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By choosing a dog food with top ingredients, you can ensure your Frenchie receives the essential nutrients they need for a healthy and happy life. Salmon, poultry, and lamb are particularly beneficial sources of protein for French Bulldogs. Healthy Fats Healthy fats, such as omega-6 fatty acids, are an excellent source of nutrition for French Bulldogs. These fatty acids help maintain a healthy immune system, promote healthy skin, and result in a glossy coat. By providing your Frenchie with a diet rich in healthy fats, you can support their skin and coat health while helping to moderate inflammation. Beneficial Supplements In addition to high-quality protein and healthy fats, beneficial supplements like prebiotic fiber, probiotics, glucosamine, chondroitin, taurine, and omega fatty acids should be considered for French Bulldog dog food. Prebiotic fiber and probiotics are formulated to be gentle on the digestive system and promote digestion. Glucosamine and chondroitin are essential for joint health and support joint and cartilage health maintenance. Taurine and omega fatty acids have been found to be beneficial for cardiovascular health. Some dog foods that include these beneficial supplements are: Nutro Ultra Weight Management Dry Dog Food, which contains taurine for cardiovascular health Royal Canin French Bulldog Puppy Food — which provides complete and balanced nutrition, strengthens the immune system, encourages growth, and promotes balanced intestinal flora. By choosing a dog food with these beneficial supplements, you can provide your Frenchie with a well-rounded diet that supports their overall health. Potential Allergies and Sensitivities in French Bulldogs French Bulldogs may be prone to allergies and sensitivities , making it important to research the ingredients in their food and consult a vet if necessary. Some common sensitivities in French Bulldogs include corn, soy, beef, and dairy products. If your Frenchie shows signs of allergies or sensitivities, it is essential to evaluate the ingredients in their food and seek veterinary advice if needed. If you suspect your French Bulldog has a food allergy , you may want to consider a limited-ingredient dog food or a grain-free diet. By being aware of potential allergies and sensitivities and choosing the right dog food, you can help your Frenchie maintain a healthy and happy life. Feeding Guidelines for French Bulldogs Feeding guidelines for French Bulldogs include following label recommendations for feeding quantity and dividing daily servings into smaller meals for sustained energy supply. For French Bulldog puppies , it is recommended to provide them with 1. Puppies aged between 2 to 6 months should be supplied with three meals per day, whereas older puppies should be given two meals daily. Adult and senior French Bulldogs should also be fed two meals per day. By following these feeding guidelines, you can ensure that your Frenchie receives the right amount of food for their age, weight, and activity level, helping them maintain a healthy body weight and preventing potential health issues. Our Top Picks: Best Dog Foods for French Bulldogs in Our top picks for the best dog food for French Bulldogs in include a variety of options tailored to meet the unique nutritional needs of this charming breed. From weight management formulas to grain-free options and specialized diets for puppies and seniors, these dog foods offer the essential nutrients your Frenchie needs to thrive. Pet owners recommend this dog food for its weight maintenance benefits, quality ingredients, and multiple protein sources. Additionally, it is free from artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives and contains taurine, which acts as a natural antioxidant for your pup. By choosing the best overall dog food for your Frenchie, you can support their overall health and well-being. This dog food is specifically tailored for overweight and less active dogs, providing an optimal protein-to-fat ratio to help them reach their weight goals and maintain an energetic lifestyle. However, the benefits it offers in terms of weight management and affordability make it a great value option for French Bulldog owners. Food and food are both great options when it comes to feeding your French Bulldog puppies. Both provide a complete, balanced diet for their growth and development. Food provides complete and balanced nutrition, strengthens the immune system, encourages growth, and promotes balanced intestinal flora. It is also easy to digest for optimal nutrient absorption, making it an ideal choice for your Frenchie puppy. It is worth noting that some puppies may not take to Royal Canin French Bulldog Puppy Dry Dog Food, and it is more expensive than other dog food options due to its breed-specific nature. However, the benefits it offers in terms of nutrition and breed-specific formulation make it a top choice for French Bulldog puppies. It provides optimal nutrition to maintain their health and wellbeing. This specialized diet is formulated for French Bulldogs over the age of twelve months and includes L-carnitine and top-notch protein to sustain optimal muscle mass, probiotics to minimize intestinal fermentation, and a kibble design that is easy for Frenchies to consume and encourages chewing. While some dogs may not accept Royal Canin French Bulldog Adult Dry Dog Food and it is costly, the benefits it provides in terms of nutrition and breed-specific formulation make it an ideal choice for senior French Bulldogs. Customers say their dogs love the taste of this food. Additionally, it is excellent for dogs with food allergies. No longer will they suffer from itchy paws or diarrhea. By choosing a dog food specifically designed for French Bulldogs with allergies, you can help alleviate their allergy symptoms and provide them with a diet that supports their overall health and well-being. Customers have reported that their dogs enjoy the flavor of Wellness Core Grain-Free Kibble and have maintained a healthy coat when consuming this food. By choosing a grain-free dog food option for your French Bulldog, you can support their overall health while accommodating their dietary needs. They come in a wide variety of flavors and are packed with lots of nutrition. Our dogs do deserve the best! Gradually introducing the new food over a period of days can help avoid these problems. If your dog experiences any digestive issues or stomach discomfort, consult your veterinarian for advice. Foods to avoid include chocolate, coffee, tea, grapes, and raisins. Instead, consider offering your Frenchie safe and healthy alternatives such as oatmeal, sweet potatoes, brown rice, fish, chicken, vegetables carrots, green beans, broccoli , and fruits apples, bananas, blueberries. It is always a good idea to consult your veterinarian if you are uncertain about what foods are appropriate for your French Bulldog. By providing your Frenchie with safe and healthy food alternatives, you can promote their overall health and well-being. Homemade Dog Food Options for French Bulldogs While commercially manufactured foods are generally recommended for French Bulldogs, some owners may prefer to prepare homemade dog food for their pets. Suitable ingredients for homemade dog food for French Bulldogs include cooked lean meats, cooked eggs, cooked vegetables, cooked grains, and healthy fats. If you choose to prepare homemade dog food for your French Bulldog, it is essential to ensure that the diet provides the necessary nutrients to support their health and well-being. Consult your veterinarian for guidance on creating a balanced and nutritious homemade diet for your Frenchie. Summary In conclusion, selecting the best dog food for your Frenchie is an essential part of supporting their overall health and well-being. By understanding their unique nutritional needs, choosing high-quality ingredients, and providing a diet tailored to their age, weight, and activity level, you can ensure your Frenchie thrives. With the right nutrition, your Frenchie will enjoy a healthy, happy, and fulfilling life. Frequently Asked Questions What are Frenchies allergic to? French can suffer from environmental allergies such as dust mites, pollens, molds, and grass as well as food allergies such as corn, soy, beef, and dairy products. Taking steps to reduce exposure to allergens can help keep your Frenchie healthy and comfortable. This could include things like keeping the house clean, using air purifiers, and avoiding areas with high pollen. What should I feed my French Bulldog puppy? As the owner of a French Bulldog puppy, it is important to ensure your pup is getting the right nutrients. Feed them high-quality, nutritionally complete puppy food and, if desired, lean raw meat to provide them with the balanced diet they need. When he's not spending time with his furry best friend "Freddy II", you can find him reading up on the latest Frenchie trends or exploring new parks and hiking trails with his dapper little Frenchie by his side. Whether you're a seasoned Frenchie owner or just starting your journey, Freddy is excited to share his experiences and insights with you through his articles on this website. French Bulldog puppies have unique dietary needs that require special attention. There are a few key factors to consider. First off, opt for puppy-specific formulas that meet their nutritional requirements. Avoid recipes with fillers or artificial additives — go for wholesome kibble made especially for small dogs like Frenchies. A balanced diet is crucial in preventing common issues such as paw licking or upset tummies. With proper nutrition, your Frenchie pup will be ready to conquer the world one playful bark at a time. This premium dog food provides a balanced diet with a combination of high-quality proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. It contains essential nutrients such as antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that promote healthy growth and support a strong immune system. One of the key features of Royal Canin Small Puppy is its small kibble size, which makes it easier for Frenchie puppies to chew and digest. This formula includes prebiotics to support digestive health and aid in nutrient absorption. The inclusion of omega-3 fatty acids contributes to healthy skin and a shiny coat. This grain-inclusive formula includes deboned chicken as the primary source of protein along with wholesome grains like brown rice. The blend of fruits, vegetables, and superfoods in Wellness Complete Health Puppy ensures that your furry friend receives essential vitamins and minerals. This recipe also incorporates omega fatty acids for healthy brain development and DHA for optimal eye health. We have never used this brand but I hear great things about it. This formula features deboned chicken as the main ingredient, providing a high-quality source of protein to support muscle development. What sets Merrick Classic Healthy Grains Puppy Recipe apart is its inclusion of whole grains like brown rice and barley. These grains offer a good source of energy and fiber while promoting healthy digestion. The recipe also includes fruits and vegetables such as apples, blueberries, and sweet potatoes to provide additional nutrients. Royal Canin has been our go to french bulldog puppy food. After trying multiple brands such as Purina, Stella and Chewy, and Merrick no large quantity available for purchase, small bags got expensive , Royal Canin has never let us down. We have never noticed skin problems, intolerance, and poops have always been great. Other brands have caused vomiting, diarrhea, and skin reactions to name a few. French Bulldog puppies are energetic and growing rapidly, which means they need frequent meals throughout the day. It is recommended to feed them three to four times daily until they reach six months of age. This regular feeding schedule helps maintain their energy levels and supports proper growth. Follow the recommended portion sizes based on their age and weight. Different brands may have specific guidelines tailored for French Bulldog puppies or small breed puppies in general. For puppies aged weeks: 1 cup of food per meal. Victor Ocean Fish All Life Stages Dog Food Remember that these portions can vary depending on individual factors such as activity level and metabolism. Adjust the portion sizes accordingly if you notice significant weight gain or loss. Monitor their weight gain and adjust feeding amounts accordingly. While puppies naturally gain weight as they grow, excessive weight gain can lead to health issues such as joint problems. Keep an eye on their body condition and consult with your veterinarian if you have concerns about their weight. If your puppy is gaining too much weight, consider reducing the portion sizes slightly or switching to a lower-calorie puppy food formula. On the other hand, if they are not gaining enough weight or appear undernourished, consult with your vet to determine if an increase in portion size or a different type of food is necessary. By following these feeding guidelines, you can ensure that your French Bulldog puppy receives the nutrition they need during this crucial stage of growth. Providing proper nutrition will help set the foundation for a healthy and happy adult French Bulldog. Feeding your Frenchie the wrong food can lead to serious health issues and discomfort. Chocolate contains theobromine, which can be highly toxic for dogs. Even small amounts can cause symptoms like restlessness, increased heart rate, vomiting, diarrhea, and in severe cases, seizures or even death. Onions and Garlic: A Recipe for Anemia While onions and garlic might add flavor to our meals, they pose a significant risk to our four-legged companions. This could lead to anemia and potentially life-threatening complications for your French Bulldog. The exact reason behind this toxicity is still unknown; however, ingestion of these fruits has been linked to kidney failure in some dogs. Xylitol: Sweetness Turns Sour Xylitol is an artificial sweetener commonly found in sugar-free products like gum or candy. While it may be harmless for humans, it can be extremely dangerous for dogs. If ingested by your French Bulldog, xylitol can cause a sudden release of insulin, leading to a rapid drop in blood sugar levels. This can result in seizures, liver failure, or even death. Opt for high-quality dog food specifically formulated for their needs. Look for options that include meat protein sources like chicken or salmon, as these are beneficial for their muscle development and overall health. Make sure the food you choose contains adequate amounts of vitamins and fatty acids to promote healthy skin and coat. Avoid foods with excessive fat content that could lead to weight gain or digestive issues such as loose stools. Stick to dog-friendly fruits and veggies as treats instead. Chicken fat as dog food High-fat meats, chicken skin and fat from steaks or roasts are not recommended. Ingestion may lead to gastrointestinal upset or even pancreatitis. This can be a very painful condition for dogs. Providing a healthy diet is essential for their overall health and well-being. Opting for lean proteins like chicken and turkey ensures they receive high-quality nutrients without excessive fat content. These proteins promote muscle development, support growth, and provide essential amino acids for overall health. Opt for natural alternatives that are free from these artificial additives. Whole Grains: Nourishing Carbohydrate Sources Carbohydrates play a role in providing energy to your puppy. However, not all carbohydrates are created equal. Instead of fillers like corn or wheat that offer limited nutritional value, look for whole grains such as brown rice or oats. These whole food ingredients provide fiber, vitamins, minerals while promoting steady energy levels throughout the day. Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Promoting Healthy Skin and Coat To maintain healthy skin and a lustrous coat on your furry friend, incorporate omega-3 fatty acids into their diet. Sources like fish oil offer an abundance of these beneficial fats that nourish their skin from within. Not only do omega-3s contribute to a shiny coat but they also help reduce inflammation and support healthy skin and overall health. By opting for lean proteins, avoiding artificial additives, incorporating whole grains, and including omega-3 fatty acids, you are providing the essential nutrients they need to thrive. Remember, a healthy diet sets the foundation for a happy and active French Bulldog. So be mindful of what goes into their food bowl to ensure they grow up strong and free from unnecessary health problems. Now that you understand the importance of healthy ingredients in food, you can make informed choices when selecting the very best dog food options for your furry companion. Keep their health in mind as you provide them with nourishing meals that will support their growth and overall well-being. By following these feeding guidelines, you can provide your Frenchie with the balanced nutrition they need to stay in optimal health. Obesity can lead to various health problems such as joint issues, heart disease, and respiratory difficulties. To keep track of their weight effectively, consider using a digital scale designed for pets or consult with your veterinarian. Adjusting Portion Sizes French Bulldogs have different dietary requirements based on their activity level and age. Puppies require more calories and nutrients to support their growth and development compared to adult dogs. To determine the appropriate portion size for your puppy or adult dog, consider consulting with animal nutritionists or your veterinarian. They can provide personalized recommendations based on factors such as breed-specific needs and individual metabolism. Excessive treats can contribute to weight gain if not properly regulated. Instead of relying solely on treats for positive reinforcement, try using praise or playtime as alternative rewards. Be mindful of the calorie content in both regular meals and treats. Opt for healthier options like small pieces of lean meat or fruits and vegetables that are safe for dogs. You could even use it as a meal topper to make meal time more fun. There are hundreds of different options on the market all claiming to be the best, no wonder our Frenchie parents constantly turn to us asking what they should feed their puppies. The usual nutritional needs of French Bulldog A well-balanced Frenchie diet should contain the correct amounts of macronutrients: water, proteins, fats, carbohydrates, minerals, and vitamins. However, this is only a general guideline, and a more accurate calculation can be made based on specific factors. For instance, the age and activity level of your dog are essential factors to consider. Hormonal changes can cause neutered dogs to become less active than their fertile counterparts. Store-bought vs. Most commercial dog foods and canned goods contain preservatives, flavor enhancers, coloring, and other additives. Instead of real meat, they often contain animal by-products or meat meal, which can cause allergic reactions in some dogs. Subscribe to our weekly blog newsletter: Subscribe to our blog newsletter! First name Email When you cook food for your dogs, you can be sure of what goes into their bowl. Finally, homemade meals can prolong the average French Bulldog lifespan , so we definitely recommend homemade food! Why is it so hard to find the right dog food? Feeding is an evergreen topic among Frenchie parents in our Facebook group. They know they should feed their puppy with high-quality premium dog food to keep their baby healthy and fit, but they are left puzzled when they see the plethora of different choices. The answer is actually quite simple: every Frenchie is different and what works for one puppy may unfortunately cause problems for the other. The best French Bulldog breeders will always give you advice on how to continue feeding your puppy once you welcome them home. So what are the most important things to consider while trying to find the perfect food for your Frenchie? Read on to find out! The quality of dog food is always determined by the percentage of its protein content, in other words, the amount of meat or fish it contains. So what should you pay attention to when looking at the ingredients list? This could be beef, lamb, salmon, or any other type of meat. The list usually ends with some sort of animal fat, vegetables, and fruits. Jasper, available French Bulldog puppy at TomKings Puppies Any other ingredient not mentioned above is only included to increase the volume of the dog food and to ensure the most economical production possible. So, if you see that a food contains an unrealistic amount of filler ingredients like wheat, corn, or chemical preservatives, it is definitely not a suitable and healthy choice for your Frenchie. Dog foods without chicken and grains A question that always comes up when choosing the right food for a Frenchie is whether it has to be chicken or grain-free. For that reason, we usually recommend giving chicken and grain-free food right from the start to avoid any possible problems. Makayla, French Bulldog puppy at TomKings Puppies That means that if you look at the list of ingredients, you can find companies whose food meets all the criteria we mentioned above and is much more affordable. Like with so many things, the name is not everything! On the other hand, if the kibble is too large they will have difficulties consuming the food. The flavor of the dog food When looking at dog foods, you can choose from lots of different flavors like a lamb, fish, beef, duck, etc. If one of the foods from a particular brand works fine for your Frenchie, the flavors can and should be changed as long as they have the same nutritional values. A varied diet is important not only for humans but dogs as well, not to mention that your fur baby will be very happy to taste some new flavors. The stool of your Frenchie A very important criterion and perhaps the best indicator of the given food is suitable for your Frenchie is their stool. A healthy stool should always be completely solid, which means you can easily collect it with a bag. You should always ensure a smooth transition by gradually mixing in more and more of the new food with the old to avoid any dietary issues. Signs of a food allergy in your Frenchie We have already mentioned that Frenchies tend to be allergic to chicken, but what are the actual signs of a food allergy? The most common symptoms include scratching, hair loss, dull lifeless fur, inflamed eyes and ears often with some discharge, paw licking, swelling, but also vomiting, and loose stools. You may not notice all of these and the degree to which they occur may also vary. Any of these symptoms indicate that an immediate change of diet is necessary, about which you should always consult your vet first. Eating a bit more slowly and with less appetite are usually signs telling you to cut out the middle meal. As for the amount, nice-looking French Bulldogs are a bit stockier, so you should always increase and lower the amount of their food with that in mind. Read our article to learn more about maintaining a healthy body weight for your Frenchie. Odie, French Bulldog puppy at TomKings Puppies Special recommendations by TomKings Puppies The best food for French Bulldog with a sensitive stomach For dogs with sensitive stomachs, we always recommend home-cooked food , so you can be sure of what your dog is eating. However, it is important to ensure that the transition from store-bought to home-cooked dog food is gradual. Consultation with a veterinarian can also be helpful in determining the best wet food for a French Bulldog. It is essential to choose a high-quality brand that uses real meat and avoids fillers, artificial preservatives, and additives. Look for products that are labeled as complete and balanced, which means they contain all the essential nutrients your French Bulldog needs in the right proportions. The best dry food for French Bulldogs Although cheaper dry food may appear to be similar to premium brands based on the label, there are significant differences in the quantity and quality of the ingredients. Additionally, we advise you to switch to adult food at the age of months. We always inform new parents of Tomkings puppies of the brands we used to feed the pups and we recommend to continue using the same brand for some time. The best raw food for Frenchies There are several types of raw food diets for dogs, including the Prey Model Diet, the B. To ensure that TomKings puppies receive only the highest quality food, we continuously evaluate available options and test the latest trends. We consult with a panel of experts and experienced puppy parents within the TomKings Frenchie Family, and we are proud to recommend the B. Biologically Appropriate Raw Foods diet. Consulting with a veterinarian is also recommended to determine the best course of action. In general, weight management dog foods can be a good option for overweight French Bulldogs. These foods are formulated to be lower in calories and fat while still providing high-quality protein and other essential nutrients. Avoid feeding table scraps or high-calorie treats, and make sure to provide plenty of opportunities for exercise and play. In some cases, a prescription diet recommended by a veterinarian may be necessary to help your French Bulldog achieve and maintain a healthy weight. Best food for French Bulldogs with skin allergies If your French Bulldog has skin allergies, it is important to choose a diet that is specially formulated to help support skin health and minimize potential allergens. Consultation with a veterinarian is also recommended to determine the best course of action. Some high-quality dog food brands offer special formulas that are designed for dogs with skin allergies. These foods typically contain limited ingredients and exclude common allergens such as wheat, soy, chicken, and dairy products. Instead, they may use alternative protein sources such as fish or venison and may contain added omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids to help support skin health. Some veterinarians may also recommend prescription diets that are formulated specifically to manage skin allergies in dogs. These diets may contain hydrolyzed proteins, which have been broken down into smaller components to minimize the risk of an allergic reaction. Even though processed dog foods might not look healthy to us, they actually contain all the nutrients that Frenchies need to stay healthy. Home-made and raw diets like B. Should I opt for dry kibble or canned wet food? Wet foods are of course more appealing to dogs, which means they get used to them easily and will not want to eat dry food again. If your Frenchie is a picky eater you can mix the dry and wet food but never give them the latter only. We recommend wet food for dogs who are ill and have no appetite. How much time does my puppy need to adjust to a new food? At what age should I switch to adult food for my French Bulldog? We usually recommend switching to adult food at the age of months old. If you notice that your puppy looks a bit chubbier or bigger compared to other Frenchies you can make this change even sooner. What is the best food for a Frenchie puppy? The best choice for your Frenchie puppy is to continue providing the same brand the breeder used to provide. This should be a high-quality brand that uses real meat and avoids fillers, artificial preservatives, and additives. What is the best food for an adult French Bulldog? You have several options. You can buy high-quality wet and dry god food at your local pet store or if you want more control over what goes into the bowl, you can feed your adult Frenchie with home-cooked food. Raw diets like B. The article is based on the expert knowledge of the TomKings Puppies team who have been breeding French Bulldogs for 10 years on their farm. All the pictures in the post belong to them and their customers, and show puppies from their breed. Check their available French Bulldog puppies , or if you have any questions or comments let us know below the article. May 31, Are you head over heels for your adorable French Bulldog puppy? These little bundles of joy bring so much laughter and love into our lives. Best Food for your French Bulldog puppy According to vets and French Bulldog experts in the US, the best bulldog diet should contain proteins, carbohydrates as well as an equal amount of healthy fats for brain power and energy. Just like humans, your dog could be allergic to some kind of food, such as corn or soy, but in most cases, they are actually allergic to fillers found in processed food. These fillers are used to add mass to the product, but have no nutritional value and are difficult to digest. The best way to save your dog from this kind of suffering is avoiding fillers and giving him whole food ingredients. These budget-friendly choices mostly trigger allergies and contribute to various health problems. Having earned the highest of all ratings, NutriSource is a great choice for puppies! Contains all the essential nutrients for the optimum health of your pet. Contains no animal by-products, whole corn, artificial additives or preservatives. Fromm Besides containing nearly all of the essential nutrients, the fact that you can get grain-free varieties and non-grain-free varieties is great. Salmon oil and probiotics have been added to aid digestion and promote good health. No corn and no wheat. Highest consumer ratings!
