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Updated August 1, .This photo gallery includes photos of the cutest Pug puppies as well as cute pictures of adult Pugs. Pugs are a short faced, wrinkled, small breed of dog. This breed has its origins in China, but was brought to Europe in the 16th century. Their coats are typically either black or fawn in color and they have a compact and very muscular body. Because of their short snouts, they often experience a lot of breathing problems, though those wrinkled faces are absolutely adorable. Vote up the cutest, sweetest Pug pictures below. Dogs are man's best friend and have a special ability to lift spirits. This is exactly what the sweet dogs on this list of the cutest Pug puppies do. This gallery of adorable pugs can perk you up no matter how sad you are feeling. Pugs are good companion dogs and great with children. They are very strong willed and have big personalities. These cute Pugs are known especially for their muscular bodies and vibrant personalities. For that reason, a pug puppy makes a great pet for the whole family. Big Eyes. Many pug puppies claim the moniker of cutest pug in the world. With little funny pug faces and little funny pug butts, these puppies definitely have a chance of winning our annual cutest pug in the world contest! If popularity was the only determinant of cuteness in fact itsdougthepug would probably be the winner with some 2. Posing with food, pugs in costumes, pugs with other cute animals, all these "tricks" or cute puppy hacks definitely are good for upping your cute pug game but they will also disqualified from winning the title of "cutest pug in the world". Well, the critics have spoken and the votes for the cutest pug in the world are in! We have the hands down cutest pug puppy in the whole world! There are of course plenty of cute pug adults, and super cute senior pugs out there. There are cute one eyed pugs and amazingly cute fat pugs. There are even mega cute pug drawings, but thats not why you came here! You came here to find out hands down who the cutest pug is! And drum roll please! The winner of cutest pug in the world is.His cute little puppy paws probably smell like popcorn yes thats a thing! I can bet these pictures will make your day. At the end of this cute pictures of Pug puppies, you will find the information about their origin and path to their natural behavior and instincts. A cute Pug puppy hanging on a wood swing. This is not what i asked for, I am hungry. Can you please offer me treat? This is what i am excellent at. Tongue Tuesday. This shake has become my favorite drink. Image Source: Instagram imapugnamedhamilton They call me chubby. If yes, you can see me working very hard. Image Source: Wallpaperplay Giving an innocent look for a photo. My hooman finally decided to take me on a trip. Image Source: Instagram cutepuglovers A cute Pug puppy laying upside down. This is what you get when you wake me from a deep sleep. This is mine! Source: YouTube The Pug is a lap dog that originated from China and has a docile, friendly and charming personality. You will definitely want to buy this cute dog after seeing some of the cute pictures of it. The small-sized Pug is one of the oldest breeds of dog that has flourished since before the B. It is a lean and leggy dog with short legs and a long body.

What is a Sable French Bulldog? Sable Frenchies have sporadic black hair or black tips spread throughout their heads and bodies. Unlike spots or patches, the black hair on these Frenchies is distributed evenly and mixed with fawn fur, giving them a unique look. Locus refers to the location on the DNA. The A locus can have four alleles, and each allele results in particular coat colors. These alleles are a, at, aw, and ay. Of these, the ay gives the French bulldog Sable color. Are Sable Frenchies rare? Breeders still have not completely understood their genetic makeup, and most of the time, producing Sable Frenchies is a shot in the dark. Save Big On Dog Essentials! Welcome to our pack! Sable French Bulldog physical appearance Besides the coat and coat color, a Sable Frenchie is in every way similar to a regular Frenchie. They have petite, athletic bodies, flat muzzle, traditional bulldog jowls, and signature bat-like ears. Sable French Bulldog coat colors The most distinguishing feature of a Sable-colored French Bulldog is his striking coat. Sable Frenchies have a fawn or reddish fawn base coat littered with black hair. These black hairs are denser at the dorsal area top of the back, neck, and head. Some say fawn French Bulldogs have a black mask, but we also have the black mask Sable French bulldog. Let us help you distinguish between Sable and fawn next. So, what is the difference between fawn and Sable? Sable Sable is yellowish or reddish tan. Fawn is also yellowish or reddish tan. Sable Frenchies have black-tipped hair. Sable Frenchies have denser black hair on dorsal areas and mask. Fawn Frenchies have denser black hair only on the mask. Sable Frenchies are rare. You need to register them as fawns. Fawn Frenchies are AKC-recognized. A French bulldog Sable fawn color denotes that the Frenchie is both Sable and fawn, which is always the case. Blue Sable vs blue fawn French Bulldog The only significant difference between blue fawn and blue Sable French bulldog is the presence of dark-tipped hair. Blue Sable Blue Sable Frenchies have a fawn base coat. Blue fawn Frenchies also have a fawn base coat. Blue Sable Frenchies have blue-tipped hair. Blue Sable Frenchies have denser blue hair on dorsal areas and mask. Blue Fawn Frenchies have denser blue hair only on the mask. Blue Sable Frenchies are very rare. Blue Fawn Frenchies are not as rare as blue Sable Frenchies. The merle gene can also give Frenchies congenital disorders like blindness and deafness. Their coat is white with patches of fawn and blue tips throughout their body. Their coat has three colors with blue sabling, meaning they need to express the tri-color, dilution, and sabling genes simultaneously. The only difference between fawn and Sable is the presence of dark-tipped hair. The presence of all three genes gives this Frenchie a fascinating look. Lilac Sable French Bulldog Lilac or Isabella is a rare coat color that results from dilution of the chocolate color. These Frenchies can also have black-tipped hair, making them lilac Sable French Bulldogs. Red Sable French Bulldog Fawn comes in various hues, one of which is reddish fawn. Red fawn Sable French Bulldog Red fawn is another way to describe the color we mentioned earlier. A red fawn Sable Frenchie is simply a fawn Sable Frenchie with an orange tinge on their coat. Chocolate Sable French Bulldog Chocolate Frenchies can have any color coat, but their nose, eye rims, paw pads, and lips are brown instead of black. Sable tri French Bulldog A Sable tri Frenchie has three colors on his coat in addition to the black-tipped hair. This gene gives them blue eyes and splotches of faded color on their coat. Me Lilac sable French Bulldogs vs. While other color variations such as brindle, fawn, and pied are more common, Lilac Sable Frenchies have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their unique and striking appearance. Lilac sable French Bulldogs are almost the same as lilac fawn Frenchies. So, they have a light fawn coat color with an ashy or silver shine and their mask is also a lighter grey, but these puppies have black fur growing evenly all over their bodies, especially on their back. This gives their coat a bit of a darker shade rather than being ashy. One of the things that make Lilac Sable French Bulldogs unique is their rarity. They are a relatively new color variation and are not as commonly seen as other color variations. This exclusivity can make them particularly desirable to those who are looking for a dog that stands out from the crowd. In addition to their unique coloration, Lilac Sable French Bulldogs have the same endearing and affectionate personality traits as other Frenchies. They are known for being playful, loving, and loyal companions, making them an excellent choice for families, couples, and individuals alike. These small and affectionate dogs make wonderful companions and have many benefits for their owners. Frenchies have a lovable personality Frenchies are known for their affectionate and playful nature. They are loyal companions and love nothing more than spending time with their owners. French Bulldogs are easy to groom French Bulldogs have a short, smooth coat that requires minimal grooming. Frenchies are adaptable Frenchies are adaptable dogs that can adjust to a variety of living situations. They get along well with children and other pets, making them a great choice for families. Additionally, the demand for Lilac Sable French Bulldogs may be higher than other color variations, which can drive up the price. While the price of a Lilac Sable Frenchie may be steep, the joy and love they bring to your life are priceless. They truly are a unique and wonderful addition to any family. Here are three tips to help you find a reputable Frenchie breeder: 1. Do your research Before choosing a breeder, do your research and learn as much as you can about the breed. Look for information about health issues and genetic testing that should be performed on breeding dogs, as well as any red flags, to watch out for when choosing a breeder. Ask for references A reputable breeder will be happy to provide you with references from satisfied customers. Contact these references and ask about their experience with the breeder, including the health and temperament of their dog. Ask about health testing Reputable breeders will perform health tests on their breeding dogs to ensure that they are free from genetic diseases or health issues that could be passed down to their puppies. Ask the breeder about the health testing they perform and what steps they take to ensure the health and well-being of their dogs and puppies. By following these tips, you can find a breeder that prioritizes the health and well-being of their dogs and puppies and that is committed to ethical breeding practices. TomKings Kennel in a nutshell: why choose us? We are committed to responsible breeding practices and prioritize the health and well-being of our dogs. We perform genetic testing and health checks on our breeding dogs to ensure that our puppies are healthy and free from genetic diseases. We also provide proper care, nutrition, and medical attention to our dogs and puppies, which can help prevent behavioral issues in the future. Over the past 10 years, we received numerous positive reviews and testimonials from satisfied customers. You can meet Tomkings Frenchie owners in our closed Facebook group and for references. Our expert team has a deep understanding of the French Bulldog breed and is knowledgeable about its unique traits and characteristics. We can provide valuable advice and guidance to new owners, which can help ensure that the dog is well-cared for and happy in its new home. We have a variety of beautiful puppies available for purchase, making it easy to find the perfect Frenchie for your family. Overall, Tomkings Kennel is an excellent choice for anyone looking to add a French Bulldog to their family. With a commitment to responsible breeding practices, a reputation for excellence, and a deep knowledge of the breed, Tomkings Kennel is a breeder that you can trust to provide you with a healthy and happy French Bulldog puppy. When it comes to the colors of Frenchies, there are several options. The rarest or hardest-to-find colors will cost more than colors like white or black. Breed Overview Small to medium 11 — 12 inches Weight: 20 — 28 pounds for males, pounds for females Lifespan: 10 — 12 years Colors: Fawn, fawn and white, fawn brindle, brindle, brindle and white, cream, white and brindle, white and fawn Suitable for: Families looking for a playful, easy-to-groom lapdogs that does not require a lot of space. Temperament: Easygoing, sociable, gentle, friendly, playful, affectionate You might wonder what sets a Sable French Bulldog apart from the other colors. Well, we have the answer and more below. Dogs that are harder to train will require a bit more patience and practice. Proper exercise, nutrition, and hygiene also play an important role in the lifespan of your pet. More social dogs have a tendency to run up to strangers for pets and scratches, while less social dogs shy away and are more cautious, even potentially aggressive. When the inhumane sport was outlawed in , people began breeding smaller versions of the dog. Dogs deemed to have flaws, for example, if they were too small or had ears that stood up on end, were sent to France. The Sable Frenchie is a color variant of the familiar French Bulldog. They look like regular fawn Frenchies until you take a closer look at them. Sable Frenchies have sporadic black hairs and tips that are spread evenly and mixed with fawn fur, unlike a patch or a spot. Because breeding a Sable French Bulldog is challenging, their popularity has increased, and so has their price tag. The price will vary depending on the breeder you get them from. Image Credit: Firn, Shutterstock 3. Instead of black-tipped hair, they have blue-tipped hair with a blue mask. The French Bulldog, regardless of its color, is a wonderful pet. They are playful, affectionate, and well-behaved with children. They also have various health problems that can be difficult to deal with and costly to treat. These are very striking dogs which are fairly rare. Click on pictures to enlarge and to view full images. Eve is a lighter fawn color but is still a dark sable. Click on pictures to enlarge and to view full images of Eve. Darla is a darling girl who could pass for a light sable or a fawn. Like this time of year, Autumn is beautiful. She is a dark red fawn sable girl. Click on pictures to enlarge and to view full images of Autumn. Crow is simply adorable. He is a dark red fawn sable boy. Click on pictures to enlarge and to view full images of Crow. Colt is a cute little dark red sable boy. Click on pictures to enlarge and to view full images of Colt. Ruger is a stunning dark red sable boy! Click on pictures to enlarge and to view full images of Ruger. Shade is a gorgeous sable boy who will look very much like his pretty mother, Eve. He is such a sweet and content boy who loves to snuggle. Click on pictures to enlarge and to view full images of Shade. Her name is Fiona, and she may be stubborn like an Ogre by not being very cooperative for her pictures, but she is a sweet and shy little princess! Fiona is a beautiful dark sable girl. Click on pictures to enlarge and to view full images of Fiona. Check out some of our other puppies.

