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By Chris We dog parents know this all-too-well. German Shepherds are stoic, confident dogs, so what gives? Why do German Shepherds whine? Many dog parents always wonder what their dogs are whining about , especially working breeds like the German Shepherd. Dogs whine for a variety of reasons, but most often it is to communicate a need or desire. In this blog post, we will go over 7 reasons why your intimidating-looking German Shepherd might sound like a big baby every once in a while. Your German Shepherd Wants Something The vast majority of the time that your dog whines is because it wants something from you, whether it is to go out, to play, or for attention. The first thing to do is to identify what your dog is trying to tell you. So what does your German Shepherd want, and how do you tell? If your German Shepherd is whining to go outside, he might stare at the door and whine, or run between you and the door. Look out for the whining after your dog wakes up from a nap or a few minutes after he finishes his meal. German Shepherd nudges his owner to show affection. Your dog is bored German Shepherds are active dogs that require a lot of activity to burn off all of their energy. These intelligent dogs, in particular, require cognitive stimulation. Make sure your dog is getting enough physical and mental stimulation. A good run every day or a two-hour walk might keep a German Shepherd happy. Make sure that there are plenty of chew toys and puzzles to keep your GSD occupied when indoors, and if not, go for more walks! A hyperactive GSD is not a good idea. German Shepherd hyper actively plays with a ball. They are hugely bonded to their human owners and might be a little attention-seeking sook every once in a while. Your pooch is delighted to see you! Dogs whine from extreme excitement too. When you first arrive home, your German Shepherd will most likely whine because it is overjoyed to see you. Simply interpret this whine as a cheerful welcome, but if your GSD is prone to excessive whining and separation anxiety, you might need to wait for him to calm down before giving him the same greeting back. Your GSD is scared or anxious Although GSDs are known to be fearless, courageous dogs, they can be scared too, just like any other dog. Storms, stressful events, loud noises , and the unfamiliar can make a GSD anxious and scared. If your German Shepherd whines in almost the same presumably stressful conditions, it is probably scared and requires your solace. Because you are the pack leader, when your dog is terrified, it looks to you for safety and comfort. If your German Shepherd is whining because of a storm or another uncontrollable situation, simply soothe your dog as best you can in a calm, reassuring way. Relaxed German Shepherd lying on the floor. Your dog is sick or in pain Dogs who are in pain or sick will whine to express how they feel. Whining that is associated with other symptoms of illness, such as drowsiness, loss of appetite, and loss of interest should be checked out. If you believe your dog is whining because it is in pain or sick, make an appointment with your vet right away. Meanwhile, comfort and be affectionate with your dog to make it feel more at ease. German Shepherd lying on the ground. Other telltale signs of a doggy apology include the tail between the legs, ears flat, and droopy body. A whine usually means it is a BIG apology! German Shepherd approaching his owner. How Can You Reduce Whining? For most dogs, it is simply a way of communicating what they feel or need, in the absence of the spoken language. While some whining is normal, especially if they have a legitimate reason like wanting to be let out to go potty, excessive whining can be downright annoying. If your GSD is whining excessively, here are some ways to deal with it. Ignore it Is he trying to get your attention out of jealousy? Simply ignore him. If you give in to such behavior, he will continue to act in this manner, which will eventually become irritating. German Shepherd being curious beside his owner. This is especially true if the pain is chronic or persistent. So the next time your dog starts whining , take a moment to consider whether he might be trying to tell you something. A German Shepherd at the Vet. Training Training will not only help your dog burn off excess energy, but it will also teach your dog to behave the way you want it to. It is best to begin as early as possible, starting with very short durations for puppies and gradually increasing the length of each training session. German Shepherds are one of the most trainable dogs in the world, hence their popularity as working dogs. Use that working drive! Owner trains her train German Shepherd. It will keep them occupied and provide them with something to chew on. Your shoes and furniture will be forever grateful. German Shepherd plays with his toy at the park. But your dog has only you. Spending quality time with your dog will not only provide them with the attention they require but will also help to reduce their anxiety and calm them down. Set aside some time in your busy day for your beloved pooch. It means a lot to them. German Shepherd sits with his owner in the field. Final Thoughts There are a number of reasons why dogs whine. Most commonly, dogs will whine when they want something — usually attention, food, or to be let outside. If a dog is bored, anxious, or frustrated, it may also start to whine, which in most cases, is perfectly normal behavior for dogs. However, if a dog starts whining excessively, it could be a sign of a bigger problem, such as separation anxiety or another form of stress. No matter the reason, dogs typically only whine when they feel they are not being heard. It just might save you both a lot of frustration. My wife and I love playing with our active miniature Labradoodle Max. We want all Oodle puppies to be healthy and happy, have lots of fun and be part of the family. Load More. Many dog owners endure the whiny vocalizations that erupt from their pup for seemingly unknown reasons. Dogs whine for many reasons The reality is, dogs whine for many reasons. Your dog may have trained you to give him a treat or a tickle when he whines. He may even whine when playing with other dogs or as a sign of appeasement. Dogs may whine when they are ill, in pain or are developing cognitive problems so any sudden symptoms or behavior changes should be brought to the attention of a vet. Dogs that suffer from separation anxiety will often whine when they know you are planning to leave them alone and will typically continue to whine, bark, and possibly get destructive when left alone. Is your dog afraid, excited, aggressive, or maybe begging for a treat? It will be helpful to get familiar with canine body language cues. If your dog is whining for a treat, obviously, you will not reward him for his whining. Rather engage him in some other form of training and treat after he does a good job. If you need to, crate your dog or separate him from the rest of the family during mealtimes until you can put a stop to his behavior. You can help your dog stop his whiny ways by engaging him in other activities, training, games, food puzzles, and anything else that will stimulate his mind and distract him from the trigger. For anxious or nervous dogs, you can practice exercises that will help teach him to be calm such as the down, place and stay command. Once the dog is in his place, redirect his nervous energy with a chew toy or a Kong filled with treats. Dogs that whine out of fear can be helped by helping to build their confidence through reward-based training. Dogs that suffer from low confidence do best when challenged with simple tricks that offer immediate rewards, such as touch, shake, find it, etc. For dogs that suffer from separation anxiety, whining will be harder to stop since you will have to help your dog overcome his separation anxiety. Please read our article on separation anxiety and contact your vet or a trainer familiar in helping dogs overcome this condition if symptoms are severe. Never reward your dog for whining The bottom line is, training takes time and teaching your dog to stop whining is no different. If you need to, buy some earplugs but until then, in most cases, by simply ignoring your dog, refraining from petting, feeding, treating, or even talking to him will eventually send the message that whining will get him nowhere. Final Thoughts A German Shepherd is one of the most sociable and vocal dog breeds. While everyone knows that these dogs are intelligent, brave, strong, and protective, whining is the last trait that can come to your mind. However, if you ask any GS owner, they will tell you that their pets tend to whine a lot, especially when they are young. This high-pitched sound may be quite troublesome and frustrating. The causes of such behavior can differ. This article will describe them and tell you what to do to solve the issue. First of all, you need to understand that whining and barking are the main forms of communication for most canines. Since these dogs are very communicative, they use such sounds to make it easier to understand what they mean. However, before making these tight bonds, you may feel worried, upset, or even irritated. Being ill or Injured This reason is rather frustrating. Whining can start all of a sudden. You need to be especially concerned if it has started recently after something happened. For instance, your dog might have eaten something bad or was hurt in some way. Boredom and Need for Attention Things may not be as bad as that. Your German Shepherd can start to whine when it is bored. Look whether your pup has something to engage with. These dogs are very active, and they need at least one hour of exercise per day. If they do not get it, and they do not have any toys to play with or things to do, they whine and disturb you until you pay some attention to them. They may even follow you with a ball in their mouth if they want to go outside and play. Separation Anxiety Separation anxiety is quite a common characteristic of German Shepherd dogs. They hate being alone. We can explain it by their origins from pack animals whose nature was to protect each other. When you are about to leave, your puppy starts to whine as if it tried to persuade you not to abandon it. It whines because it does not understand how it can protect a part of its pack when they are not close around. The separation anxiety can also result from the inability to guard. For example, your dog hears some threatening sounds or moves far away. It wants to check how dangerous they are but cannot do it from the inside and starts whining. It can even get alert and remain still for a while and then begin to pace and whine. Yes, dogs, like humans, can also get stressed. If your dog has recently started to whine at night, something is likely to have happened to it. For example, you have moved to a new place, or one of your family members has left or died. Dogs can also experience stress when someone treats them badly. When your puppy is frightened, it becomes fearful and whines. When someone who is not good at it is around, when it sees lightning or hears thunder, sirens, or other loud sounds, it can also be afraid. That is why fireworks do a lot of harm to