You've come to the right place. Here, at Premier Pups, our Mini Bernedoodles are happy, healthy, and ready to embark on a life-long journey with their new families. These puppies are raised with love and cared for by the best in the business. We align ourselves only with the best breeders that meet our high standards. All our Mini Bernedoodles come with a year health guarantee that backs up our Premier Promise. Nationwide delivery is available for all out-of-state customers looking to adopt a Mini Bernedoodle. The beautiful Mini Bernedoodles are a blend of fluffy looks and darling personalities. They can be small or medium depending on their generation, but regardless of their size, they are simply adorable. Mini Bernedoodles are designed to be loyal and loving companions for equally loving owners. They thrive in a setting where attention and fun are plentiful. We partner with the best dog breeders in the nation to offer you healthy, happy Mini Bernedoodle puppies. Find your dream Bernese Mountain Dog and Poodle mix puppy today! A few of our Mini Bernedoodle Pups. Known as the Empire State, New York is located in the Northeastern United States and offers many dog-friendly experiences that you and your furry companion can enjoy together. Our main objective is to connect you with the best Mini Bernedoodle breeders and puppies for sale in New York. Our website has a wide variety of reputable breeders that specialize in raising healthy puppies. Our breeders are committed to only raising the highest quality puppies. They provide their puppies with all the necessary vaccinations, veterinary checkups, and care to ensure they are in the best of health before they go to their forever homes. They also provide additional support and advice after the sale to ensure a smooth transition for both you and your new puppy. New York has a fantastic dog community featuring numerous dog-friendly restaurants, parks, and events perfect for you and your four-legged friend. New York sits fifth among other states, with a population of over 2. At TrustedPuppies. Most of our trusted Mini Bernedoodle breeders offer safe and affordable flight delivery. A dedicated flight nanny accompanies your new pup throughout their journey, ensuring a safe and comfortable trip as they make their way to their new home in the Empire State. In addition to flight delivery, most breeders also offer affordable vehicle delivery utilizing specialized pet delivery services. This option guarantees your puppy is safely transported to your doorstep by a professional who understands the unique needs of pet travel. Please begin your puppy search for the perfect Mini Bernedoodle puppy today on TrustedPuppies.
Ideal Daily Schedule for Dogs and Puppies If you could give your dog the schedule he or she wants, what would it be? What schedule would make a dog the happiest? In this article, we will try to answer that by helping you understand the way dogs like to eat, sleep, play, and live! Play — Dogs like to play! You can help your pet be their happiest both mentally and physically by providing plenty of stimulation. This can be in the form of toys, a companion to play with, or plenty of walks and playtime with you. If you are really busy, use a doggy daycare or have a pet sitter stop by and give them a walk while you are at work. If a dog has enough to do during the day, they will stay awake when the sun is up and sleep at night when you do. Sleep — There are sleep requirement differences by breed, but, generally, dogs like to sleep around 16 to 18 hours a day. Dogs sleep more than people, but wake far more frequently. How much and when your dog sleeps depends on the level of activity in their environment. A dog living as a pet in a home is likely to sleep more than a dog that works for a living, such as a search and rescue dog or a dog working on a farm. Some dogs will sleep more out of boredom. Water — Dogs like to have free access to fresh, clean water at all times. Change the water daily and wash out the bowl. They appreciate the opportunity to eat every day. Smaller breeds often like to be fed more often than larger breed dogs. Young puppies need to be fed more frequently than adult dogs. Opportunities to Eliminate — Adult dogs like opportunities to urinate and defecate at least every 8 hours. Puppies need to be let out more often, especially if you are trying to housebreak them. General Comfort — Dogs like the comfort of a clean environment that is not too hot or too cold. Most dogs are very happy indoors, although outdoor dogs are able to have great lives. Dogs especially enjoy the comfort of the indoors during extreme hot or cold temperatures. If you have an outdoor dog, they should have access to warm shelter in the winter and shade in the summer, as well as constant access to fresh, clean water. Time — Dogs love to be fussed over and to spend quality time with their owners. This time makes them feel important and loved, just as we feel when a loved one gives us undivided attention. Many dogs love to be pet and brushed as well! An Ideal Daily Schedule for Your Dog 7 am — am Wake up and go for a brisk walk with the opportunity to urinate and defecate. If you have 10 minutes for a little playtime, that would be great. Fetch or something interactive is a welcome game. Spend about 10 minutes of quality time just talking and petting your dog. Look for anything unusual about their demeanor, attitude, hair coat, look of their eyes, etc. Change the water as well to make sure the bowl is full and fresh. Offer food if you feed your dog more than once a day. If you are off to work — then naptime it will be. Again, change the water and offer dinner. Offer a longer and more extensive playtime than you did in the morning. Let them really play and burn off some of that pent-up energy. This may be a good opportunity to brush and groom your dog, brush their teeth, and spend some quality time together lounging on the couch and watching TV. Then bedtime! It is understood that most people have to work and may not have the flexibility to offer all these frequent trips outside. If you work long hours, you might consider doggy daycare, getting a dog walker, or having a neighbor come and give your pet attention and exercise. It might work great for them, but we can see how your schedule is looking a bit hectic at the moment. Just with a little sprinkle of puppy love. Behold; the ultimate daily puppy routine is here. It includes everything you and your puppy needs to end on a good note; from playtimes, to feeding time, and bathroom breaks, and more. Wake up and bathroom time- am — am Waking up and going to the bathroom together when you start the day. They happen so swiftly after one another that they almost look as if they happen at the same time. Time to ponder — am — am After such an early bathroom break, see if your puppy feels like dozing off for a little longer. If they do, feel free to close your eyes for a while more. Rise and shine! Breakfast — am Time for brekkie. Feed them their kibble inside a Kong or a puzzle feeder to keep them busy while you wake yourself up with a nice cup of hot coffee, and a full English Breakfast. You should definitely treat yourself after such an early start, after all. Bathroom Break — am Time for a trip to the zoo. Whoops sorry — meant to say loo. Better yet, these potty breaks are a massive opportunity to treat them for going in the right place, making potty training work much faster. Take around 10 minutes to fit in a bit of training practice and playtime. Our blog here goes into more detail about what training or lessons you should focus on each week. Bathroom Break — am Yep, another trip to the loo. Nap Time — am After all the excitement of food, poo and play, your puppy will probably want to nod off for one or two hours. Maybe minutes. Bathroom Break — am After a little kip, a trip to the loo is nothing to skip. Can you tell we had to make it rhyme. At brunch, you should probably feed your puppy about a quarter of their daily food portion. You can take the opportunity to work on some crate training exercises like feeding them their meal inside the crate. We talk a lot more about crate training in our blog here if you want to know all the deets. Or any time at all to be fair. Bathroom Break — am You guessed it — after food, always go to the loo. Play and Training — am And yes! Time for some more play and training. Bathroom Break — am Back to the bathroom. Bathroom Break — pm You know it — after some good sleep, nothing feels better than a good wee. Remember to reward them after doing so in the right spot! What about teaching them their name? Bathroom Break — pm You know the drill — a good toot generally comes after some good food. Bathroom Break — pm Yup, time for a wee. Maybe you can try showing him how to walk on different surfaces? Bubble wrapping paper should be a good one to try tonight. Supper time — pm Food! Bathroom Break — pm Ah, see? Told you. But there will be more potty breaks ahead. Bathroom Break — pm Yep, time to go again. Going to the bathroom now is a good way to try and get them to not wake up in the night…although they probably will anyway. Bedtime — 00 pm — midnight Finally! Off to Bedfordshire. If they get a bit fidgety, use that soft and gentle voice of yours to calm them down, or put your fingers through the crate to comfort them. Bathroom Break — am Surprise! Wake up: 5 — am Wakey-wakey! Time to do everything all over again. Good luck! But exactly how much of each will he need? Like around 16 — 20 hours a day which is a lot. This is what their their sleeping times will look like: Mid-morning: After they have eaten, and have had time to play or train. After lunch: After food, naps are great moments for them to digest their food. At this stage, their bodies are mainly poop factories. We love it when they yawn too. Activity training or play Puppies have big juicy brains, but a short attention span. To get the most out of their training, we recommend keeping them short and sweet 5 minutes is already plenty per session so that they remember everything they learned well. Bathroom Breaks At first, your puppy will need the loo a lot. Like a lot, a lot. Everything will fall into place eventually! Before going to bed or in the crate Before and after training sessions And don't be surprised if your puppy needs to go potty again shortly after he went out. Pups don't always totally eliminate each time they go. If your pup didn't pee when you let him out because he was too busy chasing his buddy or trying to eat the leaves off your bush, then you will find much to your chagrin, I bet he needs to go as soon as you let him inside. Just be patient and give him plenty of opportunities to get it right. Enrichment and Playtime Making sure you provide your pup ample enrichment is critical to their healthy development. Pups that are denied significant play and enrichment are more likely to have anxiety , to be fearful and lack confidence, to be socially underdeveloped, and to have behavioral concerns in adolescence. Plan out times during your day where your pup gets your undivided attention. Spend time before you leave for work playing with toys or doing some basic training; this will help ease them into your departure. Leave out some great interactive toys or puzzles for them while you are gone to eliminate boredom. The moment you come home each day, go outside and play tug or throw their favorite ball. After dinner take them for a good walk and explore your neighborhood. Play times are great moments that your pup desperately needs, but they should never be overly long or adurouse. Think short and sweet: Your 3-month-old puppy cannot handle more than 15—20 minutes of significant activity at any given time despite what it might appear or else they will experience overarousal and overstimulation. Be sure that any time your pup engages in mental and physical stimulation that they have the opportunity to rest undisturbed afterwards and get a potty break! Socialization and Learning Time Of all the things a puppy really needs to grow into a happy adult, socialization is probably number one. Socialization is the surest way to prevent behavior issues later on and it is the thing dog owners tend to overlook avoid that common mistake! Canine socialization doesn't mean just taking your dog to the dog park or going to a few puppy classes. Likewise, dog owners must be especially sure they are never flooding their new puppy with overwhelming stimulation, as that will only lead to issues later on. Socialization is a systematic process in which you gradually and thoughtfully expose your puppy to the world around them, always at their own pace and always in a positive and safe manner. Understanding how your dog learns Surprise! They learn just like you! Each day should be full of socialization opportunities that can include teaching them basic skills with positive reinforcement and going to puppy training classes, investigating the environment around them, taking trips to the vet, going on walks on leash , playing around other dogs and new people, and experiencing the sights and sounds of everyday life with you. Again, short and sweet is the key. Rest At times, it will feel as if your new puppy will never sleep, and then suddenly they'll seem to do nothing but sleep. As their body grows and adjusts so does their sleep schedule. Don't assume that your high-energy puppy doesn't need a nap either! Pups that do not rest are more likely to turn into little grouchy sharks your hand will learn this quickly with each nip , so always make sure to listen to their body language and end play time before it's just too much. Plan on quiet times when your pup can rest without distractions from anyone else in the house. Scheduled short naps in their crate or kennel is a good way to get crate training started off on the right paw, ensuring that it becomes a treasured safe space, too. When it comes to bedtimes, you may find your pup will quickly follow your lead and go to bed when you do. Just remember to always let them potty again right before you both close your eyes for the night. It will take a few weeks or more for you pup to get used to things and begin to feel at home. The quicker you implement a schedule and stick to a daily routine the faster your pup will adjust to his life with you. The ease of training dogs varies across different breeds and the age at which they are adopted. Retrievers are typically released two months after birth and ready for training. Golden Retriever puppies are easy to train because of their high social intelligence, loyalty, and desire to please; they can understand commands and positive consequences in the first few weeks. However, if you do not teach them early on, you may need to work harder to get them to unlearn bad habits. We must remember that Golden Retrievers are acclimatized to working with people and are definitely people pleasers. They were bred as hunting dogs to retrieve shot-down waterfowl and are still used today as gundogs by sportspersons to retrieve game birds. They are also used as service, therapy, and search and rescue dogs. While training a Golden Retriever is easy, you have to start early. If the dog misses the early portion of the training, the later stages draw out perpetually. By now, you know the dangers of being too late in training your dog. But what if you are too early for the party? Not if you go by the standard release time. The average breeder releases a Golden Retriever at 8 weeks old. You should train your Golden Retriever at two months old because, by that stage, he has grown enough to take cues and is sufficiently self-reliant not to need his mother to survive. He will have already learned canine behaviors by interacting with his mother and littermates, but now he can continue to learn by association. Initial training should be kept light. As mentioned in the table, it is simply a period where you establish your authority as the source of commands and rewards. You can even go 2 weeks without giving any proper training to your freshly-released pup without impacting his progression. However, the 8 to week period from release to assimilation is important. A traumatic experience can have a negative and counter-productive effect during this period. Read further if you: Have a Golden Retriever older than seven weeks or plan to get a puppy Want an approximate schedule for training your pup Wish to train a dog using positive reinforcement and ethical training methods Want to commit to 1. At this point, you have to train your puppy to see you as an authority figure. Moreover, the puppy can only form the most obvious associations between command, response, and consequence, so it is crucial to adapt your training strategy accordingly. For example, you can start clapping if your pup runs toward you. Once he realizes that clapping and running toward you are linked, you can clap, and he will run toward you. For now, notice the following and set distinct anchors for each. Each anchor has to be hard to confuse with every other anchor. Clapping, for instance, is an anchor that can be confused with snapping your fingers. But it is hard to confuse clapping with whistling. This melts a lot of the resistance as you train your pup to understand and respond to more complex commands. Therefore, the first step should be encouraging your Golden Retriever to follow you. As you may know, dogs evolved from wolves, and wolves follow the pack leader usually a parent. Delaying gratification is easier for grown dogs. Young puppies get tired too quickly and spend most of their time sleeping. So if your puppy follows you, reward him with affection, hugs, and appreciation. You need to build a positive reinforcement loop and let your dog establish a connection between following you and receiving a pleasant experience. When your puppy knows that following you results in rewards, you can make the act of following you slightly more challenging. Things you can do may include sharp turns and sudden changes of pace. Lower Socializing Barriers Golden Retrievers are the definition of social beings. Still, their appearance and the love they receive can keep them from becoming completely asocial. But why make socialization difficult when you can facilitate it early in their lives? Visiting friends and family is one way to go about it. You can also spot a dog park and carry him there. Remember that your pup is still learning to follow directions and walk with you. You cannot expect him to cover long distances. Golden Retrievers are bundles of energy, and it would take living in a castle for one to become agoraphobic. Seeing the outdoors as soon as they are ready to take block-long walks is healthier for their social development. Start Potty Training You might wonder how long you have to wait before your Golden Retriever puppy is ready for potty training. Quite simply, your Retriever is ready for potty training the day you bring him home. Cordoning it off and adding a small fence can help him identify it more easily. Next, you need a potty training schedule, such as first thing in the morning, after mealtimes and play, and hourly for young pups. Moreover, many owners use dog crates to help with house training and I highly recommend you do this too. The earlier you discipline your Golden Retriever , the less harsh you need to be with him as he grows up. Biting is one of the behaviors that incur severe penalties for dogs. Golden Retrievers, fortunately, develop a soft mouth and are less likely to administer harsh bites. Still, nibbling must be discouraged so that kids, other pets, and your friends can be safe around your puppy. If you have ever given silent treatment to your spouse, you know it takes intelligence to know that you are in a timeout. So a timeout for a 2-month-old Retriever might not be the right punishment because he might not understand why he is in one. Often, an untrained Retriever puppy might snatch at a treat. After that, you can withhold the second treat and close off your body language. Follow up using positive reinforcement by rewarding the correct behavior with a treat. Your Golden Retriever will quickly learn that displaying good behavior reaps nice things. Puppies need to learn their bite inhibition soft-mouth by continuing the excellent work their mother and siblings taught them. Learn Bite Inhibition Training! Teach Patience You must use your best judgment when training your dog to be patient. Generally speaking, your Golden Retriever will be mature enough to learn self-control by the tenth week. How to Train a 3-Month-Old Golden Retriever Puppy Once you have established your authority and set initial anchors, it is time to progress the training of your Golden Retriever puppy to the next stage. Four weeks of light training is sufficient for setting anchors and establishing associations. That makes the 3-month mark ideal for slightly more complex commands. You can use a clicker or a whistle to teach your puppy to assume the natural heel position. He will regress to walk behind you. He already knows how to sit and stand, and you have to use the same method you used for the heel position and command to teach your Retriever how to sit or stand on command. The method is simple. The same applies to other position commands. Since your Retriever can tell words apart, he can go into different positions based on the words you say. The anchoring process involves saying something or making a specific sound while your dog is busy holding a certain position or acting a certain way. Now is the time to start saying the words you have associated with his actions in order to inspire said actions. Where you previously whistled when your Retriever ran towards you, now you must whistle so he begins his run. This is the start of his Golden Retriever recall training. It is possible that your Retriever does not respond to the commands. There will be back and forth where you will keep saying words while the dog organically acts. After a few attempts at reinforcing the commands, you can test the triggers again. So avoid forcing your dog to be perfect on the first few attempts. This helps him be social and get close to them. He must learn to be safe and social around strangers too. After all, he has to go on walks without picking fights with people, no matter how friendly Golden Retrievers are known to be. Slowly exposing him to crowds can improve his social tolerance. The less quick he is to bark at strangers, the kinder they will be to him. This triggers a positive feedback loop where he is adored for being social, which encourages him to be more social. Good Dog Schedule — Daily Routine Good Dog Schedule — Daily Routine Dogs love to have a consistent schedule the same way people do in their daily routine, but every dog is unique and has different needs based on age, breed, and temperament. Even dogs of the same age and breed may not have the same needs to stay happy, so it is best to use the daily schedule provided below as a general guide for your dog. For example, an adult dog generally needs to go out for potty breaks every 6 to 8 hours this will depend on the specific dog and their needs , but a young puppy would need to go out more frequently throughout the day. We present you a good dog schedule. General Daily Schedule for Adult Dog Morning AM — Wake up and Potty Dogs like to eliminate as soon as they wake up, so it is best to take your dog out for either a brisk walk or you can go out for a longer hike, such as a 30 minute or longer walk. Keep in mind that training your dog should always be fun for both of you! For example, before leaving and returning to your home from your walks, have your dog practice their door manners. Ask your dog for a sit before entering or exiting any doorway to prevent them from dashing out the door which is very unsafe. It will teach them that calm behavior such as a polite sit will provide them with a reward such as their meal s. You can even ask for an extended sit such as a sit and stay while you prepare their meal s. It is also recommended to replenish their water bowl with fresh water daily. Having your dog go inside their crate will teach them to settle down, be calm, have some independence, alone time, or they can even take a nap! Provide them with yummy-filled chew toys to keep them busy such as a Kong stuffed with their favorite treats. Midday PM — Potty Your dog will enjoy going out for a potty break in the middle of the day. If you cannot leave work to give your dog a walk, consider hiring a dog walker or a dog sitter to help you. Try and fit some time to give your dog some playtime either with you or socialization time with other dogs at some point during these hours. You can have fun playing with your dog by a game of fetching the ball or with a toy. Keep in mind that playtime can also be a time to fit in some training time. For example, you can ask your dog for a sit, release the sit, and reward with a toy. Another example is you can teach your dog the cue give back which will help to prevent any resource guarding. Again, if you cannot give your dog playtime, consider hiring a dog sitter or bringing your dog to doggy daycare where they can get the opportunity to play and socialize with other dogs. During playtime, practice recall also known as the come cue. The potty break and walk can be 30 minutes or for a longer hike. Taking your dog out for walks is the perfect time to practice their leash manners! It will become more enjoyable for you and your dog to take pleasant walks rather than your dog pulling you on a leash. You can send your dog to place, or their bed, or let them settle in their crate for a few minutes. The important key factor is to try and be consistent with the timing. Use this time to give your dog some love and affection by cuddling, petting, or even getting in some handling training. You can also use this time to play with your dog. After a long, fun day, you can be sure your dog would be ready for a restful sleep! Being a dog parent can sometimes feel like a full-time job, but it will keep your dog actively busy, healthy, and happy! All of the fun activities you and your dog do together will make your bond and love even stronger. Make sure to provide your dog with a daily routine and establish your own healthy good dog schedule. Create a Personalized Training Plan for your Dog. Paper training Constant Supervision Umbilical cord training Most people find that a combination of two or more methods works best. Crate training. Crate training offers numerous and continuous benefits throughout the life of your dog. As a tool for house training, it enables you to prevent mistakes and promote positive experiences within your home. It also gives you and your puppy a much-needed break from the stresses of training and constant supervision. Constant supervision. To avoid house-training mistakes, you have to constantly watch your puppy. Because just one mistake will create a major setback for your pup and it only takes seconds for them to have an accident. Paper training. While teaching your puppy to toilet in the house may not seem like an ideal choice, I use paper training when my pups have almost no bladder control until around 8 to 10 weeks of age. I always recommend avoiding paper training if possible. It makes training your pup to toilet outside harder, and it sends a confusing message to your puppy. They will have fewer opportunities for mistakes, which will create more positive experiences. This will allow for a faster and cleaner road to success when house training, and as an added benefit, your puppy will develop impeccable house manners a lot more quickly. Dogs will instinctively keep their den clean. Start by restricting your puppy to just one room of your home. When they are reliably keeping that clean, you can slowly expand the area where your dog is allowed. Each part of your home is a separate place to your dog. Not only will this speed up the house training process, but it will also reduce the number of accidents and the number of times you have to deep clean your carpets. Who can argue with that? What and How You Feed Your Pup is Incredibly Important Not all dog food is created equal, and what you feed your puppy is one of the most important decisions you will make regarding the care of your pup. This decision has a huge impact on house training, and the overall health of your dog. For more information about how food and water choices affect house training, check out this detailed article: This article will help you navigate around the world of dog food and how it relates to house training. They will be happier, easier to train, and more relaxed because they will know what to expect from you. A routine should include set times for eating, training, exercise, and toileting. As for house training, a schedule will make things easier for your puppy and for you. Conversely if you feed your puppy randomly throughout the day, they will defecate just as randomly. When your puppy is young, food travels quickly through their digestive system. As they grow, the digestive process takes longer and longer. If you stick to a schedule with your puppy, you can count on them using the toilet on a pretty regular basis. They will usually have to poop three to six times a day, but their urination habits might be harder to figure out. Plan on taking your puppy out to their designated bathroom spot on a consistent schedule based on their needs. Every puppy will be different. This will give you ample opportunity to praise your puppy for doing the right thing, which is a huge benefit to teaching the right habits. Do these strict routines seem like too much to handle? We all have a life to live outside of house training — your best is good enough. Keeping and following a written schedule may seem excessive, but for very little extra effort, the results are phenomenal. Try to feed them every four hours at the same time every day. Schedule the first meal of the day based on whatever time you wake up, and adjust the rest of the meals accordingly. Meals should be spaced eight to twelve hours apart. A note on drinking water: Your puppy should always have fresh drinking water available. Because drinking too much or too little water is a sign of health problems, you should monitor how much your pup drinks in a day. Your pup will usually have to go outside after any physical activity. If you schedule these bouts of playtime, exercise, or training, you will encourage predictable potty times as well. Schedule these activities to fit your schedule, just try to do them at the same time every day while your pup is learning. As your day progresses, jot down whenever your puppy uses the toilet, and what activity they were doing beforehand. Make note of when and where they have accidents in the house, and what activities they were doing before the accident. Lastly make note of all the times that you brought your dog outside, but they refused to go. As you get to know your pup, you will start to see pottying patterns that will help you and your puppy avoid mistakes in the future. This will look different for every puppy, but in general, you can start to stretch out the time between bathroom breaks about five minutes every three or four days. By the time your pup is five or six months old, they should be using the toilet every four hours during the day. Choosing and Using the Designated Bathroom Spot To make house training easier for both you and your puppy, you should choose a designated toilet area in your yard. A single bathroom area is much easier to clean than your whole yard too! Choose a spot that you can keep clean. An area with tall weeds might seem like a good idea at first, but if you neglect the spot for too long, your dog will refuse to go there. Taking Your Puppy to The Bathroom Spot In a perfect world, you would take your puppy to their designated spot, where they would empty themselves quickly and completely on command, and be ready to move on. This can be a reality most of the time , provided you follow these tips when using the bathroom spot. Use a cue word. When your pup is young, you should use the cue word whenever they use the toilet in the proper spot. When they are older and understand the word or phrase, you can say it when you want them to do their business, which will lead to faster results. Keep your puppy on a leash when toileting. Be boring, and just hold the leash until they start to go. If you get too excited when using your cue word, your puppy might not finish, and will end up emptying inside your home. Say the cue word once, and stand still while they finish up. A what? You may want to keep food rewards to a minimum when your pup is young. Remember, what goes in, must come out. I recommend staying out for up to five minutes. If your pup responds to your cue word, you can say it every thirty seconds or so. Then, bring them back to the designated spot and try again. Do not let them wander unattended — they may decide to sneak off and use your carpet. After ten minutes, head back out to your spot for another go.