Labradoodles come in many colors! We specifically select our parents to your puppies based on specific criteria including health, temperament, size and color. To meet all the possible color and size needs of our families we try and ensure a color mix every year along with a range of sizes even in our small program. Again, temperament and family personality fit should come first when selecting a dog. We suggest you stay open, meet all the puppies and select based on multiple criteria. Parti Labradoodle What is a parti labradoodle? Parti labradoodles are two color dogs. Genetically the dog is the color, so a black and white parti labradoodle is technically a black labradoodle that expresses parti. The parti portion is the white coloring over the other color much like a swiss cheese pattern allowing the other color to come thru. Please remember there is no accommodation at Rainmaker Ranch Labradoodles for a specific parti pattern you may want based on their photos over the first 8 weeks. We will continue to place all parti puppies based on color and gender and not on where that color pattern is located. Our mission to provide the best puppy based on temperament and health to each family. We understand that families may have a preference in pattern as the puppies grow, but we want you to understand each puppy has a unique personality based on the temperament testing we run weekly. In turn, that temperament testing matches one family profile better than another. We only accept families to our wait list that also have the same goal of obtaining the best puppy based on temperament over pattern placement. At this point our puppies have a generally consistent middle of the road personality which is what we have spent the last 15 years breeding towards. However, even within that middle of the road personality not too shy and not too rambunctious we note difference which leads one puppy to be better with kids, or other dogs, or cats or the retired couple over the family with kids or traveling often. We will not alter this plan based on your position on the wait list or any other reasons other than personality match to a family profile. This is a series of alleles within genes that may or may not be transferred to your puppy from his or her parents and may or may not be masked by other genes. In a nut shell, it is impossible to determine reliably at weeks of age. We only accept families to our wait list that also have our goal of obtaining the best puppy based on temperament over the coat lightening possibility. Please understand we think health and temperament is the most important criteria in selecting a puppy. When you have the perfect fleece coat, not too curly like a poodle and you have removed the harsher texture, you finally achieve Black Silk. Black Silk is super shiny. Think of it like paint sheen, you have gloss paint and flat paint, well Black Silk is like gloss paint. The color maintains this shine unlike some of the other colors, it is really quite beautiful and although black is genetically common, Black Silk is rare. Sable or Brindle Labradoodle This link will take you to more photos of Sable and Brindle puppies and dogs. Labradoodles and Australian Labradoodle dogs and puppies. Contact Us Labradoodle Colors Australian Labradoodle coat colors colours come in a wide variety of options. Below is a listing of the different coat colors, coloring descriptions and what to expect with their coats throughout their lifetime. Caramel Caramel colored dogs have liver noses brown. Their range of coat color can vary between light yellow to almost red in hue. The difference in a caramel dog and a chalk, cream, apricot and red dog is their nose color. Chocolate True chocolates are brown in color. Many chocolates do fade over time. Cream This color comes in a wide variety of shades but it should be creamy in appearance. The nose pigment is black. The pigment for the nose is black. Parchment This color is a creamy beige chocolate color. It has been described as a cup of coffee with a generous addition of milk. These dogs are born milk chocolate and will develop their parchment coloring over time. The nose pigment is rose. Red True reds should be rich and dark in color and the roots should be no lighter. Sadly, this coat color tends to fade over time. The nose color is to be black. This color develops over the first years. Nose pigment should be rose. Chalk This color is a white looking color. However, if you were to compare it to a true white, it would appear to be more chalk-white in color. Nose pigment is black. Black Black Labradoodles should be solid in color with no sprinklings of other colors throughout the coat. Their pigment color should be black. Silver These pups would start out black and their silver coloring develops over the first few years of their lives. The color range can be anywhere from a light pewter to a dark charcoal. Silver dogs need to have black pigmentation. The blue coat will develop over the first few years. The color should be solid once they are full grown. It should be a dark-medium smoky blue. Lavender This color has a smoky lavender chocolate coloring that almost gives off a pink to lilac appearance. These pups are born chocolate and will come into their beautiful lavender coats over the first few years. Their pigmentation should be rose in color. Parti These dogs need to be at least fifty percent white, with spots or patches of any other above solid color. Full or partial saddles are acceptable, but are not preferred. Ticking in the white of the coat is acceptable but not preferred. The nose pigment needs to match the solid color. Any combination of acceptable colors is allowed. Nose pigment should follow requirements listed above based on the solid base color. Information and photos republished with permission from Australian Labradoodle Association Save Ready for your puppy?

Welcoming a new puppy into your home is an exciting time filled with joy, cuddles, and a few inevitable challenges. One of the most common questions new puppy owners ask is, "When can puppies go outside? Table of Contents Easiest Dog to Take Care of: Top 10 Breeds for a Happy Home Do you ever dream about having a furry best friend who loves to play fetch, gives the warmest cuddles, and greets you with the happiest tail wags every time you come home? A friend who is not just any dog, but the easiest dog to take care of? We know, it sounds like a dream come true, right? But we also understand that bringing a new puppy home is a big step. It's like adding a new member to your family, a little brother or sister.All French Bulldog Insights French Bulldog Breed Info If you're seeking an adorable companion with a charmingly squashed face, an easygoing personality, and a distinct penchant for lounging on the couch, the French Bulldog could just be your perfect match. With their signature bat ears and expressive eyes, French Bulldogs, or "Frenchies" as they are lovingly known, have captured the hearts of many dog lovers around the globe, consistently ranking among the most popular breeds. Renowned for their easy maintenance and the ability to thrive in apartment living, French Bulldogs are a city dweller's delight. Their small size, typically weighing under 28 pounds, makes them perfectly suited to compact urban spaces. However, their charming personalities and heartwarming companionship are universally loved, irrespective of city or countryside living. This breed's laid-back nature does not mean they're devoid of fun and play. On the contrary, French Bulldogs can be quite playful and are known for their often comical and entertaining antics, which only further endears them to their owners. Their affectionate demeanor, combined with a remarkably low barking tendency, makes them a joy to have around the house. French Bulldogs are sturdy, compact, and stocky, with a powerful muscular build that contradicts their small size. They have a smooth coat that comes in a variety of colors, from fawn and brindle to white and grey. Their facial expressions are human-like, and they're known to "talk" using a complex system of yawns, yips, and gargles. However, owning a French Bulldog does come with responsibilities. Their brachycephalic short-nosed nature makes them prone to certain health issues and less tolerant of extreme temperatures. Despite their muscular appearance, they are not the best swimmers, and care should be taken around bodies of water. House-trained, Story If this listing is up, that means she is still available!! Fill out an application if you wish to meet her! If you meet the above qualifications and you think you can be my perfect home, please continue readingDo not send an e-mail unless you have read all the way to the bottom of this Page 1. Go to our web site and fill out an application. Nothing will move forward until you do. We will give you a call within 7 Days after receiving a complete application, please do not serial e-mail us, we will work your application in the order it was received. We also work these applications between our paying jobs, taking care of our animals and families. Patience is the key! Once we speak to you and feel you are a good fit, we will set up a meet and greet 4. Once we meet and do a home visit we can then and only then finalize an adoption. Every member of your household must be present for this meeting 5. We do adopt out of state and will do a home visit out of state as well 6. We will not put our dogs on mass transport or hand off transport to get to your home. We will make every effort to meet you part of the way but that is not always possible. Unless you have outside working dogs we will not adopt to a home with outside dogs 9. Fence is required for me. Must be 25 or above to adopt exceptions may be made case by case If you have any additional questions please e-mail adopt carolina-loving-hound-rescue.