dogs, and your German Shepherd is not an exception. Excitement and Empathy Your young GS can get extremely excited when you or someone from the family comes home. Or you are going to walk it or play with it. When it is curious about something new or unusual, it begins to whine, too. This is normal, and if this whining does not get on your nerves , let it show its emotions in this way. Empathy is one of the sweetest things in your dog. If it feels that you are frustrated, in pain, or in trouble, it will commonly whine to support and comfort you. Let your GS know that everything is OK with you, and it will stop whining. Feeling sorry is another cause of whining. Your pup is very smart and, when it has done something wrong and feels that you are angry or upset about it, it starts to tuck its ears back, tuck its tail, avoid eye contact, and whine. You do not need to correct it. The only thing is that you should not feel angry with your puppy for a long time. Show it that you have forgiven that and give it a scratch or play with it as usual not to prolong its bad emotion of feeling sorry. A Need to Obtain Something Your German Shepherd may want something from you — playing with it, feeding it, giving it some treats, going for a walk , etc. Or it may just want to attract your attention. You should not give in because your puppy is very smart, and it will understand soon that the only way to get the desired object is by whining. Instead, you have to show your pet that whining does not work and you will give it a treat only if it stops doing it. There are different methods to make your GSD whine less. You may apply them according to the situation but they usually work very well. The most helpful tip is to give your puppy more training. German Shepherds are very active dogs. If they do not get just one hour of exercising per day, that may lead to some behavioral issues. Make sure that this exercise involves walking, running , swimming, playing fetch, and other activities that require a lot of strength and stamina. If you cannot do it yourself because you are too busy, get a dog walker to perform it for you. Positive reinforcement training can be quite efficient as well. Teach your dog to behave properly and obey all the commands needed for your perfect cooperation. Start with the basics, such as teaching it how to sit and stay. Choose a quiet environment without any distractors. Then, continue with more complicated things in the place with more distractions, such as a beach or a park. If you do not know how to train your dog properly, you may need help from an expert trainer. Remember that if your German Shepherd is not trained properly as a puppy, that will result in bad behavioral issues like whining, barking, anxiety, unmotivated aggression, and others, in adulthood. You should show your puppy that whining for a treat or walk is not the best way to obtain the desired thing. Instead, you may stop giving your dog a treat or attention when it whines. Though, you can give it something if the whining stops. Then, if the puppy starts whining again, show it that no treat is available until it stops. That will teach your dog that whining is a bad method to obtain desired things. Be Attentive to Your Dog If you feel that your GS whines because it does not get much attention from you, use several options to increase the amount of care. Play some interesting games with it. Tug of war usually works very well. This game is useful for providing both enough attention and exercise to your German Shepherd. Doggy daycare may be a great option. Acquire special toys to play with. Or get it focused on some interesting things instead of chewing your footwear or furniture. It is especially important during the teething phase when a puppy wants to chew everything it sees and constantly whines because of feeling discomfort. You can also offer your doggy some puzzle games. Your puppy will play with such puzzle toys to get the treat enclosed inside them. German Shepherds are very smart, so get them the toys that are not boring because they may lose interest in some simple things very soon and… start whining. Give your dog appropriate chews too. If it whines at night, there may be some serious health issues. Your veterinarian will have it tested and tell you what to do or prescribe some medical treatment. If there is some other issue, they also advise you on changes in diet , training, exercising, or overall care. Final Thoughts So, why do German Shepherds whine? There is no distinct answer. When you bring your puppy home for the first time, its whining may even sound cute. However, you will feel that you should do something about it because it drives you mad. Petting and cuddling may help a lot. Though, your dog also needs proper training and a lot of exercise. Train it to be engaged and not to feel lonely. Special practices for avoiding whining are not necessary. David W. I admire German Shepherds. They are magnificent dogs! I have been dealing with dogs, namely German Shepherds, throughout my life. I have been working part-time as a dog trainer and instructor for about 5 years, dealing mainly with German Shepherds. So I know a bit about these animals. Therefore, I decided to share my knowledge and experience about this fantastic breed. If you need help with advice and care tips or want to know more about German Shepherd dogs, welcome to this blog. Aug 3, Share As a dog parent, you know that German Shepherds tend to whine at the most inopportune times. It could be several things, including the dog being sick or in pain. However, before calling the veterinarian, you can examine our list of seven reasons German Shepherds whine and how to stop it. Your Shepherd Needs to Go to the Bathroom The reason your German Shepherd is whining could be as simple as the dog needing to go outside to potty. The dog might whine, then run to or stare at the door, trying to tell you it needs to go outside. This whining usually happens right after your dog wakes up from a nap or just a few minutes after it eats. The dog could be whining because it wants your attention and is ready to cuddle or play. Image Credit: Happy monkey, Shutterstock 3. You can cure this by ensuring your dog gets at least 2 hours of physical exercise daily and providing it with many challenging games and toys. A hyperactive, bored German Shepherd will become destructive, aggressive, and whiny, so make sure your dog gets the exercise and mental stimulation it needs to be healthy and happy. The Dog Is Happy to See You Dogs, including German Shepherds, are usually happy to see their pet parents when they walk through the door in the evening. Your German Shepherd may whine when it first sees you out of sheer excitement. If the whining is accompanied by a lack of appetite, drowsiness, or other signs of sickness, you must take the dog to the vet for an examination. Until your appointment, it will help to comfort and love your pet to make it feel better. An illness or injury should never be ignored because it can cause other health issues if not addressed by a veterinarian and treated promptly. Your Shepherd Is Stressed Although German Shepherds are known for being fearless dogs , they get scared, anxious, and stressed. If your German Shepherd is whining and none of the reasons above apply, your dog may be stressed or afraid of something. Some events that could be stressing your dog and making it whine include storms, fireworks, and even a stranger in the home. Image Credit: Pxhere 7. There are a few other signs of a dog trying to apologize, including keeping its ears flat, its tail between its legs, and a droopy body. Ask your vet for recommendations Ignore the whining unless your dog needs to go potty Give your dog plenty of attention Train your pet not to whine professionally if needed Distract the dog Image Credit: Sam Wordley, Shutterstock Final Thoughts German Shepherds are known for being courageous, loving, protective, and loyal pets. However, they do tend to whine a bit. However, you should make an appointment with your vet if the whining continues to ensure your dog is not suffering from an injury or illness. Because dogs do not speak our language, they must use other ways to communicate their needs to us, and this includes whining excessively. Dogs can be taught to ask for things they want in a polite way, such as by sitting or giving some other visual signal that they need something, rather than rudely yelling for it. Depending on the severity of their illness, injury, or discomfort the whining could be quiet and slow, or it could be loud and frantic. Oftentimes if your German Shepherd is whining a lot due to being unwell, it is accompanied by other signs and behaviors that indicate a sickness or injury , such as heavy panting, pacing, hiding, or attempting to vomit or go to the bathroom and being unable to. Reason 3: They Need To Go Outside When your German Shepherd begins whining a lot, it could be an indicator that they need to go outside to use the bathroom. This is especially true if your German Shepherd is a puppy who is still in the potty-training process, you have a senior German Shepherd who must go outside more frequently, or your German Shepherd is suffering from a digestive or bladder issue that is causing them to need to use the bathroom more frequently. Because whining is a way in which a German Shepherd can signal their discomfort, this is one of the first ways they will alert you to their needs. Whining to go to the bathroom tends be softer in pitch at first, and you may also see your German Shepherd look towards the door or run back and forth between you and the door. If that initial request goes ignored, the whining will probably increase in pitch and intensity, or your pup may opt to just go to the bathroom in the house. You can also see this whining behavior when your German Shepherd has an upset stomach and needs to vomit. Dogs naturally start whining when in a high arousal state, similar to how you may bounce around in place or when kids start chatting nonstop when they are excited. German Shepherds in particular can be very affectionate with their owners , and their intense excitement about interacting with their owner can cause an increase in whining. If the whining is also accompanied by lunging, jumping, mouthing, or other high-energy or stressful behaviors , or you have neighbors who take issue with the noise, then you can work with a local trainer to help teach your dog to better manage his excitement and emotions. Reason 5: They Are Scared Dogs may also whine when they are scared or anxious, so if your German Shepherd is whining a lot, it could be because they are afraid of or anxious about something. If you can identify what is making them afraid or anxious, you can either try to soothe your German Shepherd and show them there is no reason for them to be upset, or you can move them away from what is freaking them out. While some whining is normal depending on the situation, at other times the excessive whining could be a cause for concern. If your German Shepherd suddenly begins whining excessively, it might be due to an underlying medical issue, and you should schedule an appointment with your vet as soon as possible. In order to stop your German Shepherd from whining so much, you must first determine why she is whining in the first