The top five breeders who have been chosen for our list are equally reliable and meet our three main criteria to be deemed as such. Doodledoos — Herefordshire. Doodledoos Australian Labradoodles are family-run, established, and well-respected licensed breeders with over twenty-five years of experience in breeding and raising pure Australian Labradoodle puppies. They are not a puppy kennel with outdoor facilities — every one of their Doodle pups is raised inside their family home where they receive ample attention, care, and love. Doodledoos Australian Labradoodles offers large, medium, and miniature Labradoodle puppies for sale. Their high-standard breeding program adheres to a strict Code of Ethics to ensure that all of their breeding dogs are raised with proper care in order to be able to grow into happy and healthy pups of superb conformation and sound temperament. They maintain strict visiting procedures and a rigorous hygiene standard to ensure that their pups do not come in contact with any potential infections or diseases from the outside. All of their Labradoodle puppies are health tested, dewormed, vaccinated, microchipped, and properly socialized well before they go to their new homes. If you decide to buy one of their adorable Labradoodle puppies, you will also receive a lifetime of support and advice from the breeders themselves. Since Doodledoos Australian Labradoodles are a family-run breeder, they only have a few litters per year, so make sure to contact them and get on their waiting list for their upcoming new litter that is expected in the spring of .DoodleDoos Australian Labradoodles details:. Your puppy will be born and raised in our busy household. Our passion is to produce wonderful family pets with gentle loving temperaments that will bring a lifetime of happiness. We are extremely proud that the foundation of our lines have been trained as canine partner dogs and many of our puppies are therapy dogs and visit schools regularly. We have been breeding for a number of years and over these years we have seen many clubs come and go and we have been a member of some of them. We breed authentic Australian Labradoodles with lines that have been verified. We are content to follow our own path with strong ethics. We have an excellent reputation and we adopt the highest standards so you can be assured your puppy is an authentic Australian Labradoodle with bloodlines and health testing that has been verified. We follow a socialisation programme and temperament test all of our puppies before puppy pick day so we can help you make your choice. Temperament and health is always our first priority. We purchased our first Australian Labradoodle in and have been hooked ever since. Our dogs are our much loved family pets or live with their guardian families. Please contact us via email for more information. Access to our private puppy family area. A WhatsApp group for your litter. Both parents have been fully health tested with certificates available to view. Been bred in our family home by a 5 star council licensed breeder. Temperament tested and advice provided at puppy viewing. Call us today on Health Guaranteed All our puppies leave us with a full vet health check and a 2 year genetic health guarantee. Health Tested All our breeding Australian Labradoodles are fully health tested. We give our puppies the best start by following a tried and tested programme. Ethical Breeding We have the highest welfare standards which is why we hold a 5 star council licence. We believe every dog deserves a good life and this starts with the breeder. What our customers say.We travelled far to find her, and her knowledge, expertise and love for all things ALD is exceptional. After only a few days, Willow is already a huge part of our lives and so we are very glad that we chose Judy and RIpley's. Our dogs are very much our family pets. We are not a kennel, all our Australian Labradoodles have wonderful fulfilling lives either with us or our guardian families. Our dogs are for life and not just for breeding. The health and temperament of Australian Labradoodles is our number one priority, of course we breed exceptionally lovely puppies but our puppies health and temperament will always be our first priority. The Australian Labradoodle breed originated in Australia in the 's. The focus has always been on temperament, coat and quality through good health testing and planned matings. Our Australian Labradoodles are multigenerational, meaning both parents are Australian Labradoodles. Australian Labradoodles are very people focussed, they have a strong desire to please. Australian Labradoodles come in 3 sizes, miniature, medium and standard. Within my breeding programme I concentrate on miniature and mediums. Our Australian Labradoodles are extremely clever, sociable , comical and joyful. They are energetic when free and quiet in the home. We test their hips, elbows, eyes and genetics. When you purchase a Ripley's Australian Labradoodle you can be assured we have tested everything possible. We provide a 2 year health guarantee but we ask that our puppy families not give ingestible flea and worming treatments. F1 Labradoodle puppies. Today we share a complete introduction to the F1 Labradoodle. This Labradoodle puppy is playing in a way that only a puppy can. What does f1 Labradoodle mean? Labradoodles are a cultural phenomenon. The first intentional Lab and Poodle mix dogs were bred in the s as low shedding candidates for service work. At that time, mixed breed dogs were regarded with disdain by many people. And the rest, as they say, is history. Now almost everyone is familiar with what a Labradoodle is, and they have paved the way for dozens of other designer dogs too. But fewer people are acquainted with the filial numbering system for mixed breed dogs. Put simply, an f1 generation Labradoodle has one pedigree Labrador parent, and one pedigree Poodle parent. The number 1 describes how many generations removed a puppy is from their closest purebred ancestor. F1 Labradoodles are one generation apart from a purebred dog. F1 vs F2 Labradoodle Puppies? Breeders usually specify that their litter is an f1 generation in order to distinguish it from different filial generations. F2 Labradoodles have two F1 Labradoodle parents. Their most recent pedigree ancestors are now their grandparents — two generations away. The physical and behavioral traits of f2 dogs are harder to predict. This is because in the confines of a pedigree population, we usually have a good idea of what genes Labs and Poodles may be carrying but not expressing, and how those genes might affect F1 Labradoodles. But the unexpressed genes in an F1 Labradoodle are an unknown quantity. Did they come from the Lab or the Poodle parent? Will they be expressed in the F2 generation? Who knows? And finally, multigen Labradoodles are several generations removed from their most recent pedigree ancestor on one or both sides. What is a standard f1 Labradoodle? This describes the size of their Poodle parent. Poodles come in three sizes: Standard, Miniature and Toy. What does an F1 Labradoodle look like? Their coat is usually kept at a single length all over, known as a puppy clip. Furthermore, lots of owners report f1 Labradoodle coat changes as their puppy grows up. Firstly, the length, softness, and texture can change when their adult coat replaces their puppy coat. This process starts at about 6 months old, and can take several weeks or even months. Secondly, their color can change over time if they inherit the progressive greying gene from their Poodle parent. Labrador Poodle mix dogs can have a tall and leggy silhouette like a Poodle. Or be more long and sturdy-looking like a Labrador. Labradoodle dogs have floppy, v-shaped ears because both of their parents do. But their muzzle can be wider or narrower depending on whether they take after a Labrador or a Poodle more. F1 Labradoodle Size? Th adult size of a Poodle Lab mix dog depends upon things like: whether their Poodle parent was standard or miniature sized whether their Labrador parent came from working or show lines their sex and individual variation. In both Labs and Standard Poodles, male dogs are frequently bigger than females, so the same is true of a standard f1 Labradoodle. Females typically reach between 40 and 70lbs, and males weigh 60 to 80lbs. Working type Labs are usually leaner and lighter, whilst show Labs are usually stockier and heavier — and they can pass this onto their puppies. Miniature f1 Labradoodle size is much harder to predict. Male and female Miniature Poodles both weigh 10 to 15lbs. So most mini f1 Labradoodles will weigh between 30 and 45lbs, but outliers can weigh much more or much less! Breeding f1b mini Labradoodle litters with one Miniature f1 Labradoodle parent and one Miniature Poodle parent is a popular way of producing Lab and Poodle mix dogs which are consistently small. Do f1 Labradoodles shed? This means most f1 Labradoodles shed significantly less than a purebred Lab. But, this is not guaranteed, and exactly how much less they shed does vary. Moreover, a non-shedding coat does not mean that a Labradoodle mix or even a purebred Poodle for that matter is hypoallergenic. Training and exercising f1 Labradoodles Labradors and Poodles are both lively, energetic and intelligent dogs. In fact, they both started out as working gundogs, bred to spend long and physically arduous days retrieving shot waterfowl and returning it to their handler. Since a lot of those unlucky birds fell in water, Labs and Poodles were also favored by duck hunters for their natural love of swimming. With this heritage, Labradoodles are likely to pick up new commands quickly and easily, especially if their Labrador parent came from working lines. They benefit from activities like gundog training, agility, or canine freestyle to stretch their mental muscles as well as their physical ones. Speaking of physical muscle, Labradoodle dogs need at least 2 hours of outdoor activity every day, which can including walking on or off leash, or swimming. F1 Labradoodle health Just like everything else, first generation Labradoodle health is a mixed inheritance from both of their parents. Labradors and Poodles share a genetic predisposition to some health problems, such as hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. But they also both carry some recessive genetic conditions that the other does not. This is significant to Labradoodles because recessive diseases only affect puppies who inherit the faulty genes that cause them from both parents. So mixed breed dogs tend to be protected, if only one parent breed carries the faulty gene. Examples of recessive genetic diseases in Labs and Poodles that f1 Labradoodles are usually protected from include exercise induced collapse, and sebaceous adenitis. F1 Labradoodles are also susceptible to the acquired i. You can protect your dog from these by making smart lifestyle choices, such as measuring food out accurately, and drying their ears after they go swimming. Labradors and Standard Poodles typically live for approximately 12 years, so a standard F1 Labradoodle will be about the same. On average, mixed breed dogs live for 2 years longer than pedigree dogs, thanks to factors like the protection from some hereditary diseases described above. Miniature Poodles live nearly 14 years on average. This extra life expectancy might also be seen in mini f1 and mini f1b Labradoodle dogs. Are f1 Labradoodles good pets? Labradoodles have taken the world by storm, because they have the potential to be fantastic pets in the right households. Labs and Poodles are both affectionate with their human family, and patient with younger family members. However, the Poodle tends to be less interested in unfamiliar people and dogs than the Labrador, and an f1 Labradoodle could go one way or the other. Good breeders will have lots of questions about you, your household, your lifestyle, and what you expect life with a Labradoodle to be like. Finally, good breeders also have a waiting list, so expect to wait a while for your puppy to be ready. Their adorable curly fur and expressive faces make you want to cuddle them — and these little guys love nothing more than a good squish. All this and more makes our labradoodle puppies for sale one the most in-demand in our center. Activity-loving families adore these dogs for their propensity towards sports, and anyone who prefers low-shedding pooch benefits from their wooly or fleecy fur. Labradoodle puppies for sale are so cute and come in such a wide range of colors that it makes choosing your new best friend super-hard! While spearheading the Royal Guide Dogs Association of Australia breeding program, he conducted the crossbreeding of a standard poodle and Labrador retriever in view of it being a hypoallergenic guide dog for blind people. The first example of this type of dog, called Sultan, went to live with a lady in Hawaii, where other breeders saw him as an inspiration and this is how Australian Labradoodle puppies started. Both the International Australian Labradoodles Association and the Australian Labradoodles Association of America are working hard to incorporate more intergenerational breeding so these dog breeders can register this type of dog as a purebred dog. Its gentle, obedient and intelligent personality combined with a hypoallergenic coat make it ideal for family members with allergies, but it also makes an excellent service or therapy dog. Labradoodle Puppies Lifespan When properly taken care of, healthy dogs tend to live anywhere from 10 to 13 years. The lifespan of our Labradoodle puppies for sale is slightly above average at 12 to 14 years. Here are the life stages of multigenerational Australian Labradoodles: Puppyhood: First five months Adolescence: Between five months and two years Adulthood: Between two and three years Middle age: Between seven years and 10 years Senior: Over 10 years Labradoodles need the most attention and care in the first and last stages of their life. During puppyhood, their minds are highly impressionable, which is ideal for training. During their senior years, Labradoodles are more susceptible to health problems, which means owners need to keep a watchful eye. Labradoodle Size The size of labradoodle puppies for sale directly relates to the size of their parents and which generation of breed Labradoodle breeders chose. The larger the puppies, the larger the adult dog will be, and the faster their growth will be coming out of the puppy stage. A standard labradoodle puppy will weigh from pounds by the time it reaches two months of age. By a year old, it will have grown dramatically to up to 80 pounds, depending on the size of its parents. Medium Labradoodles occupy a spectrum of sizes between standard and mini Labradoodles, with the specifics depending heavily on the details of the breeding pair that birthed them and the breeding program they come from. Labradoodle Puppies Temperament While Labradoodle breeders originally bred the Australian Labradoodles as therapy dogs, their fun, friendly personalities made them popular pets. Now you can find these sociable dogs in homes across the globe. Here are some of the top personality traits of our Labradoodle puppies for sale. They tend to do best in active households where they can work off all that pent-up energy. You can fulfill their needs through the following activities: Walks or jogs: Labradoodles make great walking companions and can even keep up with you during a jog. Playing in the yard: Enjoy a game of fetch with your furry friend in the yard or just let it loose on its own. Dog sports: If you stay active through sports, consider making your labradoodle a part of your routine. Bring it on bike rides, go for a run together or kick a ball around in the yard. Obstacle courses: Set up an obstacle course for your dog using household items. Scavenger hunt: Creating a scavenger hunt for your canine is a great way to exercise its body and brain. In general, Labradoodles need anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes of exercise a day. You can also enroll them later at a Labradoodle puppy alumni school for proper training. Friendliness What makes Labradoodles the perfect puppy compare to other dog breeds is their ability to get along with just about anyone. They inherit this trait from their Labrador retriever parent, a breed also known for its outgoing nature. You can trust your labradoodle to form friendships with everyone, from children and older adults to strangers and other puppies. Thanks to their affectionate, sociable personalities, Labradoodles make great pets for first-time owners, families, or anyone looking for a companion. Intelligence Thanks to their poodle parent breeds, Labradoodles are incredibly intelligent dogs. Because Labradoodles are intelligent, they often crave mental stimulation. Labradoodle Puppies Grooming Our Labradoodle puppies for sale have a variety of coat textures that dog owners enjoy, but in general, their low shedding coat needs brushing at least twice a week. Not only does this keep them tangle-free but it also removes excess debris from their coat, keeping them fresh and hygienic. Regularly trim the hair around their eyes and in between their paws to prevent these problem areas from causing irritation. Pooches with fleece coats tend to have longer fur and benefit the most from going to a professional groomer — although every dog loves getting pampered once in a while. At Pride and Prejudoodles, we send a can and a bag of the foods we use for free with your hand-delivered bundle of joy. If you need to change it for any reason, it must be done gradually to avoid stomach upsets. Just bear in mind that a diet is such a crucial aspect of wellness that feeding them good quality food will add years to their lives compared to opting for low-quality feed. Pride and Prejudoodles is here to help. We hope you found our guide informative. Please contact us with any other questions you have about our Labradoodle puppies for adoption. Larger Labradoodles will need more than a small breed. Walking the dog will be an everyday necessity for the next years. So, be realistic about how much time you have available. Before sharing it with another living being, you should make sure there is enough space. You all want to be able to live together comfortably. Thirdly, whilst your kids will grow, it might be easier if they are very young baby-toddlers to have a small dog. The dog won't tower over them, and it might be easier for you to look after both. That being said, maybe a more pressing issue would be the size of your vehicle. It might even be the deciding factor. Another factor is health. That includes DNA testing for hereditary diseases. The larger the dog, the increased risk of structural health problems. In particular, hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia and patellas knees. So, before adopting a puppy, please make sure these checks are done. They significantly reduce the risk of your dog developing avoidable health conditions. A small factor to consider as well is gender. Male dogs are generally slightly larger and stockier than females. Regardless, boys and girls are likely to vary in adult size once fully grown. The points mentioned are areas to think about before bringing any animal into your home. Whilst we emphasised the concerns for larger dogs, all sizes of Labradoodles make fantastic pets. We wanted to highlight these points to make sure that you know how each size differs in terms of requirements. If it is, great! They can be a wonderful addition to your family! This is because the other infusion dog breeds influence the final height and coat type of the puppies. When you think about the height and weight of these breeds, it makes sense. It makes this breed much easier to size, compared to a British Labradoodle. Eight different breeds make up an Australian Cobberdog. Depending on the size of your Cobberdog, they will either have Standard Poodle or Minature Poodle genes. If you wanted a smaller dog, for example, a Spaniel would help bring down the sizing; a Standard Poodle would not. What about F1b Labradoodle sizes? F1b denotes a backcross to a pedigree breed, usually the Poodle breed. Backcrossing is when a hybrid e. Labradoodle is bred to a dog of similar genetics to one of its parents. If you're contacting Labradoodle breeders with F1b puppies available soon, ask for the parents and grandparents sizes. This is particularly important on the Poodle's side. Both generations of backcross Labradoodle breeding will influence their final size. It wouldn't matter that the direct parent is medium-sized. Mixed breeds, like all pedigree dog breeds, can vary in sizing. So all sizes are approximate and for illustration purposes only. Your dog could grow to be bigger or smaller than their parents. This variance is often a result of their ancestors' sizing genetics. It might also be from the breeds used during cross-breeding. Cobberdogs are the best if the height is important to you. Their sizing is much more predictable. This is especially true if you want a small Labradoodle. The other pedigree breeds offset the height of the Labradoodle Retriever and Standard Poodle. When filling out our application form , you can pick more than one size and state your preference. Our most popular request is an Australian Cobberdog in miniature medium size. It's a good size Labradoodle puppy for families with young children. UK Breeders since .We Export Worldwide. If they are a high generation, often breeders refer to their lines as multi-generational Australian Labradoodles. We suggest asking your breeder what generation the pups are. Some less reputable breeders may be referring to "multi" as merely more than 1! So do British and Australian Labradoodles appear or act differently to each other or other Labradoodles? The answer is yes, they do. It would be like comparing an Australian Shepherd Dog with a German Shepherd Dog - they are genetically different puppies! In our experience, there are many differences. We have two decades of experience in this area. Australian Labradoodle British or Early Generation Labradoodles British Labradoodles are two breed hybrids which are of low generation. Unfortunately, this means that there is low predictability in the puppies within the litter produced. On second or third generation, genetics becomes more complicated, not less since throw-backs start appearing. Especially true if breeders have been backcrossing to Labrador or Poodle. Commonly a second or third generation Labradoodle resembles a poorly bred Poodle or a Labrador, not a typical Labradoodle. Predictability becomes essential when considering an Australian Cobberdog or an Australian Labradoodle. With many generations of careful breeding, specific physical and temperament characteristics become consistent and predictable. Every puppy in an Australian Cobberdog litter should be recognised as such or at least to a layperson as an Australian Labradoodle, not a British Labradoodle. At the Australian Cobberdog stage, there should be less resemblance and throw-backs to the parent infusion breeds.