Your new furry friend has a lot of growing to do, and you probably have a lot of questions. Your Golden Retriever puppy will go through a number of developmental stages throughout their first twelve weeks. Male Golden Retrievers generally weigh between 65 and 75 pounds and stand from 23 to 24 inches tall. Females are generally smaller weighing between 55 to 65 pounds, and will grow to stand .At 4 months, your Golden Retriever puppy will reach about half their adult height. When it comes to mental development, it can take even longer than that before the Golden Retriever is fully mature. However, every puppy is a unique individual, and these are merely milestone guidelines. Disparities exist between the working and show Goldens, as well as between males and females. Golden Retriever puppy growth can also be quite sporadic. As an overall average, many Golden Retriever puppies will weigh just approximately 1. Golden Retrievers are classified as a gundog breed, and these dogs are often divided into those bred for show and those meant for work. However, the body of the show Golden is typically larger, taller, heavy-boned, and fuller in the chest. Small Parents Like people, puppies inherit physical traits from their parents. And even puppies from the same litter can vary in size. Neither of these scenarios is healthy for a puppy. Larger breeds like the Golden Retriever are more at risk for growth disorders than small breed dogs. This article will give you a lot more information on how much to feed, what to feed, and how often to feed a Golden Retriever puppy. Illness and Puppy Growth If a puppy has been seriously ill for a prolonged period, it may affect their ability to grow normally. However, once the puppy is free of worms, they should continue to grow at a normal rate. The best way to determine if your puppy is too thin or too fat is by how he looks and feels. When looking at your puppy from above, he should have a noticeable waistline. Another way to tell is by putting your hands on either side of his ribcage. You should be able to feel his ribs using a gentle pressure. But if his ribs are visible, he could be underweight. Obesity is a huge problem for many dog breeds. Although there are ways to make your puppy grow bigger, this is not something you should attempt. It could also mean you end up with a fat puppy. One of the best ways to ensure your puppy has a long, healthy life is to ensure he stays at an optimal weight. Hip and elbow dysplasia and other musculoskeletal disorders are associated with excess weight in larger breeds. Having your dog neutered at a young age can also cause them to grow taller. The problem is, this can also cause abnormalities in joint formation. Neutering also makes Golden Retrievers more at risk for certain types of cancers. Typically it will take approximately 18 months for your Golden Retriever to become an adult dog. Even though they can reach their full height at anywhere from 9 to 12 months, it will usually take them longer to fill out to their full weight. Remember that there are wide variations in size within the Golden Retriever breed. If this is the case, you should contact your veterinarian to seek advice. Beginning the puppy development stages before birth Puppy development stages week by week Amazingly, in a way the puppy development stages begin before your dog is even born. Your puppy spends approximately 9 weeks developing inside his Mom. The mother dog has a womb or uterus, that has two long tubes, and the puppies grow in a row along each tube rather like peas in a pod. The puppies are joined to their mother by a placenta which provides all the nourishment they need for those few weeks. To begin with, the puppies have plenty of room to move but they grow fast and as the time for birth draws near they are packed in quite tightly. The one week old puppy Your puppy is born fully furred but with his eyes and ears closed so he cannot hear or see. His front feet are strong and he can pull himself towards his mother with them. He can cry if he is uncomfortable and his mother will respond to his cries by moving him towards her and licking him. Your puppy spends most of his time sleeping or suckling. He cannot regulate his own body temperature and needs his mother for heat, or an artificial heat source. In the first week to ten days of his life your puppy grows rapidly and will double his birth weight. His forelegs are getting much stronger. She licks the puppies bottoms to stimulate a bowel or bladder movement and eats the result. There is no cleaning up for the breeder to do yet. The breeder will begin to handle the puppies more though, and get them used to human contact. She will worm the puppies for the first time at the end of this week. Puppies begin to get their personalities. Your puppy can stand and sit up by the end of the week. Tails can be wagged, ears will be completely open and puppies start play growling and interacting with their littermates. Your puppy can regulate his body temperature more effectively and will start to cut his first teeth in preparation for weaning. The front teeth, canines and incisors are cut first. Toward the end of the week he may have his first tiny taste of puppy food. They also start to move away from the sleeping area to empty their bowels and bladder. They may try to climb out of the whelping box. If she lives indoors, she may rejoin the family for more of each day. Your puppy will cut his back teeth and the breeder will get weaning underway this week and by the end of it, your puppy will be getting quite a bit of his nourishment from puppy food. She will also worm the puppies a second time. If the mother is allowed near the puppies after she has been fed, she may regurgitate her dinner for them. This is completely natural and normal. He is a proper little dog. Rolling around with his brothers and sisters and playing with toys. Teething toys, puppy Kongs, balls and rope toys are big favorites with puppies. He can bark too and some puppies can be quite noisy at this age! He chases after his mother whenever she appears and suckles hungrily, but she is starting to get fed up with it, and may be reluctant to feed her brood for very long. His mother is teaching him not to bite too hard. If he lives in outdoor kennels he should spend part of each day indoors with the family. By the end of the sixth week, most are fully weaned, and eating five or six little meals of puppy food each day. Socialization must begin in earnest. He is now two months old and ready for his new life. It is the time during which they become fearful of anything unfamiliar and need to be thoroughly socialized. This is also the time during which most puppies get to grips with house-training, learning to wait before eliminating and start sleeping through the night without a potty break. It is a busy time for new puppy owners. Your puppy will have his vaccinations during this month. Biting can be a big problem during this stage and you need to be patient and consistent in order to teach the puppy not to hurt people when he plays. Provided you use force free methods, this is a great time to get puppy training under way, and especially to teach a puppy recall, and to get your puppy used to working with food. So, for a 2. You can do the same calculation for medium pups at sixteen weeks and large breed pups at 20 weeks — just divide his weight by his age in weeks before you multiply by .Medium to large pups will reach about half their adult height by the end of the month. If the weather is warm you can get your puppy swimming now. He should be able to come when he is called, in and around your home, provided there are not too many distractions. It all depends on what you have taught him. He may still be chewing a lot and biting too. Use frozen Kongs to help him and give your furniture and fingers a break. Puppies can go for short walks now. By the end of this month your puppy could have a twenty minute walk each day. He may also enjoy fetching a ball and playing with other dogs, but take care to stop before he gets very tired. Less dependence This is the month during which some puppies start to become less dependent on their humans for security. Keep your puppy close to you outdoors by changing direction frequently so that you puppy has to keep coming to find you. And engaging him in games. The foundations of a great recall are often build or spoilt during this month. If your puppy knows how to sit or lie down at home, start some simple proofing exercises with him in public places. A healthy puppy can usually manage on two meals a day from around six months. During this month a Retriever, Spaniel or GSD puppy will reach around two thirds of his adult weight. A Great Dane and other large breeds will have reached about half their final weight and little dogs will have almost completed their growth. Some female dogs will come on heat for the first time during this month, or the next, so keep an eye open now for swelling of her vulva and any discharge. Your dog will become increasingly confident over the next few months so practice, practice and practice that recall! Make it a habit he cannot break. And be generous with your rewards. Small breed pups may now be more or less mature. Your puppy will enjoy half hour off lead walks now, and should be able to walk on a loose lead for short periods with plenty of encouragement and rewards. Keep practicing that recall! These help to slow his growth further and to build his confidence. Make sure you practice good outdoor management on walks to maintain the good recall you have built and work hard on thoroughly proofing all his obedience skills. Read up on neutering before you take this important step, for dogs of either sex. Once your dog is a year old he can participate in more strenuous activities and sports. Now is the time to think about the kinds of activities you would like to do with him — go jogging together for example — and if necessary, to start to get him fit. Puppy development stages — Summary There is huge variation in the way in which dogs develop and mature. The puppy development stages and ages outlined above are a rough guide. We hope you enjoyed them and found the information interesting. When it comes to training, you get out what you put in. Your progress depends as much if not more on you rather than your puppy. If you train your puppy five times a day, six days a week he will learn many, many times faster than a puppy that is trained once a day at the weekend. Enjoy watching your puppy grow and develop. And have fun! We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. This was the first time we had a chance to chart puppies from birth until 8 weeks old. We tried to take as many pictures as possible so we could have a journal of our Golden Retriever puppy growth week by week. When raising guide and service dog puppies we usually bring home our puppies at around weeks old. On occasion we are allowed to see puppies before 8 weeks of age, but they need to stay with their mother and siblings during those important early weeks to get milk and antibodies from mama and learn how to interact properly with siblings, learning important behaviors like bite inhibition. During our days as a foster we raised two litters of puppies , but both were already weeks old by the time we got them home. We actually own the Puppy Culture DVD and Workbook which includes charts, lists, worksheets and other great information for raising your litter. Keep your eyes and ears open and absorb it all like a sponge! Birth To 1 Week Old Guess what? This was the first litter we ever whelped!? We got a lot of advise, but we were largely on our own. Large Puppy Dish — great for feeding the puppies when they moved to solid food. Whelping Mats — we ordered 2 of these mats and washed them several times a day. Whelping Box — We have a homemade whelping box built by my father-in-law, but if we continue raising litters I plan on purchasing an EZWhelp Whelping Box. Our homemade box lasted three litters. We ended up purchasing the Magnabox which was hellu expensive but if you plan on raising multiple litters we highly recommend it. We recently put together a whelping checklist with all the supplies we gathered together to help out with our second litter of Golden Retriever puppies. Check out our whelping supplies checklist here. However, none were overly huge and none were extra small. No runts and no beasts. It was my understanding that when the cord was chewed down to the base of the belly it was sometimes difficult to get it to stop bleeding. I took the hemostat and pinched the umbilical cord about 2 inches from the base of the pups belly then cut the cord rather than let Raven chew it off. I kept the hemostat on the cord for about 2 minutes to let it clout. The umbilical cord dries up quickly and then within a day or 2 it falls off. Raven was a good mama and took care of her poops. Puppy eyes and ears are closed at this stage and puppies army crawl around the whelping box looking for a teat to suckle. We did everything we could to make sure our pups stayed warm by adding a watt heat lamp to the whelping box and portable heating unit in the puppy room. As I mentioned Raven stayed in the whelping box most of week 1 and of course… the puppy piles! One thing I learned is if I had a puppy on my lap then do not let Raven lick those areas or be prepared for a little accident on your lap. While caring for Raven and her litter Raven was really blowing out her coat that first week, but as time went on it slowed down. I heard from other friends this is common and that Raven blew out her coat much less than other mama dogs. We got Probiotics for Raven before her first litter, but forgot to order them for her second litter. After an upset stomach for the first week or so we realized our mistake, got Probiotics, and no more upset tummy. Week 2 — Pups eyes are opening starting to waddle. Week 3 — First bark! Week 7 — The great puppy escape artists! Week 8 — Our golden puppies head to their new homes. Have you ever had a litter of Golden Retriever puppies? Tell us about your experiences with puppies in the comment section below. Are you about to raise a litter of puppies? Not raising a litter, but getting ready to bring home your first Golden Retriever puppy? Puppies for Dummies will give you the basics on how to raise and train your new puppy. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. Check out more of our favorites on our New Puppy Checklist. Colby Colby Morita has been raising and training guide and service dog puppies for over 13 years. Colby has been writing to the PuppyInTraining.

