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Our Mission To rescue and re-home Retrievers and find new, loving homes for them. We have positioned Fetchin' Retrievers Rescue to partner with veterinarians, dog trainers, groomers, and other rescue groups as a resource for these professionals and organizations if they encounter dogs in need. Your contribution will help us whether you foster, adopt, donate, or volunteer! Fetchin' Retrievers Rescue will take the very young to the very old, the very sick to the unwanted. Every dog is an individual and will be placed in a home that meets their needs and where their individuality can thrive. Andy's foster - to - adopt success story written by his forever family: "Early in , we started the process to find our Golden Retriever girl a companion and adopt a rescue dog in need of a good home. We submitted an application to FRR and subsequently had a virtual home visit. We were impressed by the thoroughness of both, as it gave us confidence that FFR clearly had the best interest of their animals in mind. While the timing was less than ideal due to some upcoming summer plans, we agreed to foster one of the pups for as long as three weeks. Two days later, a tiny black male pup with a spotted white chest was delivered to our home. He looked like he is wearing a tuxedo. He came with the name, Andy. He was a world-class cuddler who immediately began to work his way into our hearts. Our golden retriever soon welcomed him into our home as well. Within a couple of weeks, it became apparent that this foster puppy was going to be adopted as a member of our family. It also became apparent that Andy was the perfect name for him. It just fit, not only in his cute appearance but also in his behavior and antics. Andy was one of a number of puppies that we have brought into our home over the years, and we have always been sticklers about health, wellness and neutering. So, it was great to see that FFR also insisted on this same level of care and attention. Andy is now 6 months old. He has adapted well to our home and lifestyle. He has even traveled with us to our Idaho home for three months. He is still all puppy: filled with the energy, entertaining antics, and occasional mischief that make puppies fun. He and our golden retriever are now fast friends, so our efforts to find her a companion have been richly rewarded. He has a desire to please, and he has learned basic commands and to walk well on leash and to heel faster than any dog we have had. Foster-to-adopt worked really well for our family. Thanks to FFR and all their dedicated staff for helping us bring Andy into our home. Click here for more information. Walk for the Dogs with ResQWalk! Whether you walk, run, or have another activity you enjoy that is less than 14 miles per hour, you can participate. To start, download the ResQwalk app on your mobile device, sign up, and then select Fetchin' Retrievers Rescue as your rescue of choice. Then start the app at the beginning of your walk, run, or activity. Throughout the year, we will receive donations based on participation levels. Can you provide a foster home or forever home to a pet in need? Heed the call to make a difference by opening your heart and your home, today! Please register or re-register now. If you have already registered your Ralphs' card, please note that our organization number has changed. Our new organization number is RV.Click here to register your Ralph's Rewards card. If you are making a donation to RFSC, please check to see if your employer might match it. If your company matches donations, please let us know and we will include their name here. She takes special orders and can include the customers own personal treasures on the birdhouses. We are a full-service rescue, with dogs coming to us from all over the Southern California area for foster care services. RFSC not only provides care for dogs while they are waiting for adoption, but we provide follow-up assistance for the life of the dog. If for any reason a family can not keep a dog, the dog is brought back to the organization for placement. We have volunteers that perform home visits before each adoption. We accept Goldens and Labs of all ages, including seniors and those with special needs. All dogs are spayed and neutered and updated on vaccinations if not already done by the owner. Dogs with special medical needs are further evaluated by our veterinarian for treatment. Your donations are always appreciated and help us to continue to care for these special dogs. Your tax-deductible donations are appreciated!
If you have a large breed puppy, you need to make sure he gets large breed puppy food so he gets all the nutrients he needs to grow up happy and healthy. Your large breed puppy deserves the best possible care, and that includes proper nutrition to support its growth, development, and overall health. For your fast-growing puppy, a specially made and balanced large-breed puppy food can help provide the best possible nutrition. If you are the proud owner of a large breed dog, you already know that he needs a certain type of food to be strong and happy. Finding the best meal for your dog can be a challenge because not all dog foods are created equal. Bernards, Dobermans develop to its full size, and as mentioned earlier, this includes the right balance of calcium and energy. However, choosing the best large-breed puppy food for your dog can be challenging given the plethora of options available online. To help you out, we've compiled a detailed list of the best large-breed puppy food currently available online! It provides your puppies with balanced meals every day that meet their specific medical needs. Not only is it delicious, but it is also available with and without grains. Things to consider before buying puppy food for larger breeds : Our pets also need a balanced diet to keep them healthy and alert, just as we keep ourselves healthy with nutrient-rich food. The saying "You are what you eat" also applies to our animal friends. As a pet parent, you are responsible for making sure your puppy receives a balanced diet. Below is a list of the top five criteria to consider when buying food for large dog breeds. Since your dog's nutritional needs change as he ages, you should choose a dog food that is appropriate for your dog's age group. Switch to the food your dog prefers to eat. While some dogs like to eat plant-based foods, others are happy with meat. As a pet owner, you need to know what your dog can eat at home and switch to the appropriate food. Choose the nutritional content before fancy ingredients. It is recommended to hand-select food with good nutritional value. A balanced food contains the right proportions of necessary nutrients such as carbohydrates, fat, protein, minerals, and vitamins to meet the consumer's nutritional needs. Choose food that is low in carbohydrates and grains. A diet low in carbohydrates and grains helps keep your dog's weight stable, according to experts. This is because grains and carbohydrates provide calories that can lead to weight gain. Pay attention to the ingredients of the puppy food, because the development of your puppy depends on the ingredients of the meal and how they are balanced. Pedigree PRO Expert Nutrition Professional nutrition benefits large breed puppies, as they grow slowly and need support to avoid stressing their bones and joints. This high-quality food is specially formulated to meet the needs of dogs of all breeds and life stages. Depending on your dog's breed and life cycle, you should start feeding Pedigree Pro for Large Breed Puppies at the appropriate age. This puppy food is enriched with glucosamine and omega fatty acids that help maintain healthy joints. It contains the right amount of calcium for balanced bone growth in large-breed puppies. For healthy muscles and joints, look to natural sources of glucosamine and chondroitin. With a clinically proven combination of antioxidants and vitamins C and E, this puppy food supports a healthy immune system and is suitable for all large breeds. Therefore, you can use this puppy food for large breeds as well. In addition, it is made without artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives and contains natural, high-quality, and easily digestible ingredients, as well as vitamins, minerals, and amino acids for a tasty, nutritious meal. Essential Junior 1 offers a balanced combination of active ingredients for your dog's daily needs with the MERA protection concept. Prebiotic inulin, mannan-oligosaccharides, and beta-glucans support the immune system with a wheat-free formula. One of the most typical allergy triggers in dogs is wheat. With glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate, which serve as joint building blocks, a product for use in puppy rearing. Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate, two commonly used building blocks, serve as a joint defense. From the sixth month, giant breeds with lower energy content Total care for young dogs and puppies For large breeds from the sixth month of their growth period, MERA Essential Junior 2 is excellent. Bernards, Dobermans,etc. It contains ingredients such as turmeric, moringa, and ashwagandha, which strengthen joints, promote coat health, reduce inflammation, and contain important natural antioxidants. This chicken recipe uses fresh ingredients grown locally in India and contains no corn, soy, or artificial flavorings. It is also rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals. IAMS Proactive Puppy Dry Food This puppy food for large breed dogs could be the best choice for you if you are looking for premium dog food for large breed puppies. A puppy food specially designed to meet the needs of your pet. It supports healthy bones by supplying calcium and phosphorus. This dog food contains omega-3 DHA and omega-3 fatty acids to promote healthy joints and trainable puppies. With added vitamin E, it promotes the formation of natural defenses, making it a perfect treat. Plus, the crunchy kibble in this puppy food promotes healthy teeth and helps reduce plaque buildup. Beet pulp and prebiotic FOS also contribute to healthy digestion. Arden Grange Large Breed Puppy Food This puppy food can be the best choice for you if you have large breed puppies that are 8 weeks old and older. The larger kibble sizes are ideal for large and giant breed puppies. Fresh chicken and high-quality chicken meal make up the 35 percent chicken content, which provides meat protein with a very high biological value to support the body's structural and functional needs during growth. A wonderful option for puppies with larger appetites. Junior Puppy has a lower energy density than regular puppy food and promotes slow and steady growth. The Large Breed type also contains increased amounts of joint supplements to meet the additional requirements of large and giant breeds. The food has an ideal balance of vitamins and minerals to support stable and healthy growth and development. Therefore, you can use this puppy food for large breeds. Golden retrievers, Labradors, Dobermans, and other large dog breeds are suitable. Glucosamine and chondroitin, also support healthy joints. With added L. Carnitine, this dog food promotes healthy weight management. In addition, the crunchy kibble with STPP, a great reward, helps reduce tartar buildup and supports healthy teeth. Uses chicken and egg proteins to build lean, strong muscles. Healthy growth of your dog is ensured by an appropriate protein-calorie ratio of calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium. The kibble is the right size for large breed dogs so they can chew easily, which prevents the formation of tartar and plaque. It is made with natural Ayurvedic ingredients that are beneficial for both you and your beloved pet, including coconut oil, ginger, turmeric, and holy basil. Because our dogs truly deserve only the best, we use only pure, wholesome, hand-picked ingredients with high protein content. The product prices mentioned in the article are subject to change with offers given by Amazon. About the Author Shivangi Jamwal Shivangi is a digital content writer with experience in creating well-optimized, SEO-friendly articles on a variety of topics, including education, fashion, and beauty. Her core skills include being a quick reader and writing factual content articles although she's open to other genres as well. When not working, she can be found reading books or cooking in the kitchen. She graduated with a bachelor's degree from Delhi University and hoards novel's because she loves to read. Read More. Let your pet enjoy a fun and interactive playing session with the help of some good dog toys. Here is a list of some of the most popular and affordable toys that are apt for large dogs. This dog food is easy to digest and is free from soy, eggs, dairy, red meat and more to give the right nutrition to your pet. This food is great for giving balanced nutrition to your pet without causing any disturbance in digestive health. Besides German Shepherds, you can use this pack of food to feed adult pugs, beagles, labradors, golden retrievers and more. This is a pack of dry dog food that is meant for dogs above the age of 18 months. Being apt for active dogs, this food can be used to feed most of the German Shepherds that are kept for security purposes and undergo training sessions regularly. If you are introducing this food to your pet dog, make sure that you refer to the feeding instructions given on the packaging to ensure the proper health of your pet dog. Besides German Shepherds, you can even feed this food to Dobermans, St. Bernards and more. Read more about German Shepherd dog food here. Purina Supercoat Adult Dry Dog Food If you have an adult German Shepherd at home, you can buy this pack of dry dog food to ensure a shiny and healthy coat for your pet. This food is a good source of proteins to make the muscles of your pet dog stronger. Regular consumption of this food can even ensure proper digestive health and a good immune system to keep your pet dog happy and healthy. This food is available in a tempting chicken flavour to easily attract your pet German Shepherd for the meal. Since it is free from artificial colours and flavours, you need not think too much before buying it online for your pet. If you are not sure about the quantity of food that is right for every serving, you can refer to the feeding instructions given on the packaging. Besides German Shepherds, you can even serve this food to puppies of other breeds as well. Also read:. Dogs , Product Reviews July 29, 0Comment If you are not sure of what would be the best German Shepherd food available in India then this list should help you. German shepherds are regarded as huge breed dogs, thus this is the case. Which is not an issue for shepherds who are adults. However… If fed a dog food that contains too much calcium for their larger breed type, German shepherd puppies have an increased chance of developing a severe form of canine hip dysplasia. Source: hepper. First 5 ingredients: Chicken, turkey, flounder, whole mackerel, chicken liver Type: Grain-free Profile: All life stages Best for: German shepherd puppy or adult Fresh chicken provides the majority of the animal protein in Orijen Puppy Large. According to our dry matter label analysis, the dish has an estimated 31 percent carbs, 18 percent fat, and 43 percent protein. This specific recipe is a great choice for raising Shepherd puppies because to its tested, balanced design. The immune system of your puppy gradually matures at this crucial time. We can infer this because the puppies eagerly consume it without adding any additional flavouring. If the puppy is only one or two months old, you can add some lukewarm water to it for his convenience, and trust me, your dog will enjoy the kibbles more as a result. This item is tailored to the taste preferences of German shepherd puppies. To provide your dog with the proper nourishment, this dog food is simple to digest and free of soy, eggs, dairy, red meat, and other ingredients. This food is excellent for providing your pet with adequate nourishment without endangering their digestive health. This meal bag can be used to feed adult pugs, beagles, labradors, golden retrievers, and other breeds in addition to German Shepherds. Adult dogs should eat only fully complete and balanced foods. Contains a unique combination of dietary fibre and reduced fat. Even the most delicate dogs can digest it with ease. A good source of polyunsaturated fatty acids and protein Made without red meat, dairy, soy, or eggs. Large breeds like Labradors, Golden Retrievers, Greyhounds, etc. No artificial flavours, colours, or preservatives have been added. You can feed this food to other dogs besides German Shepherds, such as Dobermans, St. Bernards, and others. This food is offered in enticing chicken flavour to make it simple to entice your pet German Shepherd to the table. You can give this food to puppies of different breeds in addition to German Shepherds. Professional dog food for adult large breed dogs who are very active. Adult dogs benefit from proteins and Omega fatty acids because they increase their alertness and agility. Healthy muscles are provided by natural antioxidants and quality proteins. Prebiotics MOS aid in the promotion of Digestive health in canines, making them excellent for dogs from the age of 18 months. Bernard dogs. Ideal for dogs starting at 18 months old. I am the owner of this website, which was created to help pets and their owners to have a great life together. I love dogs, birds, cats, reptiles, and many other animals. Basically, I love all animals. You May Also Like. It is also a vital element for brain and eye development. Fresh chicken meat in the diet provides protein with high biological value. Natural Prebiotics to boost the overall digestive process. The benefits of Orijen Puppy Large: A calorie limited diet to promote a healthy weight and to put less pressure on joints. Rich in protein for making German Shepherd pups healthy and strong. Highly delicious chicken and turkey liver tempt the pickiest of eaters. The crusty and crunchy kibble texture of this food promotes good periodontal health and helps in curbing problems like Tartar and Plaque buildup. An essential fatty acid like Omega 3 has been added in the diet for boosting the overall skin health of the dogs. A natural antioxidant like Vitamin E fortifies the natural immunity of the pups, keeping them strong and healthy. You can feed your adult German Shepherd 2 times a day. You should avoid feeding them synthetic preservatives. High in Fibres: Natural fibres maintain superior digestive health and also an ideal body weight. Vitamin C: Vitamin C keeps the joints healthy, preventing problems like hip dysplasia and arthritis. Natural fibres promote excellent digestion and maximum nutrient absorption. The benefits of Fidele Adult Large Breed: Contains a substantial amount of protein for enhancing strength and endurance in grown up German Shepherds. Omega fatty acids boost skin health and also maintain good eyesight. It consists of Real Chicken meat as the main constituent which is favourite for German Shepherds. It has a good combination of Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids that significantly improves the skin health of the dogs. They do not contain any fillers or preservatives which makes this diet completely safe for German Shepherds to savour. Breed Specified Recipe specially made for German Shepherds Real Chicken meat offers good protein content for supporting strong muscle mass Excellent blend of Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids endow the dogs with good skin health. This dog food has a rich protein content that fortifies the muscle mass in the dogs. Moreover, the crusty texture of this food helps in removing Tartar and Plaque build-up. Ideal dog food for a large breed like German Shepherd Consists of Calcium and Phosphorus that boosts bone density Glucosamine and Chondroitin provides anti-inflammatory effect to the dogs Beet Pulp and FOS prebiotics boosts overall digestive health of the dogs Crusty kibble texture of the food eliminates Tartar and Plaque build-up 5 Hills Science Diet Adult Large Breed Dog A highly nourishing meal that has Chicken and Barley as its primary constituents, the Hills Science Diet Adult Large Breed is an easy-to-digest meal offering a nutritional profile that suits an adult German Shepherd. Omega 6 and Vitamin E promote beautiful skin and coat in German Shepherds. Ample amounts of protein maintain lean muscle mass and endurance. They need foods that are low in protein and fat content while richer in fibres. However, an overall moderate diet with all the components is also considered healthy, provided your dog trains and exercises regularly. A senior German Shepherd consumes around calories daily. They can be fed 2 times a day. Fish Oil Omega 3 : Fish oil is an excellent source of Omega fatty acids that provides a good anti-inflammatory effect to senior dogs. Fewer Carbs: As elderly German Shepherds are quite vulnerable to obesity and diabetes, a diet that has a low glycemic index is most preferred to them. A combination of Vitamin E and C, builds a stronger immune system. Devoid of artificial flavors and preservatives. Fresh meat and freeze-dried liver make the meal highly delectable. A biologically appropriate diet that nurtures your older German Shepherds according to their biological and evolutionary needs. Thus, when you adopt a German shepherd pup, make sure that you provide it with a fully nutrition loaded diet and maintain a lifestyle with lots of physical activities. A comprehensive diet including all the above parameters will lead to a healthy and long life span of your little beasts. An avid nature and animal lover, Akhil likes to read and watch anything related to wildlife. He also has a great interest in athletics, mainly track and field events and is a big Masala Dosa fan. More like this.