place. If your German Shepherd is whining due to wanting something like attention or a treat, work towards encouraging them to ask for what they want more politely, such as by sitting quietly in front of you or by laying down by their food bowl. German Shepherds have a reputation for being an easily trainable breed of dog , so provided you stick with a good training schedule it should be fairly easy to curb the excessive whining. If you reward them with what they want while they are crying for it, it will further encourage them to continue whining usually even louder and in more situations to get what they want, similar to a child crying for candy in the store. If the whining is due to fear, anxiety, or excitement, you can work with a local dog trainer to help your dog better manage his emotions. If you are concerned the excessive crying is due to your German Shepherd having an underlying illness or injury, then speak with your vet as soon as possible to get your pup checked out. Closing Thoughts Due to German Shepherds being such a vocal breed, the whining from your German Shepherd is probably nothing to be concerned about. If you suspect that the continuous whining and crying is related to an underlying medical or behavioral issue, reaching out to your veterinarian is probably the safest thing to do. My 2 German Shepherds and 1 Siberian Husky mix keep my busy, along with my 8 cats I am also a crazy cat lady and my axolotl Fin Diesel he's all about family. We go to great lengths to help users better understand their pets; however, the content on this blog is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. Additionally, NotABully. May 21, by Charles Grey If you own a German Shepherd, you may find yourself dealing with a whining puppy. This is normal since a dog may be whining for so many reasons. So why does my German Shepherd whine so much? German Shepherds can whine for many different reasons, including wanting attention, feeling afraid, or being in pain, alongside many other reasons. Knowing the signs to look out for can help you understand why your German Shepherd whines so often. Be sure to read until the end not to miss a thing. German Shepherds may be whining for many reasons. Knowing how to handle the situation can be difficult for many Shepherd owners and lovers. Barking and whining are natural behaviors for a dog, but the frequency and intensity of these sounds may mean something is wrong. If you notice that your dog whines after going for a walk to indicate that he wants to walk again, this can be a sign of a bladder or digestive issue. Whining can be an indication that your dog is in physical pain. Paying attention to the activity that prompts the whining will assist in identifying the issue. This may include going up or down the stairs or jumping on the bed. Pain experienced from these activities could be a sign of arthritis. They want someone to play with them and engage them and may need more exercise and mental stimulation. A bored German Shepherd can lead to destructive habits such as chewing on the sofa or digging up your potted plants. Different situations such as thunderstorms or being surrounded by new people can cause anxiety in your dog. Make a mental note if they exhibit this whining response during specific circumstances and provide extra comfort during those times. If you leave your German Shepherd alone for long periods, this can be a reason for their whining, showing that they are lonely or insecure. A German Shepherd will hunch down and tuck his tail between his legs or pace nervously about if they are feeling insecure. It is their way of telling you that they want something or feel a certain way. They will make a special effort to let you know what they want, and it is entirely normal behavior. Because of a Medical Condition If your German Shepherd has begun whining recently, it could indicate that he is ill. Stomach sensitivity is a common issue among this dog breed, so monitoring is essential if he exhibits discomfort after eating. German Shepherds are unfortunately susceptible to joint issues such as hip dysplasia, which can occur as a puppy or after adulthood. If your dog begins to whine during certain physical activities, it could be a medical condition that needs to be evaluated by your veterinarian. Because They Are Lonely German Shepherds are a loyal dog breed and can develop a hyper-attachment to their owners. This attachment can create anxiety about being alone, and they will try to let you know with their whining. It is similar to them communicating a plea for you not to leave them. They love being with you and cuddling up more than anything else, and you are the highlight of their day. When you are gone, even for short periods, they become anxious thinking of when you will return. They are afraid you may not return, and this could be because they are left alone for extended periods or were separated from their mother at too early of an age. If They Are Left in a Kennel for Long Periods of Time As your puppy ages, his sleep routine changes too, which means fewer naps and less sleep at night. If your German Shepherd is wide awake when you put him in this kennel, then there is a good chance you will hear whining and crying. German Shepherds also need consistent physical stimulation. Too much time in a kennel can lead to boredom. A bored German Shepherd will be a whiny one, and his routine needs to be adjusted to fit in the right amount of exercise. Your German Shepherd may whine to show that he is excited and wants to play with your other dog. This is a typical interaction that German Shepherds exhibit with other dogs. German Shepherds were bred to work alongside humans daily doing intensive tasks. This means if they lack these things, they will try to let you know, which could be through whining. Due to Separation Anxiety Depending on the cause, separation anxiety can develop in your German Shepherd as a puppy or develop over time. There are various reasons that your dog can have this type of anxiety. Some dogs feel alone because they instinctively are a pack animal, and there is a fear of being hurt or lost when they are alone. If a dog has been rehomed for any reason, this can create a void and potential instability. Separation anxiety often occurs when a dog has been rescued from an animal shelter because it creates a fear of abandonment. They Are Bored If your German Shepherd does not have the physical and mental stimulation needed daily, they will likely whine to make you aware of this as they have plenty of time and energy. German Shepherds are very energetic and need regular playtime regularly. How to get your German Shepherd to Whine Less? They are a high-energy breed and need an outlet to expel it. Properly Socialize Your German Shepherd When your German Shepherd becomes anxious and fearful of something unfamiliar, he will communicate this with whining. It can also lead to aggressive behavior. Thus, your dog must meet new people and be exposed to new places such as a dog park. Provide toys and other activities to hold their attention and prevent whining unnecessarily. Reward Good Behavior Dogs thrive when they see they have pleased their owners. If your German Shepherd whines to get his way, ignore him and not reward that behavior. Then when he exhibits good behavior, show him that it is appreciated with words of commendation, extra playtime, or a special treat.

Known Diseases Epilepsy Definition: Dog has epilepsy if, for example, at least two epileptic seizures occur more than 24 hours apart. Kidney disease Symptoms of kidney disease in dogs: increased urination polyuria increased water intake. Inflammation of the mucous membrane of the mouth. Loss of appetite Wobbler syndrome In veterinary medicine, this is the name given to a complex of symptoms caused by nerve damage in the area of the spinal cord or spinal cord nerves in the area of the cervical spine. Cardiomyopathy In large breeds of dogs, dilated cardiomyopathy DCM is by far the most common cardiomyopathy. This results in the deficient or absent synthesis of a certain protein which is an important component of the blood-brain barrier, leading to hypersensitivity to some drugs. Eye diseases Often occur with allergies and intolerances. Metabolic diseases cystinuria Cystinuria is a hereditary metabolic disease. Affected dogs lack a transport protein for certain amino acids protein building blocks. In the kidney, the task of this transport protein is a return transport of amino acids from the urine into the bloodstream. FAQ What is a boxollie? A Boxer-Collie mix is a cross between two purebred dogs, the Boxer and the Collie. This cross is also known as the Border Collie Boxer Mix. How big does a Boxer-Collie mix grow? An adult Boxer-Collie mix can weigh between kg and have a shoulder height of cm? What is the life expectancy of a Boxer-Collie mix? The average life expectancy of a Boxer-Collie mix is 10 to 12 years. What are the exercise needs of a Boxer-Collie mix? A Boxer-Collie mix is an active breed that needs plenty of daily exercise to stay healthy and happy. A long walk or a lively play in the garden is enough. What are the grooming needs of a Boxer-Collie mix? A Boxer-Collie mix has medium length fur that sheds moderately throughout the year. Brushing several times a week will help control shedding and keep the coat healthy and beautiful. Author Sissi Author Sissi is a blogger since , came on the dog .Since then she struts daily her steps with Loki through the world. The Beagdor Labrador-Beagle mix is a therapy dog for children and also accompanies her to schools. Secretly she fancies a French Bulldog as a second dog. Sissi is a blogger since , came on the dog .Useful Articles. Active individuals, families History of Boxer Border Collie Mix There is not a lot of evidence that accurately explains where the Boxollie breed originates from. It is speculated that this crossbreed was designed to eliminate the likelihood of health issues that were commonly present in its parent breeds. Border Collie: Brief History Border Collies are acknowledged to be among the most capable and diligent breeds. Their intelligence, and enthusiasm to fulfill your wishes will make you love them even more. This specific type of dog originated in Scotland. Eventually, it became popular along the English-Scottish border. These canines were often employed to guard and herd flocks of sheep. Their capability in this job was outstanding as they were robust, intelligent and had a strong sense of dedication. C when their predecessors, the Assyrian war dogs, existed. But the modern-day Boxer was developed in Germany during the latter part of the 19th century. Through the years, Boxers have shown amazing capabilities when it comes to a variety of tasks, such as being used as a herding dog, a guard dog, an alarm dog, and even as a guide dog. The Boxollie takes after the Boxer in terms of its overall look. Generally, it has a dense coat that can be either short or medium-length, and it is water-resistant. Its size will depend on which dominant genes it has obtained and can range from medium to large. This breed of dog is exceptionally athletic and intelligent and has an air of cleverness in its bearing. It has a muscular figure that is symmetrically proportionate, and its tail is usually left natural. It has