Register other orgs Recommended breed health tests We have established, through the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals and the Canine Health Information Center, the following recommended health tests for our breed December 27, services , breed education , health , health testing , OFA One of our goals as a custodian for the WSSD breed, is to ensure the future health of the breed by maintaining a health database of breed stock and determining applicable health testing to be done by breeders to ensure healthy progeny. This means keeping track of known abnormalities in the breed, as well as abnormalities in the breed that we share common ancestry with, the GSD. This breed is overall a healthy one, but no breed is completely free of health concerns. Our breed standard calls for a very balanced structure, with no topline slope desired. Excessive front and rear angles, which are found commonly in the GSD, are serious faults in competitions of conformation beauty in this breed. PennHIP results will be considered final for any dogs tested at the age of 8 months or older. OFA hip testing will assess the overall formation of hips, however this method have no ability to actually assess the laxity of the hip, given that their evaluation is based on a single view. PennHip on the other hand, gathers its information from three views: distraction view, compression view, and hip-extended view. With these three views PennHip is able to measure the percentage of laxity by taking an actual measurement of movement within the joint by comparing the multiple views. The more laxity, the looser the joint. The looser the joint, the more likely that injury, arthritis, or dysplasia will present. In our opinion, any WSSD with a. Given the occasional incongruence of results between the OFA hip and PennHIP evaluation, it may be beneficial to test using both methods in order to obtain the most data. There is no PennHip equivalent test for elbows. Elbows can develop dysplasia just like hips, and breedstock should be tested prior to being bred. Issue with elbows can arise in several ways. Injury can easily occur to an elbow joint, that is completely unrelated to genetics, due to the fact that much of the joint actually does not harden into bone until 6 or 7 months of age. This makes elbows and relatively fragile in young puppies. In a nutshell, a dog can be forced to grow too fast if its diet is not proper for the dogs specific needs at the time. Too much protein or incorrect ratios between the various parts of the diet. A diet designed for large breed puppies will prevent joint issues due to overnutrition if the puppy is kept in proper weight. The third way elbow joint can have a problem is through genetics. A poorly structured and weak elbowed parent, will contribute its DNA to its offspring, and pass on a negative trait. A good breeder will monitor all possibilities, and weed out dogs that are passing on weak elbows genetically. MDR1 Multi-drug Resistance 1, is a gene mutation that is found in many herding breeds, including this one. It is not a disease per se, but gene is responsible for the production of P-glycoprotein, which is normally responsible for transporting certain drugs out of the brain. Dogs that have a mutation in the MDR1 gene, which inhibits their ability to remove certain drugs from the brain and can lead up to a buildup of toxins, may have severe adverse reactions to some common drugs, including seizures, tremors, disorientation, blindness, lack of muscle control or even death. Higher doses generally times higher than the heartworm prevention dose have been documented to cause neurological toxicity in dogs with the MDR1 mutation. Loperamide ImodiumTM; antidiarrheal agent - At doses used to treat diarrhea, this drug will cause neurological toxicity in dogs with the MDR1 mutation. This drug should be avoided in all dogs with the MDR1 mutation. It can cause central nervous system depression in dogs with the MDR1 mutation at standard doses. DM Degenerative myelopathy is a progressive disease of the spinal cord in older dogs. The disease has an insidious onset typically between 8 and 14 years of age. It begins with a loss of coordination ataxia in the hind limbs. The affected dog will wobble when walking, knuckle over or drag the feet. In the GSD and our breed, it has become known that the current test for DM is not necessarily accurate in determining whether a dog will get DM or not. There are cases of dogs with the mutation never getting DM, and cases of dogs without the mutation actually getting DM. This is likely because DM is either a polygenetic disease or has an epigenetic component not yet discovered. Due to the genetic history of our breed being tied to the German Shepherd Dog, who has a higher than normal instance of this disease, we encourage dna testing for this mutation. Hemophilia A This is another disease that we recommend testing for that possible due to common ancestry with the German Shepherd Dog. This disease consists of a tendency to uncontrollable bleeding at the slightest trauma. It is a sex-linked inherited deficiency of the blood clotting Factor 8 F V.The FV gene lies on the X chromosome and any male with a defective X chromosome will be affected by the condition. All confirmed published data on German Shepherd Dogs suffering from hemophilia in the European countries can be traced back to one dog: Canto von der Wienerau. Canto was born in and lived only 4 years, however reportedly sired over litters. All his daughters were carriers and half of their offspring would be affected males or carrier females. How to have genetic, soft tissue, and radiographic tests done Forms for submission of health tests of for our breed are to get submitted to the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals OFA. OFA is where you will submit all test results. Genetic health testing is an integral part of a sound dog breeding program. When using genetic health testing it is important for breeders to educate themselves about concepts such as modes of inheritance, penetrance, prevalence, and phenotype for a specific variant mutation in your breed in order to apply test results. Breeders also need to know which variants are causing health concerns in their breed, and which health conditions currently have no genetic test available. This handy search function by breed or by health condition can show breeders which DNA tests Embark provides. The health condition percentages based on clear, carrier, and at-risk status presented on common, rare, and very rare genetic risk factors are based on a subset of dogs within the Embark database and do not necessarily represent all dogs of this breed. While we are not able to provide specific population numbers at this time, we believe the data provided here to be sufficient to inform on current trends within the North American population of German Shepherd Dogs. Because the nerves that control the hind limbs are the first to degenerate, the most common clinical signs are back muscle wasting and gait abnormalities. Its role is to make the plug stable by adding fibrin to the clot. Dogs with CSS have platelets that cannot signal in response to stimuli to induce platelet activation or death. The mode of inheritance is codominant. Cone cells not only register color, they allow the dog to adjust their eyes to bright light. Dogs with this disease constantly feel like us when we step out of a movie theater. Night vision remains completely unaffected. This mutation causes the normal activation of white blood cells and platelets in response to an injury or infection to fail. Dogs with this disorder can bleed spontaneously into their chest, abdomen, or joints. They will also develop significant bruising and profuse bleeding following a trauma or surgery. The gene is F8 and the mode of inheritance is x-linked recessive. In most dogs, uric acid is converted to allantoin, an inert substance that is then excreted in the urine. Dogs with HUU have defects in the pathway that converts uric acid to allantoin. As such, uric acid builds up, crystallizes and forms urate stones in the kidney and bladder. Uric acid is an intermediate of purine metabolism. While hyperuricemia in other species including humans can lead to painful conditions such as gout, dogs do not develop systemic signs of hyperuricemia. When the lysosome cannot recycle waste properly, the waste accumulates and causes the cell to die. Mucopolysaccharidoses MPS are defined by abnormal buildup of glycosaminoglycans, large sugar-protein molecules that are important for skeletal and joint function. The gene is GUSB and the mode of inheritance is recessive. The gene is FLCN and the mode of inheritance is dominant. This developmental condition can cause a scanty hair coat, malformed teeth, and few or absent sweat glands. The gene is EDA and the mode of inheritance is x-linked recessive. Citations: Casal et al With 10 known conditions in German Shepherd Dogs, this is evidence that genetic disorders are of concern within the breed and other conditions are likely to be identified in the future. Canine Health and Breed Resources. They are so helpful, knowledgeable people and particular with their breeding program. Their dogs are beautiful, intelligent, solid, and very healthy. They train dogs and offer many training classes from beginning to advanced. Best place to go when looking for the best German Shepherd dogs or where to train your dog of any breed. I Highly recommend Vom Haus Audax. Masters of their craft. And are exceptionally organized in how they run the business, breeding, board and train etc. Very clear upfront cost, transparent process, and a emphasis on great communication. You get all of this when doing business with them. Our journey: We got our little gsd boy Mamba from Kim and Jason. And the process was nothing short of amazing. Still is amazing. Yes, we loved it from a process stand point and we have learned a TON from Kim and Jason, but we have also come to feel like part of their pack. Part of the family. And we have appreciated that as new puppy owners. They truly care about every puppy they breed and every home those pups go to. If you are looking for a puppy, and get a dog from them that they bred, you are getting the highest pedigree of a GSD. Every part of the journey has been so refreshing and makes us feel like adding our new member to the family was the best decision ever. And we KNOW, we will always have a great support system. Overall: So if you are looking to add a gsd to the family Kim and Jason are your people. You will not regret it. These are the folks you want in your corner. So glad we met them, they are family now to us. Temperament, health, and of course handsomeness was paramount in choosing a puppy - all of our criteria was met. Our puppy enrolled in puppy class then later he graduated to obedience training. Under the thorough, knowledgeable, and patient instruction of Kim and Jason, our dog blossomed into a fine family pet. Everyday our wonderful dog brings us immeasurable joy. We cannot thank Kim and Jason enough. They go above and beyond in all they do and truly understand dogs and their unique behaviors. We will usually produce 2 litters a year, occasionally 3 if the timing and other circumstances allow, but because we personally train and compete in a wide variety of venues with all of our dogs and spend countless hours socializing, playing with, and observing each litter, to produce more than that would be counter productive to the goals and high standards we have for our breeding program. Because we do compete with all of our dogs and spend so much time with each litter of puppies, we know and understand the strengths and weaknesses of each dog and puppy and can and will happily discuss them. Early Training and Socialization From the moment they are born, our