Please be polite and respectful of other forum members. Debate is welcome, fighting is not. Our forum is dedicated to our breed, but we welcome discussion of other similar working and herding breeds, including Belgian Malinois and other working Shepherd breeds that are similar in look and temperament to German Shepherd Dogs. We support responsible German Shepherd breeders and rescues. If you are part of a German Shepherd Rescue group, please post about it. This is a forum to talk about German Shepherds and other herding or protection breeds. Our rules for posting are: 1. Respect the breed. Repeated disparaging comments about German Shepherds and the other breeds we include will not be tolerated. Do not compare our breed to breeds whose traits are diametrically opposed and say our breed doesn't measure up in comparison. Do not post pictures of non herding or non protection breeds. Do not promote other or dissimilar breeds. Anyone who repeatedly posts fake or false information will be treated a as troll. Anyone who disrupts orderly forum posting will receive a warning. Please take it seriously if you want to continue posting. Do not argue with a moderator or blame someone else. If it continues, posts that violate our rules will either be deleted or edited with a note about what type of comment was deleted and why. Posters may lose posting privileges Information provided here is the opinion of the author of the post. While our members and moderators are usually experienced dog owners, we have no way of verifying what anyone posts. Please take posts as suggestions. If your dog has an illness or medical problem, or you have a question about diet, please contact your veterinarian. If you are experiencing behavior problems, locate and work with a local dog trainer. Our advice may be excellent, but it's just a suggestion. Ultimately, the responsibility for handling and care of your dog is yours. Members: 5. Dog Training Forum This forum is a well-collated place to get access to various dog training resources. Some of the most reviewed links have been pinned to the top of the feed. The topics include links, books, blogs and others for reactive or leash-aggressive dogs; training tactics; dealing with issues like separation anxiety, attention-seeking behaviour, desensitizing your dog to immobile things in your house, and so on. One of the threads in this forum talks about an adolescent GSD that interacts excessively with loose dogs. The replies are super friendly and educational, so you can be sure to receive prompt replies and accurately directed guidance for the same. Posts: .It has easily approachable content organised as folders under various sections. Health and Fitness, and the training and behaviour sections are very actively updated by a dedicated community. If you want any information on nutritional supplements, you can find them here. Unfortunately, there is no public access to the discussions on this forum. Sign in to the community and start engaging. Threads: 2, Members: 7. German Shepherd Training Forum on Officer. German Shepherds are excellent companions for the police, so a trained dog becomes as important as a human cop in operations. This forum contains resources that you can refer to for raising your GSD as a police dog. As a GSD owner, you may want to look around for books and resources. Here is a starting point. Like any forum, users have posted their queries and comments about GSD. However, one thing stands out: instead of categories, the discussions have been sorted by the tags or keywords. So if you want to get related information on a specific topic, such as training or showing your GSD, you can simply click on that tag and get a full list of posts under that tag. It keeps track of recent news in the GSD community, such as current affairs, events and club info. However, the German Shepherd Guide website, which is a popular and trusted platform about all GSD-related matters, lists the best forums for your convenience. You can meet new owners, enthusiasts and other specialists who can help you in your bonding and raising experience of a GSD. German Shepherd Subreddit Created in , this Reddit forum boasts of .At first sight, the most engaging posts are the pawfully cute German Shepherd pictures uploaded by members around the world. They are also followed by queries, concerns, or tips for behaviour management. This subreddit has been around for a pretty long time and is quite an engaging platform for gsd lovers. When you can visualize exactly where the discussion is leading, you can also give your inputs in an effective manner. Please note that as a responsible and informed dog owner, your first line of action for any GSD-related issues must be to consult a specialist or a vet. Forums online have the drawback of anonymity, spamming and irrelevant information, which may not help you at all. Make sure you cross-check with specialists, as these forums are meant for simply interacting with similar-minded people. What a sweet and beautiful face she has! Thanks for sharing these pics of Faith. How long did it take her to start using the wheelchair? Did Faith have any other health challenges when she was younger? If so, how were they treated and what happened after the treatment? This is important to know for two reasons. It gives us information about her vitality 2. Symptom suppression can trigger the NWS never well since syndrome and dis-eases that are best treated by knowing that they came from suppression. Quiz for them: why would we use this rubric? Regarding the x-rays, yes, bridging spondylosis can be a clue to vertebral instability and inflammation and cauda equina syndrome that can manifest with DM symptoms. Regarding whether to proceed with further diagnostics, well that depends on whether you will feel better at ease with them. Personally, I would. As an example, I was diagnosed with a "mystery" neurologic dis-ease at the age of 12 and symptoms have continued throughout my life. They'd engendered the "anxiety of uncertainty" in me until I received my "definitive" diagnosis several years ago. I mention this because relieving our own distress is one of the good reasons to get a diagnosis. Assuming that it can be reached using non-invasive diagnostics like a blood, saliva or urine test and x-rays, ultrasound, etc. Anesthesia for MRI and is invasive. Especially if IV contrast and spinal taps are done at the same time as they often are. I would do the DM tests for genetic markers there's more than one. However, the results probably will not affect how you treat Faith. The deciding factor might be expense. If that's not a factor, then get the test. If expense cost depends on the testing lab is an issue, then do not even bother. Regardless of how you treat and your diagnostic decision, try adding raw chicken and beef heart to her diet. I can't think of a NoCal holistically-oriented vet neuro offhand but maybe Dr. Christina does. Please keep us updated in this thread about Faith's treatment and how she is doing. Gratefully, Dr. Jeff Together we can keep your pets in balance and as healthy as possible with Practical and Positive Veterinary Spirituality. Hahnemann, .I just want to make sure i do good job with her. How safe is it to take her on a farm? There Just horses on there but I think it would be good as there is a friendly dog that she could hang around. No other dogs go there so would the risk of parvo be low? Click to expand.It is likely you will get a whole host of different answers to that question. You have to weigh up the risks in your own area. I personally think the benefits of early socialisation outweigh the risks - but only in circumstances where there are not large numbers of unvaccinated dogs. Hopefully the breeder will have chosen a dam of excellent temperament who was unstressed throughout pregnancy and will have already started the process of getting the litter used to various things at home? Is there a reason you collected your pup at 10 weeks rather than 8? It isn't an issue though if the pup has strong nerve and genetics from her parents and the breeder has taken some time to get the pups used to household noises, travelling etc. GSDs have a reputation for fear aggression, especially towards other dogs, and so I like to get my pups out asap - carrying in my arms if necessary. If you have friends with friendly dogs then you can also introduce your pup to them, but always make sure she isn't getting stressed or upset and remove her from any situation where you are concerned it might be too much for her. Try to keep all interactions as positive as possible but a strong nerved pup should also bounce back from any small knock backs during socialisation. One of the key things is to enjoy your pup and try not to get stressed yourself. Oversized, had to be put down at 11 due to DM and other problems. She was the absolutely most fantastic dog I've ever had or hope to have. She was German and Belgian lines. Taser is 7 and going strong, nothing much wrong with that dog so far. I understand the concern with the longevity. I've studied Chow lineage more than GSD, and one of the things that really bothered me was that a number of breeders were producing dogs that lived to only 8 or 9 years old. I couldn't find out the "why" of their deaths, though, so it's unknown as to why they were only living that long. But as a purchaser of puppies, I look at longevity in the line as much as I look at any other potential health problem. If a breeder is producing dogs that typically die at a younger age, then I avoid that breeder. I want my dogs to live as long as they comfortably can, and I don't think that breeders who fail to take longevity as a serious quality in their dogs are doing our dogs a huge disservice. I'm not sure whether line breeding has any real effect on longevity. And if you take two from the same lines, each with a background in early death, and line-breed those two, then you're doubling up on the problem. But if you line-breed two dogs from longer lived lines, you should be doubling up on the better side of things. Line-breeding works with what it's offered, and properly done can really "set" good traits within a developing breeding line. When I look at Chows, the background on Khana which I've researched back more than seven generations , I can see how the breeder was pushing together particular lines in order to work through some of the myriad problems the breed has - and in doing so, produced the first dogs to pass all six OFA health tests. Now we're seeing more Chows passing hips, elbows, patellas, thyroid, eyes and cardiac. But Khana's sire was the first, and she was the sixth chow to ever pass all of those tests. It was done with judicious close line-breeding, done twice in her five generation pedigree, along with some careful breeding within the lines but farther out, and an occasional out-breeding to add in something that needed assistance. I'm in awe of breeders who know their dogs so well that they can do this successfully. I think line-breeding is a tool that can be used well. But to use it, a person needs to understand and know the dogs well - not only the dogs they're using, but all the dogs in those dogs' pedigree. They need to be honest about the health problems the dogs carry including dying young , and then always breed with those health problems in mind. A new breeder, or one that is breeding casually, should NOT line-breed in my opinion. If you don't know what you're doing, you're likely to end up making the breed worse. And any breeder who is primarily breeding for looks or drive is not an ideal breeder, also in my opinion. First and foremost, breeders should be focusing on health and temperament, THEN whatever else they want. Without a healthy dog and a solid temperament, what's the point of a pretty ear or a strong drive? It doesn't matter what breed it is - health and temperament should be first on a breeder's list. Just for the record: I am not nor have ever been a breeder. I considered it with Khana, because of her amazing health record, temperament and intelligent she is about the most perfect chow you can find , but after really looking into it I decided to leave it up to those who really worked hard to study the lines and bred to produce the best they can. If I HAD bred her, it would have been to a male chosen by the breeder of Khana's sire, because she's the one "in the know", but it just wasn't meant to be. I do want to add what I can to the knowledge base for the breed, which is why I spent the money to have Khana fully heath tested and all results are published on the OFA and CHIC sites. Having the info on as many Chow lines as possible can only help those who are studying and trying to bring health back into the lines Chows are notorious for bad elbows, patellas, thyroid and eyes.
All dogs are unique and grow at their own rate. Pro Tip: Check out our complete guide to puppy care to ensure your Lab gets off to a great start. As a medium to large breed, Labrador Retrievers need at least one year to reach their full size. A general rule of thumb suggests your Lab should be at or close to its full size by their first birthday. However, bigger-boned Lab puppies can keep growing and filling out their chest up to 18 months old. How big should a 6-month-old Labrador Retriever be? The average Lab weight at six months old is about 40 to 55 pounds for males or 30 to 35 pounds for females. Please keep in mind that these numbers are averages, and every puppy will grow at a slightly different rate. How much bigger will my Labrador Retriever get? There are three ways to predict the size of a Labrador Retriever at maturity: Age. Labrador Retrievers typically reach their full height and weight around their first birthday. Larger Labs may need up to 18 months to fill out their chest, but any weight gain after 12 months should be minimal overall. If your Lab is less than a year old, they are likely still growing and putting on muscle to reach their adult size. Paw Size. If their paws look oversized next to their legs and body, then they are probably still growing, as this is a classic puppy feature. Lastly, if you purchased your Lab through a breeder, you can contact them for a more exact height and weight estimate. What is the size of a full-grown Labrador Retriever? A full-grown Labrador Retriever weighs between 65 and 80 pounds and stands about .The average weight of a full-grown female Labrador Retriever should be about 55 to 70 pounds, standing at .Make sure to consult with your veterinarian to ensure that your Lab is maintaining a healthy weight for its body size. The Labrador Retriever growth rate should be indicative of its athletic body and muscular build. Did you know. ? Their webbed paws made them strong swimmers, along with their otter tail, which acts like a powerful rudder when retrieving ducks. English nobles spotted the dogs and brought them home across the Atlantic, where breeders continued to refine the breed into its own variation. Between their friendly demeanor, adaptability, and outgoing disposition, they make ideal family members. As cherished members of our families, Labs deserve the best care. Unfortunately, like many other purebred dogs, Labrador Retrievers are more susceptible to various health issues. Some of the most common examples include:. As far as their height is concerned, most labs will reach their adult height of 22 to 25 inches 56 to .They will also reach their optimal weight of 64 to 80 pounds 29 to 36 kg by their 15th month. Labrador Retrievers are very food motivated, more so than quite a few other pups. Keeping your pup properly nourished is vital but letting your dog get fluffy is obviously ill-advised. With lots of myths and misconceptions flying around the place, many people believe that neutering or spaying your lab puppy too early will slow down its growth. There are some minor changes here and there, depending on the study, but nothing too significant. How big is the pup compared to the rest of its litter? The average time it takes for a Labrador Retriever to reach its maximum height is about 11 months or less than a year. Some puppies take a bit longer and others do it even sooner. A few weeks of variation are to be expected as long as your vet is certain your pup is healthy. As for the weight, this reaches its potential a bit later — around the 15th month. How can you tell how big a Lab puppy will get? It will also likely have a pretty dominant personality and require an experienced owner. How much do Lab puppies grow each week? In terms of weight, a 3 pound 1. From there, the growth will gradually slow down until the puppy reaches its maximum height around the month mark and its optimal weight around the 15th month. How big is an 8 week old Labrador? How big exactly is such a pup, however? The average 8 week old Labrador should be somewhere between 8 and 12 inches tall at the shoulder 20 to 30 cm with females being an inch or so shorter. As for their weight, that can vary between 10 to 14 pounds 4. Can you tell how big a puppy will get? Your puppy will be growing very fast when you first bring them home. But that growth rate slows down quite quickly. So when do dogs stop growing for good? And how will you know when your puppy has reached their adult size? Labrador Puppy Growth Chart We have a fascinating and long running thread on our forum, where members enter the weights of their puppies at different ages. The Labrador growth chart below shows the data we have collected, in a Labrador weight chart by age. Labrador dog weight chart by age and breed Each dot represents a snapshot in time of an individual puppy. You can find his or her age in weeks along the bottom of the chart and his weight in pounds up the left hand side. You can see how all the dots taken together follow a pattern, but there is still a considerable range of puppy weights at each age. When Do Dogs Stop Growing? But what about a two year old Lab, or a one year old? Well, in broad terms, dogs stop growing sometime between one and two years old. But it varies between breeds. Most dogs are fully grown by their first birthday. In general small breeds reach their adult height several months before large breeds do. Yet dog size varies greatly among individuals, even within the same breed. Larger dogs are often slower to mature than little dogs, and carry on growing for longer. Small dogs are sometimes fully grown by the time they are 9 months old. Whereas giant breeds can take up to three years to reach full size. Adult size, temperament, and coat type are all likely to affect energy requirements, and affect the rate a puppy grows. In fact even breeds which end up similar in size can grow at very different rates. There is very little scientific research — but a lot of anecdotal evidence — about when Lab puppies stop growing. In , a UK study following 37 Lab puppies through to adulthood revealed that all of them had reached their adult weight by their first birthday. But more recently, a much larger lifestyle study of over 4, UK Labradors found that their weight continued to increase between one and four years old. When Do Labs Stop Growing? The Labrador puppy growth chart finishes when the dog reaches adulthood. General wisdom from breeders, vets, and experiences Labrador owners is that Labs stop growing during their second year. In fact, he will be quite close to his final adult Labrador height at around nine months of age. Does color change the Labrador puppy growth chart? When is a chocolate Lab full grown? Is it the same time that a full grown black Labrador or yellow Lab? So your average chocolate Lab will be adult sizes at the same time as the average yellow or black Lab. How Quickly Do Labradors Grow? Our Labrador puppy growth chart shows that all Labrador puppies follow the same breed specific pattern of growth spurts and slower growth, even though the actual numbers on the scale will vary from individual to individual. The most rapid period of growth will take place in the first month or so after you bring him home. In , a study of Labrador puppies in Norway found that Labrador weight gain is most rapid at 89 days old in females, and 95 days old in males. So around the week mark. And Labradors usually reach half of their adult weight by the time they are 18 or 19 weeks old. How much do Labs grow after 6 months? Another trend you can see in our Labrador puppy growth chart is that Lab puppies gain weight much less rapidly after their 6 month birthday. Once your Lab has hit this milestone you can expect them to gain a little height, and probably continue to fill out for up to a year or so. In other words, the point when you Lab stops getting any taller. It is estimated that in the UK the average height at the shoulders of a male Lab is cm taller than the breed standard. Will my dog still grow after being neutered? Whether or not dogs should be routinely spayed or neutered is a subject which divides opinion. Labrador owners deciding whether and when to neuter usually end up with a lot of questions, few of which have straightforward answers. Many veterinary care providers and shelters advocate neutering at a young age, or even make it a requirement of the adoption contract. A study found that neutering before 37 weeks old is linked to very slightly more rapid growth, and neutering after 37 weeks leads to very slightly slower growth. How big do Labrador Retrievers get? As we all know, very few dogs fit the mathematical average — they are much more likely to occupy a range of normal sizes. But most of us like a more precise answer than that before we commit to sharing our home with a puppy. So, how big do Labs get? Labradors are remarkably variable in height and weight. The biggest male Labs can be almost twice the size of the smallest female ones. But you want me to give you some numbers, so here are some averages. Many adult female Labradors reach a weight of lbs and stand inches high at the shoulder. This will be the same whether they are a female chocolate Lab or a female black Labrador. Many adult male Labradors reach a weight of lbs and stand inches at the shoulder. But remember, your dog is probably not an average dog! Can you always predict size with a Labrador puppy growth chart? These Labrador height and weight numbers are very broad guidelines, and they may give you a rough idea of how big a pup will grow. How big your Labrador will get depends partly on his parents. Assuming that your puppy had healthy not overweight parents, their own weights will give you an idea of how big your Lab is likely to grow. But there are always surprises in any group or family of dogs! Has your puppy stalled on the Labrador puppy growth chart? It is possible that your puppy will weigh less than the average examples. Labrador puppy weight and size can vary widely depending on a number of different factors, many of which are normal and harmless. American Labrador puppy growth Labrador puppies from working stock are often less heavy than those bred for the show ring or pet homes. Dogs bred for hunting and field trials tend to be faster and lighter in build because they are expected to be agile and quick when working in the field. Small parents Size is also partly genetic. In other words, if your puppy had small parents he might well be on the small size for his age, throughout his life. Again, this is only a general guide. Even puppies from the same litter can vary quite