combat and bomb detection. What about the appearance of your crossbred dog? There is such a vast gap between the appearances of the two-parent breeds that you will not find many Irish Wolfhound Shepherd mixes that look the same. Moreover, it is not a very common mix. The only thing you know for certain is your puppy will have brown eyes and become a large dog. Most Wolfhound Shepherd mixes are black and tan, sable, gray, fawn, or black. A few may be brindle. More than likely, you will deal with four distinct types. The first, fairly rare, is a beautiful long-haired animal that looks like a refined German Shepherd variation with upright ears, a GSD refined head, and a heavier and shorter height and longer frame than the Wolfhound with a sable wooly coat. A more common type is the indeterminate group that features individuals that look like giant terrier mixes. They have a blend of characters of both parents, resulting in semi-prick or drop ears, a coarse face between that of the Shepherd and Wolfhound, a medium build with noticeably long legs, and the black and tan pattern of a GSD with a lot of blue or gray. The dogs usually have medium-long fur that looks scruffy around the face. The other two types include one that looks like a German Shepherd with short fur and a boxier face and one that looks like an Irish Wolfhound with refinement in the muzzle, smoother coat, and a golden or brown impression. Irish Wolfhound German Shepherd mixes have a significant size A German Shepherd male is 24 to 26 inches high at the shoulders and weighs about 65 to 85 pounds. The minimum height for an Irish Wolfhound should be 32 inches at the shoulder with a weight of pounds or more. The average Irish Dog is 32 to 35 inches tall and weighs or more pounds. Is the Irish Wolfhound German Shepherd mix good for guarding? Irish Wolfhounds, although generally gentle now, were historically fierce protectors of both livestock and property. Modern Wolfhounds are not as aggressive as they were in ancient Rome and have lost much of their suspicion and reservation with strangers. German Shepherds are traditional guard dogs, both territorial and protective of their families. However, the original intention of the GSD guard dog was to warn of danger and attack as a last resort. They should be reserved and watchful but polite, if a little aloof, around friendly guests. German Shepherds should not react aggressively against strangers when on an outing with their owners, such as on a jog. Your Irish Wolfhound Shepherd mix may be watchful and reserved with strangers. She will probably be friendlier than a Shepherd with guests but more aggressive against intruders than a Wolfhound and more watchful when you are not home. Her size alone will more often than not be sufficient to ward off anyone intending mischief. If her presence is not enough to deter intruders, she has a formidable bark. Your Irish Wolfhound GSD hybrid will not be ideal for apartment living Not only are Wolfhound Shepherd mixes large to giant-sized, but they are also active enough that an apartment or condo would be too confined for them. Moreover, with the emergence of numerous policies against large-breed and guard type dogs on rental properties, your Shepherd mix may be prohibited from certain dwellings. What is training and intelligence like in the Wolfhound cross? He classified how intelligent breeds are based on memory, obedience, problem analysis, reaction to social situations, and the environment. Some criticize the rankings as weighted too heavily in favor of obedient dogs. Keep in mind that it simply ranks dogs against each other, and canids as a group is highly intelligent. After all that, German Shepherds are No. Irish Wolfhounds are No. Although a few hybrids inherit surprisingly little intelligence from their parent breeds, your Irish Wolfhound GSD mix should be smart, eager to please, and relatively easy to train. He will be a large dog, so consistent, firm, and early training is crucial. Dominance traits may emerge from the German Shepherd side and a need for multiple repetitions of lessons from the Wolfhound. Like most canines, your dog will respond best to positive reinforcement and may fight back against harsh training methods. How should your dog do in your family setting? Will your hybrid be social? German Shepherds are typically aloof with strangers and often must be well-socialized to behave politely. There are plenty of Shepherds, especially from show and pet lines, who are moderately friendly once they get to know someone. Exercise caution, however, because some GSD families produce timid and fear-biting dogs. Irish Wolfhounds, according to Petful. Your Irish Wolfhound mix will probably be reserved with strangers at the first meeting only to quickly warm. Some hybrids will be outgoing while those who inherit more of their personality from the Shepherd might be standoffish. Other Pets You probably will not be able to trust your Wolfhound Shepherd mix with small animals. Although the Wolfhound no longer hunts, she retains a tendency to chase moving living things. Moreover, Wolfhounds are exceptionally fast with formidable jaw power, able to run down any dog they pursue. Both Wolfhounds and Shepherds can be aggressive to other dogs, whether socialized or not. Same-sex aggression is common in the GSD and a bit more infrequent in the Wolfhound. Socialize your Irish Wolfhound Shepherd mix early so he can get along with other animals. Avoid situations that may trigger his prey drives, such as a dog park with small running Poodles and Dachshunds. Also, exercise caution leaving him unattended with a cat or other small pet, no matter how well they seem to get along. If things go south, your little furry companions will not stand a chance. Children German Shepherds often must learn how to act with children. They play better with teens and children over ten years of age, but can easily look at infants and toddlers as needing protection. Irish Wolfhounds love children according to and other sources, but their humungous size can make them a hazard to toddlers learning to walk. Your Wolfhound GSD hybrid will likely enjoy the company of children. You need to monitor her around smaller children because of her size and power. Some hybrids are remarkably gentle. Once she passes the puppy stage of 18 to 24 months, your dog will likely not be excessively boisterous. Is there liability to owning an Irish Wolfhound mix? Any time you own a large breed in the current social environment, you can run into liability issues. If your dog involves himself in an incident, everyone will scrutinize him more closely if he belongs to certain canine groups, i. However, we did not see Irish Wolfhounds on any dangerous dog lists in the United States. Ukraine bans them, but it has over 80 dog breeds on its list. You will likely have trouble getting a Wolfhound into a rental building because of her size and intimidation factor. Many insurance policies and lease owners classify German Shepherds as guard dogs and ban them outright along with Dobermans. However, a concerning trend sees an increasing number of countries and municipalities imposing bans on owning a GSD, one of the most popular dogs