puppies are imprinted with human contact. They are identified with colored collars so we can track their weight, health, behaviors, and personalities as they grow. Every week, the puppies weights are recorded, their nails are trimmed, and photos are taken. As they grow and develop, we introduce the pups to many different stimuli. Different surfaces are put down for them to walk and play on such as tarps, plastic, wood, cardboard, metal, textured fabric items, dirt, grass, cement, tile. Also, while taking safety into consideration, they are introduced to unstable surfaces like wobble boards, rolled around on wheels, lifted up and down on a hydraulic table, driven around in a vehicle, suspended in air with hands or harnesses, and weather depending they are introduced to water and swimming. The puppies experience various noises including radios, vacuums, television, and audio tracks of other noises like thunder, gunshots, children, dog show noises or other sounds they may encounter during their life. We use several types of interactive toys and food games to build and encourage drives in our puppies. Our puppies are accustomed to wearing collars, have been introduced to spending time in a crate, and have been started in potty training. It is extremely important to continue socializing and training once the puppy has gone to a new home. Matching the Right Puppy to the Right Person or Family We believe that matching a family with the correct puppy is very important and is a team effort. Puppies are sold on limited registration to begin with, but that will be lifted to full registration at no additional cost to the new owner upon the puppy officially receiving passing hip and elbow certifications through the SV or OFA PennHip is also accepted for hip certification and earning an advanced performance title or working certification of some kind. Prior to going to their new homes, all of our puppies are microchipped for identification purposes. Veterinary Care Our breeding stock are all fully health tested and current on their routine veterinary care prior to being bred. Nomograph tests are performed on all females to determine the length of time the antibody they pass to the puppies through their colostrum will protect the puppies, and the puppies will not receive their first vaccination until the suggested time given by the results of the nomograph test. This helps to insure that the maternal antibody does not block the vaccine, rendering it ineffective. Puppies are de-wormed as necessary. However, if you do choose to spay or neuter your dog, we strongly recommend waiting until they are fully mature. This formula contains no chicken or chicken bi-products wheat, soy or junk fillers and is formulated for all life stages so is suitable for growing puppies, adolescents and adults alike. Guarantee We guarantee that our puppies are healthy when they go to their new homes. We also offer a written guarantee for 26 months against genetic hip and elbow dysplasia. Our relationship with you as the new puppy owner does not end when the puppy leaves our care. If at any time you have questions or concerns regarding your new puppy, we are simply a phone call or email away. If ever you are unable to keep your new puppy, no matter at what age, we will gladly take that puppy or dog back and find it another appropriate home. We do not ever want to find one of our puppies in a shelter or rescue! Cloud, MN dedicated to breeding outstanding show, performance, and companion dogs. Breeder, Dr. Our breeding program is based on our core values: Soundness, Performance, Beauty, and Style in that order. Our dogs are protective, not aggressive. They are motivated to perform, but are not endlessly demanding. Show, performance, and companion puppies will be available in the winter, spring, and summer of .The puppy contract includes a health guarantee. Applications, and deposits from approved buyers, are being accepted now. See the Puppies page on our website for the puppy application and for pictures of the sires and dams, along with litter pedigrees of planned litters. Please submit the application as directed on the website, before contacting me about puppy availability. We will have solid black, and black and tan, puppies available sired by Select Excellent Ch. Two additional breedings are underway, with a second litter to be homed in April and a third projected for June-July .All are sired by Arnold. See pictures of Arnold and Sara below. I am happy to mentor seriously committed beginners, juniors, and owner-handlers. There is an expectation of involvement in at least one AKC sport including, but not limited to, conformation, scent work, obedience, herding, therapy work, agility, and rally to the first titling level out of respect for the breed as a working dog. A RiverRock puppy is more than a pet: it is an adventure! Additional Info. Hip Dysplasia Hip Dysplasia typically develops because of an abnormally developed hip joint, but can also be caused by cartilage damage from a traumatic fracture. This breakdown of the cartilage will eventually result in pain with any joint movement. No one can predict when or even if a dysplastic dog will start showing clinical signs of lameness due to pain. Severity of the disease can be affected by environmental factors, such as caloric intake or level of exercise. There are a number of dysplastic dogs with severe arthritis that run, jump, and play as if nothing is wrong and some dogs with barely any arthritic x-ray evidence that are severely lame. Screenings for Hip Dysplasia are performed by a veterinarian with x-rays Elbows Dysplasia Elbow dysplasia is a general term used to identify an inherited polygenic disease in the elbow. Three specific etiologies make up this disease and they can occur independently or in conjunction with one another. These etiologies include: Pathology involving the medial coronoid of the ulna FCP Osteochondritis of the medial humeral condyle in the elbow joint OCD Ununited anconeal process UAP Studies have shown the inherited polygenic traits causing these etiologies are independent of one another. Clinical signs involve lameness which may remain subtle for long periods of time. No one can predict at what age lameness will occur in a dog due to a large number of genetic and environmental factors such as degree of severity of changes, rate of weight gain, amount of exercise, etc. .Subtle changes in gait may be characterized by excessive inward deviation of the paw which raises the outside of the paw so that it receives less weight and distributes more mechanical weight on the outside lateral aspect of the elbow joint away from the lesions located on the inside of the joint. Range of motion in the elbow is also decreased. Degenerative Myelopathy Degenerative Myelopathy is a debilitating disease that causes gradual paralysis in many dog breeds. It is caused by a degeneration of the spinal cord that onsets typically between 8 and 14 years of age. It presents first with the loss of coordination of the hind legs. It will typically worsen over six months to a year, resulting in paralysis of the hind legs. If signs progress for a longer period of time, loss of urinary and fecal continence may occur and eventually, weakness will develop in the front limbs. An important feature of Degenerative Myelopathy is that it is not a painful disease. Temperament Test Results of Temperament test performed at a club Optional Testings Cardiac Evaluation - Congenital Cardiac Exam, Advanced Cardiac Exam Autoimmune thyroiditis - evaluation from an approved laboratory - recommend yearly testing Eye Examination by a boarded ACVO Ophthalmologist- recommend annually until age 6, every 2 years thereafter DNA-based testing With the advanced technologies, scientists are able to provide breeders with unique results of DNA-based traits of their dogs. We find these a great plus in aiding us to make better breeding choices. However, it is very important to understand how genetics work and not just complete the tests. Health Testing Why Health Testing Your German Shepherd Is Important Responsible breeders are well aware that hip dysplasia and other inherited diseases can be controlled or even eliminated through selective breeding practices. What is a phenotypic evaluation? These are graded based on breed, sex, age and the physical appearance and condition of different anatomic areas of the joints. Other examples of phenotypic evaluations are thyroid panels to test for hypothyroidism and the trypsin-like immunoreactivity TLI test used to screen for exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. There are also a number of genetic test kits that can be purchased to help breeders identify whether their dogs are effected, carriers or clear of breed-specific conditions and diseases. These tests cannot however, accurately determine if an animal will develop a particular disease, but the information can help breeders avoid doubling up on genetic issues known to plague the breed. What are some of the health issues associated with German Shepherds? Like many breeds, German Shepherds are predisposed to a number of genetic health conditions, many of which can be emotionally and financially devastating to both breeders and owners. The number of affected dogs in the German Shepherd population is no more or less than that found in many breeds. Though daunting, the list below serves as a reminder as to the importance of health screening and why our efforts to improve the health of our dogs—and reduce risks to future buyers—is so important. Through the decades, numerous health issues have been introduced into the German Shepherd gene pool through animals carrying diseases including hip and elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy DM , digestive disorders such as irritable bowel disease IBD , small intestine bacterial overgrowth SIBO , exocrine pancreatic inefficiency EPI , bloat gastric dilatation and volvulus , panostetis PANO , chronic superficial keratitis CSK or pannus, cataracts and corneal dystrophy. Various forms of cancer such as hemangiosarcoma and osteosarcoma are also common. By health testing your puppy or young adult German Shepherd, you gain valuable time in diagnosing and treating potential health conditions. Many disorders can be successfully treated or controlled before they cause serious problems. Do you need to have your pet German Shepherd tested? The reasons for screening your pet German Shepherd are two fold. Even though your puppy will not contribute further to the gene pool, it is essential for your breeder to collect health information on your dog. Both parents can test clear for a particular disorder, yet still pass the disease onto their offspring. By testing your pet German Shepherd, you provide your breeder with valuable health information about their breeding dogs. Test results on your German Shepherd, along with information on other close relatives, allows puppy buyers to apply greater pressure on breeders to produce normal, healthy puppies and adult dogs. If puppy buyers stop buying puppies from untested adults, breeders will be force to either stop breeding their dogs or start health testing them. A win-win for everyone. For example, there are surgeries that can be performed—and supplements given—to greatly improve the quality of life for dogs diagnosed with crippling hip dysplasia. Some of these surgeries however, are only effective if performed when the dog is very young. If treated early, eye diseases such as pannus can be treated to prevent blindness. Screening your German Shepherd for major health concerns is no different than screening yourself for diseases running in your family. Which tests should be performed? Most dog owners are familiar with hip testing because hip issues are common in many breeds. Though the level of testing desired for