an estimated height of 18 to 22 inches, and a weight of 30 to 45 pounds. This type of canine is of medium size and generally has a solid build. The Boxer on the other hand is a medium-sized breed with a muscular build, measuring between 21 to 25 inches tall, and weighing between 55 and 75 pounds. Based from this information, a Boxollie will typically have a size of medium to big build. This can be accompanied, with a height of around 18 to 25 inches and a weight between 45 and 80 pounds. These may include white, black, black and white, and even gold. If they are properly trained, they can live peacefully with other pets and children in the same household. They are incredibly intelligent. This makes training relatively easily. Intelligence Likewise its Border Collie parent, the Boxollie is an intelligent breed too. They easily understand new commands and even memorize it after 15 to 25 repetitions. This makes a Boxollie as one of the smartest dogs you could have. Energy of Border Collie And Boxer Mix Boxollie canines are a great fit for households that have older kids because of their tendencies to herd and their high energy. These canines have a friendly and gentle nature and rarely display signs of aggressiveness. They are great with children, although they can be a bit too energetic for younger ones and may accidentally knock them over. Thus, constant supervision is still a must from parents. Other Animals The Border Collie Boxer Mix is usually not an aggressive breed and typically gets along well with cats and other animals. Because Boxollies are not originally intended for hunting and generally does not possess a strong drive to chase prey. The heritage of a Border Collie may cause them to display some hunting traits, meaning Boxollies that are not socialized might view smaller pets as animals to herd. This can be avoided by teaching and familiarizing them with socializing from the very start. Strangers These animals take great pleasure in being around their owners and are incredibly steadfast companions. They also have strong sense of protection for their family and abode when it comes to outsiders. Do They Bark A Lot? It is not common for Boxers to bark a lot; if they do, then it is likely due to a legitimate reason. Even though some are not very vocal, they usually have a type of low grumbling sound that is just their way of communicating. Border Collies are a breed that have a tendency to make a lot of noise with their barking. They can be quickly roused by visual stimuli, which is why they bark a lot when they see something that moves rapidly, such as bicycles or skateboards. This particular trait of their parents can be transferred to a Boxollie. Dogs barking can be their way of communication. These particular dogs have a tendency to be extremely devoted to their families and children, making them ideal companions. In addition, they usually get along with other animals well. They can be independent from time to time when the house is loud or there are a lot of people around. Socializing them from a young age can help prevent any unwanted behaviors from forming. They react positively to encouragement and reward, just like all canines. They are usually quite loving and enjoy spending quality time with their owners. It is essential to initiate training of your dog immediately to obey commands such as sit, stay, come, go to their kennel, and to eliminate outdoors. Surprisingly, it is something that you can do yourself even if you are a novice. Initiate a dog obedience routine — find out how you can establish basic foundation before beginning the training. Use games for training — training must be fun for the two of you. Thus, make an effort to integrate games into your training. Learn the value of positive reinforcement — there are countless methods of dog training. But experienced dog trainers would agree that positive reinforcement is the best approach. Compared to other breeds, its shedding is moderate. It is recommended to brush their coat daily using rubber curry brush if the fur is short. If the coat is of medium length, then use a firm bristle brush and a comb. These two work perfectly in removing tangled fur. This helps in maintaining appearance too. If the legs of the dog are feathered, it is best to get them trimmed by a professional groomer. This type of animal is not known for drooling or having any offensive smells. However, their ears, nails, and teeth should still receive proper care. The ears should be examined every week for dirt and wax accumulation. Brushing their teeth daily is recommended and their nails should be trimmed every other week. Unless, they grind down on their own, in which case trimming them monthly should be sufficient. Feeding them a balanced diet, exercising them, and getting them groomed regularly along with regular vet check-ups are all necessary for them to be in optimal condition. All these things are how you can ensure that your Border Collie Boxer mix is healthy and far from any illness. Particularly, the ones that are high in calories and protein. On the safe side, add chondroitin and glucosamine supplements. These are perfect for their joint health which serves as great support for their activeness. However, this figure could be more or less, depending on how you would treat your dog. Of course, attending to their needs and giving their daily requirements add to their vitality. Do the opposite and your dog may not be able to meet their life expectancy. Health Issues Sadly, dogs are not immune to genetic health problems. This includes the Boxer Collie. In fact, these breeds are typically affected by health issues common to its parents. Some of these are elbow and hip dysplasia, eye disorders, hypothyroidism, as well as cardiovascular disease. Fortunately, you can help your dog to avoid from any suffering by taking them to your vet on regular intervals. A pet groomer has the equipment and know-how that you probably lack. Short-haired breeds rarely need a professional groomer as often as long-haired breeds, but it is a great chance to have your dog checked out thoroughly. They can provide you with advice on how to groom your pup in your own home. Professional groomers can provide information on which products work best, how to keep your pooch relaxed, and which tools are ideal for their kind of fur. Does It Shed A Lot? In comparison with other types of canines, Boxers have a tendency to shed moderately. You will be able to observe the amount of shedding based on the season. To help their fur come off quickly, you can brush them more often. Getting them spayed or neutered will eliminate any distinctions and prevent potential pregnancies, as well as avoid males from straying. When picking either a male or a female pup, you may want to take into account other pets that you already have. Even amongst the congenial and easy-going Boxollie breed, two animals of the same gender might become competitive with one another. Nevertheless, with training and proper socialization, this should not be a major problem. Puppies of Border Collie And Boxer Mix A lot of new dog owners would have thought that the price of buying a new puppy is the only thing that they would have to spend their money on. Truth is, there are underlying costs the moment you brought a new puppy to your home. For instance, you would have to buy them toys, dog accessories like collars and leashes, doing frequent visit to the vet, sourcing quality foods and treats, bringing to a professional groomer to keep them in immaculate shape and so forth. If you are not ready for these expenses, then you may want to reserve the idea of getting a Border Collie Boxer mix for the meantime. Do not work with someone who breeds multiple types of dogs. Someone who claim to be specializing in extraordinary colors, sizes, etc. Take out of your selection any breeders who only allows for cash or credit cards. Also, if they are interviewing interested fur parents regarding their capability to care and raise the dog. On the other hand, if you are someone who has an active lifestyle and loves to have a companion that you can take with your outdoor trips, the Boxollie can make the most of your trip. These dogs are highly energetic and smart. They require time from their owner to give them their daily needs from exercising them, training and socialization. These are all essential elements in ensuring that you can raise a well-mannered dog. Lawrence Lawrence is a genuine dog enthusiast. His personal favorite is the Border Collie. He has vast knowledge about these dogs. Throughout his lifetime, he spent raising and training countless dogs. Eventually, he has come to a unique and deeper understanding of human-dog connection that puts him in a position where he is today. Lifespan Sociability While hybrid breeds can inherit various traits from their parent breeds, one thing you can be sure of when bringing home a Border Collie Boxer Mix is energy, a ton of it. Both the Boxer and Border Collie are infamous for their almost endless energy reserves, and your Boxollie is unlikely to be much different. This means you need to prepare for daily walks and exercise sessions of at least a couple of hours, and this will take a large chunk of time, commitment, and dedication. They are ideally suited to a home with a large fenced yard where they have a large amount of space to run and play. These dogs are not suited for apartments or small homes without large yards unless they can be taken for vigorous exercise for several hours a day, and even then, they will present a challenge. They are incredibly intelligent. Border Collies are widely agreed upon to be the most intelligent dog on the planet, capable of learning hundreds of unique words and commands. Chaser, a Border Collie belonging to classical musician John Pilley, knows upward of 1, words and can remember the names of thousands of different objects, even years after learning them. Boxers were used in both World Wars. During the First World War, Boxers were one of seven breeds chosen to aid German soldiers as messengers and to carry heavy packs. Boxers are late bloomers. Boxers retain their puppyhood for quite some time, and this can cause difficulty in training them. They only fully mature at around 3 or 4 years old, making them one of the breeds with the longest puppyhood. These dogs need to be kept busy; otherwise, they are prone to a host of misbehavior, including excessive barking, chewing, and attempting to herd whatever they can, including your children! They are quick learners and will excel in training and agility sports, as well as be affectionate and gentle with children. Are These Dogs Good for Families? They are kind and gentle dogs that are rarely aggressive and are great with children. While they are generally well-behaved pooches, they may be a bit boisterous for younger children and can easily accidentally knock them over. They are incredibly loyal and make great guard dogs too. That being said, the Border Collie heritage may result in some herding characteristics, and any small pets may be seen as animals to be rounded up. Of course, with early socialization and proper training, this can be avoided. However, there are details on the history of the parent breeds. Border Collie dogs were sheep-herding dogs on the landscape of the Anglo-Scottish border