worldwide. Ironically, for our story, Ireland is a country that bans German Shepherds. You may have a mix with no recognizable Shepherd present to the casual observer, but chances are someone will be able to tell your dog is part GSD. If you are searching for a new home and puppy together, check your regulations, so you ensure your dog has somewhere to live. If you are persistent, you can find people who still judge dogs based on personality and not breed. Measures you can take to improve the personality of your Irish Wolfhound Shepherd mix are ongoing socialization, buying from a reputable dog breeder who appears to care about animal welfare, and meeting one or both parents where possible. Socializing your puppy does not end when she reaches adulthood. Eastern German and Czech working GSD lines may not be mentally mature until they are three years old. Giant breeds, albeit not as sensitive as German Shepherds, still take two years to fully mature. While the crucial cutoff for the most effective socialization for dogs ends around 16 weeks old, it would not hurt for you to expose your Irish Wolfhound Shepherd mix to a variety of stimuli, animals, and people well into her third year. Building social skills is a form of training and conditioning. It is important to eliminate sources of fear and anxiety that come from a sheltered existence, and that can lead to inappropriate aggression. You can even lessen the effects of genetics with persistent socialization. Is the Irish Greyhound Shepherd a healthy mix? Will my Wolfhound mix live a long time? According to Petmed. German Shepherds live 10 to 12 or 13 years. Your mix will probably live closer to the 11 to year range depending on how big he gets. There are a few health concerns The Irish Wolfhound Shepherd hybrid can inherit certain problems from his parent breeds. Von Willebrands disease both breeds — a clotting disorder that causes excessive bleeding. Your mix may inherit hip or elbow dysplasia. Bloat — Large deep-chested dogs are more vulnerable than other breeds to the stomach distending, allowing it to twist. Megaesophagus both breeds — A devastating disorder where the esophagus has poor muscle tone, a large esophagus can lead to food inhalation and corresponding pneumonia. Affected dogs often need their food elevated which leaves them more prone to bloat. Always figure semi-annual veterinary check-ups, customized vaccination schedules, various consults, radiographs, and other tests into the cost of owning an Irish Wolfhound Shepherd mix. The Irish Wolfhound requires considerable attention to his coat. He has a dense, soft undercoat with a hard or wiry overcoat that is longer in certain areas. Wolfhound owners typically trim the beard, eyebrows, and between the toes, especially if showing. Other owners engage in stripping their Irish Wolfhounds, pulling out dead and unsightly overcoat hairs to facilitate new fur growth. If he is lucky to get a short GSD coat, he may shed a lot but will need only weekly brushing. Other coat variants will require you to brush more frequently. Your mix will do well in winter, but you will need to monitor her in the heat. The Irish Wolfhound, unlike Salukis and some other sighthounds, does not do exceptionally well in hot weather, according to Dogtime. Monitor your hybrid as her adjustments to summer will depend on her coat type. How much exercise does your Irish Wolfhound-Shepherd need? According to Dog-learn. German Shepherds, built and developed for stamina, need an hour and a half to two hours of activity every day. Plan on engaging your Irish Wolfhound-Shepherd in rigorous exercise for 30 to 45 minutes and training or other mental activity for another 15 to 30 minutes a day. Some mixes may have the exercise needs of a working GSD. Your mix can probably engage in the same activities as a Shepherd, like agility, fly ball, and Shutzhund. A few individuals may enjoy lure coursing, while others can excel at herding. You can also try to search and rescue and track. The following videos are two examples of the mix. This first film illustrates a dog that looks most like a GSD. Note the shaggy fur and how the quality of hair is much like an Irish Wolfhound. This is a very athletic and speedy dog. This video illustrates a puppy who looks much like an Irish Wolfhound with a more refined face, unusual dark pigment patterning for a Wolfhound, and shorter fur. Note the relatively long legs. Compare the puppy with the purebred Shepherd, possibly his mother.

We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. You might be concerned that this is a sign or some kind of anxiety, frustration, or deviancy. That said, if it is an uncharacteristic behavior that they seem to develop suddenly, if they seem to do it compulsively, or if it is very difficult to get them to stop, these can all be signs that there is something up with your dog that needs some attention. It is called this because it also looks a lot like what male dogs do with female dogs when they are in heat. But simulated mounting can be done in a huge variety of circumstances and with pretty much anything. Dogs may appear like they are humping the air, another animal or a person, or an inanimate object. While the behavior is most common in male dogs, and especially non-neutered male dogs and male puppies before they have been neutered, female dogs will also sometimes display this behavior. Why Do Dogs Hump? There are a variety of reasons why your dog might start humping the air or something else. Some are simple instinctive behaviors, while others are concerning. It is important to observe the situation that your dog is in, and what kind of stimulus they are exposed to, to determine the motivation for their mounting behavior. Here are the primary reasons that your dog might be humping the air and how to identify them. This can send their hormones into overdrive and cause a high level of frustration. Humping the air can be a way to release that tension. This behavior is also quite common in male puppies before they are neutered. While they are not yet ready to mate, the hormones are developing within them and they need an outlet, which humping can offer. This is not that different from human teenage boys. Male dogs that have been neutered may also hump for this reason, and not just in the roughly one month after the operation that it takes for their hormones to settle down. Male neutered dogs can still produce sex hormones. These are the dogs that are most likely to want to hump some of their favorite toys. In this case, it is more or less best to let them get on with it, and make sure to keep a bit of distance between them and any female dogs that might be in heat. Our female Golden Retriever who we never noticed hump anything in her first 6 years decided to hump our female Lab when she went into heat. If your dog reaches any levels or uncontrollable excitement, they might use humping as a way to release that tension. You will often see this if a dog has been at home alone all day and you finally walk through the door. They are so excited to see you that they might start humping the air,—or you. This suggests that you have a high-maintenance dog when it comes to sociability and attention, and