breeding prospects is extensive, pet owners are strongly encouraged to do their part to help breeders improve the overall health of all German Shepherds. Breeding dogs, at a minimum, should be screened for hip and elbow dysplasia and degenerative myelopathy DM. It is best to also screen for heart issues as these, too, are predisposed to German Shepherds. Breeders and owners can have OFA advanced cardiac screening performed at a reasonable cost. This simple screening can help to identify serious, underlying conditions. Additional screening for exocrine pancreatic insufficiency EPI , pannus eye conditions and thyroid panels are important in securing clean breeding lines in your dogs. Ideally, pet owners should also screen for hip and elbow dysplasia and cardiac issues. She was young, vibrant and exhibited no symptoms. We can attest that there is nothing more devastating then having a young dog run happily up to you and drop lifelessly at your feet. This type of heartache could be prevented if more GSDs were screened for heart conditions prior to breeding. Sudden cardiac death is becoming an increasingly devastating occurrence within the breed as young dogs are being found deceased in their crates or are collapsing on the field—even at world-championship competitions. Testing for DM is also valuable because knowing if your dog is effected can help you to make decisions throughout its life that might help to lessen or delay serious illness. All German Shepherd lines carry varying degrees of risk for serious genetic disorders. There are no exceptions. Education yourself about the diseases known to exist in the lines of the dogs you are considering and quiz your prospective breeder. If they cannot, or will not, discuss with you the levels of risk—find another breeder. Learn to be a discriminating buyer. Lowering your risk as a buyer is to a great extent, up to you. If a German Shepherd breeder tells you that their dogs do not need testing because they are free of genetics defects, they are either not knowledgeable about their breeding stock or the breed , or they are not telling you everything you need to know about your puppy's lineage. Once your receive any test result, provide the information to your breeder. Responsible breeders appreciate and value the information you provide and use it to make better breeding decisions. The health information on your dog should also be made available to the public when possible so other owners and breeders can make better decisions about their future prospects. Even though the German Shepherd gene pool might appear large, it is not. Many dogs are closely related and the health of one line can greatly impact the health of others. All breeders and owners need to know if your puppy has great hips. Additionally, when having health screenings performed through OFA, remember to indicate on the form that you wish the results to be made public so all German Shepherd breeders and future owners can benefit from your efforts. If you do not select this option, your valuable data is lost to everyone. NOTE: Not all breeders are created equal. Some breeders work very hard to refine their lines and improve the overall health of the puppies they produce. Some try to produce healthy puppies but are not knowledgeable or diligent enough to be successful, and others are simply not the least bit concerned with the health of their breeding stock or the health of the puppies they produce. Health data is only useful if it is shared and made easily available to the next breeder and the next puppy buyer. A reputable breeder will encourage you to publish your health results and be glad to share the data you provide—good and not so good. A reputable breeder will also have pedigrees and health information on their dogs and their progeny available on their websites. If a breeder does not have health data on their dogs or asks you not to share your findings—run. Check out Reebok's blog for additional articles coming soon on the subject of health testing. Become a part of the GSDLiving experience. Upload a photo, pay tribute to your best friend

Learn more about this mixed breed in this article. The Bullmastiff, a Bullmastiff, is large and considered a giant. The Golden Bullmastiff Retriever hybrid is a large dog that can guard and protect the family. The hybrid has some wonderful traits from both parent breeds. This giant dog breed is gentle. Both parent breeds are derived from the mids. Both were able to do specific jobs which were beneficial to their owners. These mixed breed dogs can look like either of their parents, but they have distinct physical characteristics such as hair color and head shape. The Golden Bullmastiff Retriever will drool no matter what breed dominates its looks. You may like: Great pyrenees golden retriever mix. Golden Bullmastiff dog breed history. This hybrid dog has very little information or documented history. The parent breeds of Golden Bullmastiff Retriever are the best source of information for owners who want to understand the potential traits and characteristics. It is unknown if the Golden Bullmastiff has been registered with any clubs or registries. Information about the parent breed. Bullmastiffs are gentle, loyal, and trusting dogs that provide great companionship. This is the dog you need if you are looking for a strong guardian that loves you and will give you full-body hugs and belly rubs. Bullmastiffs are proud of their love and devotion. They can carry pounds of it! The Bull mastiff is a nearly square breed that is strong and active. However, they are a combination strength, endurance, and alertness. The dog has a smooth, powerful gait but moderate angulation. The coat is dense and short, with a keen expression. The English Kennel Club recognized the breed in as pure. In , the American Kennel Club recognized the breed. You may like: Shih tzu golden retriever mix. Golden Retriever. The Golden Retriever is a popular breed in the United States. The Golden Retriever is the ideal gundog. You need to know what his name means. This dog is also a beautiful canine, which accounts for his popularity. The breed is known for its calm, sweet nature. The Golden was designed to be a companion dog and help his owner. The breed is not suitable for watchdogs. He will most likely wag his tail and smile with that characteristic Golden smile. In , the American Kennel Club recognized this breed. The Golden Retriever is today the second most popular breed in America. Temperament and Intelligence. The Golden Bullmastiff retriever mixed breed is a sweetheart. He is a loyal and affectionate companion for all members of the family. Although he is smart, he also has the independence of a Bullmastiff. The Golden Retriever can also nip, so control this behavior early. You may like: Bernese mountain dog golden retriever mix. Coat, Grooming, and shedding. The Golden Bullmastiff does not tend to be hypoallergenic and may shed occasionally. Your Golden Bullmastiff Retriever will benefit from bi-weekly grooming to remove loose or dead hair and maintain a healthy coat. The coat texture is very straight and dense. Brushing your dog should be done every week. Make sure you have a good quality slicker brush and comb for dog cleanliness. The most common diseases found in Bullmastiff Gold Retriever Mix dogs are skin conditions, hypothyroidism and eye disorders like cataracts, Glaucoma, and hypothyroidism. They may also suffer from bloating and hip dysplasia. Before purchasing a dog, make sure to verify the medical certification. These diseases affect the majority of dogs. Also, their family safety rating is remarkable. The main health concerns are bloat and hip dysplasia. Are they a good family pet? The Golden Bullmastiff Retriever makes a great choice for the right family. Thanks to his friendly and happy-go-lucky nature, he will be a great addition to any home. Because of his size, he will be most comfortable with older children. Although he is playful enough to keep up, he can overwhelm young children with his intensity and energy. You may like: St bernard golden retriever mix. Weight and height. The male and female Bullmastiff Gold Retriever Mix dogs are approximately 95 to pounds, 85 to pounds, and 85 to pounds. Activity requirements. The Golden Bullmastiff Retriever is an amalgamation of two breeds with different energy requirements. The Golden Retriever is a more energetic and active parent than the Bullmastiff. Although the Golden Bullmastiff Retriever requires up to an hour of exercise each day, this can be spread out over the day through casual walks. Exercise should be avoided after drinking or eating. You may like: Bulldog golden retriever mix. Living with other pets. Both parent breeds love other dogs. This is due to the large size of the Golden Bullmastiff Retriever. The pup may have a mild prey drive, which a fleeing cat might trigger to take action. To be safe, we recommend that this pup is kept in a single-canine household without any other pets. It is important to note that docility is a part of the breed standard for both parents. You may like: Shar pei golden retriever mix. This will add up quickly. It is important to feed him a suitable diet for giant breeds. These products are more in tune with their metabolism. They are loyal and brave mixed breed dogs. Moreover, they make great companions and guardians. The Bullmastiff Golden Retriever Mix has a brown eye color. Brown and black are both possible nose colors. His short lifespan and large appetite make him a commitment. This one is an excellent choice if you have the space and energy to do so. I grew up on a farm where we had all sorts of animals, from cows and horses to pigs and chickens. My love for animals led me to pursue a career in writing about them. I have been a pet care writer for over 5 years and have extensive knowledge of animal care, health, and behavior. Lifespan Sociability The size of the Golden Bullmastiff Retriever tells you a lot of what you can expect from this pooch. He is big, very big. That means you must have the space to give him enough exercise. It also means that he is more expensive to own because of your higher food costs. That makes owning this pup more of a financial commitment than a smaller dog. The Golden Bullmastiff Retriever brings a lot of the best qualities of the parent breeds together in an adorable package. The Bullmastiff in him tames the high energy of the Golden. Despite his size, this dog is quite friendly, albeit a bit aloof with strangers. Gamekeepers on estates and the Bullmastiff share a common goal. Poaching was—and still is—a significant problem for managing wildlife populations. Gamekeepers in England had an ace in the hole. The Bullmastiff proved a formidable guard dog to discourage this illegal activity. Selective breeding helped develop a dog that could handle the job. The Golden Retriever has its roots in Scotland. The UK connection is evident with the origins of the Golden Retriever. While the Bullmastiff claimed England, this pup got its start in Scotland. Lord Tweedmouth , aka Dudley Marjoribanks, refined the selective breeding to create the ideal dog for life among the aristocracy. A myth, later debunked, had the Golden Retriever joining the circus. The history of many breeds often includes a mix of fact and fiction. There is a connection to this country, but it was with the greatest show on Earth. The origins of the two canine lines had different paths, even though similarities exist. He is an affectionate and loyal companion to everyone in the family. He is intelligent, but there is also the independence of the Bullmastiff. That pup also has a relatively high propensity toward barking that you must control early. The Golden Retriever also tends to nip as a puppy, which requires equal attention. Are These Dogs Good for Families? His friendly, happy-go-lucky