considerably in size when plotted on a Labrador puppy growth chart. How much should my Labrador puppy weigh? But this kind of rule of thumb is of limited use, and there are problems with judging whether or not a puppy is thriving by his weight alone. Because it is so difficult to know exactly what size your puppy will be as an adult, no-one can really say what he should weigh today, or any other day. It may however give you an indication if your puppy is seriously under or overweight. It is rare for puppies to have any kind of growth disorder. Or for their families to starve them by mistake! But it is also normal to worry a little if your puppy seems on the small side. Is my puppy is too fat or too thin? The very best guide to whether a puppy is the right weight for him, is how he looks and feels. Not where he falls on an average Labrador puppy growth chart. Physically examining and observing your puppy will help you decide if they are doing ok in this respect. Just like older Labradors, puppies should not be too heavy. Most experts nowadays like to see a waist on even quite young puppies. Does it matter if my puppy is a bit plump? We all used to think that puppy fat was a good thing. When I was a child fat puppies were the norm. Perhaps this extra layer of fat was helpful in sustaining the puppy during illness before vaccinations were widely available for dogs? Nowadays, the thinking is that puppies should be slim. With a defined waist, just like an older dog. It causes their bones to grow too rapidly as well. And this may result in painful skeletal abnormalities in later life. Chubby Lab puppies might be plotted higher than average on the Labrador puppy growth chart, but if they are a shorter stature they could be following the line. You need to assess your pup by how they look and feel. Weighing your puppy If your puppy has been ill and is very thin, or if he has become rather overweight , you might consider weighing him in order to monitor his progress on a Labrador puppy growth chart of your own. If you can see his ribs, or feel them very easily just beneath his skin, your Labrador puppy is too thin. If in doubt, check with your veterinarian. You can show them your Labrador puppy growth chart too, so they have a good idea of how they are progressing. My dog weighs 35lbs at six months old. Is that OK? I mentioned above that an average Labrador might weigh around 50lbs at six months old. But there is huge variation around this figure. To illustrate how much very healthy puppies may vary, there are 6 month old Labs on our forum weighing 30lbs, and others weighing 60lbs! These are very different points on the same Labrador puppy growth chart, but could both be healthy animals. And the truth is, no-one can tell you exactly what your six month old pup should weigh, or indeed your Labrador of any age. What age does a puppy turn into a dog? When does a puppy no longer belong on a Labrador puppy growth chart but instead have reached their adult size? And when will your puppy be a fully grown up dog? There are three aspects to changing from puppy to dog: physical maturity and mental maturity. Sexual maturity in puppies People are often surprised to discover that puppies become sexually mature before they are full grown. These sexually mature pups still belong on the Labrador puppy growth chart, and will gain weight and height. Most Labradors are physically capable of breeding while still puppies. Though of course they should not be allowed to do so. Many female Labradors come into season for the first time between at between six and nine months old. Though some will be over a year old. And most male Labradors are ready and willing to mate well before their first birthday! Mental maturity in puppies Not only is your Labrador physically still a puppy when he or she reaches sexual maturity. He is also very much a puppy mentally and emotionally. In fact, many experts do not consider a Labrador to be fully grown up and mature until they are around two years old. In practice, there is no exact age at which you can definitely say your puppy is a grown up. Some puppies mature mentally and physically quicker than others. As a broad guide, you will often hear people use 18 months as the divide between Labrador puppy and adult dog. When do dogs stop growing? Most Labradors will have completed much of their growth by their first birthday and will stop growing completely before their second. Beyond this point there is no need to plot their weight on a Labrador puppy growth chart, but instead they should just be monitored physically. Weights vary greatly among individuals of this breed and puppy weight unless very extreme, is not a great guide to health. Enjoy your puppy for what he is, large Labrador or small. Just remember to check with your vet if you think he is unwell or not growing as he should. Is your Labrador puppy still growing? Do you think the runt of the litter is going to surprise you by reaching the upper end of the scale? Were your predictions at X months completely confounded? Share your anecdotes in the comments box down below! Between 8 weeks and 10 months, your puppy has a ton of growing to do, and they change drastically from month to month. Each stage of growth requires specific attention, exercise, and diet, so there is much to learn and pay attention to these different growth stages. There may be behavioral challenges while your pup adjusts to their new life without their mother and siblings. This period of adjustment can sometimes lead to fearful and timid behavior, and your puppy will need as much attention and affection as possible. They should be eating 3—4 small meals a day at this stage. You can begin basic command, leash, and potty training at this point too. Although the schedule is not complete this is a critical period to begin socialization and making sure they are calm and friendly with other dogs, just make sure they are also vaccinated. We highly recommend making training a part of their daily activities at this age. Biting can be an issue at this stage too, as they will begin teething, and they will start exploring and chewing whatever they can find. Chew toys and consistent command reinforcement are both vital for avoiding this behavior. The good news is that your puppy will grow out of this habit at around 6 months old. Your lab should also be house-trained by this point, but there may still be the occasional accident. Remember to be gentle but firm when this happens, and your pooch will likely move through it swiftly. They will begin losing their baby teeth at this point, and biting and chewing may reach its peak. Firm but gentle commands, chew toys, and loads of patience are essential at this stage. Your puppy will be testing the limits and may start showing dominance, ignoring known commands, and asserting more independence. You can now drop their meals down to two meals per day, but be sure that they are not eating too quickly. Your puppy will start to closely resemble an adult at 6 months, but remember that mentally, they are still puppies and will need loads of direction and training. Females may enter their first heat at 6—7 months, so keep a careful watch for stray males. They will still display puppy tendencies and traits and have a ton of excitable energy, but they should be fairly obedient and well-trained by this stage. Be sure to give your Labrador plenty of exercise at this stage to help keep them from misbehavior. They will have reached their full height by now but may still gain weight and muscle mass in the coming months. Unless you intend on breeding, you should consider neutering and spaying your puppy to avoid wandering and unwanted pregnancies. While some breeders recommend that you wait until a year old, this is a perfectly suitable time to perform the procedure. They may still gain weight and muscle mass but much slower than during the past few months. They will still display puppy characteristics and even test boundaries, but all in all, they should be obedient and well-trained by now. They will have a ton of energy and still enjoy playtimes and loads of exercise. While they are at their full height at this age, some Labs may appear lanky and still have weight to fill out in the coming months. When Do Labradors Stop Growing? All dogs are unique, and the question of when they stop growing is largely dependent on the individual. Anecdotally, your Lab should have reached their full weight by 18 months and full height by 9—12 months. Most breeders agree that your Lab will stop growing at some point during their second year. Even so, any weight gain during their second year will be minimal, and they will have done the majority of their growth by their first birthday. Mentally, they are out of the puppyhood phase of testing boundaries and disobedience by their first year— if correctly trained. If you have been consistent in training thus far, your Lab should be friendly, obedient, and well-behaved from their first birthday and into adulthood. In males, neutering can sometimes result in a calmer, more relaxed dog, and this, in turn, will slow down his need for exercise and may result in weight gain. A study in showed that dogs neutered before 37 weeks may gain more weight, while dogs that had the procedure after 37 weeks had a slower growth trajectory. The difference was minimal, though, and there is no reason to assume that these procedures have much of an effect on growth rates in dogs. Dangers of Growing Too Quickly or Stunted Growth While some puppies may grow quicker or slower than the agreed-upon average, this is usually nothing to be concerned about due to the individual and unique nature of dogs. However, if your pooch is gaining weight rapidly or not gaining enough, there may be deeper issues to look into. If your dog is from working or hunting stock, they may be smaller than average Labs and are usually lighter for work in the field. Size may also be genetic, and if your Lab comes from small parents, they will be smaller than average. The same may be true of heavier-than-average Labs—if their parents are large, they will likely be similar in size. However, larger-than-average weights may also be due to overfeeding or a lack of exercise , or a combination of both, so be sure to keep their exercise and feeding habits consistent. Image Credit: rebeccaashworth, Shutterstock Growth Distinctions of Different Labradors Although they are designated under the same breed, there are two different types of common Labradors: English and American. English Labradors tend to be stockier and more muscular than their American counterparts and have a thick, waterproof coat , while American Labs have a slender build with a slightly finer coat. English Labs are slightly shorter, topping out at around 22 inches, but their stocky and muscular build often makes them heavier than American Labs. In fact, English Labs have been known to weigh up to 20 pounds more than American Labs without being considered overweight. American Labs are known to be slightly more active and energetic than English Labs, while English Labs tend to be less excitable and more laid back. English Labs are by no means lazy, though, and they still have plenty of energy and stamina to go around. Conclusion: Monthly Labrador Growth Pictures Hopefully, this guide has helped you understand the growth rate of your Labrador puppy and given you a better idea of what to expect during the different stages. See also:. When do labs Stop Growing? Labs need to fill out more than smaller breeds as they are medium to large-sized dogs. Usually, an average Lab will be at full height and weight by their first birthday. Is Your Labrador Retriever Healthy? Labrador Retrievers are the perfect family pet. Not only are Labs wonderful companions, but their friendly demeanor, adaptability, and love for life make them ideal members of any household. The best way to guarantee that happiness? Preventative care! This condition can cause pain and make it difficult for your pup to move freely. Due to CHD, they may also develop arthritis in the hip area as they age. Some dogs with CHD have normal hips as puppies, but they can develop joint instability later in life. Unfortunately, CHD affects medium to large dog breeds, with the Lab amongst those dogs with a higher chance of developing this condition. Recognizing the early signs of this progressive disease will help you get treatment for your dog so he has an active life filled with joy instead of pain or discomfort. An old Labrador Retriever is especially prone to developing this disease. Osteoarthritis, or Degenerative Joint Disease DJD , is a progressive inflammation of the joints caused by deterioration and breakdown in cartilage. This action leads to an increase in friction, which causes significant pain for dogs. In cases of osteoarthritis, this cartilage cushion begins to break down because of factors such as age or injury. If a dog has canine atopic dermatitis, the immune system reacts too strongly to common environmental allergens absorbed through the skin, such as mold spores and grass. A dog with atopic dermatitis will typically show signs and symptoms between 3 months to 6 years of age. Labrador Retrievers are amongst the most common dog breeds to develop food and skin allergies. Gastric Distention and Volvulus Bloat Canine bloat , or gastric distention and volvulus GDV , is a condition where the stomach swells abnormally. Bloat is a serious condition that requires immediate emergency care. Dogs of all shapes and sizes can bloat, but some breeds are more susceptible than others. Unfortunately, Labradors are at the top of the list for susceptibility to this condition. The causes of bloat in Labs and other dogs are unknown, but there is likely a genetic element. Dogs who recover from bloating should never be used as breeding stock again. Got a Lab? Get Pet Insurance Coverage You love your dog like a child, but you cannot control what your puppy is dealt with in the genetics department. Health struggles can affect your Labrador Retriever, and his genes will determine what medical conditions or diseases he develops. What if cancer happens? What else might go wrong with your dog in an emergency that will require immediate attention? As a dog owner, you want to make sure that your Lab pup has the best chance possible at living a healthy and happy life. A pet insurance policy will handle any medical issue or expense which may come your way, which is a significant help, especially with how expensive veterinary bills can get. Get insurance quotes today and see for yourself how much better life will be with this coverage. The Lab puppy weight chart shows you the average weight for male and female Labs every month from 2 months old, up until 12 months if you have a puppy Lab, check out our New Puppy Checklist to learn more about what to bring home for your first 24 hours and beyond. Doing so helps you and your veterinarian keep your puppy healthy. Are There Different Sizes of Labradors? Among the retriever breeds, the Labrador is one of the largest, where an adult male can top the scales at 80 pounds. Labrador Retrievers may differ in size due to individual variation and outside influences, such as the amount or type of food they eat, the amount or frequency of exercise they get, or underlying health conditions that may affect appetite or growth. But overall, a retriever should ideally hit a 5 out of 9 on the body condition score, regardless of the actual weight number on a scale. A healthy size Labrador has an evident abdominal tuck and observable waist, viewed from both the side and top of the dog. The AKC considers Lab puppies to be in adulthood when they reach 12 to 18 months of age, though there are outliers — those who grow faster or slower, reaching maturity either before 1 year old or not until 2 years old. Like other large dog breeds, Labs go through multiple stages of puppyhood until they reach adulthood. The average height for Labrador puppies is largely unknown due to insufficient data, but the average adult Labrador Retriever gets to be about inches tall at the shoulder. These numbers are contingent on the puppy receiving top-notch care, good nutrition, and appropriate levels of exercise. Different factors, such as health, breeding practices, and nutrition, may alter these estimated numbers. The below Labrador weight calculator can help you determine approximately how big your Labrador will be. But there are dogs who will fall outside of these parameters. The Waltham Petcare Science Institute offers puppy growth charts for veterinarians to use with their clients. You can also learn more about the ideal size and weight at different ages for different breeds with our Goldendoodle growth chart , a Golden Retriever size chart , Great Dane growth chart , or Chihuahua size chart. For that advice, consult your veterinarian. Save to Pinterest The Stages of Puppy Growth and Development Month by Month The following are the stages of puppy growth and development, starting at birth and ending when your dog reaches adulthood. The Neonatal Stage 0 to 2 weeks This is the newborn puppy growth stage that lasts until two weeks of age. At this developmental stage, puppies are blind and deaf. Expect puppies at this point to sleep almost constantly and their mother will take care of everything, keeping them warm, feeding them, and keeping them clean. The Transitional Stage 2 to 4 weeks At this puppy growth stage , they will start to open up their eyes and respond to sounds, light, and movement around them. You will also notice a puppy at this point starting to get more mobile, although they will still tend to crawl instead of walking. They do, however, have enough strength to stand up, but will stumble a lot. A puppy in this developmental stage will just be starting to recognize their siblings and mother. Lab puppies open their eyes at about two weeks old. By this time, Labrador puppies will have their eyes fully open and most will be at least partly open. Ears open at this point too and your puppy will begin to hear. Period of Awakening of Senses 3 to 4 weeks At this period , a puppy develops various senses rapidly. They start to get fully alert and aware of their environment and may recognize you and other humans that are frequently around. The Socialization Period 4 to 7 Weeks Once a puppy is around four weeks old, they start to learn the most important things in life-related to social development. They will learn to not bite all the time and how to interact with their siblings. Interactions with humans are especially important between five and seven weeks. This is also the time they will start to understand discipline thanks to their mother. She will start weaning her puppies and teaching them manners, like acknowledging she is in charge. As the owner, you can start introducing food to your puppy when they are around four weeks old. Start small and begin to give them more food as the mother continues to wean them. You should also continue handling the puppy every day. However, be sure not to separate them from their siblings or mother for over ten minutes each day, since this can lead to issues with training and socialization. Dogs who are separated too soon may also be nervous and more likely to bark and bite. During this period, let the mother dog take care of discipline; you should not correct the dog for mouthing or housebreaking mistakes until later in life. To help ease them through this process, avoid traumatic events, loud voices, or harsh discipline. You should also make sure your pooch has plenty of human contact during this stage. If you want, you can start leash training and even teach simple commands such as sit, down, stay and come. In terms of development, you will notice that your puppy can sleep through the whole night and starts to develop better control of its bowels and bladder. Most vets suggest that new outings should wait until they are fully vaccinated. We rub the Calmeroos Puppy Toy on littermates and mom to get their scent. When we get home the Calmeroos Puppy Toy helps our puppy feel comfortable and adjust more quickly to his new environment. Many puppies will go to their new homes at around 8 weeks old. We recently put together a blog post on our sister site detailing what you can expect from an 8-week-old puppy. The Juvenile Stage 3 to 4 Months At this point in development, a puppy can be compared to a juvenile. They will be more independent and may ignore the basic commands that they know very well. If this happens, firmly and gently reinforce the commands and other training. You may also notice your pup starting to test your authority by play biting or similar actions. You can also redirect your dog to a toy that they can bite. Either can end up teaching your pooch that it is okay to fight with you and challenge your authority. The Ranking Period 3 to 6 Months When your puppy is between four and six months old, you should expect them to be somewhat bratty, showing more willfulness and independence. They are more likely to test your limits and may try to show dominance over children or other family members. If they fail to listen to you or come when called, it can be dangerous as it puts them at risk of injury when in public. It can also hurt future responses to you, making them less likely to listen. This is also when your dog will be teething, so give them toys like frozen dog Kong toys to relieve pressure and pain. Chewing behaviors will also start growing at this point so look for some safe chew toys to keep your dog entertained. This is when hormonal changes start to occur and is the ideal time to spay or neuter your pup. UC Davis published a study comparing the long-term health effects of neutering in Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers. Adolescence 6 to 18 Months After six months, your pup is already in the final stage of puppy development but is still young. This is a fun and exciting time for your pooch since they will be learning, full of energy, and exuberant. During this time, it is important to remember that even if your puppy now looks like a grown-up dog, they are still a puppy, at least in its mental capacity and emotional maturity. Work to slowly increase training and other activities. You can even work on advanced training such as agility or herding. Another option is to simply keep training them to ensure they interact in a non-aggressive and non-threatening way with other animals. It is also possible that your dog will go through another fearful period of time at some point after they reach six months. You can speed up the process with counter-conditioning and desensitization. It fits very well and is quite apt! Final Thoughts With the knowledge of how and when your new puppy will develop, you are better able to meet their needs. Provide socialization at the appropriate times and be sure to give your puppy plenty of social interactions with their siblings as well as humans and any other pets in your home. Your dog should reach maturity at some point between one and two years old with plenty of variation based on breed, Labradors are considered mature at between 2 and 2. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. Check out more of our favorites on our New Puppy Checklist. Colby Colby Morita has been raising and training guide and service dog puppies for over 13 years. Colby has been writing to the PuppyInTraining.