that you should avoid leaving them at home alone for long periods at a time. If this is challenging because of work , it might be worth having a dog walker take them out during the day. Another scenario might be a dog that spends most of the day inside. When you let them out to do their business and get a bit of exercise, they can get so excited that they start humping the air. Up their daily exercise, and be sure to leave them with appropriate puzzle toys so that they have something to stimulate their minds while they are stuck inside. You can find our recommendations for the best puzzle toys here. Poor Socialization Dogs that have not been properly socialized as a puppy do not always know what to do in certain situations. They may resort to humping as a way to initiate engagement. This is a worrying behavior that can develop if your dog is not taught how to interact with new humans and other animals. The key to prevention is good training as a puppy. Training is also the answer to curbing this behavior in adult dogs. However, if the humping behavior has already become ingrained and habitual, you will very likely need the services of a professional trainer. Displacement Behavior If your dog suddenly develops humping behavior, and especially if they seem to hump the air spontaneously and not in response to anything, this can be a sign that your pup is dealing with stress and anxiety. Mounting is a way for them to release the tension that has built up in their body. When this is the case, you need to look at the underlying cause of their stress. It is most likely a traumatic event which hopefully you will know about or something that has changed in their lives recently. Dogs are very sensitive to change. If new people or animals join or leave the household, this can cause them stress. Even changes in the way the house smells can cause them anxiety. Have you changed your laundry detergent? Has something in their routine changed? Are they spending more time alone? Some of these are issues that you can address, but in other cases you might just have to wait for your dog to adjust. In the meantime, a little bit of air humping is an innocent and harmless way for them to let off a little bit of steam. Medical Issues In some relatively rare cases, humping can be a sign of medical issues, and moving in this way can be an attempt to alleviate some discomfort they are feeling in that area of their body. Some of the most common medical issues that might be at fault are urinary tract infections and skin allergies. You are likely to notice other symptoms when this is the case. For example, if they have a UTI, you might notice that the color or their urine is different, and that they look uncomfortable when peeing and may even cry out. They could also suffer a bit of incontinence. If you suspect your dog is suffering from a UTI or skin allergies then you should contact your vet to find the best solution for your dog. These include: Natura Petz Organics Urinary Tract Kit If it is a skin allergy, in addition to redness of the skin you will probably also notice frequent scratching and licking of the area. These include:. Dogs of any age may initiate humping behavior, whether with their littermates, other pets in their home, or unknown dogs they meet at the park or at daycare. Response to Stress or Overstimulation Humping can be a self-soothing behavior for dogs who are stressed, whether it's "good" stress or bad stress. This is usually the most common reason for humping that I see in my behavior consultations. Or a dog may become anxious in certain environments or when uncomfortable with what's going on around them, such as with other dogs or when new people visit your home. When there's a lot going on in the environment, a dog may become overstimulated and not know how to deal. A dog can start humping when they get really excited, such as when you arrive home after they've been alone all day or when guests come over to visit. This could happen when they are at a dog park or dog daycare, and there are a lot of different dogs and play styles that your dog can't control. Play Initiation Humping is a normal part of dog play behavior. It's not unusual to see a dog try to initiate play with another by humping or to see humping as part of wrestling. While it may be embarrassing to see your dog start to hump another, if it's just a short burst during otherwise appropriate play sessions, it's okay to let it go. However, watch for other signs of stress or overstimulation, as a dog may start humping during play when they feel overwhelmed or are policing other dogs' play. You'll also want to make sure that the dog being humped isn't showing signs of stress or dislike of being the target. Some dogs don't mind it if it's just a small part of the overall play, but other dogs can get very annoyed and lash out in response. Learn more about managing dog play here. Dominance I always hesitate to introduce the "dirty D word" when talking about dog behavior because it has been misused and misunderstood. And that misunderstanding of dominance has resulted in inhumane training methods being encouraged throughout the industry. With that being said, humping can be related to dominance or social status in dogs. BUT — the dog doing the humping isn't always the one trying to dominate the other. A more insecure dog may hump a more confident dog simply because they don't have the social skills to otherwise deal with the situation. And a confident dog may just let them! Typically, humping related to social status between dogs is seen along with other body language signals related to social status, such as posturing, submissive rollovers, or face licking. If a dog is humping a person, it's most likely to be stress-induced or overstimulation. Dominance between humans and dogs is rarely an actual thing. Humans are what we call "super dominant" over dogs — we control all the resources, after all — and dogs know this. Hormones Yes, humping can be about sex! Puppies approaching sexual maturity around 5—8 months old may start humping for reasons other than play or stress. Those teenage hormones are raging, and it's instinctual to mount and hump in response. Dogs can smell when a female dog is about to go into heat , and this can trigger the instinctual response to mount — even in neutered males. A dog may also find out that humping feels good and then engage in more humping, whether on another dog, a person, or a favorite pillow, to experience this "pleasure" even more. Watch this quick video to see a young puppy engage in humping with an adult dog playmate. He's likely starting to feel the urge as he gets closer to sexual maturity, but it's likely combined with the excitement and overstimulation after romping around and playing. Notice how the adult dog is rather permissive but does mouth at him to ask him to stop and then moves away. That's a great sign of a confident and well-socialized dog who knows how to interact with puppies well. Here's another video example of a dog in a daycare setting who was five months old. His increase in humping was most likely caused by hormones but could also have been a learned play behavior combined with overstimulation. His humping