UKC Classification: Companion Dog Prevalence: Common The English bulldog is a brawny little powerhouse whose characteristic crablike waddle exudes great strength, stability and vigor. The dog's head is large and spherical, and the muzzle is extremely short, giving the face a flattened appearance. The English bulldog's eyes are dark and set low and wide on the forehead in the frontal plane. The nose is black and slightly upturned. The jaws or "chops" are massive, broad and undershot. The lower jaw juts out in front of the upper jaw to scarcely expose the lower incisors, producing a comical grin. The lips are fleshy and pendulous. The cheeks are well rounded and protrude sideways. The ears are thin, small and angle forward like flaps that frame the forehead. The English bulldog's neck is short and thick; the shoulders are massive, muscular and broad. The chest is deep and full, and the back is barreled and slightly arched. His rounded hips protrude slightly above the level of the back. The stubby tail is thick and either straight or screwed. His short, stocky legs have great muscle definition. They are splayed out and slightly bowed at the elbows and hocks to form a sturdy, base-wide stance. The English bulldog stands about 16 inches tall. The female weighs about 50 pounds 23 kilograms , and the male weighs about 54 pounds 24 kilograms. The English bulldog's skin is loose and pendant with heavy wrinkles and thick folds on the face and a dewlap hanging from the throat. The coat is short and fine textured. The various color patterns are brindle, piebald, and solid white, red, fawn or fallow. Personality: The English bulldog has a sweet, gentle disposition. Dependable and predictable, the bulldog is a wonderful family pet and loving to most children. People-oriented as a breed, they actively solicit human attention. However, they have retained the courage that was originally bred into them for bull baiting, so they make fine watchdogs. Although they generally get along well with other family pets, English bulldogs can be aggressive to unfamiliar dogs. Living With: English bulldogs make fine apartment pets and do not require a yard. Typically low-endurance dogs, they need only a moderate amount of exercise. They thrive best in temperate climates; they readily overheat and have breathing difficulties in hot weather, and they chill easily in cold temperatures. Generally loud breathers, English bulldogs tend to snore and wheeze. Many drool as well. They are moderate shedders and their short coats require little grooming. However, the wrinkles on the face should be wiped regularly to prevent skin infections. History: Named for its use in the sport of bull baiting, the English bulldog seems to have originated in the British Isles sometime prior to the 13th century. One of the few references to the sport dates back to , and talks about a butcher's dogs that chased a bull through the English town of Stamford. This pursuit so pleased the earl of the town that he inaugurated bull baiting as a sport in his domain. Today, the English bulldog makes a fine family pet. The AKC recognizes the breed simply as the bulldog. Related Pet Care Articles. Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. Click here for more information on this characteristic Bulldog Overview The Bulldog, a beloved and iconic dog breed , holds a special place in the hearts of many, with a history that spans centuries. With a history dating back to the 13th century, Bulldogs have evolved into the lovable and devoted companions we know today. Their journey from the bullbaiting pits to becoming cherished family pets is a testament to their adaptability and resilience. This breeds appearance is instantly recognizable, with its distinctive features and unique physique. Their short-muzzled head is massive and square, adorned with dense wrinkles that add to their endearing charm. These wrinkles serve a functional purpose, helping to protect their eyes and funnel moisture away from their face. Bulldogs have a muscular and low-slung body, coupled with a sturdy build and broad shoulders, giving them a powerful and determined appearance. Despite their strong physique, Bulldogs are surprisingly gentle and docile, making them excellent companions for families, including children. Their stocky legs and wide chest contribute to their distinctive gait, often described as a waddle rather than a typical walk. This amusing gait, combined with their snorting, snoring, and grunting habits, endears them to their owners and adds to their unique charm. Their devotion to their families knows no bounds. They thrive on human companionship and seek out attention from their owners. While Bulldogs are generally calm and dignified, they are also known for their courageous and protective instincts. Despite their sweet disposition, they will not hesitate to defend their loved ones if they sense any threat. Their loyalty and devotion to their family members are unmatched. Bulldogs are prone to respiratory and joint issues due to their distinctive facial structure and stocky body. Their popularity has grown steadily over the years, and they have become cherished pets in households worldwide. Their adaptability to various living situations, including apartments and family homes, has contributed to their status as a favored breed for many families. Their unique appearance, combined with their loving and devoted temperament, make them stand out among dog breeds. Whether they are representing school mascots or snuggling up with their owners on the couch, Bulldogs continue to win hearts with their irresistible charm and lovable character. For those seeking a canine companion filled with loyalty, love, and a touch of quirkiness, the Bulldog is an exceptional choice that will undoubtedly bring joy and affection to their home for years to come. Bulldog Highlights Bulldogs, with their charming and endearing personalities, are known for being a bit stubborn and inclined to laze around. As they mature, their enthusiasm for walks may wane, but it remains essential to provide them with daily exercise to maintain their physical fitness and overall well-being. In warm weather, Bulldogs can struggle to tolerate heat and humidity. Keeping a close eye on them when outdoors is crucial, as signs of overheating should not be ignored. Many caring owners find relief for their furry friends by offering kiddy play pools filled with refreshing water in shaded spots, creating a relaxing oasis for Bulldogs to enjoy while everyone is outside. Conversely, Bulldogs are also sensitive to cold weather. During chilly days, providing them with appropriate protection, such as cozy blankets or insulated jackets, will ensure their comfort and safety. As affectionate as Bulldogs are, their distinctive wheezing, snorting, and snoring sounds are part of their charm. Yet, these adorable noises can sometimes be accompanied by sleep apnea , a condition that requires attention and care from their loving owners. Bulldogs have also earned a reputation for their occasional bouts of flatulence. While this is common among the breed, excessive gas may warrant a visit to the vet to ensure there are no underlying health concerns. Due to their characteristic short noses, Bulldogs are prone to respiratory ailments. Some may even have pinched nostrils, making breathing more challenging, and in severe cases, surgical correction might be necessary to alleviate their discomfort. Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for Bulldogs, as they have a propensity to be greedy eaters. Without careful monitoring of their food intake, they can easily become overweight or even obese, which can lead to various health problems. A balanced diet and regular exercise are essential to keep these charming canines fit and happy. When it comes to reproduction, Bulldogs face unique challenges. Their relatively large heads and front structure often necessitate caesarean sections for safe delivery of their puppies. Therefore, breeding Bulldogs requires experienced and responsible practices to ensure the well-being of both mother and offspring. Discussing this matter with the veterinarian beforehand is essential to ensure their safety and well-being. In the quest for a healthy and well-adjusted Bulldog, it is vital to avoid obtaining puppies from unethical sources like backyard breeders, puppy mills, or pet stores. Instead, responsible pet seekers should seek reputable breeders who prioritize genetic health testing and good temperaments in their breeding dogs. With proper care, attention, and love, Bulldogs will flourish as devoted and cherished members of their families. Their unique personalities and delightful quirks will undoubtedly win the hearts of those fortunate enough to share their lives with these lovable and affectionate companions. By embracing the responsibility of providing for their specific needs and ensuring their happiness, Bulldog owners can look forward to years of joy and companionship with these endearing canine friends. Bulldog History The Bulldog of today stands in stark contrast to its ancestors, descended from ancient mastiff-type dogs and exclusively developed in England. It was an incredibly popular spectacle, captivating audiences in a time before professional sports, television, movies, or video games. The early Bulldogs were taller and heavier than their modern counterparts, selectively bred to excel at this gruesome activity. Their short, flat noses allowed them to breathe while maintaining their grip, and their tolerance for pain was heightened to endure the demanding battles. The wrinkled skin on their heads even had a practical purpose, redirecting blood away from their eyes during the gripping struggle. No longer bred for aggression, the Bulldog faced a transformation. Dedicated and patient breeders set their focus on the temperament of the breed, selecting only dogs with docile and gentle personalities for breeding. Over time, this re-engineering process successfully transformed the once ferocious Bulldog into the affectionate and amiable companion we know today. The journey to rehabilitate the Bulldog was not without challenges. In , the first Bulldog breed club was formed, but unfortunately disbanded after just three years. However, the tenacity of Bulldog enthusiasts prevailed, and in , The Bulldog Club of America was founded, establishing a new standard for the breed. This standard underwent revisions and adaptations, eventually gaining acceptance in and remaining in use to this day. As Bulldogs were brought to the United States, their popularity began to grow steadily, leading to their recognition by the American Kennel Club in .Throughout the s and s, Bulldogs enjoyed popularity, ranking close to the top 10 breeds. Today, they proudly stand as the 12th most popular breed among the registered by the AKC, a testament to their credentials as beloved companions. The transformation of the Bulldog from a once feared and ferocious creature to a friendly and tranquil companion stands as a testament to the human ability to rehabilitate and refine an entire breed through thoughtful and dedicated breeding practices. The once-feared Bulldog has evolved into a loving and cherished member of countless families, a triumph of human compassion and dedication. Bulldog Size A medium-sized breed, Bulldogs are known for their sturdy and compact build. Mature male Bulldogs usually weigh around 50 pounds, while females tend to be slightly lighter at approximately 40 pounds. For show dogs, the weight may be slightly higher, often adding about 10 pounds to their size. Despite their weight differences, Bulldogs maintain their iconic charm and distinctive appearance. In terms of height, Bulldogs typically stand between 12 to 15 inches at the shoulder. Their low-slung bodies and stocky frames give them a unique and endearing look. Despite their relatively short stature, Bulldogs exude confidence and presence, captivating everyone they encounter with their charming demeanor. Their compact size and well-proportioned bodies make Bulldogs agile and adaptable, making them excellent companions for various living situations. Their gentle and loving nature, combined with their unique physique, ensures that they continue to hold a special place in the hearts of dog enthusiasts worldwide. Whether as devoted family pets or show champions, Bulldogs leave an indelible impression wherever they go, becoming beloved companions to those lucky enough to have them by their side. Their mere presence is enough to deter any would-be intruders. Temperament is influenced by various factors, including genes, training , and socialization. To ensure your Bulldogs grow up to be well-adjusted dogs, early socialization is key. Expose them to a range of experiences, people, and environments during their formative months. Enrolling them in a puppy kindergarten class is an excellent way to kickstart their social education. Regularly inviting visitors and taking them to busy places will help them polish their social skills, turning them into delightful and well-rounded companions. With a blend of charm, courage, and affection, Bulldogs are truly one of a kind, canine confidants that will undoubtedly bring endless joy to your life. Bulldog Health Like all breeds, Bulldogs may be susceptible to certain diseases and conditions. Choosing a responsible breeder increases the likelihood of getting a healthy Bulldog, as they ensure vaccinations and deworming for their puppies. Responsible breeders use physically sound, mature dogs, testing them for genetic diseases relevant to the breed. The following conditions may affect Bulldogs: Cherry Eye: Cherry eye is a condition in which the gland under the third eyelid protrudes, creating a red, swollen appearance that resembles a cherry in the corner of the eye. While not typically painful, it can cause discomfort and potential irritation for the dog. In severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to reposition the gland and alleviate the issue. This can result in discomfort, redness, and a blue haze over the cornea. Veterinary consultation is essential to diagnose the condition accurately and provide appropriate eye drops or ointments to manage the symptoms effectively. In severe cases, corneal damage can occur. Surgical correction is often recommended to reposition the eyelids and prevent further complications. Inverted or Reverse Sneezing : While not a health problem per se, inverted or reverse sneezing is a common occurrence in Bulldogs. It happens when nasal fluids drip down the soft palate, causing a temporary closure of the airway. Owners can soothe their Bulldogs during these episodes by gently massaging their throat or offering a distraction. Brachycephalic Syndrome : Bulldogs, with their short heads and narrowed nostrils, can suffer from brachycephalic syndrome, which results in obstructed airways. This may cause noisy or labored breathing, especially during exercise or warm weather. Severe cases can lead to respiratory distress and even collapse. Head Shakes: Head shakes in Bulldogs can resemble fits but only affect the head. They are involuntary movements from side-to-side or up-and-down, possibly linked to stress or low blood sugar levels. If the shaking is unrelated to excitement or stress, a prompt veterinary visit is advised to rule out any underlying health issues causing discomfort. Timely veterinary attention is crucial to manage the condition effectively. Hip Dysplasia: Hip dysplasia is a heritable condition in which the hip joint is improperly formed, leading to poor fit between the thighbone and hip socket. Although Bulldogs often show signs of hip dysplasia on X-rays due to their naturally shallow hip joints, they may not always experience significant lameness or pain. Proper weight management and controlled exercise can help alleviate symptoms and reduce the risk of joint problems. Tail Problems: Some Bulldogs may have abnormal tail formations, such as screw tails or inverted tails, which can cause skin problems. Keeping the tail clean and dry is essential to prevent infections or irritations associated with these tail types. This can cause lameness, an abnormal gait, or even joint arthritis over time. Treatment options range from conservative management to surgical correction, depending on the severity of the condition. Bulldog Care Having a low to moderate energy level, bulldogs are well-suited for indoor living. They prefer a relaxed lifestyle and are content with about 15 minutes of play before needing a nap. This adaptable energy level makes Bulldogs suitable for various homes, from apartments to houses with yards. A mile or two walk during cooler times of the day is sufficient, but even a short stroll along your street brings them joy. Due to their brachycephalic pushed-in face structure, Bulldogs are sensitive to extreme hot or cold weather. They tend to breathe heavily and struggle to dissipate heat, making them susceptible to heatstroke, especially in temperatures above 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Providing a cool, air-conditioned environment and ensuring access to fresh water is crucial for their well-being. Another important consideration is their inability to swim due to their heavy heads. In terms of training, Bulldogs may not excel in obedience trials, but they are highly capable learners. They have an excellent memory and respond well to fun training sessions that involve repetition, positive reinforcement, food rewards, and praise. Patience and consistency are key to successful training with Bulldogs. Bulldog Feeding Feeding your Bulldog the right amount of high-quality dog food is essential for maintaining their health and well-being. However, the exact portion your adult dog needs depends on various factors, including size, age, build, metabolism, and activity level. Dogs, like people, are unique individuals, and their dietary needs can vary. Opting for high-quality dog food is crucial as it provides better nourishment, reducing the quantity needed to meet their dietary requirements. Be cautious not to overfeed your Bulldog, as obesity can strain their joints and lead to health issues. You can do this with the hands-on test by feeling their ribs without having to press hard. For more detailed guidance on feeding your Bulldog, consider our guidelines for choosing the right food , feeding puppies , and feeding adult dogs. Proper nutrition is vital for a happy and healthy life for your beloved Bulldog. The head is adorned with heavy wrinkles, and there are two loose folds forming a dewlap from the jaw to the chest. Bulldogs come in various colors, including red brindle, other brindles, solid white, solid red, fawn, fallow pale cream to light fawn, pale yellow, or yellow-red , and piebald large patches of two or more colors. Solid black is less common and not highly admired in this breed. Daily cleaning of their face is essential, paying special attention to cleaning inside the wrinkles. Dry the wrinkles thoroughly after washing, and consider using baby wipes with lanolin and aloe vera for gentle cleaning. Bulldogs are moderate shedders, and regular brushing can help reduce hair on clothes and furniture. Other grooming needs include nail care and dental hygiene. Brush their teeth at least two or three times a week to prevent tartar buildup and bacteria. Regular grooming sessions also offer an opportunity to check for any sores, rashes, or signs of infection on their skin, ears, nose, mouth, eyes, and feet. The ears should smell good without excessive wax or debris, and the eyes should be clear without redness or discharge. Bulldog Children And Other Pets An amiable temperament and sturdy build make Bulldogs a wonderful companion for children, including young ones. Nevertheless, if they ever get tired of being tormented, they will simply walk away, showcasing their sensible judgment. Teach them to be gentle, respectful, and considerate towards their furry friend. Supervising any interactions between dogs and young children is of utmost importance to prevent any unintended mishaps, such as biting or pulling of ears and tail. No dog, including the gentle Bulldog, should ever be left unsupervised with a child. While Bulldogs are known for their amiable disposition, any breed of dog may react unpredictably to certain situations. Therefore, adult supervision is vital to ensure the safety and well-being of both the child and the dog during their interactions. Beyond their affinity for children, Bulldogs exhibit a pacific nature that extends to other pets, including dogs and cats. Their sociable demeanor makes them generally great companions for various household animals. However, like any dog, Bulldogs may display some reserve or caution when encountering unfamiliar dogs. Proper introductions and gradual socialization can help Bulldogs become more at ease in the presence of other canines. By teaching kids how to approach and interact with dogs respectfully and under adult supervision, the bond between Bulldogs and their human and animal companions can thrive in a harmonious and loving environment. Bulldog Rescue Groups Often, Bulldogs are acquired without a comprehensive understanding of the responsibilities involved, leading many of them to find their way into rescue groups seeking adoption or foster care. However, opting to adopt an adult Bulldog presents several compelling advantages. Adult dogs frequently come with pre-existing housetraining and basic obedience skills, making the transition into a new home smoother. Moreover, they have already outgrown the boisterous puppy phase, sparing potential adopters from dealing with the inevitable mischief and destruction associated with young pups. Their affectionate, outgoing personality is what most people love about this breed. Bulldogs bond with almost any kind of person, young or old, boisterous or quiet, and are not known for aggressive behavior. Bulldogs are truly social creatures. But their favorite social interaction of all is curling up next to you on the couch. They will pout and sulk if they feel rebuffed, making some hilarious faces in the process. Once you give them the attention they crave, Bulldogs immediately slip into silliness and roll all over the floor with excitement and paw at you for more. But Bulldogs can be stubborn, too. But their skin is a different issue. Use a damp cloth or a baby wipe to clean underneath all the hanging skin, especially the wrinkles around the nose and tail, and then be sure to dry the exact same areas; moisture can create bacterial breeding grounds. Look for signs of skin irritation as you go, and, if you notice any redness or flaking, talk to your vet. They may recommend applying a soothing ointment to the areas for a few days while keeping an eye on the condition. If they have skin problems, talk to your vet about bathing more frequently. Be sure to start grooming your Bulldog puppy as soon as they come home to get them used to being touched and groomed. Speaking of paws, be sure to keep their nails trimmed. You may need to trim them about once a month. Oh, and good treats, of course! Bulldogs are just not that into obeying you. Bulldogs can learn all the important commands—sit, come, stay, leave it—to keep them safe. Use positive reinforcement treats, cuddles and special toys to reward your Bulldog for listening. Pup parents say that once a Bulldog learns a command, they never forget it. As with all breeds, early socialization with other dogs is key for Bulldogs to learn how to, well, be a Bulldog! Dogs teach each other when and how to play and when to back off. Make sure the food you choose meets the nutritional standards of the Association of American Feed Control Officials. You might have read that Bulldogs are a brachycephalic breed. Unfortunately, their facial structure leads to a condition called brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome BOAS and causes breathing difficulties see the Health section for more information. But BOAS can trigger digestive issues, too, including vomiting, gagging or regurgitation. To lessen these issues, feed your Bulldog small amounts at a time they are speedy eaters who will gulp down whatever is in front of them in seconds! Bulldogs are prone to obesity, which makes the symptoms of BOAS worse. Talk to your vet about an appropriate feeding schedule for your Bully and their appropriate weight. Your vet is in the best position to help you pick the best food for your pup based on their individual needs. Exercise The breathing difficulties caused by their flattened snouts makes vigorous and extended exercise a no-go for Bulldogs. Although they will get a burst of energy and run around in circles from time to time aka the zoomies. Overexertion—especially in hot weather—can actually be dangerous for this breed. Three easy-going, minute walks a day, mixed in with a few dog-park play sessions or doggy playdates throughout the week is plenty. Be sure you schedule these in the cooler parts of the day and avoid the heat at all costs. Other than that, Bulldogs are content to stay inside, making them great apartment dogs for city living. Oh, and Bulldogs love to play tug-of-war! So stock up on tug toys and play a quick game—it counts as exercise! When it comes to the safest, most comfortable environment for this breed, it comes down to one thing: air conditioning. Other than that, Bulldogs are adaptable and social pups who would love to be in a home with lots of people—kids and babies included—to give them attention. They even get along well with aloof cats! That said, Bulldogs can be just as happy bonding with one doting pet parent. Back to Top Bulldog Health For all the fantastic things there are about the Bulldog, there is one drawback. Their overall health is not that great. Years of breeding for the pugilistic-looking flat face have created myriad problems for the English Bulldog. Either way, it is important pup parents are aware of these health concerns so they can help their Bully stay healthier, longer. Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome: BOAS is an inherited condition that almost all Bulldogs have to some degree due to their short muzzles and the shape of their heads. Keeping your Bully at a normal weight is one way to help them breathe more easily. If their breathing problems are more severe, surgery may help. Soft-palate surgery opens up the breathing passages allowing your dog to breathe more easily. Skin Infections: Bulldogs are prone to developing skin infections in their delightfully wrinkly skin. It is essential you clean and dry their folds every day. Signs of infection may include increased itching or scratching, a bad odor or a greasy or really dry coat. If you do suspect your pup has a skin infection, get to your vet pronto! Your vet can determine the best course of action, most often a topical medicated cream. Eye Issues: Cherry eye looks like a red or pink bulge in the interior corner of their eye. It occurs when their third eyelid swells and is out of place and is sometimes due to weakened connective tissue or inflammation. There are surgical and non-surgical treatments depending on the severity. Bulldogs also suffer from entropion, a condition in which the eyelid rolls in and rubs the eye, causing irritation. Entropion can be treated by surgery; if left untreated, blindness may occur. Birth: One of the distinctive traits of the English Bulldog breed is their massive head. More often than not, Bulldog puppies are born via c-section to safeguard the puppies and the mother. Back to Top Bulldog History Were you once a college athlete who now gets winded bringing the laundry upstairs? Though their precise origins are unclear, Bulldogs most likely originated in England and may have descended from ancient mastiff-like breeds. This brutal practice was gruesome and bloody for both the bulls and the canines; naturally, it became a popular spectator sport. Gamblers bred Bulldogs for vicious temperaments and shorter and shorter snouts, which could latch on to the bull more easily. Thankfully, bull baiting was outlawed in .By this time, the peculiarly cute, compressed faces of the Bulldog had won the hearts of the English people, who continued to breed them for their looks, not their aggression. Shortly after, Bulldogs were brought to America, where the American Kennel Club recognized them as an official breed in , and the Bulldog Club of America was formed in .Today, most of the qualities that made Bulldogs such successful bull baiters have been bred out of them. Their lovable personalities make them the fifth most popular breed in the country. Their flat faces, though, continue to be popular symbols of pluck and determination: Bulldogs serve as a mascot for many high schools, colleges and universities think Yale University and the University of Georgia , Mack Trucks, and the US Marine Corps. But because of his flat face and heavy build, he is highly sensitive to heat and must always live indoors. Laughter, love and a face everyone adores ensure the enduring popularity of the Bulldog. No breed is more admired for the qualities of loyalty and determination that the Bulldog represents. Few breeds are as easily recognized as the Bulldog, with his wrinkled mug, distinctive underbite and Churchillian jowls. He loves children and is very easy to train as a family pet. These dogs are intolerant of warm weather, and may die if overheated. Too much exercise or stress can make it difficult for them to breathe. Without exception, Bulldogs must live indoors, and need air conditioning in all but the mildest summer weather. Most Bulldogs are born by C-section. Because breeding them is expensive, the puppies are, too. Love is an expensive proposition when you own a Bulldog. In general, the Bulldog is an easy-care breed. Other Quick Facts The Bulldog has a distinctive walk: a loose-jointed, shuffling, sidewise roll. Their massive head, solid torso and short legs limit their ability to stay above water. The History of Bulldogs The Bulldog has been around, in one form or another, for at least years. The earliest types were tall and ferocious, necessary traits for a dog whose job it was to grab a bull by the nose to hold him in place. Bull-baiting, as this activity was known, had an actual purpose—to bring bulls in for breeding or castration, for instance—but it also became a popular form of entertainment in a time when there were no movie theaters, televisions or video games. People who bred Bulldogs for exhibition selected for dogs with shorter legs and bigger heads until they arrived at a dog with a heavy, thick-set, low-slung body, wide shoulders and a massive head. The modern Bulldog has a pacific and dignified nature. It was only a matter of time before the Bulldog made his way to the United States. One of the successful show dogs of this time, Handsome Dan, was the original Yale mascot, and all of his successors have borne the same name. The University of Georgia also has a Bulldog mascot. Each one goes by the name Uga. Bulldogs became associated with the U. All Marine Bulldogs are called Chesty. Nineteenth in AKC rankings in , in he had risen to sixth place, a testament to his sweet and fun-loving personality. Bulldog Temperament and Personality Bulldogs are friendly, easygoing and get along with everyone, including children and other animals. His love of people, tolerant attitude toward children, amiable temperament and solid bulk make the Bulldog a great companion for families with kids. Bulldogs also do well with people at the other end of the age spectrum. Their restful nature makes them a good fit for anyone who enjoys a relaxed lifestyle. Mellow he may be, but the Bulldog retains a hint of the tenacity and headstrong nature that characterized his ancestors. This breed learns best through fun training sessions that involve repetition and positive reinforcement—treats and praise. The Bulldog has a moderate energy level. A minute walk has him ready for a nap. The Bulldog is sociable and sweet, and his reputation for courage makes him an excellent watchdog. Their hips and spines can be malformed and they are prone to knee issues and injuries. Cherry eye, inverted eyelids, cataracts and dry eye are just a few of the eye abnormalities that can affect the Bulldog. Brachycephalic airway syndrome is a common problem in Bulldogs. This developmental condition results in a narrowing of the upper airway, making it difficult for flat-faced dogs, such as the Bulldog, to breathe. Other conditions that can potentially affect Bulldogs include allergies and skin problems, several kinds of bladder stones, difficulty giving birth and cancer. Most of these problems have no screening tests, but they are known or believed to be genetic. A DNA test for canine hyperuricosuria, a condition that can result in a certain type of bladder stones, is now available for the Bulldog. Bulldogs are also at high risk for gastric torsion. The stomach twists on itself, cutting off the blood supply, and requires immediate emergency surgery. Breeders must agree to have all test results, positive or negative, published in the CHIC database. Careful breeders screen their breeding dogs for genetic disease and breed only the healthiest and best-looking specimens, but sometimes Mother Nature has other ideas and a puppy develops one of these diseases despite good breeding practices. Advances in veterinary medicine mean that in most cases the dogs can still live a good life. Because of their flat face and heavy build, they are highly susceptible to heatstroke and can die in the space of half an hour or less if left outside on a hot day. If your Bulldog goes with you to a picnic, baseball game or some other outdoor summer event, take steps to keep him cool and provide him with plenty of water to drink. There are Bulldogs who skateboard and even surf! If you choose a Bulldog puppy from a conscientious breeder, you can have a healthy dog who is fully capable of participating in fun activities. Keeping a Bulldog at an appropriate weight is one of the easiest ways to improve his health and extend his life. Make the most of your preventive abilities to help ensure a healthier dog for life. Step up the brushing until the shedding period ends. Caring for the facial and nose wrinkles requires a bit more effort. Depending on the individual dog, wrinkles may need to be cleaned a couple of times a week or every day. Wipe out the crud from the wrinkles with a soft, damp cloth or a baby wipe, then dry them thoroughly. If moisture is left behind, wrinkles become the perfect petri dish for bacterial growth. Do the same for the indentation at the tail set and the outer vulval area. If you have any questions about dealing with skin problems or wrinkle issues, talk with your veterinarian who may prescribe a specific care regime. Finding a Bulldog Whether you want to go with a breeder or get your dog from a shelter or rescue, here are some things to keep in mind. Choosing a Bulldog Breeder Finding a good breeder is the key to finding the right purebred puppy. A good breeder will match you with the right puppy, and will without question have done all the health certifications necessary to screen out health problems as much as is possible. He or she is more interested in placing pups in the right homes than in making big bucks. Go to the section on Bulldog health to learn more about the tests and precautions responsible breeders should take to help prevent certain health issues. While the Bulldog Club of America is a smart place to start your search for a responsible breeder, the traits that make a Bulldog a show ring success are the very ones that lead to many of the health problems common in the breed. Avoid breeders who only seem interested in how quickly they can unload a puppy on you and whether your credit card will go through. Put at least as much effort into researching your puppy as you would into choosing a new car or expensive appliance. It will save you money in the long run. Disreputable breeders and facilities that deal with puppy mills can be hard to distinguish from reliable operations. The cost of a Bulldog puppy varies depending on his place of origin, whether he is male or female, what titles his parents have, and whether he is best suited for the show ring or a pet home. The puppy you buy should have been raised in a clean home environment, from parents with health clearances and show or working titles to prove that they are good specimens of the breed. Puppies should be temperament tested, vetted, dewormed, and socialized to give them a healthy, confident start in life. And before you decide to buy a puppy, consider whether an adult Bulldog might better suit your needs and lifestyle. Puppies are loads of fun, but they require a lot of time and effort before they grow up to become the dog of your dreams. An adult Bulldog may already have some training and will probably be less active, destructive and demanding than a puppy. If you are interested in acquiring an older dog through breeders, ask them about purchasing a retired show dog or if they know of an adult dog who needs a new home. If you want to adopt a dog, read the advice below on how to do that. Adopting a Dog from a Bulldog Rescue or Shelter There are many great options available if you want to adopt a dog from an animal shelter or breed rescue organization. Here is how to get started. Use the Web Sites like Petfinder. The site allows you to be very specific in your requests housetraining status, for example or very general all the Bulldogs available on Petfinder across the country. Social media is another great way to find a dog. Post on your Facebook page that you are looking for a specific breed so that your entire community can be your eyes and ears. Reach Out to Local Experts Start talking with all the pet pros in your area about your desire for a Bulldog. That includes vets, dog walkers, and groomers. When someone has to make the tough decision to give up a dog, that person will often ask her own trusted network for recommendations. Talk to Breed Rescue Networking can help you find a dog that may be the perfect companion for your family. Most people who love Bulldogs love all Bulldogs. You can also search online for other Bulldog rescues in your area. The great thing about breed rescue groups is that they tend to be very upfront about any health conditions the dogs may have and are a valuable resource for advice. They also often offer fostering opportunities so, with training, you could bring a Bulldog home with you to see what the experience is like. Key Questions to Ask You now know the things to discuss with a breeder, but there are also questions you should discuss with shelter or rescue group staff or volunteers before you bring home a pup. These include: What is his energy level? How is he around other animals? How does he respond to shelter workers, visitors and children? What is his personality like? What is his age? Has he ever bitten or hurt anyone that they know of? Are there any known health issues? Wherever you acquire your Bulldog, make sure you have a good contract with the seller, shelter or rescue group that spells out responsibilities on both sides. Petfinder offers an Adopters Bill of Rights that helps you understand what you can consider normal and appropriate when you get a dog from a shelter. Puppy or adult, take your Bulldog to your veterinarian soon after adoption. Your veterinarian will be able to spot problems, and will work with you to set up a preventive regimen that will help you avoid many health issues. He is characteristically big-boned, goofy, and full of love. Although they were originally bred as fighting dogs—and later became a worldwide symbol for toughness and tenacity—the bulldog evolved into a gentle, family oriented dog who just wants to watch the world go by from the comfort of his bed. You're also likely to see this handsome breed on TV, patrolling the sideline at a college football or basketball games, or in the movies, famously trying to keep an inflated Aunt Marge from floating away. It's no wonder you find them everywhere, the bulldog is the fifth-most popular breed in America. They're beefy boys and girls. A staple trait is their huge underbite, and sometimes the pups will " hang a fang. English bulldogs sit low to the ground and have wide shoulders, two characteristics that behooved them in their dog fighting history. They can be any combination of these with additional brindling, ticking, or black masks. Their eyes should always be dark brown or black. You won't confuse an English bulldog for the other members of the bulldog family. The French bulldog is smaller and has tall bat ears. The American bulldog is an athletic all-purpose working dog with longer legs and a leaner body made to guard, hunt, or farm. The Olde English Bulldogge, a larger, more muscular mix of English bulldogs, pit bull terriers, American bulldogs and bullmastiffs, is the least common bulldog. Temperament A bulldog's temperament is far more friendly and goofy than he may look. Although they're intimidating physically, bulldogs are actually extremely family and kid friendly. The more positive interactions they have with new situations, the better off they'll be. The bulldog is rarely aggressive. In fact, he's almost dopey. He doesn't always understand what you're saying, but he's kind and earnest in his ways. Their low energy level means they can thrive as apartment dwellers. They certainly don't need a huge yard to run and romp, as they'll get tired after 10 minutes of playing and need a snooze. The bulldog absolutely loves children and will put up with all the noise, yanking and tugging that come with them. They'll never show anger; they'll just walk away if they feel bothered. This breed doesn't bark a ton, but they make great watch dogs that can frighten someone off with their appearance alone. They are also known for having courage, and will protect their loved ones no matter what. Bulldogs prefer a slow life lounging on the couch or squeezing onto your lap yes, even at 50 pounds. They are a brachycephalic breed, meaning they have a wide skull and a flat face that can make exercise tough. Their heavy heads and chest make them poor swimmers and they should be watched closely around water to avoid drowning. Care A bulldog's coat is very fine and short, so they only require brushing once a week. The more you brush, the less hair you'll find on your furniture and clothing. More important than brushing is keeping his face clean and dry—with so many wrinkles, they can get irritated or infected if not cared for properly. Trim his nails once a month or so, until you can't hear him click-clacking on the floor. Weekly or daily teeth brushing will prevent future vet visits down the line. While the bulldog doesn't care much for exercise, he still needs it to maintain a healthy weight, as he is prone to weight gain. A daily walk around the neighborhood during the cooler hours will wear him out, as will a quick play session. He would much rather be cuddling with his child companions or taking a nap in the AC. Consult your vet about the right food for your bulldog, and monitor that food intake to prevent weight gain. Bulldogs are better off with two measured meals a day rather than leaving the bowl out all the time. If nobody stopped them, they'd keep eating. Because they can be lazy, bulldog owners need to have focus and patience with their puppy. Once he learns something, he will remember it, especially if treats are involved. That short, bullish stature can give way to joint or respiratory difficulties. The brachycephalic bulldog can get overheated quickly, so he shouldn't be left in enclosed warm spaces and must be monitored outdoors. Always have plenty of water, shade, and access to AC for your bulldog to reduce the likelihood of heat stroke. History The modern day bulldog is quite the turnaround from his ancestors. In the 13th century in England, bulldogs were used for the sport of "bull baiting," the AKC writes. Before we had professional sports, spectators would gather and bet money on this inhumane practice. One or multiple bulldogs would attempt to pin a bull to the ground using their powerful bite. These early bulldogs were slightly taller and more muscular than today's English bulldog, and only the most aggressive were bred. The AKC writes that the bulldog's tenacious character stems from their history in the ring, because they developed a high pain tolerance and kept fighting until the last second. It wasn't until that bull baiting was outlawed in England, and bulldogs faced extinction without that purpose. Many people admired the strength, determination, and appearance of the breed, and didn't want to see them die out. Luckily, there were breeders who dedicated their lives to re-engineering the bulldog. They used only the even tempered dogs to reproduce, until only the docile were left. In , the English bulldog was recognized by the AKC. The dog that originated in England has come to symbolize their people. And, well, he looked like a bulldog, too. Today, the bulldog is known as one of the most gentle, kid-friendly dogs in the world. President Warren G. Harding also had a bulldog in the White House, Old Boy. Yale was the first university in the United States to adopt a mascot—a bulldog named Handsome Dan. Today, dozens of colleges and universities use a bulldog as their mascot. Otto, a bulldog from Lima, Peru, set a world record in " the longest human tunnel traveled through by a dog skateboarder. Was this page helpful? Your browser does not support the audio tag. Description The English Bulldog is a wide, medium-sized, compact dog with short legs. The body and head are massive with extra skin on both the skull and forehead falling in folds. The cheeks extend to the sides of the eyes. The muzzle is wide, short and pug with a broad, deep stop. The black nose is broad with large nostrils. The dark eyes are deep set. The rose ears are small, thin and set high on the head. The jaws are massive, very broad, and square with hanging upper lips. The teeth should have an under bite. The tail is either straight or screwed and carried low. The short, flat coat is straight, smooth and glossy. Coat colors include red brindle and other shades of brindle, solid white, solid red, fawn, fallow, piebald, pale yellow or washed-out red or white or a combination of these colors. Temperament Although the English Bulldog's appearance can be somewhat intimidating, it is among the gentlest of dogs. Just the same it will see off any intruder , and few would risk a close encounter with a dog brave enough to bait a bull. It is described as a very affectionate and dependable animal, gentle with children, but known for its courage and its excellent guarding abilities. Bullheaded and determined, this breed can be very persistent. They do not give up easily. Bulldogs are very much a people's dog, seeking out human attention and loving every bit it can get!! A lot of human attention is required for the breed's happiness. Some English Bulldogs can be a bit dominating and need an owner who knows how to display strong leadership and understands alpha canine behavior. A Bulldog who understands its place in the human pack is nice to, and reliable with all people. This breed is good with family pets , but some can be combative with strange dogs if they do not see themselves as followers in their pack. When Bulldogs are young, they are full of energy, but slow down as they get older. They snore very loudly, most have drool and slobber tendencies and are messy eaters. Bulldogs that display guarding behaviors, such as guarding furniture , food, toys, or other spots in the house, or that are dog aggressive do not have humans who are being the dog's pack leader. This behavior only happens when dogs are allowed to take over. These behaviors can be corrected when the owners start displaying the proper leadership. Dogs that feel they need to run the home are not as happy as dogs that know they are human followers, as it is very stressful for a dog to need to keep "his" humans in line. Height, Weight Height: about 12 - 16 inches 31 - 40 cm there is no prescribed height, but shorter Bulldogs are more prized when being shown Weight: Males 53 - 55 pounds 24 - 25 kg Females 49 - 51 pounds 22 - 23 kg Health Problems Prone to breathing problems; some have small windpipes as well. Also poor eyesight, cherry eye , very susceptible to heatstroke in warm weather or hot rooms and cars. Very cold sensitive. Prone to mast cell tumors. Birth defects are common in some lines. Susceptible to skin infections, hip and knee problems. Prone to flatulence, especially when fed any other type of food other than their regular dog food. Puppies are often delivered by caesarian section. Some say it is because of the dogs' large head size, however others claim you can hardly tell the difference between the head size of a Bulldog with the head size of other breeds when the pups are first born; claiming not enough dams are given the opportunity to try and deliver naturally because of the large head myth. A lot of Bulldogs do run the risk of having weak labors and this could increase the risk of a caesarian. Living Conditions The English Bulldog is good for apartment life. They are very inactive indoors and will do okay without a yard. This breed is an indoor dog. Bulldogs do best in temperate climates as the breed can chill easily in cold weather and have trouble cooling off in very hot weather. Exercise The English Bulldog needs to be taken on a daily walk to fulfill its primal canine instinct to migrate. Those individuals that do not get this need met are more likely to have behavior issues. While out on the walk the dog must be made to heel beside or behind the person holding the lead, as in a dog's mind the leader leads the way, and that leader needs to be the human. Teach them to enter and exit all door and gateways after the human. English Bulldogs that are in good shape are capable of moving very quickly for short periods of time. Life Expectancy An average of 8 years. Some live longer while others live shorter lives. Litter Size 4 - 5 puppies; as a result of this breed's large head they are prone to needing a caesarian section Grooming The smooth, fine, short-haired coat is easy to groom. Comb and brush with a firm bristle brush, and bathe only when necessary. Wipe the face with a damp cloth every day to clean inside the wrinkles. This breed is an average shedder. The dog was given the name "bull" because of its use in bull baiting and for its robust look of a little bull. They were aggressive, ferocious and courageous with the power to attack full grown bulls, which they did in arena combat before the practice was banned by law in the 19th century. Bulldogs would attack from the bottom up going underneath the bull and aiming for the neck, making it hard for the bull to fight back. Today's Bulldog has a very different temperament from those of his ancestors, but still retains a strong determination. Post by: Eric M. Once bred for sport and work, the English Bulldog has evolved into a loyal and easygoing member of the family. About the Breed With a knack for getting along with everyone, English Bulldogs can make themselves at home with any type of family. An extremely loyal breed, these pups are known to form strong bonds with children, while being laidback enough for pet parents who enjoy a relaxed lifestyle. And even though their large jaws and underbite can give the impression of sadness or concern, anyone familiar with this breed knows that these playful, even comical, pups are more silly than sad. With adorable wrinkles and a playful temperament, the English Bulldog is sure to turn a lot of heads wherever they go. Breed History Originally bred for bull-baiting in England, Bulldogs were first referenced in works of literature dating back to the s. The breed developed their stocky frame, large head, and notorious jowls due in part to the strenuous activities they participated in. As the English Bulldog transitioned from a working dog into a show dog, the breed eventually found their way to the United States in the s. Once in the States, their popularity grew. Outside of finding major success in the show ring, the English Bulldog found celebrity status, too! The original Yale mascot was an English Bulldog named Handsome Dan — the name gets passed down to each successor. During WWI, the U. Marines became associated with the breed and made them their mascot, as well. Each Marine bulldog takes the name Chesty. The University of Georgia Bulldogs are represented on the sideline by an English Bulldog named Uga and, you guessed it, each mascot proudly takes the name Uga. This unique build gave them a wide stance and bowlegged gait. The breed has short, smooth coats that come in a variety of colors, including brindle, white, red, fawn, yellow, and piebald. On average, these pooches reach 12 to 15 inches in height and weight 40 to 60 pounds. There is little size difference between genders with males tending to be just a bit heavier. An occasional bath and a few brushing sessions with a short bristle brush each week should be enough to keep their coat looking marvelous. Unfortunately, their upkeep goes beyond getting out the brush. If left unclean, these folds can be a haven for bacteria and other unpleasant surprises. Dental hygiene is also especially important with this breed due to their compressed jaw. In addition to requiring an increased focus on teeth cleaning, the shape of their head can also lead to a few other less than desirable features, including snoring, wheezing, and drooling — of course, these are all normal side effects. Learn more about how pet insurance could help you cover your pet's eligible veterinary care expenses. Training By their nature, English Bulldogs are people pleasers, even though they can be slightly strong willed from time to time. They learn best when owners make training fun, especially if it involves repetition, positive reinforcement, and, of course, a few treats of encouragement. Outside of training, English Bulldogs are known to be independent dogs who can solve problems on their own without needing help from their humans. Aside from a few preventable concerns, like their lack of swimming ability, a tendency to quickly overheat in the sun, issues with reproduction and the need for caesarean section, and exercise-induced breathing issues, English Bulldogs face a lot of genetic issues. Get a free quote now! Instead, human intervention has lead to many issues and exacerbated many others. Poor practices, selective breeding, and overbreeding have led some experts to believe that any breeding of these dogs is inhumane. While there is no consensus when it comes to the ethical quandaries of English Bulldogs and breeding, it is important to be aware of all of the factors at play when deciding on which breed is right for your family and lifestyle, while also noting the importance of knowing where a dog — no matter the breed — comes from. This is especially important when it comes to these wrinkled wonders — the price tag on an English Bulldog can reach quadruple digits. Despite their many health concerns, English Bulldogs do have a lifespan of 8 to 12 years. And, if well cared for, can live happy, comfortable lives while providing unflinching companionship and boundless entertainment in the proper home. Check out our online resources to learn more about your insurance options and get a free quote today. The information presented in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute or substitute for the advice of your veterinarian. Find out some fun facts about this fascinating breed.