area. Siberian Husky dogs were traveling and hunting companions of the Chukchi people in Siberia. The Border Collie Husky Mix pups have a lifespan of 12 to 20 years. They may be at risk for bone disorders, such as chronic myelopathy, osteoarthritis, and intervertebral disc disorder. Both of the parent breeds often have a medium-length coat. They can also have short and smooth coats that are weather-resistant. You can expect the Border Collie crossed with Husky puppies will have this kind of coat as well. Playful and active, the Husky Border mixed with Collie puppies require an above-average amount of physical activity. They may also have territorial characteristics, and they become defensive and aggressive. Due to the combination of its parent breeds, this mixed breed may have serious health problems such as achondroplasia, a structural health condition, and intervertebral disc disease. Corgi mixed with Border Collie puppies have coats that are often thick, and wavy or long. It may shed more generously than other breeds. You need to employ a regular grooming regimen for this pup. Regarding exercise, Poodle mixed with Border Collie puppies need at least 40 minutes of physical activity per day. You may choose to let them walk, swim, or chase a ball. It is better to conduct these activities outside. If the puppy is less than 10 months old, you should avoid your pup from doing excessive exercise. You may contact breed-specific shelters or professional breeders that can assist you in adopting this mixed breed. You will find Border Collie Poodle Mix puppy to be very intelligent and easy to train. Also, they can be all-around companions due to their people-oriented and loyal traits. However, there are pertinent details on the history of its parent breeds. German Shepherd, a herding breed, came from Europe to withstand damp and cold surroundings. On the other hand, the other herding breed Border Collie was prominent in Scotland where they protect livestock. AKC officially recognized the breed in .Border Collie German Shepherds are heavy shedders, particularly during spring. Nutrition is a key factor to promote optimal growth. The amount of food will depend on the size, level of activity, and age of the dog. For young Border Collie mixed with German Shepherd puppies, you need to give high-quality feeds packed with nutrients and vitamins. They have a prominent herding instinct and prey drive, attributable to both parent breeds. You should be extremely cautious when they play with small children and other animals. Collie Beaglers are eager to please the owner and easy to train. They are cooperative, and they will follow your commands accordingly. Beagle Border Collie Mix puppies will not acquire many structural disabilities, unlike other breeds. You should watch out for manifestations of hip dysplasia and epilepsy. If you get a puppy from a breeder, you should ask for the health clearance of the parent dogs. Exercise is crucial for the puppy for two reasons. First, it keeps the muscle and bones healthy. Second, it helps the pup adopt to the new environment. When the Border Collie mixed with Beagle puppy arrives at home for the first time, it is advisable to start with an exercise routine immediately. The amount of food appropriate for the pup will depend primarily on its weight and the season. Border Collie Labrador Mix puppies need more food during the winter season than the summer. For puppies that are less than six months old, you should feed them four times a day. When they are more than six months, they can eat for only two times per day. Concerning the grooming of Labrador and Border Collie mix puppies, they tend to keep themselves in check. You need less effort and time as you will brush their coat once or twice a week only. You should do thorough research on the available and qualified breeders near you. Also, you can search for this pup in rescue shelters. Their history is unknown, but I can share details on its parent breeds. Chihuahua dogs are descendants of the Techichi breed. They were believed to be the guides of the dead souls. Meanwhile, Border Collie dogs came from the borderland between Scotland and England. They were herding dogs with agility and intellect. Chihuahua mixed with Border Collie puppies can also have a herding instinct and aggressiveness. Chihuahua Border Collie Mix dogs need an intense exercise regimen. You should engage them in at least two long walks. You can expect the offspring to have a long coat as well. They are most probably heavy shedders too. To keep the skin moisturized, you need to give them regular baths. Border Collie Chow Chow Mix dogs can be prone to dysplasia. I recommend adding fish oil and chondroitin supplements in their food. You can adjust the amount of food by considering their level of activity and weight. Chow Chow mixed with Border Collie puppies have high energy in them. They can take on extremely long hikes and walks. They have a quiet disposition, and they are often calm. With early socialization, Border Collie mixed with Australian Shepherd pups are lovable and family-friendly. Be careful in leaving your pet for a long time because it can have separation anxiety. The coat of Aussie Collie becomes ruffled easily. Thus, you need to brush it at least four times per week. You can also avoid ear infection by checking and cleaning the ears regularly. To acquire a Border Collie Australian Shepherd Mix puppy for your home and family, a trustworthy breeder or a rescue shelter is what you need. However, I can tell you about the historical data of its parent breeds. The Dachshund dogs were from Germany. The medium-sized kind of this breed kept the burrow-dwelling animals away from the field. For Border Collies, they were herders, excellent for controlling the flock. Dachshund mixed with Border Collie puppies are family-oriented and friendly to people. They can be companion dogs as they are active and amiable. Collie Dachers are eager to please. You should remember to keep fresh water accessible for the pup at all times. For its food, the amount will depend on the size, weight, age, and level of physical activity. Applies to all dog food recalls in the U. From this information, you can anticipate the Border Collie mixed with Pug puppy will be a heavy shedder as well. A bath is necessary when the dog is noticeably dirty. You have to brush its coat regularly. If you can keep up with a high energy dog, Pug crossed with Border Collie puppies are suitable for you. These dogs will often go around the lot. You should make time to cater for their need for adequate physical activities. A mixed breed has a lower chance of getting serious health problems and complications. A reliable and qualified breeder will show the health clearance of the parent breeds. An appropriate exercise routine will comprise of a morning, afternoon, and night activities. Border Collie mixed with Cocker Spaniel puppies love attention, and they are amiable to children and families. Cocker Spaniel Border Collie Mix dogs can be an excellent watchdog. They can distinguish potentially harmful intruders from friendly strangers. To find a reputable breeder, you may ask referrals from a local veterinarian and breed club officers. They resort to eating things in front of them when you leave them on their own devices for a long time. For their diet, you can give them dry feeds with high protein content and necessary vitamins. American Bulldog mixed with Border Collie dogs are overall healthy and less prone to develop fatal diseases. It is still crucial to have regular check-ups with a trusty veterinarian, as they could acquire allergies at some point. The coat type of American Collie pups can be short to moderate and dense. They are minimal shedders. To keep the coat healthy and shiny, I advise that you brush the coat regularly. However, knowing the details about its parent breeds is helpful in predicting its characteristics. The Akita breed is believed to have hailed from the Akita province in northern Japan in the s. They were royal guards and hunters of large game like bears. On the other hand, Border Collie pups were bred to withstand and enjoy 20 miles of running and herding per day. Border Collie crossed with Akita puppies may have an innate aggressiveness, due to the hunting work of Akita. They have predictable high energy and will not be suitable for living in apartments. To adopt an Akita mixed with Border Collie puppy, you need to find trustworthy breeders in your area or breed-specific shelters. They are becoming popular in dog sports nowadays. For proper training, they need positive reinforcement and firm boundaries. Blue Heeler crossed with Border Collie puppies are friendly to children and other dogs with early and frequent socialization. Blue Collie pups are incredibly athletic. They enjoy sports like flyball and agility exercises. You should prevent this pup from getting bored because they may cause trouble. Be sure to engage the dog with enough physical and mental stimulation. The parent breed English Bulldog are descendants of ancient mastiffs hailing from Asia, and the English Bulldog were brought to England. English Bulldog mixed with Border Collie puppies have an independent streak. They manage well on their own when the house becomes too busy. Border Collie crossed with English Bulldog dogs have a yearning to be a member of a pack. They are affectionate and do not want to be left alone for an extended period. Border Collie crossed with English Bulldog puppies with a short coat type tend to shed heavily, as their parent breeds do. You should have a regular grooming regimen for them. The common ones you should know are skin allergies, eye defects, cancer, and heart problems. At all times, avoid overfeeding the dog. The Golden Retriever crossed with Border Collie puppies need vitamins and proper nutrition to ensure a healthier disposition. If you want to adopt or buy this mixed breed, be sure to contact reliable breeders or ask recommendations from your local veterinarian. Reliable sources of the Golden Collies will provide health clearance of the parent breeds. You can provide food-dispensing toys to avoid boredom and promote mental stimulation. Inadequate stimulation and exercise will lead to unruly behaviors. The Great Pyrenees crossed with Border Collie dogs are loyal and protective of their owners. They go along well with children and friendly strangers. Although the Border Collie mixed with Great Pyrenees dog is more fond of cold weather than hot weather, it can tolerate warm weather as well. Great Pyrecollie pups experience seasonal shedding. They require moderate to high levels of grooming maintenance. I advice brushing at least twice per week. You should also do regular ear and eye care for a lower chance of infection. Furthermore, they have an innate loyalty for defending the family, and they are affectionate to their owners and the friends of their owners. They can be reliable watchdogs, ready to call out people who are making suspicious acts. They are keen on observing their surroundings. With its short to medium-length and straight coat, Border Collie crossed with Bernese Mountain Dog puppies can have a moderate to heavy shedding. To keep the coat shiny and healthy, you need to use a medium-toothed comb and pin brush. Known as high-energy dogs, Bernese Collie