became an issue because it was so obsessive — and he was a large and strong dog — he was dismissed from daycare a month prior to the neutering age requirement. Note: You'll notice that the dog he is humping is rather permissive and doesn't seem bothered by being humped. The daycare attendants in this video allowed the humping to continue as long as it did so they could get video footage to show the dog's owner. However, there are a few possibilities to consider and rule out just to be sure: Urinary tract infections: These are generally painful and may cause pain and swelling of the genitals. Humping may help relieve this discomfort. Skin infections: These types of infections are often itchy and cause irritation. Humping may be an alternative to chewing or licking to relieve discomfort, pain, and frustration. Priapism persistent erection : When erections last for an extended period of time, it can be painful, and instead of licking, some dogs hump to ease the pain. How to Stop Dog Humping Humping, while a natural behavior, can become a problem for the following reasons: The other dog or pet may not tolerate humping and react aggressively to make your dog stop. A large dog can hurt a smaller or older dog in their enthusiastic humping efforts. Frequent humping, especially when young, can become a lifelong habit if not stopped. If caused by stress, a dog can become more fearful and anxious over time if not addressed. Humping may escalate to more reactive behaviors. Chronic stress affects your dog's health as well. It can lead to high blood pressure and other medical issues. Most people don't appreciate being humped by a dog and the larger the dog, the more likely they may knock over or injure someone. Young children, the elderly, or immunocompromised individuals are at higher risk of infection if accidentally scratched while being humped by a dog. Even if the humping is mostly a non-issue such as play-related humping , other dog owners may not like or want your dog humping their dog. Having your male dog neutered can certainly help reduce hormone-related humping. However, it's important to address your dog's humping behavior prior to neutering if it is driven by hormones. Not because it's not "okay" — remember, it's a natural and instinctual behavior. But hormone-driven behaviors can become lifetime habits even after neutering. If a dog rehearses humping behavior over and over, it becomes self-reinforcing and will not just disappear after being neutered. Address Your Dog's Stress It's important to consider the environmental factors that may be causing your dog stress or simply being too much for them to handle all at once. If these situations trigger humping behavior, you'll want to address whether taking your dog to the dog park or daycare is appropriate. Instead, you could set up playdates with other dogs that your dog is more comfortable with or plan your visits to the park when there are fewer dogs. This can be especially helpful for dogs who hump as a way of policing other dogs' play. If they hump people or other pets, you can reduce excitement and stress through management and training — keeping your dog in a separate area until they've calmed down or for the entirety of the visit if the stress is fear-based , and working on desensitization and counterconditioning with a certified dog trainer or behavior consultant. Providing other self-soothing activities for hyper or anxious dogs can go a long way in preventing the humping from even starting. Interrupt and Redirect Your Dog To stop humping, try to be proactive in managing your dog. If I see a dog that is starting to mount or hump, I'll simply use their name recognition cue to interrupt and get their attention. Then I can redirect their attention to a different activity if necessary. I may allow them to go back to play, or I may have them take a break for a few minutes to calm down. If your dog doesn't respond to their name or call away cue, then you need to go and get them. Give them a break for a few minutes before letting them go back to play. If they resume persistent humping, they are likely humping due to overstimulation, stress, or hormones. In this case, group play may not be a good choice for them while you work on addressing those issues. Here's an example of me calling a dog during play who was starting to hump a playmate: Provide an Alternative 'Target' If your dog has taken to stress humping on pillows or other household items, or even humping people, sometimes the easiest solution is to give them a designated humping pillow or stuffed animal. This could be something you do as a stopgap while you address their underlying stress or overstimulation, or can even be a long-term management solution for some dogs. Don't Punish Your Dog for Humping Humping is a natural dog behavior and can be a sign your dog needs support if they are overwhelmed or stressed. Yelling at or otherwise punishing a dog for humping not only won't fix the problem, but it can have some unintended consequences, such as increased anxiety, damage to your relationship, or escalation into aggressive behavior. Focus on calmly interrupting your dog's humping and then addressing the real reason they are engaging in this behavior. Does your dog hump a lot? What do you think causes your dog's humping? Let me know in the comments! With over 13 years of experience, she has had the opportunity to work with hundreds of dogs on a wide variety of training and behavior issues. Beyond her one-on-one consultations through Pupstanding Academy, she also teaches group dog training classes at Seattle Humane. Her specialties include dog aggression, resource guarding, separation anxiety, and puppy socialization. She has also completed the Aggression in Dogs Master Course. When she's not geeking out about dogs, you can find her reading, hiking with her two Cardigan Welsh Corgis, or paddleboarding. Canberra, Australia Humping isn't necessarily a sexual behaviour. It's not dominance. It's often a play behaviour or an attempt to initiate play. It's not a hugely polite way of doing it, but it's well intentioned.My dog Obi is 4 and he was desexed at 7 months. There are some individual dogs that he will always want to hump, without fail. Usually these are chocolate Labradors also desexed but there was also one very elderly male Border Collie at our dog club that was a humping magnet we just had to keep Obi on lead around this old doggie. With all the dogs he humps he's trying to get them to play a chasing or wrestling game. So, humping can be a behaviour that is directed at certain lucky individuals only and it can be a play thing. If it is a play thing, it is most definitely not going to be resolved by neutering. But if there are other reasons you want to neuter then go ahead. In the meantime, building a strong recall cue or 'leave it' cue are better alternatives - or just removing your dog off the other dog. And don't worry, your dog is totally normal and it is definitely not something he's doing to be dominant. Think of it as a slightly goofy, slightly socially inept way of sending out a party invitation - that's all it is really. Arousal The cause could be that it is aroused. You can reduce this behavior by getting