personality will make him a welcome addition to your home. He will do best with older children because of his large size. The concern again goes back to the size of the Golden Bullmastiff Retriever. This pup has a moderate prey drive that a fleeing cat may trigger into action. Bringing a pet into your home is a serious responsibility, especially with a pooch this big and strong. However, that only scratches the surface of this lovable pooch. That will certainly add up over time. The formulation of these products is more in line with the metabolism of these canines. Surprisingly, both parent breeds of the Golden Bullmastiff Retriever are prone to gaining weight. Therefore, you should monitor his intake and activity level to adjust how much you give accordingly. An obese pet has a reduced quality of life and often a shorter lifespan due to other health impacts. We suggest daily walks to keep him mentally stimulated and to reinforce those socialization skills. This pooch takes his play seriously, so be ready for it. The intelligence of the Golden Bullmastiff Retriever is a plus for learning new commands. Despite his size, this pup has a sensitive side. Stick with positive reinforcement and avoid harsh reprimands. This pooch is eager to please and willing to do it. Treats make an excellent training aid for this food-motivated pet. Both shed seasonally. You can control how much you must vacuum with frequent brushing. It can encourage puppy mills and overbreeding. It also increases the risk of congenital issues. The main concerns for the Golden Bullmastiff Retriever are in joint and skeletal system development. We strongly urge you only to get a pup that has received the recommended health screenings before you fall in love and buy a pet. Minor Conditions. Typically stand 24 to 26 inches Typically range from 75 pounds to pounds. Mastiff Golden Retriever Mix Personality This mix is a very intelligent, devoted and loyal companion. Both of these dogs are very friendly and loving dogs. It will probably be a good watchdog for the family. The Mastiff will help offset some of the much higher energy tendencies of the Retriever. She is calm, intelligent, confident and eager to please. While friendly she is wary of strangers and alert making a good watchdog. She gets along well with everyone and is quite a well mannered dog! She loves to have fun and play too and will need some outdoor space to do this in. She is loving, reliable, brave and warm. Mastiff Golden Retriever Mix Health All dogs have the potential to develop genetic health problems as all breeds are susceptible to some things more than others. However, the one positive thing about getting a puppy is that you can avoid this as much as possible. A breeder should absolutely offer a health guarantee on puppies. A reputable breeder will be honest and open about health problems in the breed and the incidence with which they occur. Health clearances prove that a dog has been tested for and cleared of a particular condition. The Dalmatian mixed with the Mastiff might be prone to OCD, eye problems, epilepsy, heart problems, bloat, seizures, kidney problems, cancer, Joint dysplasia, skin problems, cold tail, ear infections Note that these are just common problems in both breeds. Get ready to invest in a good vacuum and keep your floors clean anyways. Give them baths as needed, but not so much that you dry out their skin. What are the exercise requirements? Plan on taking them for extremely long walks and hikes to keep their energy level down. This exercise will keep them from being destructive. A tired dog is a good dog. What are the training requirements? This is an intelligent dog that should be easy to train. The best thing you can do is break the sessions into shorter daily sessions to keep their attention span higher. So make sure to praise her when she does well. She is an intelligent dog who loves to please, and loves a physical challenge. The more exercise she gets the easier she will be to train. Proper socialization is imperative to all dogs and puppies. Make sure to take her to the park and doggy day care to get her around as many people and dogs as possible. Each one is unique and has different dietary requirements. Most dogs in the U. A mix like this one that is prone to hip and elbow dysplasia should really be on fish oil and glucosamine and chondroitin supplements as soon as possible. Overfeeding any dog is not a good idea as that can really exacerbate health problems such as elbow and hip dysplasia. A good diet to look into is Raw Food Diet. A raw food diet will be especially good for the Wolf background. Links to other breeds you might be interested in.

Gateway Labradoodles is dedicated to producing the highest quality Labradoodle, both in temperament and health. We carefully choose our breeding dogs with the assistance of Shadow Mountain Labradoodles and our vet. Our aim is to improve the breed and produce consistently high-quality dogs for the perfect family companion. Not all Doodles are created equal! The Australian Labradoodle was created to enhance the most desired qualities of the original Labradoodle Poodle x Lab cross. These multigenerational Labradoodles are carefully selected for their temperament, health, coat, companionship, and intelligence. The Australian Labradoodle is a wonderful family companion dog. For us, this means that all of our dogs including the puppies live in our home as part of the family. The short time we have with our puppies is crucial to their socialization and confidence when going to a new home. All of the activities and experiences we expose the puppies to are designed with YOU in mind. We recognize that our puppies are going to homes that will be different from the environment they were raised in, so we aim to provide a variety of activities that are appropriate to their age. Adoption Process. All of our Labradoodle puppies are meticulously cared for from the moment they are born and treated like a member of our family. Australian Labradoodles are loyal, beautiful and rewarding family companions. With a docile disposition, magnificent appearance and extraordinary health, Australian Labradoodles from Heartland Labradoodles are a perfect addition to any family, from new couples to singles to young families or retired couples. Our exceptional Labradoodle girls and boys give their puppies the best health traits and the best physical characteristics of the breed, as well as a winning personality. This helps our Labradoodle puppies grow up happy, healthy and handsome. Choose from chocolate, jet black, cream, apricot and shades in between to breed your own champion Labradoodles or find the perfect color. See our available puppies and find the new addition to your family or call Heartland Labradoodles for more information. For the safety of our puppies, we deliver to neighboring communities within a maximum of a four-hour drive, including areas in Illinois, Nebraska, Minnesota, Missouri, Wisconsin and our home state of Iowa. Puppy Spotlight. We raise high-quality Mini Labradoodles as well as a few other breeds. We also have partnered up with several other reputable breeders that raise mini labradoodle pups that meet our strict genetic criteria and testing. So we usually have a good selection of very high-quality puppies. View Our Available Puppies! F1B Mini Labradoodle Puppies are a second-generation cross or hybrid. The father is a Mini Poodle and the mother is an F1 Labradoodle. The F1B Minature Labradoodles usually have soft hair that is usually wavy or curly. Thes puppies are considered semi-hypoallergenic since they shed minimally. These puppies can be a good fit if a person that has mild pet allergies. Once F1B Mini Labradoodles reach 6 months old they require to be groomed once every 8 weeks or so to keep their fur healthy and to stop matting. Adult F1B Mini labradoodle dogs range in size from 14 inches in height and pounds in weight. The average life span is typically years of age. The F1BB puppies usually have curlier coats and will be totally hypoallergenic. Once the F1BB pup is 6 months they will need regular grooming every 6 to 8 weeks. F1BB Puppies are usually slightly smaller than F1B puppies and range from 12 inches in height and pounds in weight. Mini Labradoodles are known for their intelligence and the ability to be trained very easily. They make amazing family pets and love to participate in family activities like swimming, hiking, camping or just playing tag in the yard. This breed is also a good choice for people who live in apartments as long as they get at least minutes of exercise a day. So if you live near Lake Saint Louis Missouri and are looking for a healthy and beautiful Mini Labradoodle puppy that can be delivered to you then check out our available pups now by Clicking Here. Below are some Mini Labradoodle pups that have been adopted. Mini Labradoodle vs Mini Sheepadoodle Comparison Two dog breeds, one purpose: to make your life a joy-filled journey powered by strong bonds, friendship, and unconditional love. Meet the Mini Labradoodle and the Mini Sheepadoodle. Two very adorable and friendly dogs with upbeat personalities, the Mini Labradoodle and Mini Sheepadoodle make the perfect addition to any lucky family. Your way of life, hobbies, and work schedule are all important factors that can help determine which of the two dog breeds is a good fit for your lifestyle.Welcoming a new puppy into your home is an exciting time filled with joy, cuddles, and a few inevitable challenges. One of the most common questions new puppy owners ask is, "When can puppies go outside? They are fun, easygoing, and gentle. Mini Labradoodles enjoy canine games like chase, fetch, and Frisbee, and thrive on cuddles and love. Energetic, friendly, and full of life, the Mini Labradoodles make wonderful jogging and hiking companions. They are known to enjoy a good swim, a long stroll, and are very fond of adventures. The Mini Labradoodle puppies are happy, energetic, and bright bundles of joy. They are loving and eager to please, love to play and cuddle, and are excellent training students. A cross between Labrador Retrievers and Mini or Toy Poodles, the Mini Labradoodle may take after one parent breed or the other in appearance or they may have their own unique look with an added bonus of a hypoallergenic coat. The Labradoodles and Goldendoodles in our breeding program live with us in our home, not a kennel. Our puppies are whelped in our home and exposed to daily family life. At Blessed Day Doodles one of our top priorities is that our doodles are part of our family and receive daily love and attention. Our breeding dogs live with amazing and carefully chosen guardian families. Guardian homes allow our breeding dogs to be part of a forever family and receive the love and attention every dog deserves. Why Blessed Day Doodles? Labradoodle and Goldendoodle Health The Australian Labradoodle is a hybrid between the poodle, labrador retriever, and cocker spaniel. Miniature goldendoodles are a hybrid between the poodle and golden retriever. Our breeding dogs must pass extensive health testing to become part of our program. Labradoodle and Goldendoodle Temperaments Goldendoodles and Australian Labradoodles are incredibly social, intelligent, and equally loving. Doodles love people and animals alike, coupled with their low to non-shed qualities, it makes them the perfect family pet. Because of their social nature it would be a punishment to leave a doodle alone for long periods of time without human contact. Furthermore, we encourage you to consider that dogs, like humans, are happiest with a mate, so in their case…another dog. With this in mind, you may want to consider having two dogs so they can keep one another company. We humans are great company but dogs are happiest with another canine companion.