pups need more exercise than other breeds. You can engage the pup with swimming, running, and fetching. These ancestors were engaged in a blood sport called bull baiting. The Bulldogs mated with Terriers, initiating the propagation of Pitbulls. With a lifespan of mid-teens, nutrition will play a crucial role in keeping the dog up and about. If you see signs on malnutrition, you should consult with a veterinarian. To ensure a healthy and properly-cared mixed breed, you need to find a reputable and qualified breeder who sells Pitbull mixed with Border Collie. You need to avoid a mix of a damaged Pitbull with a Border Collie. You can ask for health clearance of parent breeds. Border Collie Catahoula Mix dogs have heightened herding and hunting instincts. However, they are often good-natured and suitable companions. You need to engage them in early socialization to have better interactions with people and other dogs. The Catahoula mixed with Border Collie puppies have high energy and above-average intelligence. They need to have lots of physical and mental exercises. The Border Collie crossed with Catahoula are overall healthy. However, they may be at risk for deafness, dysplasia, and eye diseases. You should brush their coat regularly to assist in proper shedding, stimulate essential oil production, and keep it healthy. You should give a bath as needed. Long walks are necessary to use up all its energy. Collieshitzuer puppies are committed and loyal dog companions. They are affectionate and calm. Shih Tzu crossed with Border Collie dogs are keen on observing their surroundings, and they can detect potentially harmful strangers. The Doberman breed hailed from Germany. They excelled at guarding, military work, and police work. On the other hand, Border Collie dogs are believed to be descendants of the older British droving dogs mixed with Spaniels. They were companions of shepherds and controlled flocks well. Border Collie mixed with Doberman dogs typically consume 3 cups of dog food per day. You can adjust the amount, based on their weight and level of activity. To adopt a Collie Dobler, you can seek the help of recognized kennel clubs and veterinarians for breeder recommendations. They are known as gentle giants, as they are rarely aggressive. .The Newfoundland mixed with Border Collie dogs are fond of the outdoors and nature. It is favorable if you have an enclosed garden with adequate space to walk around. The Border Collie mixed with Newfoundland puppies need a moderate amount of physical exertion. They enjoy playing with a large ball. Health is not a major concern for the Newfoundland crossed with Border Collie dogs. However, you should be aware that their massive frame can cause an extra strain in their musculoskeletal system, especially during old age. Striking a perfect balance of nutrients from early on is essential. Start by learning the difference between the nutritional requirements of a puppy and a senior dog. The little ones need more lipids because of rapid growth. So, opting for any of the best puppy food brands is a wise choice as they provide the pooch with the much-needed readily available energy. On the other side are older pooches, whose needs are better met with formulas found in best senior dry dog food. Nutritional deficiencies are a bummer but are far from the worst possible scenario. As long as the pooch is in good health, they can recoup any micronutrient or the so-called superfood they lack. To help you navigate through the dog food market here are our top picks to give you sense of what premium-quality dog food should look like: Wellness Core Dog Food offers a wide range of products for different breeds and life stages, but all of them have one thing in common: dog food that is scientifically tailored to meet the nutritional needs of any dog. Apart from being all-natural and preservative-free, this line of food offers healthy treats and snacks like doggy peanut butter. Border Collie crosses come in all shapes and sizes, so before you go on and buy a bunch of kibbles, make sure you know the difference between the best dry dog food for small dogs and the best large breed dry dog food —they can both be healthy but are not equally suited for dogs of all sizes. Height: inches at the shoulder Weight: 55 - 70 lb. Lifespan: 10 years Boxer Border Collie Mix Personality Like all hybrids, you have to look to the parents to get a good read on how they will likely behave. Since both parent breeds are family oriented dogs, this guy should make a good companion. They are affectionate towards family and children. They should get along well with other animals. They are somewhat capable of independence, or alone time when the house is noisy or full. Early socialization helps take care of any bad habits that could develop. She responds well to positive reinforcement, like all dogs. She should be rather affectionate and enjoy spending lots of time with you. However, the one positive thing about getting a puppy is that you can avoid this as much as possible. A breeder should absolutely offer a health guarantee on puppies. A reputable breeder will be honest and open about health problems in the breed and the incidence with which they occur. Health clearances prove that a dog has been tested for and cleared of a particular condition. The Boxer mixed with the Border Collie might be prone to Allergies, hip dysplasia Note that these are just common problems in both breeds. They are pretty easy keepers in this department. Get ready to invest in a good vacuum and keep your floors clean anyways. Give them baths as needed, but not so much that you dry out their skin. What are the exercise requirements? This is a high energy dog that will need that from an owner. As I stated previously, they were bred to work and run all day so they will not be content just laying around. Plan on taking them for extremely long walks and hikes to keep their energy level down. A tired dog is a good dog though. Never tie your dog up outside - that is inhumane and not fair to him. What are the training requirements? This is an extremely intelligent dog that will be easy to train, however, it might be extremely stubborn. All dogs respond best to positive reinforcement. So make sure to praise her when she does well. She is an intelligent dog who loves to please, and loves a physical challenge. The more exercise she gets the easier she will be to train. Proper socialization is imperative to all dogs and puppies. Make sure to take her to the park and doggy day care to get her around as many people and dogs as possible. Each one is unique and has different dietary requirements. Most dogs in the U. A mix like this one that is prone to hip and elbow dysplasia should really be on fish oil and glucosamine and chondroitin supplements as soon as possible. Overfeeding any dog is not a good idea as that can really exacerbate health problems such as elbow and hip dysplasia. A good diet to look into is Raw Food Diet. A raw food diet will be especially good for the Wolf background. Links to other breeds you might be interested in. Nonetheless, they are also very energetic due to their working backgrounds. The Boxollie requires plenty of physical activity. If left alone for long , they can develop unacceptable behaviors such as chewing, digging or barking. Want to train your dog without spending hundreds of dollars? Click Here to check out the brain training for Dogs course now! Boxer Collies are tolerant of children and they are generally protective of them especially if they have been introduced to each other from a young age. What About Other Dogs? Collie Boxer dogs are known to be non-aggressive, but they should be socialized early , since some can be aggressive towards other dogs. The Border Collie Boxer Mix is not aggressive and generally gets along well with cats and other pets. This is because they were not originally bred for hunting and generally do not have a high prey drive. Image Source Exercise Needs Both parent breeds are known to be quite independent. They also have high intelligence and high energy levels, so constant mental stimulation and physical activity are a must for these pooches. Your Boxollie puppy will be no different. This hybrid dog needs proper daily exercises, such as long walks and quality playtime. Doggie games like Frisbee and Fetch are highly recommended. The Border Collie Boxer Mix also makes a good partner for jogging, running and hiking. They also do well in dog sports such as agility, obedience, and field trials. A secure, fenced-in yard is recommended because both the Border Collie and the Boxer can open latches and doors. Boxers should not engage in strenuous exercises in hot weather conditions since they can experience heatstroke owing to their short snouts. You should also avoid leaving your Boxollie alone for long. Otherwise, you should keep him busy and mentally stimulated by providing him with plenty of interactive dog toys. This makes them easy to train. However, they can also be a bit stubborn , so they need a firm handler who will use lots of positive reinforcements to encourage acceptable behaviors. This will make the puppy comfortable and confident around people and other animals. Both the Boxer and the Border Collie are good candidates for housetraining, so housetraining your Boxollie should be an easy task , provided you use the right strategies, using crate training when necessary. Since both parent breeds shed throughout the year, your Boxollie will also do the same. Brushing should be done based on the length of the coat. You should also brush their teeth, clean their ears and clip the nails as necessary.