it neutered or you can try the ignore or redirect techniques mentioned in the section below. Dominance It could also be the case that it is a power play where your Labrador is trying to figure out how much power it has and to exert its power over you or other dogs. As mentioned on pets webmd the Labrador that is doing the humping might not be the dominant Labrador. Rather, it might be unsure of its status and it is doing the humping to figure it out. If this is the cause then there will likely be other signs of dominance-seeking behavior such as not being willing to listen to your command, aggression or other power plays like trying to sit on you or where you would normally sit or trying to lay down in a position higher than you. Regardless, you should take measures to prevent this. You can do that by doing lots of training with it so that it sees you as the one in charge. Labradors will often show their levels of excitement by doing outlandish things like humping or rolling in the grass or even mud. If your Labrador only seems to do the humping when it gets excited then excitement is likely to be the cause. Situations, where it might get excited, could include when you are playing with it or when you arrive home. To prevent this kind of behavior you should make sure to give it lots of exercise so that you can reduce its hyperactivity and to train it not to by trying the ignore or redirect techniques in the section below. You could also try getting it neutered if you can. Attention It could also be the case that it does it in order to get extra attention from you. This would be more likely if it does it more when you have not been giving it much attention and if you tend to give it more attention when it does it. Instead, it would help to give it attention throughout the day by training it, walking it and playing with it. But, it would help to stop rewarding it with attention when it starts misbehaving unless necessary. Stress The cause could also be that something is causing it to be stressed. If this is the cause then it may have come on suddenly after a recent stressful event or it might be due to something that happened when it was young. Some things to consider when trying to figure out if this is the cause would be whether or not there has recently had a stressful event like losing a friend, changing its owner or changing its home. Neuter it The first option that you could consider would be to neuter it. There are also a number of other benefits to neutering your Labrador such as allowing it to be more healthy and reducing its urge to roam so it would help to consider it anyway. Get up and ignore it Since your Labrador might be doing it in order to get extra attention from you, one option would also be to stop giving it attention when it starts doing it. By doing so, you should be able to teach it that humping you will not result in it getting attention from you. Try the redirect method Another option would be to train your Labrador to do something else such as to roll over and to tell it to do that as soon as it looks like it is about to start humping. Doing this could get it out of the habit of trying to hump you. Give it lots of exercise It would also help to give it daily exercise so that it is fully stimulated. Generally, it is recommended for adult Labradors to get at least an hour of exercise per day. Give it distractions Another option that you could try would be to take its mind away from humping. You can do this by giving it lots of toys and bones to play with. If you wait until it is older then getting it to stop doing it will be a lot more difficult since the habit will be more ingrained. Avoid punishing it If you punish it when it misbehaves it might not understand why it is being punished. Instead, it would help to reward it when it is being well behaved and to use positive reinforcement training to get it to change its behavior. How To Stop Your Puppy From Humping December 6, Both male and female dogs hump for a range of reasons, many of which have nothing to do with sexual desire. Why is my puppy humping? Because of this, it can continue into adulthood, even if your dog is female and has been desexed. Some dogs respond to stressful or exciting situations by mounting things. It may also happen if your puppy is scared at the dog park. Sexually motivated mounting is usually accompanied by certain body language: tail up, panting, whining or pawing. What age does a puppy start humping? At around 6 months once your puppy reaches their sexual maturity, their humping will grow more sexually charged. Is it normal for a puppy to hump? Overall, male and female humping is usually a way to alleviate excitement during play, stress relief or an expression of dominance. If your adult dog has begun humping recently, it could be a symptom of a medical related issue. If humping suddenly appears or grows more frequent, it could be a sign of a urinary incontinence, a UTI, skin allergies or priapism. Why is my female puppy humping? It is not uncommon for female dogs to hump often if they have not been spayed or desexed. Female puppies tend to have their first season anywhere between months old. However, humping in female dogs can still just be the result of them attempting to assert social dominance and honing their social interaction skills. Here are some suggestions on how to stop your dog from humping. Tough love Humping is usually caused by anxiety or over-excitement.

Cotton Goose We purchased Goose from the Dec 25th litter and you chose to put his picture on the website! We just wanted to send you a quick note saying that we are still getting compliments on a daily basis and love the dog that he has become. We just took our engagement photos so I thought I would send one along to you to see An updated pic of Goose! Have a great summer! She has grown to be the most beautiful and smart dog I've met. Her temperament has been calm since day one! Such a fast learner, loves to swim and retrieve, and is full of personality. I couldn't be happier with her. Compliments everywhere we go, thank you again. .Cotton Cotton Cotton We bought Cotton on March 23rd and it's been sooo much fun since he became our part of family. He is 10 months old now. He is sooo full of energy all the time and he always get excited when I arrive at home after work. He loves water, its so much fun seeing him swimming. Everyone around our neighborhood loves him and he is the most pretty dog ever.Jagger Bleu Cotton Hi there! We sure love our girl who turns 1 Dec 21st! You did a great job, she is so CALM! He is so smart!! He is an AKC S. White Lab Puppy!! But generations of selective breeding for the palest possible coat color, combined with black eye rims, nose leather and lips, makes these Labs look very like polar bears. What is a polar bear Lab? A polar bear Lab is quite simply a Labrador with physical features that make them look a bit like a polar bear. There are no formal rules about what traits a Lab needs to have to be considered more like a white bear dog than just a regular Lab, and so everyone will have their own idea about which Labs qualify. Generally though, it means: They have an extremely pale yellow coat. But yellow Labrador