Use the same commands and cues consistently. Improved obedience and communication. Reward good behavior with treats and praise. A motivated and happy pup. Socialization Introduce your pup to various people and dogs in a slow, positive manner. Well-adjusted and confident around others. Structured Play Mental stimulation and reduced boredom. Leash Training Teach leash manners to enjoy peaceful walks. Enjoyable walks with your well-behaved companion. Obedience Classes Enroll in obedience classes for professional guidance. Enhanced training skills and socialization. Training a 6-month-old German Shepherd puppy involves consistent positive reinforcement methods. Start with basic commands like sit, stay, and come. Use rewards like treats and praise to encourage desired behavior, and keep training sessions short and engaging. Socialization with other dogs and people is essential, and enrolling in puppy training classes can provide structured guidance. Use these puppy training tips to have less stress with your puppy: 1. Stay on top of their exercise needs. Your GSD needs the proper exercise. Increase exercise slowly to avoid an injury that comes from too much impact on unfused joints and bones. While your puppy still lacks maturity and focus, you can increase training to help teach your dog obedience skills. Increase daily obedience and practice to help them learn training basics. Your beautiful German Shepherd puppy will grow very quickly! Teaching them when they are puppies will pay off for the rest of their life. Simple training should start the moment your puppy arrives home. Using the same word for the same activities will help them learn quickly. Give them the right chew toys. Your pup needs balls and toys that are safe and chew-worthy. Look for more indestructible toys to keep your German Shepherd busy and continue to offer chew treats to work their jaws. Find the right chews for you puppy so you minimize the potential for choking and their jaws get a good workout. Use some of these balls for German Shepherd puppies as a distraction toy to get their focus away from your fingers and onto the toy. Giving your puppy a chew toy when they are biting an unapproved item redirects their attention to the right item. Include mental stimulation for their minds. This puppy needs mental stimulation to help them exercise their brilliant minds. This intelligent dog need more than physical exercise. Their minds need to learn and become involved in their world in new and interesting ways. There are many ways you can include mental stimulation. Many of these ways involve teaching a new brain challenge or mental game. Keep them supervised. Even a young GSD can cause lots of trouble when left unsupervised. If your once potty-trained pup has now forgotten their potty manners, then use pet-safe baby gates to contain them or leash them to you to supervise their actions at all times. Pet safe gates like these allow your dog to still see you and feel they have watched over their family. Pet gates are a safe option that prevents your dog from getting its head stuck or worse. Shutting a German Shepherd behind a closed door increases their anxiety and can make unwanted behavior worse! Instead, use the baby gate in a safe area to give them less run of your house. Behaviors you like can improve daily. Every day is an opportunity for you to become a more successful leader. For example: If they want to go outside ask them for a sit first. If they bring you a ball to throw, ask for a down before you engage in play. Setting up expectations of accepted behavior helps them learn how to behave more appropriately. And these successful moments can help speed up how long it takes to train a German Shepherd. Even tiny successes are great confidence builders for your puppy and for you. These bursts of training are easier for your pup to understand. The most telling sign of your little puppy growing up is unpredictable behaviors. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, but in a furry adorable body! Hormones, rebellion, confusion, and curiosity all add up to puppy puberty. But with the proper home management techniques and setting expectations, you can overcome these common puppyhood challenges. And my short Happy Puppy Guide is packed with helpful tips and tricks to ensure your furry friend grows up to be a happy and well-behaved companion. Your 6-month-old German Shepherd will thank you for it. I fetched it for you right here! She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. Like many large breeds, a German Shepherd dog is not considered fully grown until they are about 18 months old. Female German Shepherds continue to fill out until they are around two years old, while the male German Shepherd growth rate continues until they reach two and a half years of age. Males are larger and require more time to fill out their chest and abdomen. As you can see by the German Shepherd weight chart, these dogs can continue to grow until they are three years old, but the majority of growth occurs within 24 months. If your GSD is older than 36 months and continues to put on weight, contact your veterinarian to ensure weight gain does not lead to obesity. How big should a 6-month-old German Shepherd be? A six-month-old German Shepherd puppy will be quite large, as many German Shepherds undergo massive growth spurts between two and five months old. By six months, a male German Shepherd will weigh 53 pounds on average, whereas a female will weigh about 46 pounds. How much bigger will my German Shepherd get? There are a few ways to gauge how much bigger a German Shepherd will get. First, check your puppy's age. If your GSD is younger than two years old, they definitely have room to keep growing! Another way to tell if your pup still has a lot of growing to do is their paw size. Do their paws look large compared to their legs and body? This is a classic adolescent feature of a dog and means your pup is likely still growing! Most of the time, a dog will not grow bigger than its larger parents. What is the size of a full-grown German shepherd? An adult male German Shepherd is typically 24 to 26 inches tall, while adult female German Shepherds are 22 to 24 inches tall, according to the American Kennel Club German Shepherd Standard. The estimated full-size varies significantly between sexes. In terms of weight, an adult male German Shepherd weighs anywhere from 75 to 90 pounds. A female German Shepherd weighs notably less at 55 to 70 pounds. Please keep in mind that these numbers are only estimates to give you an idea of how much bigger a German Shepherd puppy may get. Some dogs will be both smaller and larger than these weight ranges when fully grown due to a variety of genetic and environmental factors. Learn all about your puppy's physical characteristics, breed history, personality traits, and more in our comprehensive guide. Preventive care is key in helping your German Shepherd live a healthy and long life. Helping your dog maintain an optimal weight is one of the best things you can do for their health. Taking your German Shepherd to regular veterinary appointments is one of the best things you can do to ensure that they are healthy and feeling their best. Compare German Shepherd health insurance plans before they get sick or injured. They are also more susceptible to gastrointestinal tract and hip issues. A veterinarian should regularly assess your pet for these health problems and run tests for anything they may be more prone to due to their breed. Treatment for many conditions, including bloat and GI issues, can cost thousands of dollars. Dog insurance is a wise investment that can give you peace of mind by covering pet emergency expenses. Wellness plans are also available to help cover the cost of vaccinations, vet exams, microchips, and more. Some people can predict the future. For everyone else, there's pet insurance. Use Pawlicy Advisor to easily compare plans from top providers so you can find a great deal with great coverage. Get Peace of Mind Today Do you want to find the best pet insurance? Let's analyze your pet's breed, age, and location to find the right coverage and the best savings. Analyze My Pet About Pawlicy Advisor The pet insurance marketplace endorsed by veterinarians, at Pawlicy Advisor we make buying the best pet insurance easier. Final Thoughts Remember that your 6 month old German Shepherd is not a puppy anymore. It is the age when your pet officially enters the adolescence stage. What does this mean for it and you as its owner? The most troublesome period starts here. Your doggy can become rather unpredictable, and it is sometimes frustrating. It may still seem like a big fur ball, but it shows its temperament and character, so you need to be very careful. Moreover, it is very strong, too. So if your puppy is not properly trained, you may experience some difficulties in controlling it. Size and Appearance Your 6 month old German Shepherd puppy continues growing. It has already gained pounds .It is a large dog breed, and it has become obvious now. Your boy weighs pounds kg , and the girl, though smaller, is pounds kg heavy. The height of a male puppy at this age reaches inches cm at the withers, while female dogs are inches cm tall. Now, teething is almost completed, and your doggy can normally show all its 42 adult teeth already. However, some puppies continue teething until they are months old. The fur coat is also almost adult, with its double layers and a lot of shedding. It means that you need to develop a direct schedule for brushing and grooming. Buy a high-quality undercoat rake and brush your pup at least once a week. Since teething is finished, the ears stand up straight at this age. However, some puppies do not have perky ears until they are 12 months old. Another very important thing to consider in your six month old German Shepherd is that its sexual maturity begins. This stage is equivalent to teenagership or puberty in people. The hormones start kicking in, so males may want to look for a mate when outside. That is why it is so important to keep your puppy away from stray dogs at this time. Your boy may also start marking its territory and displaying aggression toward other animals and people. Estrogen in females also results in uneasiness and aggressive behavior. Walking in a dog park is not the best idea for your girl at this period. On average, a 6 month old GSD sleeps hours a day. Most of them are at night, but it may also need several naps in the daytime. Your puppy is very active at this age, so it needs a lot of walking and running. It is capable of walking long distances or even jogging. It is a truly great breed that can be very energetic. The puppy can walk up to 6 miles or 10 kilometers, and many believe that it is OK, since wolf pups as their ancestors could walk and run with their pack for many miles. However, every veterinarian will tell you that too much exercise of this kind can be dangerous for your pup because it can result in problems with joints at this age. So, choose other types of activities for exercising. Teach your doggy to walk on a leash, with frequent breaks, increasing the length of the walk gradually. Never walk your puppy in very hot or cold weather. If your pup shows the slightest signs of lameness, talk with your vet about it. The age of 6 months is the time when many behavioral problems can appear. It is connected with the period of puberty and hormonal disbalances. Your pup needs more independence, so it may wage a war against all your belongings if not trained properly. Chewing, tearing, and demolishing everything around is common. Even if your doggy has been potty-trained properly, it may have more accidents indoors now because it finds pleasure in looking for secret places for doing its business when indoors. Therefore, you have to show it who the boss in the household is and become a true leader of the pack for it. When playing, your pup may become rougher and try to dominate. It can get pushier with other dogs due to the start of its sexual maturity. Your pet can display a lot of boldness and attack other dogs fearlessly when walking in the park. It may also develop more aggressive reactions to other people, especially strangers. Even if it does know most commands, it may pretend to forget them because its hormones fluctuate. So, you need to be very careful to avoid incidents. Scent marking is another sign of puberty. The pup can do it inside your home and display disobedience if you try to prevent this. Female pups can experience the beginning of heat. It may cause them to feel subdued and insecure, so they become less sociable and even aggressive to their owners. You need a lot of patience and knowledge to train your doggy to behave properly at this age. Try to be persistent, provide it with more outdoor exercise, and never use force or physical punishment in response to its misbehavior. Increase the amount of exercise gradually to avoid bad injuries to the bones and joints. Find the most appropriate and appealing activities and games for your puppy to keep it healthy and out of trouble. Include mental stimulation in your everyday exercise. Offer it new brain challenges or mental games. Health and Care You need to be carefully observing whether your pup meets its weight and height requirements for this age. Learn to measure your doggy regularly to be on the safe side. Your pup has already had three vaccination sessions by this time. Neutering or spaying your pup is an issue that you may have to consider. However, most veterinarians do not approve of this at such an early age. It can result in joint disorders, incontinence, musculature injuries, and even cancer. They can be explained by lessening or eliminating the production of hormones associated with growth. The cartilage in long leg bones may get soft or even be missing, contributing to skeletal weaknesses. That is why you should delay neutering until your boy is one year old. Or, if your little male displays too many signs of disobedience and aggression due to its sexual development, delay neutering until the veterinarian X-rays your doggy and ensures that the growth plates are hardened and completely closed. As for female German Shepherds, the additional safety considerations for spaying should also be taken into account. Too early spaying can increase the risks of mammary cancer and urinary incontinence, along the common joint and bone issues. It is recommended to wait until your girl is one year old or even longer. Most breeders will tell you that a female German Shepherd should go through one or two heat cycles before spaying to reduce the risks of severe health issues. That is why the most desirable time for spaying the GS female is 18 months of its age. As for other health problems at the age of 6 months, you do not need to worry. If you want to know what to expect further, research the pedigree and ancestors of your pup to see whether there were any hereditary issues in their bloodline. You can also have a DNA test to predict future problems, such as degenerative myelopathy. However, you need to be watchful and careful about different signs and symptoms that may signal some temporary disorders. These symptoms may not mean anything serious. Though, it is always better to be sure. Feeding You need to feed your 6 month old German Shepherd puppy an appropriate diet with the correct number of calories and protein rates. It still grows rapidly, so you should be careful when choosing between high-quality puppy kibble and raw homemade feeding. The latter should include raw meats fish, turkey, or chicken are good and different vegetables and fruits. Do not offer your puppy too many treats during the daytime. Remember that they can be full of fats and lead to obesity. You do not want your pup to suffer from hip dysplasia or other health issues caused by being overweight. Arthritis, hypertension, diabetes, and even cancer can also result from improper diets. Give your puppy cups of kibble per each of 2 meals daily. Develop a feeding schedule and be consistent with following it. Self-feeding can also lead to obesity. Provide clean and fresh water to your dog, and you do not need to take the water bowl away. Your pup should have access to it whenever it wants. Never add any supplements or extra treats until your veterinarian recommends them. If your puppy refuses to eat for more than two subsequent meals, have a talk with your vet. You do not need to make a transition to adult food at this age yet. However, in some cases, it may be appropriate and recommended, even if normally such a transition is due closer to the age of one year. If you do not do it gradually, you may face digestive upset in your puppy. The start for a 6 month old GSD is not the best option because the socialization window closes at 4 months in German Shepherds, and you may encounter some behavioral issues now. Never use harsh, negative, or punishment-based methods of training. Your pup is very sensitive, and all this can damage its psyche. The positive, reward-based methods are more appropriate, and they will produce better results. Continue socialization by exposing your pet to unfamiliar animals and people in a friendly environment. Though, you need to be very careful now because hormone disbalance can evoke unpredictable reactions. German Shepherds tend to be enthusiastic barkers, so you have to discourage your pup from barking all the time. Teach it to inform you when someone unknown is approaching, but keep from barking all other times. Always control your doggy persistently. Instill that you are a leader to obey. Do training for at least minutes per day regularly and always use positive reinforcement. If you need help, ask a professional trainer to assist or teach you. It is pretty tall, with the height of a male reaching inches .Female dogs are a bit smaller, with inches cm in height. How much should a 6 month old German Shepherd weight? Your pet continues growing quickly, so its weight also increases. The average weight of a boy puppy is pounds .How much should a 6 month old German Shepherd eat? You can give your puppy cups of kibble per each of 2 meals daily. How much should a 6 month old German Shepherd sleep? Because of its almost full-sized bladder, your pup does not need a potty at night or may need it just once. Therefore, it can sleep peacefully the whole night. Normally, the average sleeping time is hours, with the biggest amount at night. Though, it may also need several naps in the daytime. How far can a 6 month old German Shepherd walk? Even if you think that your pup needs a lot of exercises, walking and running should not comprise the largest part of it. The puppy can walk up to 6 miles or 10 kilometers if it is needed, but never make it walk for such a long distance. Its bones and joints are not formed completely yet, so much walking can cause many health issues. Choose some other activities for exercising, then. Final Thoughts Now, you can see that your 6 month old GSD puppy is a source of both enjoyment and trouble. You should be very patient, persistent, and careful about feeding, training, and exercising your little one to raise a healthy, energetic, and loyal dog, the best companion and protector for all your family. Follow the advice of your veterinarian relating to health and care. You can also consult with a professional dog trainer or hire them to help you. We hope that some recommendations and tips in this article will also be helpful. David W. I admire German Shepherds. They are magnificent dogs! I have been dealing with dogs, namely German Shepherds, throughout my life. I have been working part-time as a dog trainer and instructor for about 5 years, dealing mainly with German Shepherds. So I know a bit about these animals. Therefore, I decided to share my knowledge and experience about this fantastic breed. If you need help with advice and care tips or want to know more about German Shepherd dogs, welcome to this blog. Reliable training German Shepherd puppy training: socialization! The first item in your German Shepherd puppy training list is Socialization. It means that you must provide your baby German Shepherd with interesting and positive interactions. If you ensure that your pup interacts, and has a positive and rewarding experience, with as many people, dogs, animals, sounds, objects, sights and experiences, you will raise a confident and reliable dog. Every new activity or interaction must be followed with a yummy treat! This will ensure your puppy will have a positive association with every new experience, object, person, animal, etc. You can use your dog's kibble or something better like chicken, beef or cheese. Commercial treats are also a good and easy to use option, but make sure you buy healthy, all natural dog treats to keep your German shepherd puppy healthy and strong! German Shepherd dogs are loyal and may have a tendency to be apprehensive with strangers. Socialization will ensure that your puppy grows a strong bond with you without developing a problematic over-protectiveness. German Shepherd puppy training socialization tips: Never separate a puppy from his mother and littermates before the age of weeks. During this time, mom teaches her puppies some important rules of the dog world like body language communication and they start to learn bite inhibition by plying with the other puppies. Unfortunately many vets will tell you not to take your puppy out of the house until they have had all of their shots. This is old school thinking and can have extremely bad consequences that will become apparent only when your canine becomes an adult. Without the full set of shots, your puppy is vulnerable to infectious diseases, however taking your pup to early socialization classes where all other dogs have also been immunized reduces the risk for becoming sick AND will make your German Shepherd a confident, well adjusted and friendlier dog. The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior promotes early socialization , even before the full set of vaccines are given to the pup. Take socialization in your own hands. Spend the first 4 weeks holding parties at your home! Yes, parties! Invite all your friends and family for Karaoke, sports watching, boardgames, etc. Ask them to bring their kids too! And always make sure socialization is about positive interactions. If any of the kids or adults make your puppy a little scared, simply remove the threat and let the puppy explore other things. Back to top of German shepherd puppy training article. German Shepherd puppy training: stop the biting! Socialization is hard work, bite-inhibition is even harder! But it is one of the best things you can ever teach your pup. Dogs have really strong jaws and can learn to apply just the right amount of pressure with it. Adult dogs that have had this kind of training can get into fights and defend themselves without drawing blood. This is so important to avoid any type of dog-human or dog-dog bite accidents. German Shepherd puppy dogs have sharp teeth for a reason: to learn how to use their mouth properly. Teach your puppy to bite without hurting! To teach your pooch not to hurt human skin you will need to yelp like a puppy every time you feel teeth in contact with your skin. Engage in puppy play and Yelp Yes! Loud, sharp, high pitched and clear when you feel teeth. Your pup will most likely stop in surprise. As soon as he has stopped, wait seconds and resume play. Repeat as many times as needed. Start with those bites that really hurt or scratch. If you yelp every time you feel teeth, your puppy will think it is how you play. It may take a few weeks for you to notice that your pup is not hurting as much.Progressively teach your pup to play without hurting you. This make take a couple of months! Do not let your puppy play with your clothes, shoes, face or hair. If your puppy bites any of these, the game is over. Wait for him to calm down and start playing again. If you are tired of playing and getting bitten, grab a tug-toy or a ball and play those games instead. After a while, settle your puppy with a stuffed Kong toy on his bed or crate. Never punish your puppy for play-biting, this can lead to aggression or your puppy fearing "hands" near his face. Even though German shepherd puppy dogs are really smart, bite-inhibition requires a lot of repetition and consistency. Most of the time you will feel he is not learning anything at all, keep at it. You can add second time outs on top of yelping if needed. It is definitely worth your time. If bite-inhibition is slow, this article has more tips to help you! Another aspect of training your German shepherd puppy bite inhibition are toys! Your pup needs to learn to bite only his toys, not furniture, not the walls, not your shoes. For this reason you need to load your house with puppy toys and TEACH your puppy how to play with them. The best dog toys are interactive, this means that you can put food inside the toy and your puppy has to think how to get it out. This toys are the best because they add enrichment to your dog's life. Interactive dog toy recommendations: Feed EVERY meal inside an interactive dog toy Use interactive toys with your German shepherd when he is left alone in the house. Make sure he has plenty of toys interactive and others so he won't get bored when you leave. Use interactive toys when you need some quiet time because you need to work, or you have guests. Kong dog toy's are the best , you can fill them with something soft like cheese or peanut butter and let your puppy lick it for a while. Even better.Below you will see some of my favorite interactive dog toys durable and fun! German Shepherd puppy training: potty outside! Another important item on your German shepherd puppy training list is House training. It can be a bit stressful, but if done correctly, you can accomplish it very quickly. Just keep in mind that depending on your puppy in can take anywhere from 1 week to several months to complete potty training. The following info-graphic has some simple rules to follow and make german shepher potty training easy and effective: Take your puppy out for a potty break every hours. Take your puppy out for a potty the break after every meal. Take your puppy out for a potty break after a nap. Take your puppy out for a potty break after a play session. The main idea when potty training a German shepherd puppy, is to take him out or to the correct place as often as he needs to and reward him after he is done. The infographic above gives you an idea of how often a puppy needs to go out. However, you need to know your own puppy. This way you will know how often he is relieving himself. You may also notice if he does it after every meal or nap. Reward with a treat after he is done! Repeat steps 2 and 3, you should start noticing that after a couple of days or weeks your puppy chooses the correct place more often than other places. NEVER punish your dog for accidents, this can stress him and even make him do his business hidden from you which will make potty training very hard because you won't be able to reward him. You can crate train your German shepherd puppy so he learns to have quiet times in between active times. Crate training also prevents your puppy from having accidents. For more information and a puppy crate-training schedule check this article! German shepherd potty training aids The are several commercial items available to help you potty train your German shepherd dog. Regular cleaning products may take away the urine scent -you- smell but they will not remove the scent your dog smells. Enzymatic cleaners do that, they break down urine molecules to make them easy to remove. This will prevent your pet from returning to the same, incorrect, spot. Puppy pads are very popular because they are less messy than news paper. However, if you put a puppy pad and leave you puppy alone with it, you will find it in shreds! You must teach your puppy to use the puppy pads, not to chew on them. To do this, put the puppy pad on the floor and interrupt your puppy if he tries to play with it. Exchange for another toy and reward with treats for not grabbing the pad with his mouth he can however, stand or sit on it. Repeat until he learns this! If you have a backyard, a doggy-door is an excellent way to give your pup access to the outdoors without your help. You must teach him how to use it! Use a treat to lure him through the door many times until he can do it on his own! Then, every-time you take him outside, make him go though the door on his own. You can also teach your puppy to let you know when he needs to go outside! Use a doggy doorbells for this purpose. You must teach your dog how to use them! First, teach your dog to touch the bells. Then, ask your dog to touch the bells every time before you open the door to let him go outside. Finally, be alert for when he does it on his own! I do not recommend any "Not Here" or "Yes Here" type sprays. They don't work very well, specially without any training.German Shepherd puppy training: basic commands! Some dog trainers won't start until the dog is 6 months old, at which time he is past the socialization and bite inhibition period and he is probably doing all sorts of naughty things. You can start training your German shepherd puppy from the first day you bring him home. From weeks you can start teaching your canine many commands, however I strongly advice you keep your focus on socialization, bite-inhibition and potty training. If you have time to train basic commands…. Your pooch will love it! Step-by-step obedience training tutorials for your German shepherd German Shepherd puppy training "SIT": You will use this command all the time. Ask your pup to sit when a stranger wants to pet him, for attention, for the ball to be thrown, etc. To start use food to lure your pooch into the sit position. Only give him the treat once his bottom is on the ground. Repeat many times! Follow this link for detail instructions.This is useful at the vet as well as to mix and match commands. From a sit or down position lure your baby german shepherd into a stand. This link will take you to the step by step guide.Start your pooch from a sitting position and lure him into a down. Only give your dog a treat after he is completely down on the ground. Click here for a step-by-step tutorial.Why train your pooch sit, down and stand? You need three commands to mix up when you ask your dog to do something. If you have at least three options, then your smart German Shepherd won't be able to predict what you will ask. Practice Puppy Push-Ups! Sit-down-stand, Down-sit-stand, and ask you German Shepherd puppy to do one, two, or more commands to earn treats, toys and attention! Other useful cues include: Speak and Quiet , settle and ask for permission before rushing into something potentially dangerous. You can see a full list of commands on this link. Enjoy German Shepherd puppy training time and leave us your questions and comments in the box below. It combines in itself all the positive qualities of a working dog, possesses great intelligence and a perfect ability to be trained. Puppies of this breed like to learn since the young age and catch on new information very quickly. Thanks to all its qualities, a German shepherd is a multifunctional dog. It can be a guard, a protector, a seeker or a hunter. However, this is a pretty difficult breed that will need all your efforts to be trained well. Behaviour This kind of dogs has a great potential that shows itself through its behaviour and abilities. Here are the main of them: An ability to guard a family or a certain territory. It should be mentioned that the dog usually makes decisions whether to attack a stranger or not by itself. It can attack somebody only if it thinks that this action is necessary. This is the dog of nice scent. A lot of security services use this ability in their work. The function of protection. A German shepherd is a selfless fighter that will protect the owner to the last. If an owner gives a command, it will also fight without any hesitation. A puppy tries to assert itself in the world and shows a high level of independence at that time and till the reaching the age of puberty. Since this age, your pet begins to show disobedience and does not obey the commands it usually obeyed before. Do not allow it to behave in that way, otherwise it will become its habit. This difficult period finishes usually with coming of the age of puberty. For female dogs it is often at the age of seven or eight months, when the first heat starts. Male dogs begin to spray at this time and it comes a bit later. During this period the behaviour of your dog would be unstable. Maybe the pet would show you some of its puppy habits, but it will end a bit later. The ability of guarding and protecting is also shown in this period. So, pay attention to the proper training of your favourite pet. Recommendation: be very strict during this period in order to show your pet that you are the leader. Do not allow your dog to win and disobey you. Fear and a Puppy Your German shepherd can feel fear for several weeks during the period of adolescence. It usually happens about the age of seven weeks. The dog gets scared of well-known and unknown people, different things terrify it. Be patient and calm during these uneasy days and try to share your calmness with your animal. This period would not last long, but it needs a lot of efforts from the owner. Size, Weight, Height and Ears Physical development of your dog is as important as mental one. We suggest you to look at the main features at the age of seven weeks that you can measure and analyse how your dog grow. If there are some departures from the norm, go to a specialist and show your pet to get an advice. So: The height of the dog should be about fifty-three or sixty-three centimetres. The weight of a German shepherd must be from twenty to thirty kilograms. The norm of the chest size is about sixty-nine or seventy-five centimetres. The special attention should be given to the ears of your dog. At the age of seven months they should firmly be up. Look at your dog carefully! If its ears are not up, it can be the sign of the lack of mineral elements or weak immune system. A German Shepherd at Your House So, if you are going to bring a dog at your house and have not decided yet what breed to choose, you can take a German shepherd without any concerns. It will make your life better, anyway.
Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. The Golden is slow to mature and retains the silly, playful personality of a puppy until three to four years of age, which can be both delightful and annoying. Many keep their puppyish traits into old age. Originally bred for the physically demanding job of retrieving ducks and other fowl for hunters, the Golden needs daily exercise : a walk or jog, free time in the yard, a run at the beach or lake Goldens love water , or a game of fetch. And like other intelligent breeds who were bred to work, they need to have a job to do, such as retrieving the paper, waking up family members, or competing in dog sports. A tired Golden is a well-behaved Golden. As well as giving your Golden Retriever physical and mental exercise , you should also be prepared to include him in your family activities. Golden Retriever Highlights Golden Retrievers shed a lot, especially during spring and fall. Brushing their coat daily helps remove loose hair, preventing it from spreading on your clothes and around your home. Living with a Golden means embracing their shedding. Golden Retrievers are active and require minutes of vigorous exercise every day. They enjoy obedience training, agility classes, and other dog activities that provide both physical and mental stimulation. While they are gentle and reliable around children, Golden Retrievers are large and exuberant, which might accidentally knock over small kids. Goldens have hearty appetites and can become overweight if overfed. Manage treats, measure their daily food portions, and feed them regular meals instead of leaving food out all day. Due to their popularity, some breeders prioritize profit over the well-being of the dogs. To ensure a healthy pup, avoid irresponsible breeders, puppy mills, or pet stores. Look for reputable breeders who test their breeding dogs for genetic diseases and focus on good temperaments. Golden Retriever History For many years, there was a legend that Golden Retrievers were descended from Russian sheepdogs bought from a circus. In fact, the breed was developed in Scotland, at the highland estate of Sir Dudley Majoribanks, later known as Lord Tweedmouth. Tweedmouth, like many gentry of his day, bred animals of all kinds, trying to perfect different breeds. He also wanted the dog to be loyal and even-tempered in the home. Tweedmouth kept mostly the yellow puppies to continue his breeding program, and gave others away to friends and relatives. The American Kennel Club recognized the breed in .Today, the Golden Retriever is the second most popular breed in the U. Golden Retriever Size Males are 23 to 24 inches tall and weigh 65 to 75 pounds. Females are generally .Golden Retrievers usually reach their full height by one year of age, and their mature weight by two. Golden Retriever Personality A sweet, calm nature is the hallmark of the breed. The Golden was bred to work with people, and is eager to please his owner. Though hard-wired with a good disposition, like all dogs the Golden must be well-raised and well-trained to make the most of his heritage. Socialization helps ensure that your Golden puppy grows up to be a well-rounded dog. Health clearances prove that a dog has been tested for and cleared of a particular condition. You can confirm health clearances by checking the OFA web site offa. Some dogs show pain and lameness on one or both rear legs, but you may not notice any signs of discomfort in a dog with hip dysplasia. As the dog ages, arthritis can develop. Dogs with hip dysplasia should not be bred. Elbow Dysplasia: This is a heritable condition common to large-breed dogs. This can lead to painful lameness. Your vet may recommend surgery to correct the problem or medication to control the pain. Cataracts: As in humans, canine cataracts are characterized by cloudy spots on the eye lens that can grow over time. Cataracts can usually be surgically removed with good results. Early in the disease, dogs become night-blind. As the disease progresses, they lose their daytime vision as well. Many dogs adapt to limited or complete vision loss very well, as long as their surroundings remain the same. Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis: This heart problem is caused by a narrow connection between the left ventricle out-flow and the aorta. It can cause fainting and even sudden death. Your vet can detect it and prescribe the proper treatment. Osteochondrosis Dissecans OCD : This orthopedic condition, caused by improper growth of cartilage in the joints, usually occurs in the elbows, but it has been seen in the shoulders as well. It causes a painful stiffening of the joint, to the point that the dog is unable to bend his elbow. It can be detected in dogs as early as four to nine months of age. Allergies: Golden Retrievers can be allergic to a variety of substances, ranging from food to pollen. If your Golden is licking his paws or rubbing his face a great deal, have him checked by your vet. The main symptom is excessive bleeding after an injury or surgery. Other symptoms include nosebleeds, bleeding gums, or bleeding in the stomach or intestines. There is no cure, and a blood transfusion from the blood of normal dogs is currently the only treatment. Research is underway for new treatments, including medication. A vet can test your dog for the condition. Dogs with this condition should not be bred. Bloat occurs when the stomach is distended with gas or air and then twists. The dog is unable to belch or vomit to rid himself of the excess air in his stomach, and blood flow to the heart is impeded. Blood pressure drops and the dog goes into shock. Without immediate medical attention, the dog can die. Suspect bloat if your dog has a distended abdomen, is drooling excessively, and retching without throwing up. He also may be restless, depressed, lethargic, and weak with a rapid heart rate. If you notice these symptoms, get your dog to the vet as soon as possible. Epilepsy : Epilepsy is a brain disorder that causes periodic seizures and convulsions. Your vet will need to know how severe the seizures are and how often they occur to determine what medication to prescribe, if any. Hemangiosarcoma : This is a very dangerous form of cancer that originates in the lining of blood vessels and spleen. It most commonly occurs in middle-age and elderly dogs. Golden Retriever Care Golden Retrievers are built for action and love outdoor romps. If you like to hike or jog, your Golden will be happy to join you. Slacking on the activity, however, could lead to behavior problems. These dogs grow very rapidly between the age of four and seven months, making them susceptible to bone disorders. Normal play on grass is fine, and so are puppy agility classes. Golden Retriever Feeding Recommended daily amount: 2 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. NOTE: How much your adult dog eats depends on his size, age, build, metabolism, and activity level. It almost goes without saying that a highly active dog will need more than a couch potato dog. Keep your Golden in good shape by measuring his food and feeding him twice a day rather than leaving food out all the time. First, look down at him. You should be able to see a waist. Then place your hands on his back, thumbs along the spine, with the fingers spread downward. You should be able to feel but not see his ribs without having to press hard. They do well on a high-quality, low-calorie diet that keeps them from growing too fast. For more on feeding your Golden, see our guidelines for buying the right food , feeding your puppy , and feeding your adult dog. Some coats are wavy, some are straight. The fur feathers on the back of the front legs and underbody, with heavier feathering on the chest, back of the thighs, and tail. Golden Retrievers come in all shades of gold, from light to dark gold. Golden Retrievers shed moderately in the winter and summer, and heavily in the spring and fall. Daily brushing is recommended to prevent tangling, and once a week is the bare minimum. Your Golden will also need a bath at least once a month, often more frequently, to keep him looking and smelling clean. Daily brushing is even better if you want to prevent gum disease and bad breath. Short, neatly trimmed nails keep the feet in good condition. Dog toenails have blood vessels in them, and if you cut too far you can cause bleeding — and your dog may not cooperate the next time he sees the nail clippers come out. Fold-over ears create a warm, dark environment for bacteria or fungus to grow in, and breeds that have them — such as the Golden — are prone to ear infections. His ears should be checked weekly for redness or a bad odor, which can indicate an infection. Check them every time he gets wet, too. Handle his paws frequently — dogs are touchy about their feet — and look inside his mouth. As you groom, check for sores, rashes, or signs of infection such as redness, tenderness, or inflammation on the skin, in the nose, mouth, and eyes, and on the feet. Eyes should be clear, with no redness or discharge. Your careful weekly exam will help you spot potential health problems early. As with every breed, you should always teach children how to approach and touch dogs, and always supervise any interactions between dogs and young children to prevent any biting or ear or tail pulling on the part of either party. No dog, no matter how friendly, should ever be left unsupervised with a child. He enjoys the companionship of other dogs , and with proper introductions and training, can be trusted with cats, rabbits, and other animals. Golden Retriever Rescue Groups Goldens are often purchased without any clear understanding of what goes into owning one. There are many Goldens in need of adoption and or fostering. There are a number of rescues that we have not listed. Golden Retriever Club of America, Inc. Reputable breeders are committed to breeding healthy, well-socialized puppies that will make great companions. They will screen their breeding stock for health problems, socialize their puppies from a young age, and provide you with lifetime support. On the other hand, backyard breeders are more interested in making a profit than in producing healthy, well-adjusted dogs. They may not screen their breeding stock for health problems, and they may not socialize their puppies properly. As a result, puppies from backyard breeders are more likely to have both health and behavioral issues. More Info For You. Life Span Did You Know? The Golden Retriever has been an AKC-recognized breed since and was commonly used as a gun dog and for retrieving small game such as waterfowl, and for companionship. The Golden Retriever originated in the Scottish Highlands. The first Lord Tweedmouth, Dudley Majoribanks, is credited with developing the breed and keeping detailed records to create the ideal gun dog for the terrain. Great discipline and a gentle spirit make the Golden Retriever a perfect retrieval breed since the goal of this task is to bring the trophy back as undamaged as possible. Golden Retrievers first appeared in dog shows in at a British dog show. They also started appearing in the United States around the same time as they were brought across the Canadian border. They gained popularity with sport hunters and in general. Their popularity really took off in the s and they are consistently one of the most popular dog breeds. If you are not the sporting type, bringing a Golden Retriever into your family as a pet is just as rewarding because they are one of the most loyal and jovial breeds out there. One of the facts about Golden Retrievers is that they are the epitome of friendly and make fantastic family dogs. Golden Retrievers are considered one of the friendliest dog breeds. They tend to be good with kids, other dogs, other pets, and even strangers. Goldens love attention and they bond closely with their families. They are affectionate with them, and also just about everyone else. Although they do tend to get along with everyone, they love being around their favorite humans the most. They will bark to alert you and can end up barking a lot if you do not train your dog to stop barking early on. Golden Retrievers are highly adaptable dogs. They thrive in homes with yards where they can run. They can also adapt to apartment living as long as they get enough daily exercise, mental stimulation, and attention. These dogs do well in just about any climate, but are sensitive to heat. As one of the most affectionate dog breeds , they are not at all happy about being left alone for long periods of time. Although super-friendly and attention-loving, Goldens can also be sensitive to their surroundings; make sure they feel included, but have a quiet place to go if things get too noisy or overwhelming. Potential health concerns to be aware of in a Golden Retriever include progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts, elbow dysplasia , and hip dysplasia. Good breeding practices make a big difference in the health of puppies. Reputable breeders screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. So, make sure you ask about the health and genetic history of the parents. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done. Goldens are considered one of the best dog breeds for first-time owners. They are highly trainable dogs that pick up on things quickly and are eager to please. These traits make them a good fit for owners of all experience levels. It also helps them excel at obedience competitions. As one of the smartest dog breeds , Golden Retrievers can get bored easily. Because they pick up things quickly, they can get bored with too much repetition in training. If your dog has mastered the command, move on to something more advanced or another activity. You can also enroll in puppy training classes for some variety in training and also some socialization. Golden Retrievers have a long double coat that will shed a little year-round and will be heavier twice a year as the seasons change. Brushing a few times a week and daily brushing during seasonal shedding along with a bath as needed is usually enough for at-home care. You will want to go to the dog groomer for a professional trim a few times a year, especially as the seasons change. Nail trims once or twice monthly keep nails from growing too long. Daily tooth brushing, along with cleanings at the vet when needed, is ideal. Golden Retrievers are one of the most active dog breeds. Daily walks plus some playtime, time to run, and other activities are usually enough to keep these dogs happy and healthy. But, they are high-energy dogs that will likely always be up for more activity if you are. Much like the Labrador , they also tend to have an extended puppyhood. They tend to start winding down a little around the age of 3 and settle into your lifestyle, but they will still be high-energy dogs that require a lot of daily activity. Goldens are known for being versatile and athletic dogs. They tend to love swimming. Once they are done growing and the vet clears them for higher-impact activities, you can try other things too. They are one of the dog breeds that make good running partners. You can also teach them how to play frisbee or play fetch. Training for dog sports is another good option. In addition to obedience, Golden Retrievers are well suited for agility, dock diving , rally, flyball, tracking, and more. Fully-grown Golden Retrievers usually stand inches tall and weigh pounds. Golden Retrievers generally live for years on average. With their intelligence, eagerness to please, and gentle disposition, Golden Retrievers are versatile working dogs. In addition to being one of the dog breeds that make the best service dogs , Goldens can be found working as emotional support dogs, certified therapy dogs, search and rescue dogs, military dogs, police dogs, animal actors, and more. Featured Golden Retriever Article.
You can expect a Great Pyrenees and Lab mix to be friendly and energetic, but they may have strong hunting instincts. Are you ready to find out if the Pyrador is right for you? Hard Working Histories The mix has been bred as a family companion, but its parent breeds once had quite different purposes. Evidence shows that these dogs may have been bred as early as 3, B. Sometimes, they would have to stay high in the cold mountains for days on end, but luckily, they had their signature white coats to keep them warm! The Labrador Retriever comes from Newfoundland, Canada, where small dogs were trained to retrieve waterfowl. Their ancestors were brought across to the UK, where the Labrador breed was eventually standardised. Pyrador Appearance As we know, this mix can inherit any traits from either parent breed. So, puppies can look like Labs, Great Pyrenees, or anything inbetween. A popular variety is the Great Pyrenees black Lab mix, to achieve that black coat. But, a Great Pyrenees black Lab mix will still have unpredictable fur lengths. Depending on which parent a Lab and Pyrenees mix resembles, her coat may be solid yellow, black, or chocolate like a Labrador. Or her coat may be white or off-white with badger, gray, tan, or reddish brown markings like a Great Pyrenees. Grooming The Pyrenees sheds its entire undercoat seasonally, and the Lab also sheds pretty heavily seasonally. So, a half Lab half Great Pyrenees will definitely be a heavy shedder. The good news is, a Pyrador with a typical Great Pyrenees coat will not need much other grooming, as its coat will be tangle- and dirt-resistant. Are Pyradors Hypoallergenic? Unfortunately the Great Pyrenees and the Lab are both high shedding breeds. Your puppy will be a shedder, and not an allergy friendly pet. Pyrador Height and Weight With both parents being larger dogs, a Great Pyrenees and Lab mix definitely has some big shoes to fill. Generally speaking, females will be shorter and lighter than males. Labradors are categorized now as sporting dogs, whereas the Great Pyrenees is categorized in the working group. The mix can inherit the patience of the Pyrenees with just a little bit of playfulness from the Labrador. But, not all Pyradors have the temperament that we described above. Mixed breeds can be an equal mix of both parents, or they make take after one parent more than the other. So a Pyrador might be a mostly quiet and patient dog with a little bit of protective instinct, like his Great Pyrenees parent, or he might be a little more rambunctious with retrieving instincts, like his Labrador parent. Pyrador Personality A dog with strong Great Pyrenees genes may have a tendency to herd or chase after other dogs, cats, or other small animals. This could make them hard to keep in a multi-pet household. Plus, they may exhibit guarding tendencies and be extremely loyal to their owners and property. They may bark and growl at someone or something that they perceive to be a threat to their home. Pyradors with stronger Labrador tendencies may be highly energetic and prone to mischief. If a Pyrador acts more like a Lab, then they may have an issue with being left alone for extended periods of time. Labs do not take kindly to solitude and need a friend. They can also be quite destructive when they are upset or bored. Are They Good With Kids? Most Pyradors are great with children. Training Crate training is often useful for many owners of this mix. As Pyradors will often be very large, puppies must undergo obedience training from a very young age. They may not know their own strength when they are fully grown, and the friendliest pup can easily hurt someone without meaning to. Training will help you avoid this scenario. It can also help to reduce hunting instincts. Although, it may be best to avoid the risk, and choose a different breed if you have other small pets at home. Exercising Your Pyrador While both parent breeds were working dogs, Pyrenees mixes do not necessarily require a large yard to roam in. They are usually fine if they get at least one long walk in each day. His old hunting instincts may lead him to follow his nose or a tasty-looking bunny! If a Pyrador has English Lab in him, he may not inherit as strong of a hunting instinct. Pyrador Socialization As well as training from a young age, this mixed breed will need to be well socialized as early as possible. This means introducing your puppy to as many new environments, people, things, and animals as possible. Socialization can help to reduce fear based aggression in puppies, and will help your dog grow up to be happy and confident in all situations. Dogs with potential guarding tendencies should be socialized well to combat the risk of aggression as adults. Given the protective instincts of the Great Pyrenees parent, and the sheer size of this mix, socialization is important for all new owners. However, as long as breeders health test dogs they intend to breed from, and avoid inbreeding of any kind, their mixed breed puppies are just as healthy as purebred dogs. Purebred dogs are just as likely to have health problems as mutts. It all comes down to the following: the health of the breeding stock that start and maintain the line the conditions in which the parents and offspring are kept whether or not inbreeding is used to produce second and older generations. Continuing to breed dogs with known health issues always results in more dogs with health issues. Great Pyrenees and Labrador Health Pyradors may get any common canine ailments like hip dysplasia, eye diseases, allergies, and skin irritations. As a hybrid, Pyradors are subject to genetic conditions which are passed from their parents. Generally, Labrador Retrievers and Great Pyrenees are both prone to obesity, hip and elbow dysplasia, and progressive retinal atrophy PRA. We cannot emphasize enough that you should purchase a Pyrador from a breeder that utilizes genetic testing. Knowing the genes that breeding stock will pass to their offspring can prevent the passage of unwanted health conditions. But, a healthy Pyrador can be expected to live for years. For the right family, the Pyrador mix can be a great choice. Their exercise needs, temperament, and appearance will vary depending on the traits they inherit from each parent breed. If they take after the Lab, they will be friendly, energetic, and playful. Those that take after the Great Pyrenees will be loyal, have guarding tendencies, and will need less exercise. An enclosed area for a Pyrador to roam outside in is a good idea. So, train and socialize this mix well from the time they come home as a puppy. Although the Labrador is a fairly healthy dog, the Great Pyrenees may pass on one or more of the several health conditions common in their breed. So, choose the healthiest puppy possible. Or, consider rescuing an adult. All too often, adult dogs from all walks of life end up in shelters or animal rescues. This can be because their owners could not keep them for one reason or another. Due to the number of health issues this mix can inherit from the Great Pyrenees parent, adopting an older dog can be a good way to give an abandoned adult a second chance at life. Some owners may give up their dogs as soon as they encounter costly health bills. So, you may find these mixes in rescues looking for loving homes. Pyrador Breeders Before buying a Pyrador, we recommend that you carefully research Pyrador breeders so that you only purchase from a responsible breeder. Responsible breeders use genetic testing to prevent the passage of undesired traits or health conditions. They also keep their breeding stock and puppies at a good weight and in clean conditions—always. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. Have you seen a dog that looks more like a big, white bear than a dog? You may be thinking of a Great Pyrenees Lab mix. Also known as a Pyrador or Labrenees, this handsome dog is a mix between a Great Pyrenees and a Labrador retriever. If you would love to have a little white bear well, little by bear standards at your side as a companion, read on to learn everything you need to know about these special crossbreed dogs. The dogs are originally from Canada but were exported to the United Kingdom where they were bred as game retrieving dogs with a particular talent for wet environments. These dogs are known for their intelligence, eagerness to learn and work, and intelligent demeanor. This is why they are often utilized in roles such as disability support. Great Pyrenees dogs, also known as Pyrenees Mountain Dogs, were bred in France as livestock guard dogs. They are large dogs that are able to protect flocks of chickens and ducks from animals like wolves and bears. These dogs have been bred to be independent and protective so they can diligently protect their flocks without much supervision. The Great Pyrenees Lab mix started to emerge in the early s after Labradoodles became popular. Breeders started to wonder what other mixed breeds based on Labs could be popular. These dogs were immediately popular, as they looked like little white bears and had loyal, friendly personalities. Appearance First and foremost, you should expect your Pyrador to be a big dog. Labs usually measure between .Great Pyrenees are even bigger, measuring between 26 and 32 inches tall and potentially weighing up to pounds. Their mixed-breed children are large dogs with a strong and muscular body structure. Both breeds have a similar facial structure with a long nose and floppy ears, so you can expect some variation on that. This is a dense, high-shedding double coat. Labs also have a high-shedding double coat, so whatever they inherit, expect them to shed a lot! Daily brushing is the best way to keep this under control. Most Pyrador dogs are white because this is a dominant gene, and breeders often control for this desirable trait. Temperament Labrador retrievers are among the friendliest dogs. They tend to want to make friends with everyone, including small animals and small children. They are more likely to lick a stranger than bark at them or raise the alert. Great Pyrenees, on the other hand, are warier of strangers, as is necessary for them to fulfill their role as protectors. They tend to be very loving and gentle with their family, the people they see as in their care, including children and other dogs. However, they can be aloof and even aggressive with strangers at first. Proper socialization from a young age is necessary to keep aggressive tendencies in check and ensure they have the friendly temperament of a Lab, while still being able to raise the alarm when needed. Both dog breeds thrive when they are part of a family, and this is something that is true of their offspring as well. While this means they become part of the family quickly, it also means they can become depressed or anxious if they are left alone for extended periods of time. They do best in households where there is always someone around or if they can accompany their people on their daily adventures. Labs tend to be very keen to please their humans. They love learning new things and having work to do, especially if they are rewarded for their efforts. This makes them among the most trainable dogs and is the reason why they are often chosen to complete complicated tasks such as disability support tasks. Great Pyrenees dogs were bred to be intelligent enough to know what to do on their own to protect their flock. This makes them very independent and less inclined to perform for reward. While their mixed-breed offspring certainly can be trained, it is best done at a young age, before six months, so they learn the essentials before their independent streak really kicks in. Never use punishment with a Pyrador. Labs are sensitive and it can cause unexpected behavior, and you might completely lose control of a rebellious Great Pyrenees. Always opt for reward-based training and offer lots of praise. They should be taken out for at least one formal exercise session each day for about an hour. As well as physical stimulation, these dogs need plenty of mental stimulation. The learning process is stimulating and helps keep their brains healthy and their attitudes calm. Consider teaching your dog hand signals as a new and useful skill for them to master. Ideally, these dogs need a larger space with an outdoor area where they can burn off their energy as needed throughout the day. Health Concerns Great Pyrenees Labrador retriever mixes are generally healthy dogs and have a life expectancy of roughly 10 to 12 years, which is good for such a large dog. But like many large dogs, they can suffer from elbow and hip dysplasia. This is a malformation of the joint usually caused by different parts of their body growing at different speeds, causing their joints to not fit together correctly. This can cause them great pain and mobility issues as they get older. The best protection against this condition is proper nutrition and exercise starting when they are young. Big dogs need a high-quality diet that is full of animal-based proteins. They also need plenty of exercise, but not too much when they are a pup. Over-exercising energetic puppies is often a problem. As a rule of thumb, they should have about 5 minutes of formal exercise each day for every month of age. So, according to this general rule, a six-month-old pup needs about 30 minutes of exercise a day. Another potential health issue to keep in mind is bloat, as larger dogs are more prone to