The protein will come from readily available sources such as chicken or beef, and not exotic or boutique sources like kangaroo or venison as you saw in second study mentioned above. According to the AKC , quality, regulated animal byproducts can be good for your dog. These byproducts can include organ meats or entrails, which often contain more nutrients than, say, plain chicken breast. Another misconception is that dogs should eat grain-free diets. As you saw in the second study mentioned above, that can actually be very harmful for your dog and cause DCM. But food labels can be a little vague and confusing, so below is an explanation of what some of these terms mean, according to the Merck Veterinary Manual and the AKC. There is one caveat though. For instance, flaked corn, ground corn, and kibbled corn could be sprinkled in an ingredient list and not be listed as the first few ingredients, but in reality, if you were to add them all up they are all corn, after all , you might find that this food is made mostly of corn. The same goes for chicken, chicken meal, and chicken byproduct. Meat vs. Meat Meal vs. The quality of these ingredients can vary widely, so be sure to talk to your vet about this and choose a reputable brand of food. Below are a few examples: Obesity. Golden Retrievers love food and they do have a tendency to become overweight if you let them. This problem can often affect these next two problems… Joint issues. Golden Retrievers are prone to joint issues and growing too fast because they eat too much can often make this problem worse more on this in the next section. Heart issues. Skin issues. Golden Retrievers are prone to hot spots and excess protein in their diets can be a factor that causes them. Many goldens suffer from food allergies. One cup of Brand X food may have calories per cup, while Brand Y has calories per cup. During a vet visit our veterinarian said he looked too small and lethargic for a puppy his age about 8 weeks at the time , and he recommended we feed him a little more. As far as how often to feed your puppy, this same rule applies. For us, we fed Oliver three times per day until he was a little over a year old. Getting a Golden Retriever Puppy? Get the gameplan for raising them right with the Golden Retriever Puppy Handbook. Those two statements may sound random, but they are related. According to the Banfield Pet Hospital , overfeeding your Golden Retriever can cause them to grow too fast and increase their risk of hip dysplasia. You probably noticed that a raw diet was the fourth-most popular diet Golden Retriever owners feed their dog. Since puppies are growing and adults are just maintaining their weight, they have different dietary needs. And for fats, puppy food should have at least 8. As far as when to switch from puppy food to adult food, talk to your veterinarian. To see a list of other milestones your puppy will hit like when they lose their first teeth, or when their coat is fully grown check out this timeline of Golden Retriever puppy milestones. Like most of the other questions in this post, this is something to talk to your veterinarian about. Many foods will have the same vitamins that pills have already in them, but on the other hand, some breeders require that you give your puppy vitamins for their health guarantee to be valid. First, we unknowingly started him off on one of the brands listed in the graph above that is correlated with DCM. Then we switched to another brand that he just sort of liked. If we were to have another puppy, we would definitely start with the Royal Canin Golden Retriever Puppy food. How To Switch Food Brands The other day I was talking to someone who was complaining that her puppy was having lots of stomach issues. Dogs have sensitive stomachs so if you want to switch foods, you need to do it slowly. You should take about a week to transition from the old food to the new brand. Also consider how long the brand of food has been around, whether or not there have been any recalls of that brand, and if there is any research behind it. What do you feed your Golden Retriever puppy? Have any questions about what to feed them? Let me know in the comments below! Related articles:. Royal Canin makes dry food tailored explicitly to particular breeds. Its Golden food variation uses chicken and brown rice ingredients to support digestive health, strong bones, and a healthy coat. Gorgeous coats, healthy body conditions, great activity levels- perfect puppies! With a combination of healthy proteins, fruits, vegetables, and more, this dry dog food will encourage healthy muscle development in your Golden Retriever as well as strong teeth, a healthy heart, and improved skin and coat texture. Looking at the ingredients makes me feel that I have purchased a quality product for my guy. With ingredients like real protein, fruits, and vegetables, this dry food increases energy, strengthens bones, improves immune strength, and neutralizes free radicals. Her coat is healthier and shiny. She even trimmed down a little as her old dog food was making her fat. They produce high-quality dog food for your Golden Retriever at an affordable price. Veterinarians recommend IAMS Proactive Health because it uses ingredients like animal protein and antioxidant-rich veggies to nourish your dog and meet their complete health needs. Highly recommend it. Good for maintaining a decent weight too. Gobbles it down! With fish as the main protein, this kibble promotes a gorgeous coat and healthy skin and improves digestive issues. He eats it enthusiastically, and it has really helped him thrive! He is energetic, has a gorgeous coat, and devours his meals! She is a much happier dog. The Save Shredded Puppy Blend includes probiotics to help ease the digestion in growing Golden Retriever puppies with sensitive stomachs. I mix it with wet food, and he loves it. He loves the chunks of shredded chicken! I highly recommend it. This large-breed dry food can help your Golden Retriever maintain a healthy coat and great skin as well as smooth digestion. All of them love this food! Their coats are shiny and soft, and their poops are small! The exclusive formula also increases energy levels! We tried another brand, and it caused all kinds of allergic reactions. We went back to Eagle Pack, and all is right again. Great product! That may be because they have a senior Golden Retriever who is struggling with dental issues or feel that dehydrated food options are healthier. This particular food contains real protein and essential nutrients that can benefit dogs of all ages. Once we got this, she became a food-crazed puppy! This food includes a combination of freeze-dried raw-coated kibble with real pieces of freeze-dried raw meat! This variety has lots of meat sources plus several strains of probiotics. In general, your dog will benefit from puppy food from about 8 weeks of age until they are six months to a year old. Check with your vet to determine the right time to switch from a puppy food to one for adult dogs, as recommendations vary based on the size of your dog. A few days later, you can begin making it a half-and-half blend. Make sure to watch for loose stool from your pup as you transition — if you notice that your Golden is struggling with the new diet, wait for a few days before increasing the blend. When in doubt, check with your vet! Most dog foods come with specific volumes listed on the side. Overfeeding your pet can lead to a variety of health concerns. To determine what food will suit your dog the best, check out 17 of the top dog foods on the market for Golden Retrievers, no matter their age. Check with your vet to determine whether your Golden will need any special dietary considerations. Foods considered toxic to Golden Retrievers are macadamia nuts, chocolate, onions, garlic cloves, grapes, raisins, walnuts, alcohol, and any foods sweetened with xylitol. Try to avoid feeding your Golden food containing any of these ingredients. Grain is an essential component to the diet of Golden Retrievers. The absence of grain has been known to lead to a deficiency in taurine, which can potentially cause heart problems for your golden. Galen has been connecting quality Golden Retriever breeders with loving families since and is the founder of My Golden Retriever Puppies. He and his wife have four children and love spending time together, traveling lived oversees for 4 years , enjoying the outdoors and connecting Golden families. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved. They are growing quickly, so while they eat smaller quantities of food than adult dogs, they need to extract far more nutrients like protein, minerals, and vitamins, to sustain their growth and development. Different Dogs, Different Diets Nutritional needs vary from breed to breed. One only needs to look at golden retrievers to know they require a different diet than a Chihuahua! For example, joint and bone problems are much more common in big dogs than in little ones, but choosing the right puppy food can reduce the risk. Large-breed puppy food has reduced amounts of calcium and phosphorus, which helps control the rate of skeletal growth. Also, you may find puppy foods that contain glucosamine and chondroitin to support joint health and mobility. By consuming too much food, your puppy will have elevated levels of the very nutrients that should be limited. Additionally, overweight puppies may develop other health issues such as diabetes and heart disease. Good eating habits developed during puppyhood will lead to a healthy mature dog in the years to come. Nutrition For The Outside One of the most visible components of your dog is its fur. Nutrition plays a vital role in this area. A large percentage of the protein your puppy takes in goes towards maintaining its coat. Omega-6 and Omega-3 fatty acids are also essential for healthy skin and fur. Which Food Do I Choose? There will always be those who buy the cheapest brand on the market. Some will opt for the most expensive, while others will simply go with a brand name they recognize. The key is to find the right food for your particular puppy. One thing you cannot afford to ignore is the nutritional content. Because they are still growing, puppies need more protein than adults. Proteins foster muscle growth and development in puppies and lean muscle maintenance in adults, so the more of it there is in a diet, the better it is for your growing retriever. Fats, too, are important for golden puppies because they provide the energy required for everyday activities. You should be careful, however, not to feed your golden excess calories because this will result in excess weight or obesity. Eventually, your dog will end up battling joint problems. For instance, less expensive dog foods typically have lower-quality ingredients. The contents are often inexpensive, low-grade animal protein sources, like by-products and fillers. Fillers are frequently things like cornmeal, rice flour, or seed hulls. In general, thoroughly review the nutritional content of your chosen diet. Are the ingredients wholesome and natural? Does the diet have controlled calcium and phosphorous levels? Is the calorie and fat content limited to manage growth? Does the label state that the diet is complete and balanced? This can lead to obesity and will certainly cause increased defecation. The latter of these two issues will make house training more difficult than it already is. By contrast, costlier dog foods usually have higher-quality ingredients. The scales will be tipped heavily in favor of high-grade animal protein sources and fillers will be few and far between. Price is not, however, a guarantee of quality. The best dog foods for a golden retriever puppy are made with high-quality natural ingredients and have high levels of protein. Make sure the food is complete and balanced for daily feeding and formulated to meet the nutritional needs of large breed puppies. At this point, golden retriever puppies have likely already been switched to dry puppy food and you should continue feeding your pup the same type of food the breeder used. From the day you bring them home until they are six months old, you should feed your golden retriever puppy three times a day. Ideally, your pup should have breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day. A grain-free diet is the default meal for golden retrievers that are sensitive to grains, but if your dog is healthy, feeding her such a meal boils down to choice. A lot has been said about grain-free diets. Reports and studies have been carried out in recent years trying to establish any connection between it and Canine Dilated Cardiomyopathy DCM. That all starts with choosing the best puppy food for golden retrievers. Avoid low-cost foods that are more filler than substance, and look for better foods that are packed with nutrients to help your puppy grow. In particular, consider trying a large breed formula to meet the specific needs of your golden retriever puppy. Good nutrition is an essential part of any health regimen, and providing high-quality puppy food will lay the foundation for a long, and enjoyable life. You May Also Like.