His breeding program focuses on improving the health and well-being of the breed by selecting breedable parents with the best traits to produce healthy, multi-generational Labradoodle puppies. He also begins crate training each puppy at five weeks. In addition to getting microchipped, socialized, vaccinated, and dewormed, each puppy goes home with ALAA registration and a two-year health guarantee. Limited Litter Availability Ethical breeders usually limit the number of litters their breedable Labradoodle mothers produce each year to ensure that each puppy gets equal attention as their littermates. This protocol lets the mothers get months of rest before producing their next litter or retiring. Limited litter production also applies to breeders who specialize in breeding other designers Doodles. Health Prioritization Reputable breeders offering Labradoodle puppies for sale in PA should get their dogs tested for several hereditary health issues to avoid producing litters with potentially unhealthy puppies. Although Labradoodles are a generally hardy dog breed, they can become susceptible to eye, hip, elbow, knee, and cardiac diseases. Experience with the Breed The best Labradoodle breeders should have extensive knowledge and experience working with the breed they can relay to first-time owners with countless questions. The time it takes to bring your puppy home after filling out an application can vary depending on where you look. I was very lucky in that my breeder had a litter of puppies available at the time I was looking for one. In fact, I spotted an advert for puppies on Facebook, and I was able to go and view them right away. At the time, the pups were only four weeks old, so I did have to wait for four weeks until they were old enough to leave their mother and had received their first vaccinations. That time gave me a chance to buy everything I needed for the new arrival and to puppy-proof as best I could my home and garden. Your life will suddenly get a whole lot busier once your furbaby lands! We made a list of ethical breeders from nearby states, which you can try:. Life Span Did You Know? A Labradoodle is a popular designer dog breed. It is a cross between a Standard Poodle and a Labrador Retriever. This designer dog breed originated in Australia around .The main goal of the Labradoodle was to create a hypoallergenic guide dog for people living with disabilities who were also allergic to dog fur and dander. Now, they are still a popular choice for service, guide, and therapy dogs and are also a popular companion dog. Labrador Retrievers and Poodles are both friendly, gentle, intelligent, and affectionate dog breeds. The Labradoodle tends to be similar. They are open and friendly and crave human attention and affection. They are happiest when they are with people. Labradoodles also tend to have an energetic and playful personality. They get along well with children, other dogs, other pets, and strangers. They are alert enough to bark or let you know when someone is at the door, but they are not generally good watchdogs or guard dogs as they are more interested in making friends. A Labradoodle is a highly adaptable dog breed. They do very well in homes with space to run and they can adapt well to apartment living as long as they are given plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. They also do well in most climates. As with any dog breed, they are sensitive to extreme heat and cold. Because they enjoy being around people, they do not generally like to be left alone for long periods of time. They can also become bored if not given enough attention, exercise, or mental stimulation, which can result in destructive behavior. This dog breed is generally healthy, but they do have the chance of inheriting common health conditions from both of the parent breeds. Some health conditions to be aware of include elbow and hip dysplasia, ear infections, progressive retinal atrophy, hypothyroidism, and epilepsy. Good breeding practices can reduce the likelihood of passing on many of these health issues. Be sure to talk with the breeder about the genetic history of the parents and ask to see any health clearances; this can help allay potential health concerns. A Labradoodle tends to be eager to please and highly intelligent, which makes them highly trainable. They are a good fit for dog owners of any experience level. As with most dog breeds, Labradoodles respond best to training that is consistent and uses positive reinforcement. There are some grooming tasks that are common to every dog breed. When it comes to coat care, it can vary with a Labradoodle. Poodles have a low-shedding coat that is also high maintenance in terms of brushing, trimming, and professional grooming. Labs tend to have a higher shedding coat that needs minimal brushing and grooming. For the most part, a Labradoodle will have a low or non-shedding coat that will need to be brushed a few times a week. But, they can have a higher shedding coat should they take after their Labrador parent. You may also need a few professional grooming sessions throughout the year. Nail trimming once a month is usually enough to keep movement comfortable and prevent longer nails from snagging on things. Proper dental care for your dog will help prevent gum disease and tooth decay. Drop-down ears are more prone to infection because floppy ears are more likely to trap moisture, dirt, and debris. This will make grooming throughout their life a much more enjoyable process for both you and your dog. It can even become a bonding time for you both as well. Labradoodles tend to be high-energy dogs. They require a few daily walks plus some time to run and play in order to stay happy and healthy. They certainly love to play and you may tire out before they do sometimes. They may calm down a little as they get to be a couple of years old, but they tend to be quite energetic as puppies. Going swimming with your dog , taking a hike with them, going on a trip to the dog park, playing a game of fetch, and more are all great supplemental activities to ensure your Labradoodle gets plenty of exercise. You can even train them to compete in dog sports like dock diving, flyball, agility, obedience, and more. A fully-grown Labradoodle will usually stand between 21 to 24 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh between 50 and 65 pounds. Labradoodles generally live 12 — 14 years. However, it did not become popular until when the mix was specifically bred to create hypoallergenic guide dogs. Featured Labradoodle Article. We use our own Snowy River Training Program to help our puppies develop into confident and well-behaved companions. We offer a wide range of Labradoodle colors and sizes to choose from, including mini and medium. We are committed to providing the best possible homes for our Labradoodles and will work with you to ensure a smooth adoption process. Bashful Life is better with a Labradoodle by your side! Come and meet Bashful! He is a sweet loving, cuddly boy. Already crate trained and loves to go for walks. Also, loves the water! Come and meet Doc. He loves adventure and would love a home with an active family. Already Crate Trained! Frequently Asked Questions Description for this block. Use this space for describing your block. Any text will do. With decades of experience, we have been breeding the finest Labradoodles and providing families with loving, healthy, and well-socialized puppies. What is the breeding process at Snowy River Doodles? Our breeding program focuses on producing puppies with excellent temperaments, sound health, and beautiful coats. We carefully select our breeding dogs from top-quality lines, ensuring the highest standards in health and temperament. Our puppy has begun potty training and crate training. What does that mean? We use a litter box placed in their pen starting at three weeks of age and gradually make the pen larger as they begin to recognize the potty area. This trains the puppies to potty in one area. When you go home, that area will be outside. At six weeks, they begin spending time outside. At this time, they also start eating at least one meal a day in a crate by themselves and they spend some time in a crate for a few hours during the day. We put an old towel and chew toy in the crate with them. Do you ship? No, we no longer ship puppies. We feel that there are enough labradoodle breeders across the country to find one locally and there is no need to put a puppy through this stressful process. I am willing to meet owners at the Philadelphia or Harrisburg Airport if you wish to fly in and take your puppy back home with you under your seat. Please inquire if you are interested in this. There are additional fees and requirements. Our Labradoodle puppies are raised in a loving home environment where they receive early socialization and basic training. We introduce them to various sounds, surfaces, and experiences to ensure they are well-adjusted and prepared for life with their new families. Can I visit Snowy River Doodles to meet the puppies and their parents? At Snowy River, we prioritize the health and safety of our puppies. Only families with deposits will be able to visit once puppies are 6 weeks old. And meet the parents at that time. His parents are Tally and Huey. Tina was very responsive throughout the adoption process and you can tell she really cares about her dogs and where the puppies go. Eli has a huge personality and is such a sweetheart. Training was pretty easy as he is super smart. He adapted well when we added our daughter in and is very patient with her. We love our Eli so much and he has added so much to our little family. Thank you Tina for the best companion and snuggle buddy. He is smart, funny and still, at 6 years old, very mischievous! He is the second doodle I got from Snowy River Labradoodles. Sadly his brother, Baxter has crossed the rainbow bridge. They have the most wonderful temperament and are just so much fun. Tina does a wonderful job working with the puppies and is such a pleasure to deal with. There has never been and never will be another dog like her! She smiles at us, she stands up and hugs us when we get home, she brings pure happiness to everyone she meets! She is a little more timid when going out in public so pet therapy is not in her future career. She is still the sweetest! She comes around and gives everyone in our family love, not missing anyone. When you arrive home, she always goes and grabs her babies to show you. She knows so many tricks and was so easy to teach! Our year-old daughter taught her sit, roll over, shake, jump through a hula hoop, tell a secret, weave between your legs, high five and even how to push a button to ask for a treat. She likes to put on dog shows for our company! We really did our research before purchasing our first doodle and man did we choose right when we came to you! We sincerely thank you from the bottom of our hearts! Happy Families A dedicated and very caring professional breeder. Thank you, Vicki, for our beautiful 9-week-old puppy, Brandy, whom we love so much! She, along with her five brothers and sisters were cared for by Vicki. Vicki is amazing! She is a dedicated and very caring professional breeder who sincerely loves and cares about both her puppies and their future parents! Her puppies are extremely well-cared for they follow all the latest veterinary recommendations for breeders. Her breeding experience is of the highest level as can be demonstrated by the many positive reviews and feedback we researched before meeting Vicki over the phone. Vicki and her husband go out of their way to involve her new puppy parents from the very first days of the litter being born by interacting with videos, informational emails and photos of the new puppies right up to the day they meet their new parents. Absolutely honest and above board, she is always there for you to answer any question you might have on how best to care for your new puppy before and after your puppy is home with you! Paula and I both were blown away by just how involved she was with us every step of the way and how she kept us updated on the growth of the pups right until pick up day! Needless to say we offer our highest recommendation. John and Paula DeBlase The experience from beginning to end was wonderful. I got my precious puppy, Luna, from Windsor Creek Labradoodles recently. The experience from beginning to end was wonderful. Dealing with Vicki was an absolute pleasure. I received a beautiful, friendly, healthy puppy. I filled out my application, described our needs, talked to Vicki on the phone and in the end, Vicki made a perfect match for us! I highly recommend this awesome breeder! Kay Pappas They answered all our questions. We are first time dog owners and were so fortunate to have found Vicki and Walt at Windsor Creek. They were so welcoming to our whole family. They answered all our questions, shared resources and improved our confidence that we were making a great decision for our family. Vicki has selected the perfect puppy for us. Ruby is playful, sweet and so smart! She is calm enough to sit and listen to our oldest son read, yet loves to run and chase our youngest son to play. Vicki has been an amazing source of knowledge and recommendations that has continued even after we have brought our puppy home. Their support throughout this whole process has been invaluable and we feel so lucky to be forever connected to Windsor Creek by our sweet puppy! Shana Brophy There is no other place I would go. My family suffered a tragic loss last year. We lost our beloved Chewie. He was with us for 15 years and came from Windsor Creek Labradoodles. When we were ready, we knew where to go, right back to Windsor Creek and Vicki Tyson. Our new puppy, Wyatt, in two short weeks is again proving to be a blessing. Vicki does not just breed puppies, she knows how to nurture these incredibly wonderful bundles of joy so that they fit perfectly into your family. There is no other place I or my family would go to trust this type of decision other than Windsor Creek and Vicki. In fact, we are returning again for yet another puppy, hopefully by the New Year! My family and I have wanted a dog for a long, long time but could not adopt one due to severe allergies for one of my three sons. He wanted a dog so badly. We are so grateful for Vicki and Windsor Creek Labradoodles. She made the process so easy for us. Vicki is extremely informative and thorough, and is very responsive to any questions. We now have a healthy, happy and beautiful puppy! I highly recommend Windsor Creek Labradoodles. Vicki is the best! Joe Campi We picked up our puppy in perfect health. Our experience with Vicki and Windsor Creek Labradoodles was simply exceptional from the very beginning to the day we brought our puppy home. Her absolute love for these dogs comes through in every phone call, email and interaction we had over the course of many months. She is so thoughtful and meticulous in her communication and planning which is so helpful to our family as first-time dog owners. We picked up our puppy in perfect health and so full of energy and his transition into our home has been seamless. We could not have been happier with our experience. Mike M. Questions about Labradoodle puppies for sale in Pennsylvania? We have answers. Give me an overview of Labradoodle puppies for sale in Pennsylvania. Our pups are perfect for anyone who loves dogs but hates the thought of allergies or piles of hair all over the house. Soft, Cuddly, Cute Uptown Puppies are bred to be even more adorable, soft and cuddly than your average Labradoodle. Friendliest Dispositions Australian Labradoodles are world-famous for their friendliness and patience. Extremely Intelligent Because of their elite heritage—boasting genes from the obedient and eager Labrador Retriever and the hyper-smart Poodle—Australian Labradoodles are a cinch to train. When you take home an Uptown Puppy, you join that family—which is why we provide the best food, supplements and training aids to help you raise the happiest Doodle possible. Perfect Family Pet Aussie Labradoodles are very adaptable, and feel right at home in a variety of living conditions. And with puppies in four different sizes, choosing your dream dog has never been more fun! Our network allows people all over the country to meet the happy, healthy dog of their dreams—including Pennsylvania. We want each and every litter to be just as healthy and happy as the last!
One look and an instant calm will probably wash over you. Stress simply melts away. Because Golden Retrievers are notoriously loyal and obedient. They can look silly with their big goofy grins. Or they can look stoic and wise beyond their years with their striking, deep brown eyes. CutenessOverload Everything they do is adorable Just watching your pup go from an adorable average of 10 pounds right when you get them at 8 weeks old to a sizable 70 pounds at the year mark is cuter than anything you can imagine. Or falling asleep in your lap. Or busting your pup discreetly chewing on your brand new pair of sneakers in their new closet lair is the cutest. There are too many cute things! Everything will be adorable and glee-inducing if done by a Golden Retriever pup — even the behaviors that, by all logic, should annoy you to no end. This is a good thing because a puppy this adorable is definitely going to be a popular one. Golden Retriever puppies make friends with kids , adults, and other animals while keeping their trademark smiles on their faces. They are so friendly, in fact, that they may not be the best bet when looking for guard dogs. A Golden will usually greet any stranger, including during a break-in, with a welcoming smile on their face. But they will love you best Again, the loyalty of a Golden Retriever pup cannot be stressed enough; it is strong. At the end of the day, your athletic, big-pawed, adventurous, silly, and loving Golden pup will only have eyes for you. Remember, you can find just about any breed of dog you are looking for at a shelter or rescue. They're one of the most popular dog breeds in America, and there's no surprise why. Besides being smart, active dogs, they're also gorgeous and oh so photogenic. It's no wonder goldens are some of the biggest pet influencers filling our feeds! Gus He's a runner, he's a track star! No seriously, Gus crushes the competition in agility courses. He especially loves dock diving and has even earned his Dock Elite title. What a good boy. Hinckley Parks It seriously can't get any cuter than this. Hinckley Parks' baby brother Teddy loves to snuggle in all his soft golden fur, and we can't blame him. It's no wonder golden retrievers are one of the best family pets in America: they're great with kids! But this one with Jaxson and Sawyer actually turned out adorable! The only thing that seems to be missing from the party are some birthday treats.Margo Who doesn't love splashing around in the water on a hot summer day? Swimming is one of the best ways for dogs to get exercise, and golden retrievers are natural at it. Plus, Margo's coat is absolutely glowing in the sunshine—how photogenic! Maggie Maggie's glasses make her look to be one smart cookie—because she probably is! Golden retrievers are one of the smartest dog breeds. She's serving sophistication, and we're here for it. Arrowood Family What's better than a golden? Five goldens! Sage, Waverly, Tori, Jimmie, and baby Presley are the definition of family goals. I mean, how often can you get five pups to look at the camera? Thor As long as the camera's off, the boss won't suspect a thing, right? After watching us all struggle through WFH life for a year, our dogs are sure going to miss us when we return to the office. Or maybe they'll be like Thor the golden retriever and replace us altogether. Louie Talk about lifegoals! Nothing feels better than a car ride with the windows down and the wind blowing through your hair fur. Krembo Uh, hello, tongue! Krembo's letting it all hang out and we can't blame him. If only we could reach through the screen and boop that nose. And also have us craving some snacks. We could all use a little frolic through a flower field some days, but we'll have to live vicariously through Lola for now. Henry Golden retrievers make wonderful service animals , and Henry proves that they can look good while doing so. He deserves all the pets in the world—but only once he's off the clock. Drake Cue the "awwwws" because this is one of the cutest dogs we've ever seen. His smile tells us all we need to know: he's definitely one of the happiest golden retrievers in the world. Was this page helpful? These gorgeous, friendly dogs are beloved by many, and their images can add warmth and appeal to a wide range of projects. Whether you're designing a website, creating marketing materials, or illustrating a book, we've got a collection of Golden Retriever images to suit your needs. Types of Images Available We offer a wide range of Golden Retriever images in various styles and formats. Our collection includes professional photographs of Golden Retrievers in a variety of poses and settings, including outdoor shots, studio portraits, and action shots. We also offer illustrations and vectors that can be easily customized to meet your needs. These versatile images are great for pet-related businesses, such as pet stores, veterinary clinics, and dog trainers. They can also be used in children's books, greeting cards, and social media posts. Additionally, Golden Retriever images can add charm and personality to websites, blogs, and newsletters for any business or organization. Best Practices for Using Golden Retriever Images Some key tips for using Golden Retriever images effectively include choosing high-quality images that match the tone and style of your project. Make sure that any text or other design elements don't compete with the main image, and consider using a color scheme that complements the colors in the photo or illustration. Also, be mindful of licensing requirements when using stock images, and make sure you have the appropriate permissions before using an image in your work. Overall, Golden Retriever images are a great choice for anyone looking to add warmth, personality, and charm to their projects. Browse our collection today to find the perfect image for your next project.
Our dogs have mellow, affectionate, and playful temperaments, love water, and especially children. They are living as trustworthy family members, as emotional support dogs, service dogs, and medical alert dogs around the world! Content Link Block Polarbear is our Name. Or perhaps just looking for the total package in a dog? Health and longevity remains the foundation of all we do. Take for example, the standard German Shepherd dog as seen in this photo: View fullsize …Dogs bred with these traits often end up with crippling disabilities and premature death. This is so inhumane. The focus of our kennel, on the other hand, is to produce dogs with straight backs, broad heads, and short coats, as in the photo of Polarbear's foundation sire, Shack Von Hammer below. Aside from their magnificent appearance, Polarbear White Shepherds are calm, sociable, and affectionate. They are gifted empaths and comedians at heart. Their goofy personalities and love of children make them perfect nannies for even the youngest child. They love water, retrieving frisbees, and diving into the occasional swimming pool. What kind of dogs do all that? And they are living fulfilled lives, as medical detection dogs, service dogs, and family and companion dogs in nearly every state in the United States! World Map of our Clients Before leaving, you might like to click on some of our pages. Our "Words of Warning" for those purchasing a purebred dog for the first time on the internet is a favorite. Just remember this quote…. No amount of training or special food will fix a problem dog. If you want to view videos of our dogs, check out our Youtube Channel page. If you appreciate our breeding philosophy and love what we do, do let us know by becoming a fan! That would make dog portrait sessions a tad undoable. The news is coming soon … I promise. Penelope, so close to cover girl status A head tilt here, a smile there … this stunning girl was almost the cover girl of Paws of the Panhandle. Penelope took votes in the cover photo contest to finish third behind Comet, the rescue dog from Mumbai, India, and Dixie, the adorable yellow Lab puppy of Sandpoint. You first met her in silhouette last week. She showed the post to her husband and Shane, which she always do. Usually, Shane says no, because the couple already had one dog and four kittens. This time was different. He said yes. She spends lots of time in the backyard, too, playing tug and catch with Shane. In any case, they are both striking boys, these two German shepherds of Spokane. Jaguar, a lb. Jaguar had been abused and traumatized by a man who initially purchased him as a puppy. Robin and Jaguar have grown together and Robin works him as a service dog. Getting on in age, Vinny is retired, now spending many of his days doing tracking work. Vinny at Hauser Lake in Idaho She already had Lobo, a beautiful German shepherd, and adding Vinny allowed the older dog to take breaks and rest. Vinny has had three full careers: a fully trained mobility service dog that helped Laura get back her independence and purpose, a search and rescue dog that tracked lost people, and a narcotics detection dog. A leg injury that resulted in surgery forces Vinny to work at a slower pace but he has the heart of a younger pup. She is also the founder of the Northwest Service Dog Alliance. He is happy and content, the biggest win for him! Lobo See his old-man muzzle? He still has the lively eyes of a puppy, though. Hamming it up All around the circle Fun story: I was bitten by a German shepherd when I was selling chocolate bars to a neighbor for a junior high school fundraiser. Never once did that deter me from loving dogs. Never once did it instill in me a fear of German shepherds. They are, in fact, one of my favorite breeds. And my husband longs to have a GSD in the house, even though he has learned to love and appreciate the special traits of the Maremma sheepdog. A GSD would just have to learn how to defer to Bella, queen of the realm. When you get to the bottom of her post, click the next link in the circle and then keep going until you find yourself back here to four beautiful German shepherds of Spokane. Right where you belong. These words set Angela's heart afire. Angela Schneider, an award-winning writer and dog photographer, documents the story of you and your dog and the adventures you take together. Your portraits will be a statement piece in your home, art that will make your friends and family beg to hear its story.