overeating. They also tend to have sensitive stomachs. Avoid irritants and overfeeding to keep their digestive system healthy. Never leave food out for them to graze. Instead, have set meal times with the right amount of calories, and never feed them food off your own plate! Keep track of their caloric intake and prevent them from begging others for food. Pyradors can also often develop both sight and hearing problems as they get older. It is not uncommon for them to lose at least some of their sight or hearing, but they are usually adaptable enough to manage with just a little bit of extra help from you. Other concerns include the potential to develop osteosarcoma, a common bone cancer in dogs, and degenerative myelopathy, a progressive spinal cord issue. Having read our full description of these wonderful dogs, are you considering taking one home? Or are you still not sure if they are the right dog for you? Ask yourself the following questions to make a more informed, responsible decision. How Big Is Your Home? Pyradors are big dogs, and by definition, big dogs need a lot of space. Because Pyradors are also high energy, they really need a relatively large home with an outdoor space that they can use throughout the day. These dogs need lots of exercise. An hour a day is the minimum amount they need to thrive. On top of this, they should be joining you on hiking trips, swimming excursions, and other adventures. Do you have the kind of active lifestyle that this dog will enjoy as well? These dogs love being around people and can develop separation anxiety if they are left alone for extended periods. Not only is this bad for their health, but it often manifests as destructive behavior. Is there generally someone about your house, or is everyone out for hours at a time at work and school? Do you have the kind of job where you could take your dog with you most days? While these dogs are very intelligent, they can also be quite stubborn. This means they need to be trained extremely well from the outset, and they need a firm hand to guide them. They will respond best to an authoritative figure with the confidence to control such a large canine. If you or someone close to you has a dog hair allergy, then this is not the dog for you! Pyradors shed a lot, and there is not much you can do about it. You can read our complete guide to keeping your home free from pet hair here. Do You Have Small Children? So, you can certainly have a Pyrador around small children, though they do better with older children. Their size and energy levels mean they can easily overwhelm small children and be a burden for new parents. They do better with slightly older children who can play with them more independently. Still, small children should never be unsupervised with dogs, even if they are very familiar. Accidents can always happen, especially with large dogs like this one. The protective instinct of their Great Pyrenees parent means these pups are up to the task. Can You Afford It? Owning a dog can be quite expensive. Can you make this financial commitment? This is an important question, especially when speaking about large dogs since they eat a lot. A dog that weighs more than pounds needs about five cups of food per day. These dogs have sensitive stomachs, so you need to give them good quality food. This can get expensive. Are you willing to make that commitment for the next 10 to 12 years? Considering Great Pyrenees are big dogs that can weigh up to pounds, their offspring are also pretty big. When mixed with a standard size Labrador retriever, you can probably expect your pup to grow to between 23 and 28 inches and anywhere from 70 to pounds. Are Pyradors good dogs? Yes, Pyradors are great dogs that mix the friendliness and intelligence of a Lab with the protectiveness and loyalty of a Great Pyrenees. They need to be properly socialized and trained, and they need lots of love, attention, and exercise. Are Great Pyrenees aggressive dogs? Great Pyrenees are not naturally aggressive dogs, but they have been bred to protect livestock from the likes of wolves and bears. Proper socialization as a pup, before six months of age and throughout their life is essential to ensure your dog continues to be friendly and trainable. Are Great Pyrenees smart dogs? Yes, Great Pyrenees are considered to be highly intelligent dogs, but that does not make them highly trainable like a Labrador or a poodle. This is because they have a very independent mindset and prefer to think for themselves rather than be led. However, appropriate training from a young age can keep their rebellious streak in check. The Verdict If you love larger dogs and would love to snuggle up on the couch with a cuddly white bear, then a Great Pyrenees Lab mix might be just the dog for you. These big, fluffy companions are gorgeous and mix the friendliness of a Lab with the natural protective instincts of a Great Pyrenees. They make great family pets and can also function as guard dogs. Keep in mind, though, that these pups are quite a bit of work. They also need to be properly trained and socialized when they are young, and they need to learn new skills throughout their lives to keep their brains healthy. Overall, the Pyrador is: Intelligent and friendly Large with a dense, high-shedding coat that needs frequent grooming While it is certainly a commitment to become the parent of a Pyrador, the unconditional love and friendship you will receive in return makes it well worth the investment. Have you ever worked with a Great Pyrenees Lab mix dog? Share your experiences with the community in the comments section below. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining. It is one of the more recent mixed breed dogs growing in popularity among lovers of the parent breeds. As with all hybrid crossbreeds, a Great Pyrenees Lab mix bears the best of the genetic, temperament, and physical traits of the parent breeds. However, a Pyrador may also inherit some health and temperament issues from either parent. Today, the Lab Great Pyrenees mix is bred as a family pet, but the parent dogs were originally bred for two completely different purposes. The Great Pyrenees The Great Pyrenees, also called Pyrenean Mountain dog or simply Pyr, is a working dog originally bred to guard sheep against wolves and other human and wildlife predators. The Pyrs are said to originate from the French side, while their counterparts, the Pyrenean Mastiff dog, originated from the Spanish side of the Mountains. The first Great Pyrenees dogs can be traced back to around BC. Do you want to know why Pyrs are great dogs? With time, livestock predators decreased, and Pyrs became less common. Later, the arrival of Pyrs in North America helped in the efforts to preserve the Great Pyrenees dogs. The AKC registered Pyrs as a breed in .The Labrador Retriever Labrador Retriever is a household name in the world of dog ownership. Discovered by English nobles in the easterly province of Newfoundland in Canada, these dogs were brought to the UK in the early s for their impressive fowl retrieving skills. It remains unclear why the breed bears the name Labrador, a western city of Newfoundland and Labrador province of Canada. As they are commonly known today, Labs were refined and standardized through breeding in the UK and registered by the English Kennel Club in .Their retrieval skills were used to recover game, not just in water but even on land. Like all other hybrid dogs, the Pyrador is not officially recognized as a breed by the AKC. However, you can register your Pyrador as a mixed breed with the Dog Registry of America. The Great Pyrenees Lab mix has physical features inherited from both parents: a broad head, black nose, brown or hazel eyes, long and thick tail, and black, white, yellow, chocolate, or a mixture of these coat colors. These features can vary from one Pyrador to another depending on how much of each feature the Great Pyrenees Lab cross inherits from each parent. It could be a fifty-fifty inheritance from each parent or a higher percentage from either the sire or dam. Head: A Pyrador has a fairly broad skull with a somewhat wedge shape, borrowing from both parents. Eyes, nose, and ears: Labreenes have a face and eyes that are somewhere between the extremely happy and kind eyes of the Lab and the somewhat serious look of the Pyr. The eyes are medium size with a brown or hazel color. The nose is generally black, but it could be brown if the Labrador parent is chocolate. The ears are long, triangular, and floppy. Tail: Considering the long tails of both parents, the Lab Great Pyrenees mix bears a long and thick tail with medium to long hairs. The tail is typically carried low, but the dog may curve the tail over his back when aroused. Coat type and color: Labs and Pyrs both have double coats, with Great Pyrenees having long coats while Labradors have medium-length coats. As such, Pyradors will come with double coats but may show variation in coat hair length depending on which dog parent they inherit from most. The Great Pyrenees Lab mix are large dogs. Female Pyradors are approximately .See a summary of these Pyrador size estimates in the table below: Labrador Retriever. The breeding of Great Pyrenees and labrador retriever resulted in a mix, which is large in size with characteristics coming from both parents. Female Pyradors usually are smaller than the male ones in terms of height and weight. The coat color and type are a combination of the traits coming from the two parents. However, for most cases, the coat color of a Great Pyrenees lab mix is white. While both parents are intelligent, the herding nature came from the Great Pyrenees while the hunting and playful natures are from the Labrador. Applies to all dog food recalls in the U. However, the Dogs Registry of America Inc. Keep in mind that you need to avoid online ads and online pet stores that sell Pyrador puppies unless you know someone who benefited with it. Before purchasing a puppy, make sure to check all medical histories of its parents. If you found a breeding facility, make sure that there are no sick animals present in the facility. Try to ask if they use genetic testing and to have a tour around the facility. If the personnel does not agree, find another facility. Although Labradors are a healthier breed of dog, Great Pyrenees come with a lot of possible health issues. They may have Great Pyrenees mixed with labrador dogs up for adoption. The coat color of your puppy depends on the color of its parent, so if you want a specific color, better request it to your breeder. Its coat matted easily, too but daily brushing can keep that problem away. The Great Pyrenees lab mix inherited the double coat of a Labrador retriever. Check its ears around three times in a week and clean it if necessary. Doing his will keep your dog from ear wax accumulation and possible ear infection. The nails and mouth are needs weekly checking. While the double coat does not directly affect the grooming, it positively affects the fur shedding of the mix. Great Pyrenees lab mix sheds a lot, especially in shedding season, which happens twice a year. However, even without the shedding season, the combination will still shed a lot due to its large size. Great Pyrenees crossed with Lab Health Problems Although a labrador retriever is a healthy dog to be a parent, a Great Pyrenees dog has a lot of complications as a pure breed. Since Great Pyrenees lab mix is breed between the two, it tends to inherit health problems from its parents. However, the concept of hybrid vigor tells customers that the mix is healthier than both of its parents. Here are some diseases that your Pyradors may get: Bloat: In the medical world, bloat is known as gastric dilatation and volvulus GDV. While it does not pose harm to humans, bloat can be fatal in some dogs. Veterinarians say that there are no exact reasons why dogs experienced bloat and bloat cases are random. However, larger dogs like great pyrene lab mix often experience GDV. Twisting of the stomach and filling up of gas characterizes the disease. The twisting causes stomach rupture and damage and may affect nearby organs like the spleen as well. Elbow and Hip Dysplasia: Dysplasia is a disease where the specific sockets have an abnormal formation In the Great Pyrenees lab mix, the dysplasia often happens in its elbow and hip parts. Dysplasia is common in large breeds of dogs like the Great Pyrenees lab mix. Labrador retrievers, one parent of the mix, often experience this kind of disease and the combination may inherit it. The disease causes lameness and joint arthritis to the dog, which affects its walking capability. The environment where the dog lives in also contributes to the incorrect formation of joints. Osteosarcoma: Osteosarcoma is the most common bone cancer that can affect dogs. Just like bloat and dysplasia, this condition affects larger dogs the most. However, there are cases of bone cancer in smaller dogs. While the situation is not specifically genetics, breeds can inherit the condition from its parents. Osteosarcoma symptoms include bone pain and inflammation in the area where the tumor is growing. Degenerative myelopathy: The condition targets the spinal cord of the dog, which eventually paralyzes the hind legs. Weaker limbs are observable with dogs suffering from this disease. Degenerative myelopathy is also progressive. One hind leg can be in pain, and after some time, another leg will experience the same pain. The dog will also experience difficulty in standing and walking until it cannot walk anymore. Congenital deafness: Genetics and inheritance of traits cause congenital deafness, but scientists correlated congenital deafness to coat color of a dog. Dogs with significantly whiter coat colors tend to have congenital deafness. However, not all white dogs are deaf, and not all deaf dogs are white. The lack of pigment in the ears of dogs allows the nerves to die at a very young age. While the symptoms of this condition are not physical, behavioral changes are observable. Dogs that suffer from this disease have difficulty in following commands and have special vocalizing episodes. Wobbler Syndrome: Also known as Cervical spondylomyelopathy CSM , this condition affects the cervical spine at the neck area of the dog. Often characterized by compression of the spinal cord, Wobbler Syndrome causes neck pain. The dog with this syndrome will experience a wobble walk due to the nerves affected. Fatal Heatstroke: Heat Strokes are common in any breed of dog. Any hot environment causes the occurrence of heat stroke in dogs since their sweat glands are only in their paws. Instead of sweating, dogs pant instead, but excessive panting can be a sign of overheating. A dog with thick fur like Great Pyrenees lab mix can be a victim of heat stroke. Owners should always prepare water for their Labrador Great Pyrenees, especially on hot days. Most of the listed health problems are genetics, so ensure that your breeders employ genetic testing on their parents. You should know the hip scores of the parents, and they must pass the clear eye test. Try to ask also about the ear and heart problems of the parents. Some other listed issues are related to the environment and personal care. Make sure that you treat your Great Pyrenees mixed with labrador well to avoid environmental health issues like heat stroke. Great Pyrenees crossed with Labrador Food Requirements Great Pyrenees Labrador is a large breed, so you need to maintain a well-balanced diet to prevent obesity. If you stick to the recommended servings, you will maintain a healthy weight in your dog. Since Labrador Great Pyrenees tend to experience bloating, prevent your dog from exercising after eating. Provide your dog smaller portions of food, and feed it at least three times a day to avoid overeating. You may even offer them the best dry dog food for small dogs, as it has fewer calories per serving. Young dogs need premium-quality kibble, so choose only the best puppy food brands for your cub. And if you have a senior doggy citizen at home, they deserve the royal treatment in the form of the best senior dry dog food. Feed your dogs with high-quality foods for proper growth and development. Avoid giving your pooch the worst dry dog food, ridden with fillers like carbs and grains, and make sure to provide meat-based dog food. The dog food also contains grain-free carbohydrates which will prevent your dog from overfilling its stomach. It also has essential vitamins that are good for coat and fur. It also provides glucosamine for joint health and omega fatty acid for fur and skin. Fromm Large Breed Puppy Gold Formula: The dog food is specifically for a large breed of dogs to keep their weight slowly growing. The product also has the right amount of proteins, fats, and proper calcium to phosphorus ratio for bone development. Labrador mixed with Great Pyrenees Exercise Requirements Labradors Great Pyrenees need a daily walk and play time to exercise its weight and as a form of exercise. However, Great Pyrenees Labradors get bored quickly if you will do the same routine and it causes stubbornness and tantrums. Your dog will have fun chasing it around, and it will not rip it apart easily. Kick Fetch Toy Ball: Another toy for fetch that includes a particular ball. The product also has unique grooves so your dog can bring it back. Classic Kong Dog Toy: Give your dog simple treats by placing it in the toy. Your dog needs to play with it to get its reward and will keep them occupied for a while. Great Pyrenees mixed with Labrador has those characteristics where they can be stubborn and not follow your command. Training your puppy can correct this behavior. Train your dog to socialize with different kinds and sizes of animals. Socializing your dog needs to start at an early age to avoid future aggression to smaller animals. Since the mix is a large dog, you need to take it for a walk at least an hour every day. However, you need some changes in your daily walk or training since your dog gets bored easily. Try playing games that will make your dog think. Every now and then, give your dog a reward or treat to keep him committed to the training. Labrador Great Pyrenees And Families With the loyal and loving nature of Labrador Great Pyrenees, it will be a great addition to a family, even with children. Although you need to train them in socializing, Great Pyrenees Labrador will surely protect and love your family. A great backyard with fences is a good investment if you want to take care of a Labrador Great Pyrenees Mix. Great Pyrenees Lab mix is a loving dog that wants care and welfare as much as they give. References: Ritt, Mg, and Tw Fossum. Cunliffe, Juliette. Great Pyrenees. Kennel Club Books, .Walton, Joel, and Eve Adamson. Labrador Retrievers for Dummies. Wiley Publishing, .Pyrador puppy breeders Your Pyrador should be long lived and healthy provided you buy your puppy from a litter with health tested parents. Of course, with a mixture of exercise, training, and early socialization, the Pyrador will make a wonderful family companion! Origin of the Great Pyrenees Lab Mix The Pyrador has a strong working history, bred from two very different lines of intelligent and cooperative dog breeds. The Lab parent started out as a retrieving breed alongside fishermen in Newfoundland, Canada. Now in modern times, the Lab is most often a devoted family pet. But they are also excellent service animals. Their intelligence and loyalty make them excellent support animals to their human counterparts. This is an extremely old breed, used for centuries by shepherds to guard livestock, where their bravery in going up against predators such as wolves and bears became legendary! Pyrador Appearances The Pyrador is a large dog with an even build and long muzzle. The ears hang low and floppy, and the coat tends to be short in fist generation mixes. You can increase the likelihood of certain colors by choosing parents with the same fur color. For instance, a Great Pyrenees black Lab mix! With each color coming in a variety of shades. The Great Pyrenees, on the other hand, has a mostly white, shaggy coat, that can have slight color variations in some areas, including yellow, badger, reddish brown, tan and gray. Grooming and Shedding The Lab and the Great Pyrenees are shedders, so their pups will need brushing at least once a week. More in molting season. No matter which parent your puppy takes after, you can expect a lot of shedding. For the most part, the Labrador Pyrenees mix should be easy to care for as far as grooming goes. Groom your Pyrador once or twice a week to keep their coat in its best condition. Regular nail trimming and ear cleaning are also advised. An adult Great Pyrenees looks bigger than he is because of his thick, durable coat. But, he is still a large dog, who will grow to be 32 inches tall and can weigh up to pounds. An adult Pyrador will be anywhere between inches tall and weigh anywhere from pounds. They absolutely love being in the center of fun family activities! But, if left to get bored, they can be destructive. The Great Pyrenees is consistently and affectionately renowned as a gentle giant who loves to play and especially enjoys the snow! He is most famous for his mild-mannered temperament, but he is able to move swiftly to address anything he may consider to be a threat to his family. The Pyrador will be an intelligent, playful, family-friendly dog who enjoys being with his people and requires plenty of exercise. But, he takes his watch-dog role rather seriously, so he should be supervised with outsiders. This is a trait that can be passed on to the Great Pyrenees Lab mix. And, in some circumstances, guarding instincts and loyalty can stray into aggression. Especially towards strangers and other animals. Pyrador Socialization Socialization involves introducing a puppy to as many new experiences as possible during their fear period. This period lasts from around 8 weeks old to 16 weeks at the very latest. So, during this time, make sure your Pyrador has positive experiences with strangers, other dogs, other animals, and any places of things he will encounter in his later life. This could include a noisy schoolyard, a train, a beach, and much more. Since puppies may not have all their vaccinations during socialization, you may also need to invest in a puppy sling to help you carry your ever-growing Pyrador pup around! Socialization is important even if your Great Pyrenees and Lab mix seems to take more after their Lab parent. All dog breeds can benefit from it! Training The temperament of the Great Pyrenees and the Lab are quite similar in many areas. But they differ slightly when it comes to trainability. Both the Lab and the Great Pyrenees are intelligent breeds. But while the Lab enjoys learning new things and is eager to please, the Great Pyrenees is more independent. Keep in mind the Pyrador mix could inherit this independence from his Great Pyrenees parent, or he could be more prone to easy training like his Lab parent. Either way, we recommend proper socializing and training with your Pyrador. Always keep the training techniques positive and fun. Remember that training can be an excellent bonding opportunity for you and your Pyrador puppy. Exercise Needs Both parent breeds are active dogs that need daily exercise. So this is something almost guaranteed in your Pyrador mix. Proper exercise will also help to reduce the chances of boredom-related damages to material goods in the home. And it can be another great way to bond with your dog! Ideally, a Great Pyrenees Lab mix needs a large, safely enclosed yard to play in, plus some dedicated time for exercise with you each day, once their joints are fully developed. Great Pyrenee Health and Care Because the Pyrador is a cross between the Lab and the Great Pyrenees, he could be predisposed to any of the above inheritable health issues of his purebred parents. Remember that early health screening in your Pyrador crossbreed puppy can help avoid or prepare for any future genetic problems. You can learn more about the health testing requirements as specified by the AKC for the Labrador and the Great Pyrenees here. As with all breeds, some health problems are passed down from generation to generation, and the purebred Lab is no exception. Some health concerns with the Lab include: Hip dysplasia. The Great Pyrenees black Lab mix is part of this phenomenon. Labrador history Labradors started out as gundogs. They were trained to accompany their owner on game shoots, and retrieve fallen birds from land and water. They quickly gained legions of admirers, because they were quick learners, successful workers during the day, and also laid back company back at home in the evening. These qualities transferred well into service dog training as well. Great Pyrenees history Great Pyrenees are a centuries-old breed, developed to herd and protect sheep in the Pyrenees Mountains. Besides keeping the sheep in one place, they would also see off threats from poachers, wolves, and even bears. Their courage as guardians was so outstanding that King Louis XIV of France appointed them to protect his royal chateaux. Physically they could end up very much like a Lab, a Great Pyrenees, or somewhere in between. Even within a single litter, things like size, coat and temperament can vary a lot from puppy to puppy. Great Pyrenees are even larger, weighing 85 pounds and up! The overall shape of both dogs is pretty similar — broad and well-muscled, with kind eyes and ears that fold down the side of their head. Coat Labs and Great Pyrenees both have thick, waterproof double coats, ideal for working outdoors all year round, in harsh climates. Color A big question about a Great Pyrenees black Lab mix is, what color will they turn out? A black Lab is obviously black, and the Great Pyrenees is famous for being white! In fact, genetically Great Pyrenees are actually very, very pale red. And black Labradors can silently carry the genes for brown or red coats too. So the color of Pyrador puppies from a black Lab parent will depend upon whether that Lab only has genes for black pigment to pass on. If so, those genes have powerful genetic dominance, and the result will be black puppies. But if the Labrador is silently carrying genes for other colors too, their Pyrador puppies could end up white, or even a soft brown or red. Labs and Great Pyrenees originally served quite different purposes, and they have different temperaments which made them suited to those roles. Both breeds adore their families, and are noted for being patient and gentle with children. But whilst the Great Pyrenees tends to be disinterested in strangers, the Labrador sees everyone as a new friend. In their working role, Labradors also needed to be focused on their handler, and easily motivated to work as part of a dog-human team. All modern Labs are bred from ancestors who excelled in this. But Great Pyrenees traditionally worked alone — spending long days watching sheep, and making their own judgements about how to deal with threats. The result is that Labradors are much easier to train than Great Pyrenees! But it still depends upon having socialized them well at a young age. For Great Pyrenees, whose natural guarding instincts tell them to be wary of unfamiliar people and animals, socialization is even more important. During this window they will be very receptive to forming positive associations with things, if you introduce them gently and pair them with lots of treats. These positive associations will give them confidence, and minimize fearfulness, as they get older. All dogs need to be potty trained. If a Pyrador jumps up at an unprepared person, that person is likely to end up on the floor! A Pyrador that pulls ahead will be miserable to walk, and could easily damage the muscles in your shoulder too. These training guides elsewhere on the site can help you get started with all of these skills:. Labrenees Description The Pyrador is not a purebred dog. It is a cross between the Great Pyrenees and the Labrador Retriever. The best way to determine the temperament of a mixed breed is to look up all breeds in the cross and know you can get any combination of any of the characteristics found in either breed. It is very common for breeders to breed multi-generation crosses. He weighs about 80 lbs. He is also the calmest out of his brothers and sisters and looks more like a Pyrenees than they do, as you will see from his photos. His siblings have more of a Lab face and are smaller in stature. I walk him between 1 to 2 hours every day and when he is allowed off leash he runs around like a dog in heaven. I also discovered he loves the snow. I'm still trying to teach him that he can swim, but he's getting used to his size I think. He has a generally very mellow nature and is definitely bred from guard dogs as he guards me and the family constantly. He has a very deep, loud bark but is learning not to bark at everything. He loves people and other dogs and wants to be friends with everyone. I'm still feeding him twice a day but he doesn't gulp his food. Sometimes he even has to be encouraged to eat. He has a cream-coloured coat, longer than most Labs, but nowhere near the length and thickness of a pure Pyrenees. He also has some of the golden tan markings of the Pyrenees along his back, tail and ears.