Is this the Goldendoodle puppy coat transition? Where are all these dog mats coming from? The surprising transition from puppy coat to adult coat can sneak up on any unsuspecting dog mom. But the subject of the Goldendoodle coat transition deserves just as much attention as all the other Goldendoodle pros and cons. However, one thing is true for all Goldendoodle puppies. At some point, the Goldendoodle puppy coat will change and the adult coat will come in. Matting can take over quickly Kind of like the month of March, the coat transition may enter like a lion! You may be surprised how quickly the mats coming roaring onto the scene. When my Goldendoodle sidekick Chloe was a pup, her puppy coat was soft and silky and there was not a mat to be found, even in the crevices like the armpits! Meet Chloe. Her puppy coat was silky soft. First under the ears. Then the armpits. Brushing became our thing. Brushing removes dead hair that would otherwise cause mats. Like hair on our human heads, dog hair has to go somewhere. Since Doodles tend to shed less, Goldendoodle grooming is part of keeping the hair from tangling and matting. There will always be hair to manage with any dog, whether low-shedding or high-shedding. With a low-shedding dog, there is a greater amount of grooming. With a high-shedding dog, there is a greater amount of time spent cleaning hair off floors. Either way, you have the joy of being a dog parent! For more about shedding, read my article: Do Goldendoodles Shed? It may make you feel overly confident. When the Goldendoodle puppy coat starts transitioning, be ready. When do Goldendoodle puppies shed their coat? However, as a rule of thumb, Goldendoodle parents say anywhere between four to eight months and may even be up to two years. What happens during a Goldendoodle puppy coat transition? When the Goldendoodle adult coat begins to grow in, the puppy coat begins to shed. This creates tangles. If not groomed early, the tangles turn into mats. Since there are so many Goldendoodle coat types, there is not one set example. Some parents will hardly notice the change while other Goldendoodle parents will find what feels like an explosion of mats. What areas are the biggest matting culprits? If you click and purchase, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Learn More The transition from a puppy coat to an adult one can come as a bit of a shock to novice owners and newbie pet parents. Some breeders choose not to mention it for fear of putting off prospective buyers. However, here we will let you know exactly what to expect when your Goldendoodle puppy coat transition happens. Types of Goldendoodle Coats All dogs are born with a soft, single-layer puppy coat, whether they later go on to develop a double-layered one or not. Goldendoodles are no exception. This smooth, silky hair then gives way to something that can be altogether trickier to manage. Knots, tangles, mats, and shedding can become real problems with some dogs. As you probably know by now, with a mixed breed, there are no certainties. Especially when the parent animals are so different. One half of the Goldendoodle equation, the Golden Retriever, has a dense, straight, water-resistant double coat. In contrast, the other half, the Poodle, has a curly, coarse, low-shedding single one. Depending on which parent they favor, Goldendoodles can inherit either of these coats or a wavy, fleecy, long one that sits somewhere in between the two. This is generally the most common and the most popular of the three. For more on Goldendoodle coats and the right tools for caring for them, take a look at The Absolute Best Brushes for Goldendoodles. Nature can be a bit of a lottery. We can, however, make a few best guesses based on the parents and what usually happens. One thing we do know for sure is that whichever adult coat your pup is destined to have, it will be altogether stiffer and denser than their puppy one. It could even be a different color, thanks to the Poodle Fading Gene. Breeders, however, do highlight a few telltale traits that could give you an early idea of what to expect: Check The Snout An excess of hair at the top of the snout known as a mustache indicates that your pup is likely to end up with a coat on the curlier end of the spectrum. Straighter, shaggier, beard-like hair suggests a wavier coat. If your dog has short hair here and an overall neat and tidy-looking muzzle, they will probably inherit a straight coat. Pay Attention to the Generation The generation of the dog can also provide a strong indication of what to expect. See Also: Click the image Goldendoodle Puppy Coat Transition Phases When it comes to changing from the puppy to the adult coat, there are no clear-cut transition phases. When and how pups blow their puppy coat varies from dog to dog. With most dogs, it tends to happen at around six months, and it can be either sudden or gradual. Some owners barely even notice — it all depends on the final hair type. However, you may start to notice a little more hair in the brush or a few more tangles around the armpits, tail, and ears. If your Goldie is getting more of a curly coat, you will need to be extra vigilant at this time. Shedding puppy hair can all too easily get caught up in tight curls leading on to painful knots and mats that are all but impossible to remove with a brush. A good rule of thumb with dogs is that with a low-shedding coat, you have to spend more time on brushing; with a high shedding one that time will be spent cleaning hair up off the floor or your clothes. Which Goldendoodles Get Puppy Coats? Pretty much every variety of Goldendoodle from Standard to Mini experiences some sort of coat change as they transition from puppy to adult. The switch from puppy to adult coat is also less noticeable with active dogs and particularly ones that spend a lot of time swimming. The water washes away the old hair as it is replaced with the new. It is not left about the house as it otherwise would be. This change could be pretty dramatic or quite subtle depending on the type of adult coat your pup has inherited. They will shed their puppy coat somewhere between four and eight months, and their stiffer, denser adult one will start to come in at this time. Do Goldendoodle puppies change color? While your pup is unlikely to completely change color on you, many Goldies get lighter as their adult coat comes in. This is known as fading. How do you tell if a Goldendoodle puppy will have furnishings? Furnishings refer to the hair features about the face. The best way to know if your Goldie will have furnishings is to pay attention to their generation. F1 Goldendoodles are most likely to be missing them. F1B dogs are the most likely to have them. If a puppy lacks furnishings, they are unlikely to develop them in adulthood. With or without, though, all Doodles are still undeniably cute. When adopting a puppy, there are many things you need to be prepared for. Many people choose to adopt one of these darling dogs for their hypoallergenic properties. The best way to anticipate precisely what kind of hair your Goldendoodle will have when they are done blowing their coat is to speak to the breeder. Checking out the parent dogs is also recommended for later generations. However, this is no exact science, and you should really be prepared for anything. We are sure, though, that no matter how your Goldie ends up looking as they develop, you will love them just the same. How could you not? Just look at that face! Learn How to Upkeep Your Doodle! Will stop growing eventually if left alone Straight coat Goldendoodles are the most like a Golden Retriever Expect troubles with shedding Expect allergy sufferers to have a rough time with a straight coat Goldendoodle A positive is much lower maintenance Regardless of the coat type you would expect a softer puppy coat from months, then a transition into the final Goldendoodle adult coat from then on. As a general rule the replacement adult Goldendoodle coat will be stiffer and denser than the Goldendoodle puppy coat. Which Goldendoodles Get Puppy Coats All sizes of Goldendoodle from large standards, to miniature or teacup Goldendoodle will all experience some form of coat change. When I spoke to breeders to interview them about the way they can predict the coat type for Goldendoodle puppies, they told me an interesting message. Our F1b tend to have soft fur even as adults. When the change does hit it is not always obvious to the dog parents. The transition to adult coat can be seamless, or it can reveal a surprising final Goldendoodle coat type. There are clues from early puppyhood that you can follow to take the best educated guess about which type of coat your Goldendoodle puppy will have. We wrote a thoroughly researched article telling you what strategies the experts use to predict Goldendoodle coat type from puppyhood. Remember that nature is a lottery, and there still can be surprises! You can see that the experts agree that a Goldendoodle puppy should start being groomed around 5 months of age. If the transition from puppy coat to adult Groodle coat is a difficult one, it is really handy to have a dog that is very used to grooming. Goldendoodles can have trouble with their paws. Have you ever seen a Goldendoodle lick or chew its paws? This is often a sign that something is wrong. Early exposure to paw touching can make it so much easier to four out what is causing Goldendoodle paw licking and fix it. At the least consider getting your Goldendoodle used to bathing and shampooing as needed only from a young age. Should I use special shampoo for the Goldendoodle Puppy Coat transition? When a Goldendoodles does lose its puppy coat around months of age you will be ready for an adult Goldendoodle shampoo. There is little harm in using up the rest of your puppy shampoo. Although it is probably easier to just use a natural, excellent smelling shampoo that is friendly to both puppies and adult Goldendoodles. Subscribe Do Goldendoodles Shed? Unfortunately, there is a lot of misinformation out there about Goldendoodle shedding that needs to be cleared up. Because they contain the DNA of one non-shedding breed the Poodle and one shedding breed the Golden Retriever they can not be considered completely non-shedding. However, they typically will shed less than their Golden Retriever ancestors. The amount of Goldendoodle shedding your puppy will experience is largely dependent on what generation they are and the genetics of their parents. Why Do Goldendoodles Shed? Goldendoodle shedding works largely in the same way as other dog breeds. There are four main causes we should explore to answer this question… Year Round Goldendoodle Shedding All animals with hair shed…even humans! Shedding happens as old hair particles die and are replaced with new ones. This is a completely normal and, in most cases, a completely healthy process. Dog breeds that have continuously growing hair, such as the Poodle, are essentially non-shedding. This is because the hair shafts have longer life spans and therefore the shedding is infrequent and essentially unnoticeable. Seasonal Goldendoodle Shedding Many dogs, potentially including Goldendoodles, will shed significantly more in the spring and fall seasons. The reason for this is their coats are adapting to become lighter or heavier to match the weather. Related: Do Goldendoodles Like Snow? All puppies, including Goldendoodles, have a different coat as puppies than they do as adults. Goldendoodle puppy coats are generally very soft and thin while adult coats are typically stiffer, longer, and thicker. Health Issues If your Goldendoodle sheds significantly more than they usually do it could be because of a health issue. There are loads of potential health problems that could cause your Goldendoodle to experiences excess shedding, but a few are parasites, infections, allergies, and cancer. Call your vet if you notice excessive scratching, foot licking, open sores, or skin irritation. In non-emergencies, you can live chat with a veterinarian online by clicking here. Many of these health concerns are expensive to treat. This is one reason why I believe that every Goldendoodle owner should invest in a quality pet insurance policy —I personally use and recommend Healthy Paws for my Goldendoodle! Click here to get an instant, online pet insurance quote from Healthy Paws! How Much Do Goldendoodles Shed? Any breeder who tries to tell you otherwise is either lacking proper knowledge about the breed or being deceptive. With that being said, Goldendoodles can be non-shedding. There is just no way to guarantee it. This generation has one Golden Retriever parent and one Poodle parent, so their coat can vary widely in which parent it resembles more. Many F1 Goldendoodles will have straight, flat coats. Sometimes people will get lucky and have an F1 Goldendoodle that is non-shedding or very close to it. In other cases, F1 Goldendoodles can shed as much as a Golden Retriever! The moral of the story is if you choose to get an F1 