english bulldog puppies for sale online - Country Life June 21, This picture could only be improved if the puppies were using their paws to cover ears, eyes and mouth respectively.But, well, you can't have everything. Credit: Alamy If you're after a labrador — aka 'the world's favourite dog' — you'll need to take some expert advice. It is one of the most versatile breeds, capable of working in search and rescue, as a guide dog, in medical detection, as a sniffer or assistance dog and in the theatre of war. Labrador tips from the experts Go to a specialist breeder, so that you can see the different generations of a breeding line. Make temperament, not sex, your overriding factor when choosing. As soon as your puppy wakes up, take it outside. When introducing the labrador to a lead, walk it with an older dog. A yellow Labrador puppy. Possible labrador problems to look out for Canine hip dysplasia is a genetic disease, causing the abnormal development of the hip socket, resulting in pain and lameness. Listen for a popping sound when the dog walks, and look for reluctance to use stairs, as well as sensitivity when you touch the hindquarters. Labradors can also be prone to retinal dysplasia, an inherited condition that affects labradors used for field work, and results in their developing blind spots. Generally, the dog can work around this by changing head position. Reputable breeders will be able to show certification that the dog has no eye conditions, which you should ask to see when buying a dog. Head and skull: Skull broad with defined stop; clean-cut without fleshy cheeks. Jaws of medium length, powerful not snippy. Nose wide, nostrils well developed. Eyes: Medium size, expressing intelligence; brown or hazel. Ears: Not large or heavy, hanging close to head and set rather far back. Mouth: Jaws and teeth strong with a perfect, regular and complete scissor bite. Coat: Distinctive feature, short dense without wave or feathering, giving fairly hard feel to the touch; weather-resistant undercoat. No need to scroll down: we can confirm that the Golden Retriever is indeed on the list below. Credit: Alamy Which is the more popular spaniel, the springer or the cocker? Shooting Times's David Tomlinson weighs up the pros and Close up of dog. Credit: Getty Images With a silken coat, affectionate nature and boundless enthusiasm for life, the Cavalier King Charles spaniel lives up to its Credit: Getty As the dog world prepares for Crufts , we take a look at the breed of dog which has been A sprocker spaniel Picture: Alamy Whether you own labradors, springers, cockers or a mix of all three, debate over which gundog is best has raged Related. Your breeder should be concerned with breeding healthy dogs, rather than focused primarily on selling them. Visit a potential breeder and observe his interactions with his dogs; they should be friendly and relaxed. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source Look for breeders who are registered with national organizations such as the American Kennel Club [3] X Research source or with breed-specific organizations such as the National Labrador Retriever Club. Ask the breeder why these two particular dogs were bred. If they have had other litters, ask for references from people who bought those puppies. If you want a gun dog, don't choose a breeder who primarily raises cuddly pets or award-winning show dogs. These breeders will be able to assess puppies more accurately for the qualities you're seeking. Look for quantifiable measures. For example, select breeders with litters from parents who have hunt test or field trial scores if you want a puppy who will grow into a good hunting dog. These are organizations that work to find homes for Labradors who need a good home. While these organizations often have many adult and even senior dogs who need homes, they also place puppies. Charities or non-profits may offer Labrador puppies for auction as a means of raising funds. Because these auctions are often conducted without appropriate legal oversight and because they encourage rash decisions about pet ownership, they are opposed by groups such as the National Labrador Retriever Club. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. That sweet ball of fluff who will be your walking buddy, later snuggling up on the couch together. After all, your pup will probably be with you for a dozen years or more. So he has to be a great fit. It should never be a hasty decision. But it should also be FUN! That brings us to the question: how to choose the perfect puppy? Read on! You picture fun romps in the field, playing frisbee, and showing little Max off to all of your friends. But before getting a puppy, there are so many practical things to review in deciding whether to even get a puppy. My first dog as an adult was a shih tzu named Cuddles. My husband and I had discussed getting a dog for a while. We both worked and knew that the pup would take up a lot of time. Not to mention the expenses associated with a dog. But I saw the little gold and white week-old ball of fluff and was smitten. Luckily, I had a family member who could take her out to potty and exercise her during the day. In choosing your new pup, the following considerations are important. Are You Active or a Couch Potato? Can You Afford a Puppy? A puppy is more than the initial purchase. That can be a drop in the bucket compared with the lifetime costs of owning a dog. There are bills for: food and treats; chews; vets; crates ; beds; collars, harnesses, and leashes; training classes; dog walkers; dog daycare; pet insurance; enzymatic cleaners ; grooming—and more. These can really add up. You may decide not to get pet health insurance and not need pet walkers or doggie daycare, but expenses can really add up over the years. Do You Have Children? Children and pets can be a great match. You want to make sure that you choose the right canine. A toy breed may not be the right choice for a toddler. A tiny dog may inadvertently be injured by such a young child. We raised puppies for years before we had kids so we had a good idea of expectations for our puppy. If you have very young kids a rambunctious Lab may not be the right choice. Do You Have Other Pets? You need to take into consideration any other pets you have. If you have a senior dog, for example, a young puppy may not be a great choice. Are you gone too many hours to take care of a puppy? A friend of mine who works hour days decided not to get a puppy. The pup would have been alone too long. A puppy needs attention and potty breaks. Of course we need to work. You may be able to have someone come in and exercise, feed, and potty the pup. And give him attention during the day. As I discussed, you may need help with the new puppy. If you have reliable relatives or friends who can regularly help out, it can make getting a puppy much more realistic. Or you can hire pet sitters or walkers to help out. If you live in small quarters, a large, rambunctious breed may not be best. As young puppies, goldens can be wild, even inside. Of course, with a sufficient amount of mental stimulation and physical exercise, you can make it work. After Dalmations came out, everyone wanted one. Dalmations are high-drive, independent dogs. I was called to work with a family who got a Dalmation puppy that was wrecking their house. The minute walk the pup was getting was just a warm-up for the dog. We set up an exercise and training program for the puppy and the family was able to keep him. Do your research. The American Kennel Club lists purebred dogs and their needs and health profiles. Before choosing a certain breed, consider the following. Large or Small? You should have an idea what size dog you want. Conversely, if you want a frisbee or jogging partner, a chihuahua would be a bad choice. Why Do You Want a Dog? This may seem like a silly question. Most people want a dog for companionship. But you may have additional things in mind. You may want a jogging partner. Or a dog to do therapy work with. Or to show in obedience. Grooming Needs Would you love spending time every day brushing and combing a dog? Exercise Needs As you know, some breeds need a lot of exercise. We also do obedience training and she plays with puzzle toys. Lifespan Of course we want our pups to live forever. But some breeds generally live longer than others. Generally, larger—especially giant breeds—have shorter lives than their smaller counterparts. Friendliness or Independence Of course within any breed and litter you can have a wide array of personalities. But there are certain breed characteristics that can help guide your choice of which breed you want. I have dogs at both ends of the spectrum. My golden retriever Riley loves everyone and would do great in any setting. But my Lhasa apso Ralphie—true to breed—is more discriminating when making friends. So Riley would be great with well-behaved children and would love to be hugged by them. Health Problems Any dog can have unforeseeable health problems. But some breeds are likely to have more health problems than others. For example, bulldogs, pekingese, and pugs are among the breeds that are more likely to have breathing problems and overheat. Breed Types Of course there are many breeds and mixes to choose from. If you get your dog from a breeder, consider what lines your puppy comes from. If from working lines, the dog will likely be more intense than if from show lines. All of the below classes of dogs can make great companions in the right setting. Herding dogs were bred to herd, of course. Popular examples are border collies, Australian shepherds, and Shetland sheepdogs. Generally, they require more exercise than some breeds like toy breeds. And they may become destructive if left to their own devices. Also, some bark excessively and may not be good in an apartment setting. Sporting dogs were bred to hunt. They have a lot of energy and need regular, invigorating exercise. Popular examples are golden retrievers, labrador retrievers, and cocker spaniels. Just like other working-type dogs, hounds have almost limitless energy. So attention to you may be an issue. Also, some bay when excited. Popular examples are beagles, dachshunds, and greyhounds. Dogs from the working group are alert, intelligent, strong, and bred to work with people to perform various tasks. Some were bred to guard property, to pull sleds, or to perform water rescue. Some popular examples are Doberman pinschers, huskies, and rottweilers. They require not only exercise and precise training so that their natural instincts are kept in check. Terriers are feisty and energetic and vary greatly in size. They were bred to hunt and kill vermin, So a squirrel they see on their walk will be very alluring to them—and, without training, they may almost pull you off your feet trying to get to it. Some popular examples are Parson Russell terriers, Staffordshire terriers, or West Highland whirte terriers. Pit bulls which is a generic name for many types of terriers are also in this group. Toy breeds were generally bred as amiable companions. They may make great lap dogs and have big personalities despite their small stature. Shih tzus, Maltese, Yorkshire terriers, and chihuahuas are some very popular examples. Nonsporting group dogs are a catch-all group with various sizes and personalities. Some popular examples are bulldogs, French bulldogs, bichon frise. There are so many options. You may want a certain breed. So a breeder or rescue of that breed should meet your needs. Just make sure that the breeder is a good one. Good breeders do so to improve their breed. Bad ones care only about making money. They do any necessary health certifications. They put a lot of time into their litters socializing them to new experiences and people. Good breeders are invested in their litters and will help you choose the right puppy for you. They stand behind their dogs for life and will readily answer your questions and take the dog back if you need to give him up. You can get referrals to such breeders through breed clubs, dog clubs, and resources such as the American Kennel Club. A reputable, good breeder also will have questions for you regarding your family, work, home, activity level, and reason why you want a dog or their breed. The pups will also have been checked by a veterinarian and been given the appropriate vaccinations for their age. There are also breed rescues that rehome dogs of their chosen breed. However, they rarely have puppies. Shelters and rescue groups can also be great places to get a puppy. Many use foster homes, where a puppy or litter of puppies are located. Foster parents get to know the puppies and can help determine whether any particular puppy is a good fit for you. Many rescue groups try to place a puppy in the best home possible. When I adopted my Aussie mix puppy Mille, the rescue group would adopt her out only to people who had experience with herding breeds. Many shelters are first come-first served. In order to place as many dogs as possible, they will adopt out a puppy to the first person who wants him—barring any obvious reason not to. How to Choose a Puppy from a Litter There are many tests that can be given to determine whether a puppy is a good fit. This assumes you have a litter to choose from. There is a range of temperaments and personalities in each litter, No puppy may perfectly meet every test below. But look at the big picture. So, in addition to your own observations, you can bring a friend along to have another opinion about the litter. Or you could hire a trainer to help you choose. Overall, as a companion, a middle-of-the-road dog usually works out best. Also, a reputable breeder or good rescue group or shelter who knows the puppy can help guide you in making your decision. See the Mother and Littermates If you can, watch the puppy and his littermates and mother interact. The puppy you choose should be able to take a proper correction and back off then re-engage. The breeder should have the mother available. Check Out the Puppy The puppy should look healthy and alert, not lethargic. Inspect his coat and skin. He should be well-fed with a little fat around his rib cage. The pup should run and walk normally, without a limp. A puppy should engage with people and be curious, not slink away or cower. A scared puppy will probably be more difficult to socialize and train. Will he follow you if you walk away? Clap your hands and make a kiss sound. Will he come towards you or run for the hills? Hold Puppy on His Back Hold him on his back for about 30 seconds. Ideally, he should briefly struggle and relax. When I had two sheltie puppies to choose from and one fought constantly when held and the other struggled briefly, then settled, I chose the latter. I had already gotten another dog from this great breeder. I wanted a dog who was a companion but who I also wanted to show in competitive obedience. My choice turned out to be the right one. Duffy was a great dog to live with and became a nationally-ranked obedience dog. He also did agility for fun and was a therapy dog who visited a hospital on a weekly basis. Hold the puppy and touch and gently open his mouth. Look in and gently rub his ears. .Gently touch each paw, even putting slight pressure on them. The puppy should be comfortable with these activities. He may slightly struggle. But a puppy who really fights against such touching, even to the point of mouthing or growling may turn out to be difficult to groom, handle, and pet. Pet the dog calmly from head to toe. He should enjoy it and relax. Pick the Puppies Up If you hold each puppy around the middle, ideally he would be relaxed and not struggle. Also, cradle the puppy up against you. Ideally, he should relax and like the attention. He may startle at first but should rebound and even go and check out what made the noise. Social Dominance Fall to the ground at least a few feet away from the puppy. He should want to come over and see what happened. Even if you like the look of a certain puppy, he may not be the right puppy for you. Consider the above factors as well as the following when choosing a puppy. The dogs live in rabbit-type hutches or dark barns. They receive no proper socialization, vet care, or human contact. There are also small back-yard breeders which, essentially, are puppy mills on a smaller scale. The mothers are bred at each heat and have horrible lives. Dogs sold in pet shops and through the internet usually come from them. Of course, do your own research because no one will admit they are a puppy mill. But two puppies may bond too much with each other. And to train, socialize, and exercise each puppy requires a lot of time, energy, and money. The dogs in shows have been highly trained and specially selected for their jobs. Then pick a great breeder, rescue, or shelter. Final Thoughts Getting a new puppy is such an exciting time! Do you have a puppy? How did you decide to choose him? Please let us know in the comment section below. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining. I had wanted a female red lab, none were available. A trainer near me was getting a second dog from a renowned breeder in Ireland and she asked if he had a puppy for diabetic service dog work. Both her pup and my pup flew over from Ireland together. A pup with a desire to work, a willingness to please, and a calm demeaner. I received a cute ball of fluff, a male yellow lab pup with red ears and red highlights. A good breeder is able to match you with a dog that will meet your needs, give them all the information you can. I never met the breeder, but my pup arrived at 10 weeks old already already on his way to being well socialized, exposed to sounds, not nervous, liked the vacuum, fireworks are not a problem, loves the motorcycle sounds, handled all sorts of traffic noise at 3 months. We started his public training at 3 months old and he handled it like a champ. I had to buy a motorcycle with a sidecar as he always wanted to go out when the bikes were started up, so at 9 months he was in the sidecar with Rex Specs goggles. Did I mention he loves to travel and meet me people, when his tail wags which is all the time his whole body wags. I am new to this forum so should introduce myself. As you can imagine its left an uneasy quietness to the house so we are looking for her successor In our home its my wife, myself and our 8 yr old daughter and 6 yr old son. He says he breeds only for good disposition only as any good breeder should and our quick meeting with parents it looked to be accurate. The dad was in a large outdoor kennel and looked to be very friendly. She did a quick snarl when we first got near which I have to give a pass as i'm sure she's just being protective, right? After the breeder told her its OK she calmed right down. Anyways, there are 4 females that we get first pick of when we go back. Of course training and exercise play a huge role in this so that we'll have covered. Does it still hold true that when you are looking at the liter to see which ones come to you and let you hold them on their back and settle after a short period to determine good nature rather than overly squirmy? Such a big decision i just wanted to make sure we do this right. We were so spoiled with our last pup its hard to compare! Selecting Your Labrador Retriever Puppy Selecting your puppy Try to restrain your emotions when you are selecting our pup. Remember that the breeder has been with the pup from day 1 to selection day at 5 weeks. At Pawlinglabs, we will ask you to forward a list of the characteristics that your are hoping for, prior to selection. When you come to select, we will ask you to observe the litter before entering and handling the pups. Labrador pups are very cute and cuddly, but when it comes time to select the right one for you there is plenty to consider. Carefully observe Labrador Retriever puppies before buying them, ensuring that the pup you select looks healthy and is to breed standard. There are some basic points to note about Labrador Retriever standards. The coat of a Labrador is their most distinctive feature. Labs have two coats, the water resistant undercoat which is unseen, and the top coat which is dense, straight and short. There is might be a slight wave in their coat, however the coat should feel rough to the touch. Labrador puppies come in three different coat colors: yellow light cream to red fox , chocolate liver and black. There must not be any other colours in the coat. Labs have a broad skull and a well defined stop. Their head is quite large but the features on the head, such as the ears, look proportioned. The ears of a Labrador should be set far back from the face. The inside skin of the ears should be a pale pink and soft without any scabs or discoloration. There shouldn't be any odour coming from them. The eyes of a Lab pup are round, either deep brown or hazel with black rims. The eyes should be friendly and express intelligence. The Labrador Retriever has a wide black and well developed nose with distinguished nostrils. The nose should be clean and without discharge. Be aware that a wet nose is not an indication that the Lab is healthy, nor does a dry nose indicate he is unwell. The teeth should be set square to the jaws with the top teeth slightly overlapping the bottom. Labrador puppies have fewer teeth than adults and they will lose their baby teeth as their adult teeth grow in. Labs have a well developed and strong chest. It has good depth and width. Their barreled ribs are well sprung and their back is level. Their loins are wide and strong. The skin of a Lab should be without scabs or bumps. It is normal for Labrador puppies to have extra skin at the back of their neck; this is how their mother picks them up. The skin color of a lab is usually pale pink but it can also be brown or even spotted. The tail of a Labrador is thick at the base and tapers towards the tip. The tail is a moderate length and has no feathering. It is as smooth like the rest of the coat with a rounded appearance. The tails is even with the back or slightly upwards. It should never be carried over the back or hang down. Labrador have long and sloping shoulders that connect to the strong front legs. The hind legs are developed well and have a turned stifle. Both the front and hind legs should be straight. The feet of Labrador pups are compact and perfectly round. Their toes are arched and pads well developed. Feet should be straight, not turned inwards or outwards. The gait of a Labrador should be carefree. Labs take long strides and walk straight. Observe your puppies as he walk. Make sure it is not favoring any leg or paw. This can be a sign of a current or future health issue. Pawling Chocolate and Black Labradors. No doubt, selection of the right pup to meet one's particular expectations is extremely important. Making a correct choice can improve the odds of producing an excellent retriever with the least amount of frustration and perhaps even avoid disappointment. The first and most important point to consider is that one must approach puppy acquisition as a genetic selection process rather than trying to utilize methods to select a promising prospect from a particular litter. Focus not so much on picking a pup, rather pick litters. The way to pick potentially successful liters is to pick a breeder who has proven brood stock and a credible reputation for producing healthy pups genetically predisposed to perform in a manner you desire. Carefully consider your expectations for your future gundog. What are the desirable traits? What will the dog's primary functions include? What breeds interest you and why? Once you decide on a breed and the desired traits are defined based upon your intended uses, then seek a reputable breeder who has experience producing pups which exemplify the traits that best suit your purposes. Genes determine the reaction of the dog to its environment, as well as, confirmation and soundness. Genes are the building blocks of heredity and are passed from parents to offspring in a predictable manner. The topic of genetics can quickly progress into a lengthy discussion unsuitable for this article but one can count on knowing this-like begets like. Total outcrosses, matings of unrelated genetics, may produce the occasionally exceptional offspring, but this is an unpredictable undertaking. The only way to gain predictability of traits is to seek an experienced breeder with proven bloodlines which produce successful progeny. This will usually involve some form of line breeding. The mating of similar genetic relationships line breeding is conducted to intensify qualities within the line and to improve upon the predictable traits within litters. Line breeding is successfully practiced in all forms of livestock. Line breeding itself produces nothing, good or bad, it merely intensifies what is genetically there in the bloodline. Most professional breeders use some form of line breeding as soon as they find a successful combination. In other words, outcrosses, random matings, despite the parents' apparent abilities and or titles, will not assure that the traits of the parents will be passed to the offspring. Only line breeding can offer this possibility. Consider, too, there is often as much difference between litter mates in ability, temperament, and tractability as one might find between separate litters within a breed. The chance factor remains, but the odds improve if the buyer: 1. Buys from established, reputable breeders who know their business. Buys pups from breeders who specialize in producing the type retriever they desire. Buys pups produced by excellent gundog parents who have produced proven progeny from previous matings. Select litters with strong mother lines. Dams should be trained hunting dogs and she should possess the qualities you desire in your dog, not just in the sire. Dams project more influence on the litter than the sire. Good bitches are seldom mated to poor dogs, yet the opposite frequently occurs. A poor bitch is unlikely to produce good pups despite the virtues of the sire. Look closely for desirable traits and strength in the trailing bottom line of the pedigree That is the dam, granddam, great granddam, etc. Excellent mothers are important. Don't pick litters based solely on the number of titles in the pedigree. These are impressive achievements to be sure, but they are not indicators of natural tractability, temperament, and gamefinding ability. Nor do titles indicate whether the traits may be passed successfully to the offspring. Evaluate parents of pups based upon gundog standards important to your needs and their demonstrated ability to produce good pups. Seek out sires, dams and grandparents that project strong genetic traits that can be passed through to their offspring. Research has indicated grandsires and granddams prove to have more genetic influence upon the litter than the sire and dam. Genetics can influence natural gifts, such as: calm temperament. Tweet on Twitter Buying your first dog can be a life changing decision. Choosing the right dog will help to ensure that your life changes in a good way. There are some wise precautions you might like to consider before viewing any litter of Labrador puppies. Or choosing which one to bring home with you. Buying a Puppy from a Friend It is often tempting to buy a puppy in an opportunistic moment of enthusiasm. Perhaps because you happen to hear of a friend who has a litter that will be ready to go to their new homes soon. Or a neighbour who has a gorgeous litter of puppies that you fall in love with when you pop over to admire. But the puppy that lives just around the corner, and the puppy that is going to bring you years of pleasure, may be two very different things. It is a really good idea to put your sensible hat on at times like these, and to approach the whole business of selecting your puppy in business-like way. The first decision to make is to choose what type of Labrador you wish to end up with. Which characteristics are most important to you, and will help him to fit into your family best. Choosing a Working or Show dog? Those bred for work, and those bred for the show ring. The working bred dog is generally very responsive and easy to train. But he may also fall short of what you expect in appearance. If you are hoping to get involved in gundog fieldwork, or agility at some point it is important to purchase a field or working bred labrador. Of course choosing a dog is so much more than just weighing up the pros and cons. There are now a number of hereditary diseases in labradors that can be tested for. Routine testing under these schemes is gradually growing in popularity for a number of conditions. These include hip dysplasia, elbow displasia, and a number of inherited eye diseases. However, there are still many puppies available for sale in the UK whose parents have not been tested, or that have been tested and fall below the necessary standard for breeding. Amazingly, in the UK, the Kennel Club will still register puppies from parents that have poor hip scores. Hopefully this will change in the future. You will need to read up on these to make sure you understand what you are looking for. Finding the right dog breeder Knowing where to look for a breeder is not easy. Labrador breeders come in all shapes and forms. At their best breeders are dedicated experts on their breed, who produce a few litters each year of top quality puppies for their own kennels show or field and sell any surplus to quality pet homes. At their worst, breeders are simply puppy farmers who churn out litter after litter with no thought to the health and welfare of either the puppies or their mother. Telling the difference is not always straightforward. In some cases these may be excellent puppies, in other cases they will not. The key to a good litter is a quality female dog with excellent health clearances, put to a compatible quality dog with equally excellent health clearances, and given quality care throughout pregnancy and beyond. The female dog must have a purpose beyond producing puppies, whether that is as show dog, working dog or highly treasured family pet. On the whole, this is more likely to be achieved by an experienced breeder. The Kennel Club in the UK run an accredited breeders scheme, and members agree to meet certain minimum standards. However, there are many excellent breeders who are not members of this scheme so do not dismiss a breeder on these grounds alone. The scheme is not perfect yet, and its standards are not necessarily enforced, as the KC prefers a voluntary approach. If you are inexperienced it is very important that you get some help in finding a breeder. Choosing one from a newspaper advert or from the internet when you know nothing of the source can be a risky decision. If you want to buy a pup from top working parents, then you may find the pups are all spoken for very quickly, long before they are eight weeks old. It can be disheartening to phone advert after advert only to find all the pups are gone. It pays to plan ahead. If you do some