coats range from fox red to palest creamy white, depending on which other genes are interacting with the basic yellow coat gene more on this in a moment! Their eye rims, nose and lips are black. This sets them apart from pale yellow puppies with pink eye rims, noses and lips which are known as dudley Labs. And they come from English, or show type breeding lines. Labradors usually belong to one of two breeding lines — American, or working type, which are slightly taller, leaner, and athletic-looking, and English, or show type, which are shorter, stockier, and basically more bear-like in build. Labradors come in three standard colors, which are inherited in a predictable genetic way: Black Chocolate Yellow Standard yellow coats vary in intensity, from bright fox reds all the way down to pale buttery creams. An additional, a well understood but non-standard coat color gene in Labs is the color dilution gene. Labrador enthusiasts disagree on whether color dilution is a genuinely occurring recessive trait in Labradors, or evidence of illicit outcrossing with Weimaraners in the recent past. Yellow Labradors who inherit the color dilution gene from both parents have extremely pale yellow coats, sometimes described as champagne. Despite the controversy over color dilution, polar bear Labs will still qualify for pedigree papers, if their breeder can prove that they have a qualifying pedigree ancestry. Do white Labs have hair like a polar bear? In fact, polar bear fur is completely unique, and rather remarkable. Each follicle is hollow and transparent, so that it only appears white because it reflects the snow around it. In fact when polar bears are kept in captivity, their fur sometimes turns green due to algae growing inside the hollow hairs! Scientists have even been inspired by the polar bears coat to develop new textiles with enhanced heat generating and storing properties. Is white the rarest Labrador color? Of the three standard coat colors, chocolate is the least common. Black is the most common, and yellow coats fall in between. Dilute coats used to be vanishingly rare, and if they occurred dilute puppies would probably have been culled at birth and not recorded. These days, dilute coats are gaining popularity with pet owners who like the idea of their Labrador being a bit different from the crowd. Polar white coats are just one type of dilute coat though, so they are still fairly uncommon. However, breeders should never focus on achieving any color at the expense of securing things like optimum health, or good temperament. Polar bear Lab temperament All Labradors tend to be energetic, affectionate, intelligent, and sociable. Factors which shape the finer details of individual temperament include: The temperament of their parents. Training and working status. How much exercise they get. How well they are socialized as puppies. On average, English type Labs are described as being more placid and mellow than American type Labs, since their traditional role was to stand patiently on a show bench, rather than work in the field. Since polar bear Labs tend to be from English lines, they also tend to be amongst the calmest Labs. Since they need so much interaction, they are best suited to households where someone is at home and able to engage with them for most of the day. Polar bear Lab health All Labradors should be bred from health tested parents. This means their parents should have been screened for the following conditions before mating takes place: Hip dysplasia Eye disease Exercise induced collapse. Breeders should not decline to commission any of these tests, or press ahead despite a poor result, simply because the pairing would achieve very polar bear looking puppies. The yellow coat itself is not specifically linked to an increased risk of any illnesses, but the color dilution gene has been linked to color dilution alopecia. Breeding lines of super pale Labs should be discontinued if individuals within it develop alopecia. Finding white polar bear Lab puppies for sale Like other unusual colors such as charcoal and silver, most polar white Lab puppies come from a small number of breeders who are particularly invested in producing breeding lines with a high proportion of ultra pale coats. If your heart is set on a polar bear Lab puppy, this does at least narrow down your search. Our puppy resources can help you navigate that process with confidence. Polar bear Lab puppies price Responsible breeding is an expensive business: health tests, the cost of traveling to a suitable sire, whelping materials and veterinary fees all add up. In addition, breeders may legitimately charge more for puppies from exceptional breeding lines. For example if they have lots of field trial or conformation show champions in their pedigree. This is because putting a premium price on a quality which is easily replicable like color makes dogs vulnerable to puppy farming. Puppy farmers breed dogs for profit above all else, and are quick to exploit trends for new colors. In terms of health and temperament, polar Labs are the same as English Labs in any other color. Have you already brought home a polar bear Lab puppy? American Eskimo Dog. By Tom Massey Dec 09, Yellow Labradors are among the most versatile coloration of Retriever breed, ranging from a creamy yellow to a foxy red. But the rarest coloration is the polar bear lab, whose genotype requires a lot of expert knowledge on genetics and safe breeding. Originally bred as show dogs, the polar bear lab is one of the most gorgeous and well-favored dogs in the world. What Is a Polar Bear Lab? Both have the same pure, iridescent white coat with black pigmentation around the nose, mouth, and eyes. So, where do white labs fit in? White Labs, or polar bear labs, are a variation of yellow labs. Some people refer to them as the palest shade of yellow, which qualifies them as an official color for Labrador Retrievers. There are several coats with their own variations, including: Black Silver Chocolate Light and dark chocolate Yellow Light cream, fox red, and polar bear white Interestingly, each color has its own reputation! Black labs, for example, are the most common type and have been commonly used as gundogs. Chocolate labs are excellent in the field since their coats blend in with surrounding foliage. Finally, yellow labs are most recognized as service dogs, since they are known for their patience and companionship. White labs are specifically trendy show dogs. But obtaining the color of a polar bear lab is no easy feat. It takes experienced breeders who have plenty of knowledge in phenotypes and genetics to breed an all-white Labrador. The Mystery of Color Inheritance Obtaining the exact polar bear color takes several generations of dogs by slowly phasing out the yellow color in the coat. This is done by consistently pairing paler labs with other pale labs to produce the famous milky-white color. To understand how this is possible, you have to have a basic understanding of how genetics work. The little b has less eumelanin, which means it may cause a chocolate coat. But where do white labs come in? Image Source True white labs will always have a dark pigment — which is why their features are often