What is a mini golden retriever? On average, they weigh pounds. Our Mini Goldens are crossed with specific Poodle lineage to avoid health and temperament issues the other breeds can cause, and are hypoallergenic, shed less and live longer than Golden Retrievers. Occasionally, we have some that weigh more than 45 pounds, or even less than 30 pounds. They generally have more Golden Retriever in them, so they are a closer carbon copy than the smaller Comforts. They generally have a little more poodle, so they may have more hypoallergenic and reduced shedding traits. Occasionally, we get white spots abstract or parti-colors from the Poodle side. Sometimes, we produce curly coated Comforts. We classify our coat types based on DNA results, not on visual appearance. Shed levels are individual to the dog, so while we hope that the majority of our dogs are low shedding, there are those who are moderate to heavy shedders. There are many factors that influence shedding as well. Some of these include season changes, weather, stress, illness, and a puppy transitioning to its adult coat. What guarantees do you offer with your puppies? We provide a 2 year health guarantee for all genetic conditions for all of our puppies. An additional 2 year guarantee is available as well more info Where are you located? We are located on the beautiful countryside of Versailles, Kentucky. Happy Valentine's Day to all, both big and small! One word — cute! As a result, the Mini Golden Retriever is an ever-evolving combo of the Golden Retriever , Poodle, and Cocker As the American Kennel Club does not recognize this cross, breeding is unregulated, and therefore all sorts of Mini Golden Retrievers have come out of the breeding pot. Creating smaller versions of purebred dogs means dabbling with their genes, which is never a good thing as they can suffer from ailments like dwarfism. There is a small possibility that they might nip and bite, so they could inherit this characteristic from their parents. This is especially important if you have a young family, as there could be a few tears! What are the differences between a Mini Golden Retriever and a Goldendoodle? Goldendoodle source Both of them are crossbred with Poodles and have a lot in common. The Goldendoodle is a medium-sized pooch with curly locks that are quite high maintenance, while the Miniature Golden Retriever is small to medium in size and also requires daily brushing to make sure those glossy coats stay at their best. Both are good with families and very active! The only significant differences are their coats as mentioned above and also the fact that Miniature Golden Retrievers are incredibly easy to train. In a nutshell, they have more similarities than differences. As mentioned above they range from 20 lbs to 45 lbs 7 kg to 16 kg and 14 inches to 20 inches tall 29 cm to 56 cm. Though they come in similar-sized packaging, you can certainly see the difference between them. Mini Goldens tend to have fur that is sleeker, with waves rather than curls. Dwarf Golden Retrievers have a condition called dwarfism, a genetic defect affecting bone growth. However, Miniature Goldens will continue to grow past two or three months of age, whereas Dwarf Goldens will present with stunted growth and skeletal deformities. As they become more fine-tuned and purer, a clearer picture will more than likely emerge. As it stands at the moment, their weight ranges between 20 lbs to 55 lbs 9 kg to 25 kg , with a height of between 12 to 15 inches 30 cm to 38 cm. A fully grown Mini Golden Retriever is small, but it has plenty of love to give! Like their larger counterparts, Mini Golden Retrievers shed an undercoat seasonally to adapt to changing climates. They are frequently called hypoallergenic, however, because they shed less dander than some other, more nasally-irritating breeds. Their grooming is simple, and only moderate maintenance is needed as long as you stay on top of it. When petting your dog, you should be able to feel down to their skin all-over, with no hard masses of fur. All the breeds that contribute to this mix are high-energy dogs. If your idea of leisure time is being a couch potato, the Mini Golden is not a good match for your lifestyle. They like to be active, and they want to play—with you. Puppies, of course, have an excess of energy. Mini Goldens are so obedient that many of them serve as excellent therapy dogs. Their loving nature and natural intelligence, combined with their manageable size, make these hybrids perfectly suited to comfort people who may be intimidated by larger breeds. Is my new BFF going to tear up my home? A yard is preferable, but they could do fine in an apartment, given daily moderate exercise and tasks to keep their minds engaged. Doggy daycare is an excellent idea, although it should not replace the time you spend with them or the training you need to provide them. This small Golden Retriever crossbreed is usually not picky about the food you put in its bowl. You can feed your Toy Golden Retriever 2. Avoid going over this recommended amount even if your Mini Golden gives you the puppy-dog eyes; this crossbreed is prone to obesity. These small dogs may also suffer from some digestive issues as they grow older, thanks to their Poodle parentage. The short answer is: by some organizations! This is probably because Miniature Golden Retrievers are a crossbreed still in development. The answer is inconclusive , as no statistically significant data has been found to support either side of the coin. However, responsible breeders will more than likely have vets doing gene testing for them to weed out known genetic diseases of the crossbreeds. When purchasing your Miniature Golden Retriever, make sure to check the breed Each dog is unique, and your Mini Golden could suffer from the conditions that commonly affect its parent breeds. Hip dysplasia, lymphoma, and skin problems are commonly seen in Golden Retrievers , whereas Poodles often suffer from progressive retinal atrophy, epilepsy, bloat, and collapsed trachea. Cocker Spaniels , which may or may not be included in the Mini Golden mix, frequently display cherry eye, cardiomyopathy, allergies, and urinary stones. How long will we have together? As mentioned in the first paragraph the life expectancy of your Mini Golden is estimated to range from 10 to 12 years. This dog can have a wildly different temperament from what you expect. Golden Retrievers: loyal to a fault The Golden Retriever, as a breed, is one of the most popular for families in the United States today. The AKC describes them as intelligent, exuberant, and eager-to-please. Golden Retrievers are perfect for active families with children. Some even say that poodles are beauties without brains. Poodles, on the whole, tend to do well with children and get along with other dogs when supervised. The American Kennel Club describes Cockers as eager-to-please, gentle, and happy. If trained properly, Mini Golden Retrievers are good dogs: loyal, active, gentle, good with families, and overall happy chaps! They have some awesome qualities to keep you happy with your forever furry friend. Not only will you learn the skills you need to be successful, but your puppy will learn incredible manners and behaviors as well! Each puppy that comes from our kennel comes home with a beautiful Registration Certificate. Continuing this daily regimen is the easiest and best way to keep your pet on the path to perfect health! NuVet Plus is a lifetime product to help support their immune system and provide assistance to their optimal health. A strong immune system will protect them from environmental and food toxins such as back yard pesticides, hormones, germs from public places, and even toxic formaldehyde in furniture and carpeting. NuVet Plus is a full spectrum, immune system support supplement that contains over 30 different nutrient dense ingredients that well better equip puppies to get and stay healthy. She is already so comfortable here and so attached. She gets so excited every time she sees us. And she has such a sweet disposition Everything goes for her. She just rolls with it. She loves to play and has lots of playful energy when she chases behind a toy or plays tug of war. But she loves to cuddle too, and she can busy herself well too without complaint. Yesterday we left her home when we went on a walk and she never barked or whined and was fast asleep when we returned. She accepted her crate as if she had never known any other place to rest. She just crawls in there and rests when she is tired. And when she wakes up, she quietly plays until we take her out of the playpen. Her potty training is going well. A couple of accidents here and there, but most of the time we catch her before anything happens, and she always does her business right away when we put her on the grass patch we have on the patio. She is getting a treat when she does her business. So, she actually figured out that if she spares some pee and squats several times, she will get several treats. Only One treat for the first time, everything after does not get rewarded any more. Wow, I have never seen a puppy learning that fast. And loving to learn. Being really food driven helps. I could not think of a better quarantine buddy to brighten up our day. I think she will be an amazing therapy dog who brightens up the day if many more people. Oh, and did I mention she is absolutely beautiful? Thank you again for that gift, Michele. I hope you are all doing well and are coping with the many new puppies. Some stressful days ahead of you, I am sure. And you are the best puppy mom I have ever encountered. Lots of love to your whole beautiful family! If you would like to have the puppy held for you, make a deposit online. You are certainly welcome to select your puppy this way without a deposit, but please note that availability may change on a daily basis. If you come and see the puppy, make your purchase and take the puppy home if the puppy is 8 weeks old or older. Skip to 6, unless you need to arrange travel for your pup. Connect with us and we will get the right information to deliver the puppy to you and set up the exact date and time. Enjoy the new puppy that you have adopted into your family. If you have any questions, please reach out to the breeder for help! How much is a Golden Retriever puppy, and why do the prices on the website vary? The price depends on the credentials of the parents and the number of puppies available at the time. This allows you to set up an appointment that fits both your schedule and that of our breeders. Our golden retriever puppies are all raised by families in the Northeast Ohio area, conveniently located about an hour and a half from both Cleveland and Columbus. This makes it easy to come visit our puppies and spend time playing with them in a home environment. How can I get puppy travel arranged if I am out of state? A little-known fact about golden retriever puppies is that they actually do very well with travel. Check out our puppy travel page here to find out more about how we go the extra mile. How do you raise your dogs? When buying a golden retriever puppy, the people who bred and raised them can have a big impact on the health and sociability of the dog! Because of this, we are dedicated to choosing caring, dedicated golden retriever breeders in Ohio who will get your pup started on the right track. Our small network of breeders in Ohio all are dedicated to the same principles. This starts by providing carefully-planned breedings to ensure the best pedigree for our pups. They raise healthy, socialized pups that can make a smooth transition to a new home. Most of our breeders actually have young children at home who help raise the puppies and play with them so they can become socially adjusted. How do I leave a review of my Golden Retriever experience? Read the full disclosure here. Imagine everything you love about a Golden Retriever — their friendly temperament, absolute loyalty, and loving playfulness — but in a smaller size. Sounds pretty good, right? Enter the Miniature Golden Retriever, a dog who is exactly that. What are Miniature Golden Retrievers? They are a cross mix of different dogs instead of just a size variation on the breed standard. This is different to the Mini Husky, for instance, which is just a smaller version of the Husky. The idea is to create puppies that have the same wonderful character and temperaments of a normal Golden, yet in a smaller size. The latter is actually the trademarked name for the puppies bred by Kathy Burgess , who claims to have created the first Miniature Golden. This usually translates to puppies sold already neutered, microchipped, with an ID tag and a health certificate. While the aim of Miniature Goldens was simply to create a dog that was a companion-sized version of the standard Golden, there are a number of differences and similarities between them. This should be expected if you account for the Mini also having some Poodle characteristics. Mini Golden Retriever Size Standard Goldens usually weigh somewhere between 55 and 75 lbs with females at the lighter end and males at the heavier and measure between 20 to 24 inches in height. Miniatures, however, usually weigh between 20 and 45 pounds and measure between 14 and 20 inches in height. Exact sizes will differ depending on the proportion of genetic matter they inherit from their parents. Dogs who inherit a higher proportion of Golden genetics will likely be a little bigger, while those that have more Poodle genes will probably be at the smaller end. The lifespan of a Mini Golden Retriever The expected lifespan of the Miniature Golden Retriever is between 10 and 15 years while standard Goldens can expect to live between 10 and 12 years. Larger size dogs generally have a shorter lifespan than smaller ones as its thought that they age faster. Both the standard and Miniature Goldens face the risk of inheriting various genetic diseases such as joint dysplasia and eye problems. Always check that your breeder can provide proof of the good health of the parents before you buy a new puppy. Some breeders claim that their Miniature Goldens will shed less than a standard Golden thanks to the input of the Poodle genetics. Standard Goldens, mini golden retrievers are notorious for being heavy shedders and require daily brushing, so this is a major benefit of buying a Mini. Exercise and Training We all know that dogs are a long-term commitment. Not only do you have to keep them fed, watered, and sheltered all year round, but owners must also ensure that they get enough exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. Mini Goldens are intelligent animals that need daily physical and mental stimulation. You will need to exercise your Mini for between 30 minutes to an hour a day, with plenty of time set aside for playtime, music, and attention as well. Training should also be a daily occurrence in order to make sure that their behavior and command responses are well-honed enough for them to fit into a family home. Before you buy a Miniature Golden Retriever, make sure that you have the time and energy to devote to their exercise and training. How about feeding Miniature Golden Retrievers There is no big difference compared to the regular golden retrievers. As miniature golden retrievers need high protein food that will help to keep their bones and joints strong. You need to keep in mind that they are highly active dogs and we need to feed them accordingly. The ideal meal can be 2. We also hear that the small mini golden retrievers have some digestive issues.
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.Top 30 Smartest Dog Breeds In The World If you're a dog lover, you've probably heard the age-old debate: which dog breeds are the smartest? While all dogs have their own unique intelligence and personality, some breeds have proven to be consistently brilliant over time. In this guide, we'll explore the top 30 smartest dog breeds ranked, from problem-solving whizzes to trainable and intuitive pups. We've done our research to provide you with an updated and informative.These pooches are joyful, lively, eager to please dogs. They are adventurous, kind, family-oriented pups who love hiking, swimming, canine games, sports and any, and all, family activities. These puppies are merry and bouncy little marshmallows. They are cuddly and sweet pups who love running around, playing, making friends and are very enthusiastic learners. The breed is divided into 3 recognized categories: Toy Poodle; Mini; Standard. Although they differ in size, one thing is for sure: they are glamorous companion pets. Questions about Poodle puppies for sale in Arkansas? We have answers. Give me an overview of Poodle puppies for sale in Arkansas. Poodles come at different prices. Different things to consider are their height, size and weight, color as well as experience of the professional breeder. You will be able to afford one! Can breeders arrange travel for Arkansas Poodles out of state? Yes they do! The breeders, companies and businesses in our network know that perfect families do not always live close by, and sometimes far-distance travel arrangements have to be made. You may even be able to pick up your pup from an airplane close by or even around the corner - it all depends! How do you screen miniature Poodle breeders in Arkansas? We really care about puppies and their well being, so it is of the utmost importance that anyone who wants to be connected to us is screened under strict rules - and then they have to take our Breeder Pledge. The health of your puppy-to-be, its wellbeing, the way it is taken care of, the place it is brought up in - all of this matters to us. Why is Uptown Puppies different from other miniature Poodle breeders Arkansas? The internet is available to absolutely everybody - and that includes scrupulous breeders who are out there just wanting to cash in by selling puppies. We care deeply for dogs and puppies and we love connecting good and honest breeders with families who just want to open their homes to a new and wonderful puppy. What is a puppy mill like for miniature Poodle Arkansas? A puppy mill is an awful place that is unfortunately legal. Dogs are treated terribly and all their owners want from them are their puppies which they make money out of. Are there any miniature Poodle puppies Arkansas for sale now? We just need to know a little bit about yourself and exactly what you are looking for. Then begin your search and find the Poodle of your dreams. There are breeders, companies and businesses out there that are really excited to place their beautiful puppies in your home. What kind of dogs are mini Poodle puppies Arkansas? Poodles are actually part of a group of formal dog breeds. The Poodle is available in Toy size, Miniature size and large, regal, Standard size. They are highly intelligent and their origins belong to both Germany and France. How do I know I can trust you with miniature Poodle puppies in Arkansas? It is hard to monitor all the puppy scams that happen daily on the internet so we make sure that we have a secure Breeder Pledge and a strict screening process, in order to create the best of relationships between our customers and our breeders, companies and businesses. Our reviews reveal all! You will be able to find all their current contact information, as well as a link to their website, so you can see what puppies they currently have available for sale. We provide you with all this information so that you can research each breeder individually and find the one that has your perfect puppy available! If you are considering getting a Toy Poodle, you'll want to check out the incredible book "The Complete Guide to Poodles". It's written by experienced Poodle owner and dog trainer Tarah Schwartz. The book contains a lot of really useful insights that can help a new owner avoid common mistakes that most Poodle owners make. It's widely available, so pick up a copy if you see one, here is the link to grab one on Amazon, or you can download the audiobook version here. If you can't find the perfect Toy Poodle puppy in your state, try checking at your local animal shelter or rescue organization. Many Toy Poodles young and old need a loving home and adopting one can be a great way to save a life. We are so happy that you have chosen Local Puppy Breeders to help you find the puppy of your dreams. In addition to visiting us often here, you can check us out on Facebook , Twitter , and Pinterest for more information, pictures, and videos!
Greetings from Bruiser Bulldogs and The Wysongs We are a family absolutely in love with the Bulldog breed and are dedicated to breeding genetically healthy English Bulldog puppies. As responsible AKC English Bulldog breeders, our extensive experience and unique take on the need for a healthier English Bulldog has positioned our breeding program as a visionary leader for adopters in search of a higher quality Bulldog. At our core, we love placing healthy, properly socialized puppies into loving families. There is no greater joy than to be able to share our lifelong passion for English Bulldogs with our adopter families. Feel free to read our blog , watch our videos and learn why Bruiser Bulldogs is producing a better bulldog. Instead of focusing on maximizing wrinkles or winning in the show ring, we have built our foundational bloodlines over the past decade with a focus on health first on foremost. Sires and Dams are health tested with a unique criteria. Bruiser Bulldogs must breathe freely, move athletically while still maintaining that classic English Bulldog look that people around the world have come to love. Our goal has always been consistently produce puppies that are both a head turner and fundamentally healthy Bloodline development is the key to producing healthy bulldogs. We believe that foundational genetics are created through layer after layer of breeding healthy generations of bulldogs. Over the course of a decade, we have focused on a stringent set of health criteria to gradually improve the health and quality of the dogs we produce. The rare combination of experience, repetition, and ethical awareness of correct breeding practices has set our breeding program at the forefront of responsible breeding practices. The process truly is an adoption that affects the time, focus, and schedules of each household that gets a puppy from us. After a healthy puppy , the single most critical factor for a successful bulldog adoption is adopter support. The English Bulldog is unique breed with a unique set of caretaking criteria. Previous dog ownership, while helpful, is not enough to fully prepare an adopter for English Bulldog ownership. We always say the adoption is just the beginning of our journey. Through blog articles and email prep, we focus on such topics as socialization, crate training, disease prevention, potty training, nutrition, and basic puppy supplies to ensure that each adopter will be fully prepared for their new puppy. UKC Classification: Companion Dog Prevalence: Common The English bulldog is a brawny little powerhouse whose characteristic crablike waddle exudes great strength, stability and vigor. The dog's head is large and spherical, and the muzzle is extremely short, giving the face a flattened appearance. The English bulldog's eyes are dark and set low and wide on the forehead in the frontal plane. The nose is black and slightly upturned. The jaws or "chops" are massive, broad and undershot. The lower jaw juts out in front of the upper jaw to scarcely expose the lower incisors, producing a comical grin. The lips are fleshy and pendulous. The cheeks are well rounded and protrude sideways. The ears are thin, small and angle forward like flaps that frame the forehead. The English bulldog's neck is short and thick; the shoulders are massive, muscular and broad. The chest is deep and full, and the back is barreled and slightly arched. His rounded hips protrude slightly above the level of the back. The stubby tail is thick and either straight or screwed. His short, stocky legs have great muscle definition. They are splayed out and slightly bowed at the elbows and hocks to form a sturdy, base-wide stance. The English bulldog stands about 16 inches tall. The female weighs about 50 pounds 23 kilograms , and the male weighs about 54 pounds 24 kilograms. The English bulldog's skin is loose and pendant with heavy wrinkles and thick folds on the face and a dewlap hanging from the throat. The coat is short and fine textured. The various color patterns are brindle, piebald, and solid white, red, fawn or fallow. Personality: The English bulldog has a sweet, gentle disposition. Dependable and predictable, the bulldog is a wonderful family pet and loving to most children. People-oriented as a breed, they actively solicit human attention. However, they have retained the courage that was originally bred into them for bull baiting, so they make fine watchdogs. Although they generally get along well with other family pets, English bulldogs can be aggressive to unfamiliar dogs. Living With: English bulldogs make fine apartment pets and do not require a yard. Typically low-endurance dogs, they need only a moderate amount of exercise. They thrive best in temperate climates; they readily overheat and have breathing difficulties in hot weather, and they chill easily in cold temperatures. Generally loud breathers, English bulldogs tend to snore and wheeze. Many drool as well. They are moderate shedders and their short coats require little grooming. However, the wrinkles on the face should be wiped regularly to prevent skin infections. History: Named for its use in the sport of bull baiting, the English bulldog seems to have originated in the British Isles sometime prior to the 13th century. One of the few references to the sport dates back to , and talks about a butcher's dogs that chased a bull through the English town of Stamford. This pursuit so pleased the earl of the town that he inaugurated bull baiting as a sport in his domain. Today, the English bulldog makes a fine family pet. The AKC recognizes the breed simply as the bulldog. Related Pet Care Articles. Life Span Did You Know? The loving and gentle English Bulldog is one of the most well-liked companion dog breeds around the world. A breed of English origins, the Bulldog was first recognized as a non-sporting dog by the American Kennel Club in .The original use of this breed was Bull baiting, which was eventually outlawed with the establishment of the Cruelty to Animals Act of .This legislative act made the act of Bull and Bear baiting both illegal. The current role most suitable for the English Bulldog would be as a companion or family pet, given their sweet demeanor. The English Bulldog is relatively easy to train but definitely takes some work for more complicated commands. If you are looking for a breed to sit, stay, and play dead for treats, this is the breed for you. While they may not be the sharpest tool in the shed compared to some of the other highly intelligent breeds, they are easy going and apt to please their owner. Training this breed will be accomplished with less difficulty if you make the training reward based. Can you say Sweetheart? While this dog breed makes an above average watchdog because of their courage, this breed is a loving companion at heart. The Bulldog is excellent with kids when socialized and should be very agreeable with guests of the house. The English Bulldog breed as a whole is heralded as one of the most well liked companion breeds in the world. The Bulldog should do well with other family pets as long as properly introduced and socialized. They need to be socialized early and often to curb any negative feelings towards strange dogs. This breed is generally agreeable to most environments. Although they easily adapt to a noisy and chaotic household, they are not very tolerant of extreme weather, whether it be hot or cold. Although they are well liked and very popular, one must be aware of the potential health pitfalls with this breed. Some of the potential issues you can see with the English Bulldog is Cherry Eye, Entropion, or dysplasia. This breed also has a high risk for weight gain, so this should be monitored. An average Bulldog life span is between 8 and 12 years. You do not need to be a professional dog trainer to own an English Bulldog. They are good for most novice owners because they are passive by nature. The English Bulldog is an average shedder, so brushing him twice a week with a firm brush will be a good idea. Also, they can have a tendency to drool, so making sure you wipe their face off everyday can help ensure they do not suffer irritation on their faces and between their wrinkles. Because of the amount of wrinkles they have, it is recommended that you clean between the wrinkles fairly often to avoid irritations. The English Bulldog is a generally low energy breed. They do not require a lot of exercise, but when they do play, they play hard! Because they can be intense when they do have an energy burst, an owner must be aware of overexertion. They can be very playful, but do tend to tire out quickly. The English Bulldog is a short, stocky breed that should weigh between pounds. This dog breed generally lives for years. Presidents Calvin Coolidge and Warren G. Harding both owned English Bulldogs. Featured English Bulldog Article. Vocality level 1 in 5 Disclaimer: While the characteristics mentioned here may frequently represent this breed, dogs are individuals whose personalities and appearances will vary. Please consult the adoption organization for details on a specific pet. He is willing to please, although he retains a stubborn streak. He is very good with children. Most are moderately friendly toward strangers. Although some can be aggressive with strange dogs, the breed is quite good with other pets. Upkeep The Bulldog appreciates a daily outing but cannot tolerate hot humid weather, which can be deadly. He should not be expected to jog or walk great distances, or to jump from any heights. Most Bulldogs cannot swim. Most Bulldogs wheeze and snore, and some drool. Coat care is minimal, but facial wrinkles and any folds around the tail should be cleaned daily. Special precautions must be taken when anesthetizing a Bulldog. Caesarean deliveries are commonly needed. Hip radiographs show most Bulldogs to be dysplastic but few show overt symptoms. History With the most distinctive mug in dogdom, the Bulldog has an equally distinctive history. Some Bulldogs were also set against bears for bear baiting, purely for entertainment. In , bull baiting was outlawed, and a new phase began for the Bulldog. By all rights, the breed should have become extinct, except that it had gained so many ardent admirers that they set out to rescue the Bulldog by selecting against ferocity while still maintaining—and often accentuating—its distinctive physical characteristics. Its tough steadfast persona led it to be identified as a national symbol of England. Its amiable clownish personality belies its appearance, and the Bulldog is a popular pet. Related Content.
bulldog puppies for sale richmond va - Breeders VS. The sad truth is that many pet store purchased pups actually come from puppy mills. Basically, there is zero authenticity with pet stores. When it comes to adopting any animal from a pet store, there is an increased risk of unforeseen health or genetic problems. You also cultivate a life-long relationship with the breeder, meaning support is available to you anytime you may need it. With My Golden Retriever Puppies , you have the option to come and visit both the puppy and the breeder in person! Golden Retrievers are an adaptable breed, meaning they are better at adapting to seasonal changes and various types of climate than certain other breeds. Goldens sport a double-coat, which ensures that these sweet pups are able to tolerate slightly colder temperatures than their friends from other breeds. Your pup deserves better than that, which is why here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we ensure high-quality care is taken of your pet at all times. For more about the true price of a golden retriever puppy, you can read our full price breakdown here. Location Information for Florida Customers Our home office is located in Ohio, but we understand that long-distance travel can be inconvenient. If you prefer to meet a breeder in person, they may be able to offer private visits at their home. Of course! Here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we value family and authenticity, which is why we always guarantee our pups through our 2-year genetic health guarantee. Like adopting a Golden Retriever from a pet store, there is an increased risk when adopting a pup from a rescue center or shelter as well. For example, pups purchased through a shelter or rescue center are far less likely to come with the kinds of health guarantees and reassurances that a breeder can provide. What type of Golden Retrievers are sold in Florida? We have some good news! Ready to make your Golden Retriever dreams come true? Take a look at our convenient list of available puppies. How do I know which breeders to trust in Florida? Our independent network of trusted breeders have already been pre-screened and verified, so that you can focus on what really matters: choosing your dream puppy. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved. We work with reputable Golden Retriever breeders to ensure that our puppies are healthy, well-socialized, and ready for their new homes. Our prices for standard Golden retriever puppies and teacup Golden retrievers are competitive and reflect the quality of the puppies we offer. We would be happy to help you find the perfect puppy for your home! What is the History of Golden retriever puppies? Golden Retrievers have captured the hearts of dog lovers around the world with their friendly nature and stunning appearance. But have you ever wondered about the history behind these beloved canine companions? The Golden Retriever breed was developed in the late 19th century in Scotland by the renowned Lord Tweedmouth. He sought to create a breed that excelled in retrieving game during hunting expeditions while maintaining a gentle and friendly demeanor. Lord Tweedmouth crossed various breeds, including the now-extinct Tweed Water Spaniel, with the aim of achieving his vision. The result was the Golden Retriever we know and love today. With their innate intelligence, strong retrieving instincts, and desire to please, Golden Retrievers quickly gained popularity as hunting dogs. Over time, their exceptional temperament and loyalty made them sought-after family pets and service dogs as well. Temperament of Golden Retrievers Today, Golden retriever puppies are widely recognized for their intelligence, affectionate personality, and adaptability to various lifestyles and activities. They are often used as therapy dogs, service dogs, and search and rescue dogs, as well as beloved companions for families, couples, and singles. Have you ever seen such an adorable Golden Retriever puppy?!?! This love-bug will NOT disappoint with his amazing personality and great temperament. He is a real sweet puppy who will certainly have your whole neighborhood talking! He is super social and raised with children. This baby doll is vet checked, vaccinated, wormed and comes with a 1 year genetic health guarantee. Reviews There are no reviews yet.