research, locate a really nice female dog, and book one of her pups before they are born, you may find the whole process a lot smoother. You may also be able to enjoy visiting and photographing the puppies whilst they are growing. Check the ancestry of the dog If you are buying a Labrador for gundog work, or agility, make sure the parents of the litter you want to view are from working stock, look for a few FTCH and FTW field trial champion and field trial winner in the pedigree. If you are hoping for success in the show ring, you should be looking for CH and SH CH title SH CH is show champion, CH is a show champion with a working certificate which is not a demanding or difficult test of working abilities. Viewing the puppies Some puppies will be raised in the home with the family. This can be ideal, as the pup will have been accustomed to people and the hustle and bustle of family life from the very beginning. Be aware though that not everyone who has a litter of puppies knows what they are doing. Look at how the pups are handled and how clean their quarters are. The pups should smell nice, and look bright and healthy. The litter may have been whelped and raised in kennels. This is also perfectly acceptable provide the breeder has accounted for this. An experienced breeder will have made sure that the pups have had plenty of human contact regardless of where they are living. Again look at the surroundings. A responsible breeder will run a clean and tidy kennels. Always see a puppy with its mother. If possible see the father too. The parents should be friendly and relaxed. The mother may not look her best seven or eight weeks after giving birth, but she should look healthy. Again, if you doubt your ability to make a judgement on a puppy or his parents, take an experienced person with you. Dog or female dog? Until fairly recently male dogs were more popular than female dogs. Fashions come and go, and at the moment, female dogs seem to be in favour. You will hear various claims as to the differences in temperament between them, but most of these contradict each other and it really is a matter of personal taste. The main disadvantage of a female dog is that she will come into season twice a year each year from the age of months until the end of her life. This can be inconvenient. Having your female dog spayed will prevent her coming into season, but the procedure is a major and expensive operation, and recent research has shown a few problems associated with spaying that you will want to consider before making your choice. Because female dogs are currently fashionable, you will probably pay more for a female dog, but as the price of a puppy is such a tiny fraction of what you will spend on her over her lifetime this is probably the least relevant factor. The appearance of a male dog may be more pleasing to some. Males tend to develop a squarer, more chunky head which some owners prefer. The average male will also grow a little taller and weigh a little more than a female. These differences are however fairly minor ones. If you are not sure whether you want a dog or female dog, keep an open mind. At least you will have a wider choice of puppies. Which puppy? If you have booked a puppy in advance from a reputable breeder, there may be little or no choice as to which puppy you have. It is not unusual to find that all puppies due in popular kennels have been booked before birth. If you are keen to buy a dog with plenty of red ink on the pedigree, you may need to do some research and book the pup as soon as the female dog has been mated. If you do get the chance to choose your puppy out of several in a litter, how should you go about it? Puppy Health Having made sure that the parents of the puppy you are viewing have good health clearances is a good start. You still need to make sure your puppy is healthy. A thorough check up by your own vet soon after you get him home will help put your mind at rest. But how can you be sure the puppy you are viewing is not sickly even before you bring him home? Some puppies may be more lethargic than others when you visit, but this may be a reflection of how hard they have been playing before you arrived, rather than how healthy they are. A good breeder will not try and sell an unhealthy puppy and if relevant, will point out any minor defects to you. Puppies are sometimes born with slightly misaligned jaws for example, which may not matter to someone who has no intention of breeding from the puppy or working him, but such a defect should not be concealed from the buyer. Umbilical hernias are not uncommon and can be troublesome. When you go to view a litter of pups it is really important to take someone with experience with you. This is especially important if the breeder is unknown to you and does not come recommended by anyone. Arrange to visit your vet within a day or two of bringing the pup home, and try not to form an attachment until he has been given a clean bill of health. If you have any doubts about the health of the puppy or the litter in general, ask for time to think. This dog will be with you for the next 12 years or more. You will become deeply attached to him or her and serious health problems can be cripplingly expensive to fix. Not to mention very distressing for you both. This needs to be the right decision for you and your family. Whilst health problems in puppies can be devastating the majority of puppies are robust and healthy and providing you take the precautions outlined above, you are unlikely to have any problems. More information on puppies Check out our Labrador Puppies section for more help and advice on choosing your new friend. Published in April , the Happy Puppy Handbook covers every aspect of life with a small puppy. It will help you prepare your home for the new arrival, and get your puppy off to a great start with potty training, socialization and early obedience. This article was first published on 21st November , and was updated to include new information in March .Readers Also Liked. Normally Lab puppies travel well, find more on this here. For many people it can be stressful not knowing how to pick or why you should pick any specific puppy. We will try to clear things up here so that you have a few criteria to select with. For the most part, the genetics of the purebred Lab puppies in the litter are set once the parents mate. When we choose to keep parents to breed we are choosing the best specimens and mating them with the hope that we are going to be creating even better puppies through the combination of their genes. Improving on weak areas with each litter is what professional breeding is all about. Now that you understand the genetic potential is set, you will work within your litter to try to narrow down the puppy who goes home with you. Keep in mind, that all of the puppies in the litter are of high quality. So, standing over the puppy box containing the puppies have a look without saying anything or doing anything. The puppies will either have different colored collars or different colored ribbons on them to identify them. Each different color corresponds to a unique microchip number implanted in that puppy. What are you looking for? Well, observe which puppies are the most active and the least active. Observe which puppy is bossy and more of a leader, and, which is more of a follower. Are there any outgoing puppies? Are there any shy ones? Please understand that puppies and all dogs for that matter will feed off of the energy of the animals and the humans around them. So, if you bring your children and they are full of energy, talking loudly, excited, etc… then the puppies will pick up on that and imitate their behavior to an extent. We love to see the kids! The vet bills, training, the poop cleaning, nail clipping, taking out to go pee at 6 am, trips to the vet, and so on are yours. All yours! So unless you feel your children have better skills to choose the puppy than you, try to leave them out of it. You want to use the criteria here to select the lab puppy that fits your family the closest. Ok, there are a couple of things I need to say first. On your pick up day and depending on how many puppies are in the litter, your puppies may be sleeping. The good news to this issue is that there will not be a bad puppy in the litter. As professional Labrador Retriever Breeders our primary goal is to create better Labrador Retriever puppies with each litter we produce. Depending on what the issue was with the puppy we would care for them or home them with a person who fully understood any issue present and was willing to care for them. Getting back to selecting your puppy. As you watch over the litter try to narrow it down to two puppies you are interested in and watch them. Look for any excitement, playfulness, shyness, active or lying around, or differences in color, size, or other physical attributes such as tail size, ear size, forehead and snout size, etc…. This means that these dogs are super smart, even tempered, loving and willing to please all because of the Labrador Retriever breed and the selections we make in our breeding program. Training is key to having a well behaved Purebred Lab Retriever puppy. On the day you pick up your puppy it will be normal for the puppies to be on the shy side. Though they have been socialized by 5 or 6 of us they get use to us. So the new sights, smells, sounds etc… that you bring will all be a brand new thing for them. At 8 weeks old they are unsure if these new stimuli are safe and they may be cautious coming to you. Again, all normal. On the other hand, a puppy who comes right up to you with no apprehension may be the one you want. Especially if you are a hunter and you need your dog to work to retrieve game. You should also know that if a puppy runs from its pack to see you it is not choosing you! It could be the more dominant or most curious puppy and it would approach anyone coming to see the litter not just you. Can we pick your lab puppy? Sure we can! The latest research we have read on the topic indicates that how a puppy behaves at 8 weeks old when with its litter has no bearing on the puppy it becomes after you train it properly. This means that for most people the training and socialization you provide is much more important than which puppy you choose. We always suggest picking the most easily trainable puppy and we will be happy to do this for you. For the best explanation on setting yourself up properly to lead your puppy to becoming a well behaved dog, please sign up for the www. A generous discount is available for our clients to help you understand how to use positive reinforcement to train your puppy. So we are happy to offer advice and can absolutely choose your puppy in the event you cannot make it, but doing so on your own would be the best scenario. Another method we frown on is the breeder evaluating a puppy with a tool to grade their personality and then comparing that to a marking tool that you complete to grade yourself. Remember when I said puppies respond differently to different people? Well they have basic emotions similar to that of a two year old. If you are not in the room, and I am evaluating the puppy remember my experience with puppies and your lack of , then how can a score sheet be used to match the two of you together effectively? You need to see the puppy behave with you. So you have it narrowed down to two puppies, compare similar personality traits and physical features as I mentioned earlier. Toss in the fact that they have medium energy and poof! Please understand what you see the puppies doing on pick up day are not how they are going to act for the rest of their lives. Puppies are not born with any knowledge of these things and rather need to be trained to understand your boundaries. For this reason we have focused on breeding smarter puppies generation after generation. At least you have some guidelines to use when you arrive. For example, the largest puppy is not necessarily going to be the biggest one when full grown. At 8 weeks old the biggest puppy has been the one who is the pushiest at the food bowl and eats the most at feedings. This is why 8 weeks is the best time for your Lab puppy to go to bond with their human family. As some puppies get larger in size they can push the other smaller puppies around so size then becomes another factor in the development of your puppy. Take your puppy home at 8 weeks old and you have provided them time with their litter to learn puppy to puppy manners weeks 4 to 8 and you have eliminated the possibility of them being bullied by the larger pups after week 8. The larger pups also will not learn to become overly dominant because there are not smaller ones around them to boss around. What about people who want the runt? The first group feel that because the runt is smaller they will listen better when truly listening is a skill learned through training. And the second group feel that a smaller puppy is sick and weak and will not thrive. Again this is not the case as smaller puppies simply do not have as strong of a food drive than their siblings. The larger issue surrounding the runt is this. Professional Lab Retriever Breeders breed for consistency. It is this consistency in our breeding program that ensures the first picked puppy is of the same high quality as the last picked. So before you arrive to choose your Purebred Lab Puppy, have a couple behavioral qualities in mind and a couple physical qualities. Observe quietly and try not to bring too many people with you so that the puppies only pick up your energy and not the energy of the group. This is the best way to truly observe how the puppy will react to you alone. Narrow it down to a couple and compare them together measuring them against your list of traits. If you make a choice to not train you have to be ready to deal with whatever your Lab decided to become. And one final note. Some people have heard to wipe a blanket where the puppy sleeps or on the mother because the scent will calm the puppy in your home. Think of it this way, if your puppy smells the mother or one of its littermates what does it do next? So a blanket with this scent on it will cue your puppy to look for someone who is likely not coming back. Imagine the frustration of a puppy newly separated from its litter being able to smell them but not find them. We suggest you do not do this to your puppy. Our suggestion to help settle the puppy only if you need to is to put a t shirt into the crate with the scent of the person who they bonded the most to. This is their new pack. Get them accustom to their new pack and the quicker they forget their old pack the easier it will be for them. Love them, set clear guidelines, and enjoy them for years to come. Chocolate Lab with pumpkin.
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english bulldog puppies for sale online - As a result, the pups were bred to be large and powerful. The American Bully is a much younger designer breed. It originated in the United States in the s and was intended to be a more family-friendly version of the American Pitbull Terrier. The end result of that rich genetic soup was the modern American Bully. They both have boxy heads and muscular bodies, although the Bully takes these to the extreme. It basically looks like a larger Pitbull on steroids, right down to the taut skin and pointed ears. The American Bulldog, on the other hand, shares a lot of traits with the English Bulldog, including lots of loose, wrinkly skin. Both breeds come in a wide array of colors and markings, and both have short, smooth coats. The American Bulldog is an active and fun-loving breed, but it does have a tough, stubborn side. Despite their fearsome appearance, aggression has been specifically targeted to be bred out of the American Bully, and these are loving and gentle family pets. The Bully also tends to perform well in athletic competitions like weight pulls and agility contests. So far, it seems to vary wildly by the individual, with some animals living long, issue-free lives while health problems beleaguer others. American Bulldogs have been known to have joint and spinal issues like hip dysplasia , and certain bloodlines are prone to kidney and thyroid issues as well. They tend to do well in the summer but should be kept indoors in the winter. American Bulldogs need a bit more grooming, as the skin folds on their face need to be wiped down every week or so to keep bacteria from forming, as this can lead to infection. They may also need specialized weight-control food , especially later in life, and that can drive costs up even further. We reviewed the best dog food for American Bullies — See our top picks here! Beyond resembling one another, they both have goofy, people-pleasing personalities. Dog domestic dog The American Bulldog is a large, muscular breed of mastiff-type that was used as stock dogs, catch dogs, and guardians on farms and ranches. John D. Johnson and Alan Scott are widely regarded as the forefathers of rescuing the breed from extinction. Small farmer and ranch owners used this all-around working dog for many tasks including farm guardians, stock dogs, and catch dogs. These dogs were not a bona fide breed by modern standards as was the case for most other dogs; kennel clubs and breed registries did not exist until , [6] at least two centuries after the Old English Bulldog first migrated to America. In the 17th and 18th centuries, the Old English Bulldog had many different strains for cattle-droving, bull-baiting , farm dogs, and butcher's dogs. In America, no records remain, but rather landrace strains are acknowledged that initially depended on where a dog's master originated in England, the majority of which were bred to work as evidenced by accounts of the age in local newspapers and written inventories upon death. Later, breeding decisions were dependent on the best working farm dogs, despite breed or background. Later, in states such as Texas, several separate strains of the " bulldog "-type dogs were kept by ranchers as utilitarian working dogs. Other dogs in time became guard dogs on plantations. The bulldogs were the settlers' only means of sufficiently dealing with the vermin. Johnson scoured the backroads of the South looking for the best specimens to revive the breed. During this time, a young Alan Scott grew an interest in Johnson's dogs and began to work with him on the revitalization process. At another point, Johnson began crossing his original lines with an atavistic English Bulldog from the North that had maintained its genetic athletic vigor, creating the Bully type American Bulldog, also known as the Johnson type or the Classic type. All over the world, they are used variously as "hog dogs" catching escaped hogs or hunting feral pigs , as cattle drovers, and as working or sport K-9s. American Bulldogs also successfully compete in several dog sports such as dog obedience , Schutzhund , French Ring, Mondioring, Iron Dog competition, and weight pulling. The shoulders and chest tend to be the most muscular parts of the American Bulldog. Its coat is short and generally smooth, requiring little maintenance except a bath every few weeks. The breed is a light to moderate shedder. Colors, while historically predominantly white with patches of red, black, or brindle, have grown in recent years to include many color patterns, including black, red, brown, fawn, and all shades of brindle. Black pigmentation on the nose and eye rims is traditionally preferred, with only some pink allowed. Eye color is usually brown, but heterochromia also occurs, although this is also considered a cosmetic fault. American Bulldogs are known to drool more than other breeds of dogs. The Bully type is generally a larger, heavier dog with a shorter muzzle, but the muzzle should never be so short that it causes difficulty with breathing. Standard types are generally more athletic with longer muzzles and a more square head. Many modern American Bulldogs are a combination of the two types, usually termed "hybrid". In general, American Bulldogs weigh between 27 and 54 kg 60 to lb and are 52 to 70 cm 20 to 28 in at the withers , but have been known to greatly exceed these dimensions, especially in the "out of standard" nonworking stock. Temperament and characteristics[ edit ] This section contains instructions, advice, or how-to content. The purpose of Wikipedia is to present facts, not to train. Please help improve this article either by rewriting the how-to content or by moving it to Wikiversity , Wikibooks or Wikivoyage. August An American Bulldog at guard dog training American Bulldogs are typically confident, social, ebullient, and lively dogs that are at ease with their families. They are not as friendly, however, with people they do not know; their ancestors were farm dogs that guarded the home, the livestock, and the children when their master was away. That said, they do not have the affinity for water a retriever would: they swim if they have to do it, not because they particularly enjoy it. However, they also prize the breed having a soft, affectionate inner nature. Some health problems in American bulldogs are often found within certain genetic lines, and are not common to the entire breed, while others, such as neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis NCL , [25] Ichthyosis , disorders of the kidney and thyroid, ACL tears, hip dysplasia , cherry eye , elbow dysplasia , entropion , ectropion , and bone cancer are more common to the general population of American Bulldogs. Some American Bulldogs are prone to allergies. Due to the ideal of beauty regarding the shape of the face the skull malformation brachycephaly was increased by breeding selection. American Bulldogs in popular culture[ edit ] This section needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources in this section. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. February .While these two breeds may share some similarities, they also have distinct differences in temperament, physical appearance , and overall care requirements. When it comes to choosing a furry companion, many people tend to get confused between two popular dog breeds — American Bully and American Bulldog. While both breeds share some similarities, there are significant differences that set them apart. Appearance American Bulldogs are generally larger than their Bully counterparts. They have a muscular build, broad head, and a short coat that comes in different colors, including brindle, white, and fawn. On the other hand, American Bullies are bulkier with a stockier frame, shorter legs, and a wider chest compared to the Bulldog. They have a short and glossy coat and also come in different colors. Temperament Both breeds have a friendly and affectionate nature and are great with children. However, American Bulldogs tend to be more protective of their owners and can sometimes be aggressive towards strangers if they sense a threat. In contrast, American Bullies are more relaxed and are less likely to become territorial. Exercise and Training American Bulldogs require more exercise than Bullies as they have higher energy levels. They thrive on rigorous exercises such as running, hiking, and swimming. Training wise, both breeds are intelligent and eager to please their owners. But, due to their protective nature, American Bulldogs need consistent socialization and obedience training from the early stages of their development. Health Concerns Both American Bulldog and American Bully are known to suffer from hip dysplasia, a genetic condition that affects their mobility. They are also prone to skin allergies, heart-related ailments, and eye problems. Regular vet check-ups, a balanced diet, and an active lifestyle can help reduce the risk of these health concerns. In conclusion, American Bulldog and American Bully are both amazing breeds that make great pets. While they share some similarities, their differences also make them unique. Consider your lifestyle, personality, and living space before choosing between these two breeds, and remember, whichever breed you choose, they will bring you unconditional love and joy. The Entertaining World of Bully American Bulldog for Sale The internet has made it easier for dog enthusiasts to get all types of dogs, including American bulldogs and bullies of all shapes, sizes, and colors. However, getting a bully American bulldog is more than just browsing through hundreds of photos online. It requires knowledge of these muscular dogs, understanding what motivates them, and how to care for them. Bully American bulldogs are a muscular breed of dog that is a hybrid of the American pit bull and American bulldog. They are powerful, agile, and intelligent animals that are known for their loyalty, protection, and affection. They come in various shapes, sizes, and colors, with some having blocky or bully head shapes, while others have the classic bulldog appearance. How to Choose the Right Dog Breeder Choosing the right breeder is essential when it comes to finding a bully American bulldog for sale. You want to ensure that the breeder produces healthy, well-socialized puppies that meet your needs. The price range for these dogs can go from a few hundred dollars to tens of thousands of dollars. You should provide them with proper nutrition, training, socialization, routine veterinary care and give them enough physical and mental stimulation. These dogs can live for up to 16 years with proper care and are loyal, loving, and protective pets. In conclusion, owning a bully American bulldog can be an incredibly rewarding experience. They are a breed of dogs that are known for their muscular build, intelligence, loyalty, and affection towards their families. Are American Bullies Pitbulls or Bulldogs? American Pitbull Terriers are a smaller and more agile dog than the American Bulldog, with a lean and muscular build. They have a distinctive squared-off head and a short, smooth coat that comes in a variety of colors. They have a wider head than Pitbulls and a thicker neck, with a short, smooth coat that also comes in various colors. They come in several varieties, including Standard, Classic, Pocket, and XL, and have a stocky and muscular build with a broad chest and wide girth. Both breeds are quite similar, which can make it difficult to distinguish between the two. However, there are some key differences that set them apart. History and Origins The American Pit Bull Terrier has a long history dating back to the 19th century, where they were originally bred for bull-baiting and dogfighting. Over time, they became popular as loyal family pets and were used for various jobs such as hunting and police work. Meanwhile, the American Bully is a much newer breed, which was created in the late 20th century by selectively breeding American Pit Bull Terriers with other breeds like Staffordshire Bull Terriers and American Staffordshire Terriers. They have a stocky build with well-defined muscles and a sleek coat. On the other hand, American Bullies are more compact, with a wider chest and thicker bone structure. One of the most noticeable differences between the two breeds is the size. Temperament Both breeds are known for their loyalty, affection, and love for their family. However, American Pit Bull Terriers can be more energetic and have a higher prey drive. American Bullies are often described as more laid-back and more affectionate towards children. Overall, both breeds are great companion dogs with unique characteristics and personalities. Which breed would be better for you depends on your lifestyle and preferences. In conclusion, both the American Bully and the American Pit Bull Terrier are amazing breeds that have different characteristics and origins. Each breed has its strengths and weaknesses, which makes them both unique. However, despite their similar names, there are significant differences between American Bulldogs and American Bullies. What is an American Bulldog? American Bulldogs are descendants of the English Bulldog, originally bred for bull-baiting. However, when this practice was banned, they were eventually used for hunting wild game and as farm dogs. They are strong, muscular dogs with great athleticism that were primarily bred for working purposes. What is an American Bully? They were bred to be companion and family dogs with a slightly intimidating appearance. They come in four categories: pocket, standard, classic, and XL. What are the Differences? The most noticeable difference between the two breeds is their physical appearance. American Bulldogs are larger, with a more muscular and athletic build. They have a thicker neck and a wider chest. American Bullies, on the other hand, have a stockier build with a shorter muzzle and smaller ears. When it comes to temperament, American Bulldogs are known for their loyalty and protectiveness, making them great family pets. They are also intelligent and trainable, which makes them suitable as working dogs. American Bullies, while also loyal and protective, are more laid back and tend to be less energetic than American Bulldogs. Final Verdict So there you have it — while the two may share similar names, American Bulldogs and American Bullies are distinct breeds with their own unique characteristics. When it comes to dogs, most people can tell the difference between a Chihuahua and a Great Dane. However, when it comes to the American Bully and American Bulldog breeds, some might struggle to differentiate the two. Here we break down the key differences between the two breeds. The American Bulldog is usually larger and heavier, weighing between pounds, while American Bullies typically weigh between pounds. Looks Can Be Deceiving At first glance, the American Bulldog and American Bully may seem like similar breeds, but upon closer inspection, there are some notable differences in their physical features. American Bulldogs often have a more muscular, bulky build with a square head and a shorter snout, while American Bullies have a more compact, muscular build with a larger head and a shorter, wider muzzle. Temperament When it comes to temperament, both breeds are known for being loyal and affectionate with their families. However, American Bullies are often described as more social and outgoing with strangers, while American Bulldogs can be more reserved and protective of their families. Trainability Both breeds are intelligent and trainable, but American Bulldogs may require more structured training due to their protective nature. American Bullies, on the other hand, tend to be more eager to please and respond well to positive reinforcement training. Health Concerns Like all breeds, both the American Bully and American Bulldog are susceptible to certain health issues. American Bulldogs may be prone to hip dysplasia, while American Bullies may be at risk for skin infections due to their short, dense coats. In conclusion, while the American Bully and American Bulldog may share some similarities, there are notable differences in their size, appearance, temperament, trainability, and health concerns.