black. Notice that e is always first because it is a masking gene, and completely overrides the dominant B gene. Essentially, breeding polar bear labs with their great dark features is a game of mixing and matching. White labs are among some of the popular Labrador types because of their gorgeous coat and winning personalities. They are also shorter, stockier, and broader, which makes them excellent show dogs. They are famous for their eagerness to please, meaning that they crave a leader and are very susceptible to learning commands, tricks, and socialization skills. While English white labs are generally calmer , they still require plenty of exercise and playtime. Reason 4: White Labs Are Common Service Dogs Labradors are one of the most common breeds that act as service dogs , which are incredibly vital roles that require a lot of training. Service dogs provide support to people with disabilities by assisting during daily activities or providing aid in the event of an unexpected emergency. Snowy Pines always guarantees great temperaments, health records, and of course, a gorgeous white coat. If you are looking for that special new labrador puppy addition to your family, we have a perfect blocky Lab Puppy for you. Our Snow White Lab Pups possess lots of bone, coat and that wonderful lab temperament. Just to clarify, the white shade coat is simply the lightest form of the yellow Labrador Retriever!! There is nothing rare about the white coat. This shade along with black pigment gives our puppies the look we so desire. The AKC standard states — yellows may range in color from fox-red to light cream. We breed for the lightest shade of cream, which oftentimes many refer to as White or White Labradors. This slideshow requires JavaScript. Our pedigrees are strong with English show and obedience champions. We limit our breedings; selectively breeding for temperament, beauty, and quality. Our pups are sold as pets on a limited AKC registration. We as breeders produce yellow labs that range from snow white to cream in color. We stand behind the dogs we produce; always eager to hear from the people who have acquired them. You are welcome to visit our facility on weekends to meet our white labs. If you cannot make the trip to Tennessee we are proud to provide potential white lab puppy purchasers with pictures, pedigrees, and references. If you have questions or concerns, please fill free to contact us. We know there are many white Labrador breeders out there but do not settle for a puppy that does not have lots of bone, a big blocky head, and that nice thick otter tail. Always check out the sire and dam to make sure both possess these essential English Labrador characteristics! Puppies receive half of their genetic makeup from mom and half from dad. It is important that both parents display the characteristics you are desiring in a puppy. All white lab puppies are adorable but not all are equal. We offer yellow, cream and white Labrador retrievers for sale several times a year — usually 1 — 4 litters yearly. If you would like to get on our waiting list please contact us via email. We offer Lab Puppies for Sale to pet family homes. We select the most handsome studs for our white labrador program that have beautiful black pigment. These amazing white stud dogs produce some of the most gorgeous little white lab polar bear puppies you will ever see. Our English Lab Stud dogs are something to witness. Thank you so much for visit our English White Labradors website. All rights reserved.

This is not necessarily true, as a dog's nose normally changes wetness and dryness throughout the day. A dog's nose can be an indicator of some medical conditions, like sunburn, but additional signs of illness are necessary to determine if your golden retriever is ill. Causes of a Wet Nose Your golden retriever's nose is normally wet because of a thin layer of clear mucus covering the nose. This mucus is thought to help regulate temperature and to support the sense of smell. The layer of mucus absorbs chemicals from around the environment. Your dog then licks his nose, transferring the chemicals to his mouth, where his olfactory sense organs are located, enabling him to detect scents. Causes of a Dry Nose A dog's nose is generally dry due to environmental factors, such as laying in the sun for too long or laying next to a fireplace or floor heater in the winter. This is normal, reversed by moving your dog to a colder or more humid area. In contrast, a dry nose can be an indication that your golden retriever has sunburn, especially if the nose is flaking. Sores or scabs on a dry nose may indicate that your dog has a skin condition. What You Can Do If you are worried that your golden retriever may be sick, do not solely rely on checking his nose to determine if he needs medical attention. Obtain his temperature using a rectal thermometer. To do so ask a friend to keep his head steady. Apply petroleum jelly to the bulb of the thermometer, lift his tail and insert the thermometer at least an inch into his rectum. Hold it until it beeps or for at least three minutes if it's a traditional mercury thermometer. A dog's normal temperature range is to .When to See a Veterinarian Make an appointment with your veterinarian if your dog shows any abnormal signs of illness, such as a temperature outside the normal range, or thick, yellowish or offensive-smelling discharge coming from the nose, ears or eyes. If your dog's nose changes in wetness, dryness or pigmentation for a prolonged period of time, make an appointment to see a vet. More Articles. Not only will this decrease their stress level, but it will also make drying them so much easier for yourself. Use A Towel One of the easiest ways to dry your dog off, is to simple use a towel. A nice thick bath towel is always a good choice, and you can just keep one by the door for when your pup comes home wet. Instead of just rubbing their coat, you should aim to press the towel into them to soak up the water. A top tip, is to also keep a towel on the floor to stop their feet from ruining your carpets. Using A Microfiber Towel If you want to go one step further you can also try to use a microfiber towel. Microfiber towels are also better for your golden retrievers fur, as it helps to keep it fluffy and soft. As well as this, always keep the hair dryer moving to stop your golden retriever getting too hot. Instead, try turning it on in the room so they can get used to the sound. Use A High Velocity Dryer When it becomes evident that drying your golden retriever is going to be a frequent occurrence, it might be time to invest in a good high velocity dryer. Instead of using heat to remove water, they remove water from your pups coat just by the sheer force of the air flow. Try Quick Drying Spray Last but not least, you can also try adding quick drying spray to their fur to encourage it to dry. However, out of all of these methods, this is the one that is going to be most hit and miss. First of all, avoid brushing them when their fur is tangled. If you brush them during this time not only are the knots going to get worse, but it can also be quite painful for your little pup. Instead you should use a detangling brush or