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bulldog puppies for sale richmond va - We are a small family hobby breeder of English Cream Golden Retrievers and we love our dogs like family. We have a small amount of litters per year, as we are very intent on furthering the English Cream Golden Retriever breed as a whole. Our dogs are raised in our home as members of our family and we live on 2 acres of land in Fairhope with plenty of room to roam. We feed our goldens retrievers nothing but the best, which we have found to be large breed Blue Buffalo dog and puppy food. Visit us on Facebook to see more pictures of our dogs. I have been passionate about Golden Retrievers ever since the first one I had. We named him Lucky because he survived a car accident the first night we had him. It turns out we were the lucky ones! He was the best furry member of our family. When he died of cancer, it took me 6 years to get another Golden. Raising Goldens is a passion of mine because it brings me such joy to promote this breed, and know that I am putting quality dogs out into our world. In the past I studied biology, so genetics have become an interest of mine. To assist bringing new life into the world is an incredible experience, especially as I get to watch the pups grown and change the lives of our clients. Seeing the joy on the faces of a family when they first meet their new Golden Retriever is always a special moment! All of our retrievers come with health clearances. They have seen specialists to ensure they have no genetic defects. They have also been evaluated for heart and eye issues. All of our retrievers come with a warranty. If you don't live near Fairhope, we are happy to meet you part of the way to bring your furry friend to you. We also ship our golden retrievers if you live further away. Shipping puppies is very common and is not harmful to the dogs. Shipping prices vary depending on the flight, crate, and required health clearances. All of our English Cream Golden Retrievers are ready to join their new families when they are 8 weeks old. Please feel free to contact us by phone or through the contact form below and we will be happy to answer any of your questions. Checkout Our Dogs page to see more specifics about each of our goldens. I became interested in raising golden retrievers and started investigating the English Cream variety of retrievers that I had not heard of before. They were added to the English standard in .After years of selective breeding, they were given the name English Cream Golden Retrievers, but really they are more known as light goldens. I also found out that the cancer rate of English Cream Golden Retrievers is only .I worked for a veterinarian years prior, so I am familiar with pet medical care. Alyson took me under her wing and taught me all about breeding goldens. Breeding has been a dream of mine and after a lot of research and learning it all came together. Reserve Your New Friend! So far we have had 2 litters of English Cream Golden Retrievers. The first was 12 puppies! Soon after, we had another litter on the way. Alyson guided me through my first litter, knowing that I would have my hands full with so many newborn pups. The second litter of 7 pups came along just 4 weeks later, which I have raised on my own with the help of my family. Our Current Litters page will give you more information on the puppies we have available. A Furever Friend English Cream Golden Retrievers are a wonderful and loving breed with a sweet natured puppy like disposition and a love of play. At about 4 weeks old, goldens begin to learn from the world around them. It is essential that these experiences be positive for at least the first 12 weeks of their life to ensure they gain confidence in themselves and new situations. Golden Retrievers are obedient and highly intelligent dogs who always seem to be smiling. While not guard dogs, goldens love everyone and are eager to please which makes them a great family pet. Their steady temperament also makes them good companions for other animals. English Cream Golden Retrievers are generally lighter in color and have a stockier build than the American variety. Their average lifespan is around 12 years, whereas the American variety is usually between 10 - 11 years. If you're looking for a furry friend to add to your family, you have found a well rounded breed that will surely be a loving companion for many years. Litter Inquiries Best way to reach us, call us! Feel free to contact Alissa by call or text during normal business hours. If there is no response, leave a message with your name, number, and purpose for calling! Fairhope, AL .Temperament Upcoming Litters We are so excited about the litters we have coming up, and we think you will be too! We are forming our deposit and wait list for these litters now. Don't wait because these list fill up fast! Please click below to see what litters we have coming. As always, I'm only a call or text away, please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions. We can help with that!! We allow our families to share delivery cost, so this makes our reasonable delivery cost even more reasonable and within reach for families who may have struggled with the whole cost without having another family to share that cost with them. It allows us a break from the norm, a nice road trip and meeting our wonderful families in person! The maps above are some of the routes we had with our summer litters, as you can see, these are long trips, so if you think you may be too far, just check with us, we also offer flight nanny services when possible. This service is a bit pricier but is a good option for people who may actually be too far to drive, like our west coast families. Learn More Call or text me at Let us take some of the stress off of you and let us deliver or meet you halfway! Of course, you are always welcome to visit, but we know not all of our families have that option. Call or text me for a quote. This breed stole my heart when I was gifted my first Golden Retriever for my 18th birthday by my parents and my then boyfriend now husband of 12 years. It has been a long road but over the last sixteen years we have learned so much about ourselves and this wonderful breed. Our breeding program is now a family affair as I am a stay at home mother with three children; ages 9, 7 and 5 months, who want to help with the puppies as often as they can! We take time to genetically test our parent dogs for genetic conditions that could affect their breed. We do this so we can confidently offer healthy puppies to our families because we want you to love your new family for a very long time to come! We try to help make this happen by ensuring your puppy has been well socialized, your puppy has been raised in an environment that is clean and conducive with making potty training easier once your new puppy is home and we try to take some burden off by offering to meet halfway or deliver for a reasonable fee when needed. Sign Up For Updates Be the first to hear about new litters, availability, and helpful pet advice. Sign up. Share 0 Shares Everyone knows what a Golden Retriever is and how adorable they are! They are one of the most popular breeds of dogs in the USA and are known to be loyal, loving, caring, and just a bundle of joy! There are three types of Golden Retrievers — English, Canadian and American with colors ranging from golden, lightly golden, and dark golden. Besides different types of Goldens and their colors, there are also some differences between how male acts and a female acts. Also, the size and temperament of the two can differ slightly. I have linked an article about the differences between a male and female Golden if you are interested in checking it out. To bring home the perfect Golden Retrieve means that you need the perfect breeder. It is important to find a breeder who focuses on the health, longevity, and temperament of their dogs. The Golden Retriever puppies should also be well socialized before going to their forever home and be screened for genetic hereditary problems including hip and elbow problems. Make sure their Goldens are also AKC registered as well! If you are interested in buying a Golden Retriever puppy in Alabama, here are the most reputable Golden Retriever breeders in this state. She first started breeding in with a very beautiful French import, Touch of Silk thus Silkspun who lived on to the ripe age of .Since then, she has been fortunate enough to be able to import, show and breed lovely examples of English-type Goldens with great temperaments. Because of this, she has some of the best Silkspun families all over the United States! Each litter is bred with great intention, with regards to health, temperament, and pedigree for healthy future bloodlines! All dogs are tested for health defects including DNA testing. She welcomes calls and home visits when set up in advance and there is a screening process to ensure proper homes for future pups that include a questionnaire, and phone calls and visits, if possible. There are loved by the community and have 5-star reviews on Facebook! One owner loves Laurie and her dogs so much that she bought two at the same time and is looking for a third puppy soon! She is very helpful and will walk you through the steps of becoming a new parent and is dedicated to making sure the puppies are well behaved and loved. Name of Owner. They are incredibly loyal to the breed and aim to spread their passion for golden retrievers. They are determined to produce healthy, attractive, and well-adjusted puppies socially. All puppies are provided with limited AKC registration documents. They provide complete registration for an additional fee. There are three to four litters per year. All of their dog parents have been assessed for health. At weeks of age, the puppies are given to their new families. Before you take your puppy home, it will have had age-appropriate deworming treatments and coccidia prophylaxis. They will deliver their initial vaccinations and a health evaluation from their competent veterinarian. All puppies are provided with a take-home package. It includes dog food, a blanket, and toys that smell like their mother and siblings. In addition, they will supply a medical record, free pet insurance for 30 days, and more. They pay an additional price to have a puppy airlifted to their new family through Delta Pet Services. They will call you within a few weeks of receiving your deposit to schedule a weekend pickup appointment for the puppy. The initial contact will tell you which weekend to reserve. The second call will set up an appointment for one hour. They will email precise GPS coordinates and driving directions one week before the weekend of puppy pickup. There will be no difficulty in discovering them. Every Golden Retriever puppy that leaves here will bring years of happiness to a family, and vice versa, which makes both parties happy. They have witnessed many smiles and happy families throughout the years. They have produced many long-lasting friends as a result. Breed Owner: Homebuilder Alabama. A browned-eyed bundle of golden fluff will smother you with playful kisses and all the love in the world. As English Cream Golden Retriever breeders in Collinsville, AL, we commit ourselves to their wellbeing and to ensure they live their best possible life. Gilbert Farms carefully chooses each of our dogs to secure superior pedigrees with exceptional champion lines. We prioritize temperament, intelligence, and sound physical structure in each puppy we produce. Our English Golden Retrievers in Collinsville, AL, have completed and passed all of their hip, elbow, eye, heart, and genetic testing. They experience all the joys of the farm and getting to know the other animals that share their life. Health tested and temperament approved Our dogs are from champion pedigrees and are sols with AKC registration. We only breed our dogs based on their health clearances, and they must demonstrate outstanding temperaments. Our kennel takes great care in matching each dog with the right family. Ultimately the best home for each of our puppies is somewhere they will live out the rest of their lives well cared for and happy. We offer every new home a puppy health guarantee for 2 years. Each puppy will be vet checked, be current on vaccinations and come with their AKC registration papers. You will have hours to take your puppy to your own vet for a check-up. Call now to talk to us about our English Cream Golden Retrievers .Though we prefer the lighter colors, color is not the focus of our program. This page is about Summer Brook, our family, and our breeding program. In this page, we discuss our goals, how we got started, why we breed, how we breed, who our employees are, and what kinds of dogs we have. Most importantly, this page also provides links proving the quality of our dogs and the life our puppies and dogs have here at Summer Brook. Scroll below to read more about us and the details of our breeding program. Go to the Our Dogs page for links to each of our dogs. You can see a dozen or more pictures of each dog as well as temperament descriptions. Before a young English Golden Retriever is added to our very selective breeding program, he or she must meet several criteria. It is very important to us that we maintain our reputation for being quality English Cream Golden Retriever breeders. All of our breeding dogs must pass all health clearances and not just barely. Health is 1. Solid Temperaments The second important distinction about Summer Brook is that all of our breeding dogs have proof of solid temperaments. All of them have at a minimum a CGC title. This is the first step toward becoming certified as a therapy dog or a competitive obedience dog. Over half of our dogs have advanced obedience titles. You must come to our home to totally appreciate this. However, pictures and conformation titles can give you a good idea. These titles can be earned at one weekend of shows with even a mediocre dog. Our dogs have titles that mean so much more in both obedience and conformation. See our Dog Titles page to learn what the most common titles are and how they are earned. In Europe they are simply referred to as Golden Retrievers. I have heard many people refer to the imported Goldens as White Golden Retrievers. Though they are often a very light cream, they are never truly white. They range in color from the palest cream to a rich gold. As breeders of English Golden Retriever puppies, one of our goals is to improve this beautiful breed in the United States. It has taken many years to get to where we are today. The picture above is our family in with some of our first dogs. Two were retired before ever breeding a litter. One of them had only one litter. Our main goal as English Golden Retriever breeders is to produce English Golden Retriever puppies who are structurally sound, healthy, and with biddable trainable temperaments. Though we prefer the lighter cream color, color is only secondary. Our Family Pictured above is our family almost 10 years ago in front of our pond and home. The two older folks in the middle are Karen and Darrell. We have been married for almost 30 years. All of our kids are either in college or have graduated from college. The English Golden Retrievers in the picture have now all been retired and we now have seven dogs which you can see on the Our Dogs page. While we loved our first four English Goldens, we have been able to improve our lines over time. It has been a hard journey to get to where we are today. We strive to improve our program with each new puppy or dog that we raise. With time, we have been able to greatly improve our program. We are English Cream Golden Retriever breeders who do not settle for mediocrity. Where We and Our Goldens Live Our Home Our family lives on a private road in a community filled with gated areas, beautiful ponds and lakes, pastures, and woods. All of our neighbors have acres of land. Our English Golden Retrievers live and sleep in our home. We have 5 doggy doors going out of our home into five different fenced areas. Our front door gives access to a sixth. Someone is home with them nearly all the time. We are fortunate enough to have a home large enough for the dogs to have plenty of room. Our house has an open floor plan that enables us to see all of our dogs from one place. At the same time, we are still able to separate them individually or in groups when necessary. We have several baby gates that we open and close as needed. See the Our Home page for pictures and more information. How We Care for Our Dogs Unless it is rainy, our dogs have free access in and out of our home through doggy doors. We brush each dog regularly and bathe them about once a month. Because they have access to large outdoor areas, we rinse them off often. We do daily competitive obedience training with most of them and they all do short training sessions at meal times. The dogs rotate between the various areas in our home so that they all have quality time with us. We use primarily natural methods to prevent fleas and tics, and we feed our dogs high quality food. See the Our Home page and the Raising Puppies page for more information on where we live and how we raise our puppies. Litters whelped and raised in our home How and Why We Initially Started Breeding When we first started this venture, we were a home-schooling family with 3 children from years of age. Our home life was and still is very compatible with caring for dogs. My younger daughter, Elise, was also wanting a career with dogs. At 12, Elise was unsure what career with dogs she wanted, but both girls had a big passion for animals. We began breeding initially purely for the love of our daughters. We had no paid employees and Darrell husband and Daniel son helped minimally. But as time went on, Darrell and Daniel become involved and we added several paid employees. Darrell now handles most of the communications. Daniel has graduated from college and is working in Georgia as a civil engineer. We spent many weekends going to obedience trials and conformation shows. Jenna, Elise, and I spent a good percentage of our free time researching pedigrees and breeders in Europe. We loved it! The dogs were our hobby. Adding Employees However, in time our daughters moved on to other interests. They graduated from high school and went to college. Both girls moved from home. It was time for a change for both the girls as well as for Summer Brook. After home schooling for 17 years, I was excited about the prospect of throwing myself into working with the dogs myself. Without the responsibilities of homeschooling, I found myself with more time to invest in my hobby. By this time, my hobby had turned into more than a full time job. Emma along with Luke has worked for us for over 4 years. Our dogs and puppies LOVE here! In , we hired our first employee, 20 year old Anna. She worked with us for about a year and then went on to become a vet tech. Then we were blessed to meet Emma, a 14 year old neighbor that has worked for us after school and on Saturdays for over four years. She is now in about to graduate from high school and will be going to Mississippi State to pursue a career as a veterinarian. Katherine and Jessi, two other high schoolers joined our team in .They both home school and are able to work mornings. All three of these girls have had a big impact on Summer Brook Acres. They will all be graduating this year. Sadly, only Jessi will stay in town and continue working with us. Both of my daughters are now back home working with us again! In the early days of Summer Brook, my interest in breeding was purely for my daughters. However, as I got more involved with the dogs, I learned that I had a huge love and talent for dog training. That is where my passion lies, but I am involved to some degree in all aspects of Summer Brook Acres. This means that your dog is the highest scoring dog in the highest level at the trial. Because breeding and training our puppies is our priority, my training time with our adults in limited. Details of my training experience are on our Trained Puppies page. His primary role with Summer Brook is with communications. I Karen initially handled this role. However, after several years, handling the responsibilities with both the dogs and the people became too much. Darrell also works with our family real estate investment business. Jenna Our daughter, Jenna graduated from college in English, her second passion behind dogs. However, she never lost her love of animals. Her current interests in the dogs is in training instead of the medical aspect. Jenna is now combining her love of dogs and specifically dog training with her love of writing. Jenna designed our website as a high school project and has done a total redesign on it twice since the original design. She has written or edited much of the content on our site. Jenna has graciously agreed to make Summer Brook her priority when we have puppies over 6 weeks of age. We both are advocates for positive reinforcement training along with a controlled environment. You can read more about Jenna on her recently launched blog at www. Elise Our daughter, Elise has also just returned home and is now working again with us at Summer Brook. She primarily works with taking care of our adults and working with younger puppies. Elise is going to school part time getting some prerequisites in before applying for nursing school. She will continue working part time with us and live at home until she finishes school. She is a puppy magnet and we are so blessed to have her! The Early Days of Summer Brook Acres Before getting our first dogs, we spent hundreds maybe thousands of hours researching. We started off deciding on the breed. From there, we moved to researching breeders and individual dogs and pedigrees. We retired more than half of what we originally imported without ever breeding them. Breeders send their best dogs to those they have a relationship with. Most of these best breeders are leery of sending dogs to the U. For those of you considering a new breeder or breeders with adults without verified clearances, proceed with care. There are a lot of European breeders that are exporting entire litters of what Americans are calling English Cream Golden Retrievers. In Europe, many of the parents of these puppies are considered by Europeans less than mediocre and just plain old Golden Retrievers. These clearances can be obtained from vets on dogs less than a year old. This type clearance is useless. See our page on How to Find a Good Breeder for more information. Our experience is not unusual for good breeders. There are a lot of hoops to jump through in order to have really good breeding dogs. It is not as simple as calling or emailing a European breeder and asking for the best dog. The best breeders in Europe are very particular about where their dogs go. It takes time to develop relationships overseas. And it takes patience to build good lines with good looks, health, and temperaments. In addition to our English Golden Retrievers, over the past almost 20 years, our family has had one American Golden and 4 smaller dogs. These 5 dogs were family pets and never bred. Our family has had six horses, three birds, a rabbit, and three cats. Not all of them were at the same time! We loved them all. However, none of them quite captured all of our hearts like the Golden Retrievers. Though all our dogs are a light cream, we do not breed for color. We feel that the head is important but, it is not the entire package. There is so much more in producing a nice litter of puppies. We will only breed the best dogs that meet our very high standards. We have intensely studied the pedigrees of hundreds of dogs looking for those with generations of proven good conformation, good health, and a typical sweet Golden Retriever temperament. Most of our dogs have parents with not only titles earned because of their beauty, but titles proving their worth as working dogs also. While our dogs are beautiful, we believe that a good pet, first and foremost, needs to have a good temperament and be healthy. Our goal is to produce puppies that are physically, intellectually, and temperamentally as close to the FCI breed standard as possible, and then to do all we can to nurture and care for our puppies in such a way that they will have the best possible start in life to develop to their fullest potential. See our page on Why Choose Summer Brook for more information. People have flown or driven to us for puppies from almost every state in the country. Several have come to us from other west coast states including Oregon and Washington. Dozens have come to Summer Brook from Texas as well. Some Flying. Others driving. There are quite a few in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Maryland. One family drove miles from Nebraska, a second from Massachusetts, and a third drove from northern Maine which is about miles. Over a dozen have driven from Texas and states such as Oklahoma and Arkansas. We have puppies all over the south. We get tremendous satisfaction from matching puppies to families. We will only send our puppies home with families who have time to raise a puppy. Our puppies go to families who want more than just a dog. They want a companion. We are looking for just the right families for our puppies. At the same time, we are busy raising puppies to be suitable companions for families. It is the ultimate reward when we see happy families meet happy puppies! Pictures of Jenna and Elise To the right is Elise with Maria who unfortunately did not have good enough hips for breeding. To the left is Jenna pictured with our first two Dream Max dogs when they were puppies. Primary Sidebar Breeders and Trainers of English Golden Retrievers We focus on breeding and training beautiful English Golden Retriever puppies with health tested champion parents, great pedigrees, and fantastic temperaments.