detangling spray. When you do this, you just risk increasing the amount of knots they have in their fur. Brushing against the fur will often create more knots and can be quite painful for your golden retriever as well. Because golden retrievers have a double coat and thick fur, it can increase the chances of them getting skin irritations such as hot spots. Which are extremely uncomfortable for them. Cheaper than replacing everything they might break. And definitely cheaper than a lawsuit against you, if they decide to bite someone. And the best part is it also has a day money-back guarantee! You can also check out a full review here to learn exactly what the course has to offer! So remember, the best ways to dry your golden retriever include drying them with a towel, hairdryer, or drying spray. And you also want to make sure you avoid brushing them when their fur is tangled or wet. If you liked this article, make sure you check out the rest of the website. Otherwise have a great day! Related Posts:. The 3 best methods for drying a Golden Retriever at home are towel drying, blow drying, or using a quick dry spray. Towel drying is the easiest and most convenient, and involves using a highly absorbent towel such as microfiber. A human hairdryer can be used as well, but only on a low setting! Each method has its pros and cons. I like to lay one towel on the bathroom floor, have one towel ready for immediate drying after the bath, and 2 more towels on the bedroom floor just outside the bathroom. By laying towels on the floor, you will minimize the water that ends up on your flooring, and hopefully, your dog is like mine and rubs himself dry on the towels instead of your carpet. Does it matter what towel you use for drying your dog? Microfiber towels are going to do a better job of drying your Golden, as compared to regular bath towels. The Absorber Towel is basically a sham wow for dogs! You simply wring it out and keep drying your dog. Plus, it saves you from needing multiple bath towels! Most people vigorously dry their dog with a towel, which can lead to frizzy hair, tangles, and mats. Towel drying alone will not get your Golden completely dry, and areas that are left damp can lead to hot spots. You can use a hairdryer that you have at home or a high-velocity dog dryer. Regardless of which blow dryer you use, you will need to use caution. Blow in the direction of hair growth. Keep the hairdryer moving so that the heat is not concentrated in one spot. Introducing your dog to the hairdryer should be done gradually, this way your dog gets used to the noise and feeling of air blowing on his fur. If your dog shows any signs of discomfort, stop blow drying, take a break, and try again. Keep in mind that some dogs may never get used to the blow dryer, and will run away or put up a fight. It reduces the noise from the blow dryer and works as a calming aid to reduce stress and anxiety. These dryers are typically more powerful and have different settings that allow you to control the temperature and airflow. Not sure which high-velocity dryer is best for Golden Retrievers? Check out my list of the 5 best! Use sweeping motions to keep the airflow moving and to avoid heat being concentrated in one spot. Use the dryer in a well-ventilated area, to avoid hair and dander buildup in the air. Monitor your dog for any signs of discomfort or stress, and take breaks or stop when your dog is uncomfortable. This short video offers some helpful tips: 3. However, there are mixed reviews about them. Some owners found that they really helped to cut down the drying time, while others said they noticed no difference. The thick water-repellent coat easily traps moisture, making it a breeding ground for bacteria, which can lead to skin irritation. Also, air drying takes forever, especially during cooler or humid temperatures, which can leave your Golden feeling uncomfortable and cold. It can lead to tangles and mats. This way you will prevent any potential problems, and keep your furry best friend comfortable and healthy. But, it turns out that drying a Golden Retriever can be just as challenging! Here are some common mistakes to avoid when drying your Golden Retriever at home: Rubbing Vigourosly With A Towel: This leads to mats, tangles, and frizzy hair. Always use a low or cool setting, and keep the dryer a few inches away from the skin. It also helps reduce static and makes the drying process smoother. Not Using Quick-Dry Spray As Directed: Using too much or too little spray can result in uneven drying or an ineffective drying process. Always follow the directions on the quick-dry spray to ensure the best results. Be sure to brush the coat when dry to keep it smooth and healthy. By taking your time and not rushing, you will avoid any potential irritation of the skin or overheating in your dog. Be sure to go slow, be gentle, and always make sure your dog is comfortable throughout the drying process. By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure a safe and effective drying process for your Golden Retriever! If you have any more questions, please leave them in the comments below. It is always best to use a blow dryer that is designed for pets, or a high-velocity dog dryer, to ensure safe and efficient drying. However, a human hairdryer can be used to dry your Golden Retriever, as long as you use caution. Air drying is not recommended for Golden Retrievers. Their thick dense fur retains moisture which can lead to skin irritation, potential hot spots , and discomfort. Towel drying or blow drying is the best method to ensure effective drying of the coat. This can be done by starting with short and gentle drying sessions and using treats and positive reinforcement. This short video demonstrates how to desensitize your dog to the blow dryer by making a game out of it: You may also wish to consult with a vet or groomer for additional tips. The frequency of bathing and drying your Golden Retriever will depend on how often they get dirty or smelly. Naturally, you will want to bathe your Golden after they rolled in something nasty! However, bathing and drying too frequently can lead to skin irritation and dryness. A good rule of thumb is once every weeks, but more or less depending on your individual Golden Retriever. Additionally, you want to use gentle and slow movements, to avoid causing any stress or anxiety to your puppy. Be sure to make the drying process a positive experience for your puppy by giving lots of praise, and rewarding your pup with treats. Final Thoughts So, next time your Golden Retriever is soaking wet from a bath or from swimming, you now know the best methods for getting them dry at home! Just be sure to avoid common mistakes like vigorously towel drying, or using a high heat setting on your blow dryer. What method do you use to dry your Golden Retriever at home? Let me know in the comments below! I would love to hear from you! Jenny I am the proud owner of a Golden Retriever named Ellie. She keeps me busy, and when she is resting, you can find me working on my blog. She is always close by though. I live in Stirling, ON Canada with my husband, and we both enjoy the never a dull moment life with our Ellie. Spread the love.