Goldendoodle, be prepared for at least some amount of shedding. What does this mean when it comes to shedding? It means that an F1b Goldendoodle will likely shed less than an F1, but again this is far from a guarantee. Overall, this generation is a safer bet than the F1 and can be appropriate for those without severe allergies. F1bb Goldendoodles An F1bb Goldendoodle is the closest of the common generations to being a purebred poodle—it contains .For that reason, it is the safest bet for allergy sufferers and those who want the best odds of having a non-shedding Goldendoodle. On average, most F1bb Goldendoodles are likely to either shed very little or not at all. At the end of the day, if your heart is set on a Goldendoodle and you want the best odds of it being non-shedding, you should choose an F1bb. F2 Goldendoodles F2 Goldendoodles tend to be the worst generation when it comes to shedding. There are many potential parings that can result in F2 Goldendoodle puppies. As a result, coats and other genetic factors can vary widely. This generation can be just as difficult, if not more difficult, to predict than F1 Goldendoodles. Like with F1 Goldendoodles, many F2 Goldendoodles will have improper coats without furnishings—a telltale sign that they will shed. While their theoretical DNA percentages differ slightly, this generation is essentially on par with the F1b generation when it comes to the potential for Goldendoodle shedding. F2b Goldendoodles are more likely to be non-shedding than an F2 Goldendoodles, but less likely than F2bb Goldendoodles or F1bb Goldendoodles. Feed a Healthy Diet Obviously, a health diet should be important no matter if your Goldendoodle sheds or not. However, a diet that lacks the proper vitamins and nutrients your dog needs can result in excess shedding that might not have occurred otherwise. Make sure you feed Goldendoodle dog a balanced, complete dog food. In addition, there is some research that suggests an additional supplement of omega-3 fatty acids can aid in healthy hair growth among other benefits. Additionally, ensure your Goldendoodle is drinking enough water. This promotes healthy, hydrated skin and should minimize shedding. The general rule of thumb is that dogs should drink about an ounce of water per day for each pound they weigh. In addition to preventing matting and distributing healthy oils across their skin, brushing loosens dead hair and sets it free in a controlled environment—much better than all over the house! Bathing is also an important part of your grooming regimen. One common misconception when it comes to Goldendoodle grooming is that shaving your dog will prevent or reduce shedding. Choose the Right Grooming Equipment Just as important as how frequently you groom your dog is what equipment you use. However, many owners make the mistake of purchasing a cheap, generic brand. In my opinion, this is one area where spending a little extra can make a world of difference. While not needed by many Goldendoodle parents, if your dog does shed, this can be your saving grace. The Furminator Deshedding tool is one of the most highly-rated options available. Choose the long hair option in either the large size or small size depending on the size of your Goldendoodle. This makes it a better choice than a lot of popular competitors. Your vacuum is either going to become your best friend or a huge headache depending on which type you use. I suggest investing in a vacuum specifically designed to handle pet hair, like one of these highly-rated options from Amazon: Invest in an Air Purifier If you struggle with allergies, an air purifier can help remove the excess hair, dander, and other allergens floating around in the air. In conclusion, Goldendoodles are not guaranteed to be non-shedding. If your Goldendoodle puppy does shed, look at the potential reasons why and do your best to manage the shedding through proper dog care like healthy eating and grooming as well as through handy devices like an air purifier or a pet hair vacuum. Related Goldendoodle Articles. However, they do shed some of their fur. Do Goldendoodle puppies shed more than adult Goldendoodles? Goldendoodles in general are a low-shed breed, but they still shed some of their hair. Stress can cause excess shedding. Goldendoodle puppies have really fluffy fur that is typically more wavy than fluffy. Now that you know some things about the shedding habits of puppy and adult Goldendoodles , you are likely wondering what can cause excess shedding and what you can do to prevent your Goldendoodle from shedding. Source When Goldendoodles transition from their puppy coat to their adult coat of fur, their fur looks awkward and is considered somewhat ugly because of the mixture of waves, curls, and different textures. Although Goldendoodles are hypoallergenic, they still lose hair. They just lost it slowly, like humans lose their hair. Source When your Goldendoodle gets its adult fur, it will be slightly curlier, thicker, and stiffer than its puppy fur. It will still be soft, just not as soft as it used to be. The stiffness helps protect them from various things that may hurt them, like sharp sticks and wires. Enjoy this time because although your dog may not look the prettiest, it will still look cute and slightly funny. Goldendoodles shed slightly more than usual when the weather changes , typically when spring turns to summer and the weather gets warmer. Will my straight hair Goldendoodles stop shedding? Do Goldendoodles Shed Some Goldendoodles do shed. Certain coat types and generations of Goldendoodles are more or less likely to drop hair. Which coat types of Goldendoodles shed Curly coat Goldendoodles typically do not shed Wavy coat Goldendoodles usually do not shed Straight coat Goldendoodles will likely shed Concerning generation F1 Goldendoodles can shed, depending on coat type F1b Goldendoodles are less likely to shed due to the higher proportion of Poodle genetics F2 Goldendoodles are less likely to shed due to selective breeding How much do Goldendoodles shed The size and coat type of your Goldendoodle will determine how much your Goldendoodle sheds. A large or standard straight coat Goldendoodle will likely shed in enormous volumes, regardless of its generation. Such a Goldendoodle will shed year-round — it is not seasonal shedding. There may be an uptick after winter — but expect such a dog to shed days of the year. Larger dogs shed more volume. Even a small or Teacup Goldendoodle with a shedding straight coat most common shedding coat can drop a severe amount of hair. Which Generations of Goldendoodle Shed? People often wonder which generations of Goldendoodles will be the least likely to shed. The answer? Lies in genetics. Shedding and dander production can actually be incredibly accurately predicted by genetic testing. This is why many high-tech breeders have a spot on accuracy when it comes to determining whether their litters will shed. The genetic testing is an additional cost and does require a passing knowledge of which genes will be passed on or not. This means many breeders do not genetically test. So we need to look at other factors to figure out whether a dog will shed. Of course also when you adopt or rehome a Goldendoodle there is even less opportunity to genetically test. Do F1 Goldendoodles shed? An F1 Goldendoodle is known as a first-generation Goldendoodle. The first generation means that one parent was a pure Golden Retriever, and one parent is a pure Poodle. It gets a little tricker than that because not all genes are passed down equally. Sometimes you will meet human kids who much resemble one parent, not the other. Sometimes you can even meet two siblings who look nothing alike. This is because different genes will express in different ways. Even with the same parents! So you need to cautiously take generation shedding advice — as it is typically true — but there are no guarantees. Goldendoodles with wavy or curly coats shed less — making them often the best pick for kids with allergies or asthma triggered by dogs. Yes — some Goldendoodles shed depending on their coat type. The closer the coat to a Poodle coat, the less likely they are to shed. This is because a F1 Goldendoodle has the makeup of each parent. Golden Retrievers shed while almost all Poodles do not. This leads us to F1B Goldendoodles — the generation of Goldendoodles that shed the least. An F1B Goldendoodle happens when you take an already existing Goldendoodle and then cross it with — another Poodle! For such a dog — you would expect Poodle genes to be more likely to be reflected. This is why F1B Goldendoodles typically shed very little. Which Goldendoodles shed the most? The greatest shedding Goldendoodles will be a combination of generation and coat type. The four most likely to shed Goldendoodle types are Unfurnished, straight coat , F1 Goldendoodle Straight coat F1 Goldendoodle OR Straight coat Goldendoodle Straight coat F1b Goldendoodle Unfurnished wavy coat rare any generation Goldendoodle The size of Goldendoodle is unlikely to affect the shedding amount much at all. So from Medium Goldendoodle right down to the Teacup Goldendoodle — the coat type, furnishings and generation are most important. Which Goldendoodles shed the least? If non-shedding is the most critical factor for you — consider these types of Goldendoodle first. Remember that non-shedding does not necessarily correlate directly to hypoallergenic. A non-shedding Goldendoodle will come close to being hypoallergenic , but no dog is entirely allergy-free. Black Goldendoodles do not shed any extra compared with the more common color coats. How can you tell what coat type a Goldendoodle will have? There are a few ways that breeders and pet experts can try and predict what kind of coat your Goldendoodle has. It can be particularly tricky to predict coat types when the Goldendoodle is a puppy. This is because Goldendoodles do actually have a puppy coat that they lose over time. Typically, the puppy coat will begin to change at around months. The replacement coat is almost always of the same coat type. There are three things to look for when trying to figure out what type of coat your Goldendoodle will have. We go into detailed coat prediction strategies in this article. Look for furnishings facial hair especially the mustache region Comb and look at how kinky the puppy hair is Compare to the parents and find a middle ground Can brushing Goldendoodles stop shedding? Regular DIY grooming of your Goldendoodle will not stop your Goldendoodle from shedding — but will significantly reduce the dropped hair you will need to deal with. There are relatively simple steps you can do at home to reduce the impact of a shedding Goldendoodle. Although designed to deshed through a top layer — many owners of a straight coat or shedding Goldendoodles find such a device very useful even for a longer haired dog Picking good pair of clippers and giving your Goldendoodle a summer cut can also help reduce shedding Will my straight hair Goldendoodles stop shedding? Almost all straight-haired Goldendoodles will shed. Sometimes people have a puppy with a straight coat and wish that the coat would change significantly. They know that Goldendoodles do have a puppy coat that is lost. So will a straight-haired Goldendoodle puppy see a change to a non-shedding coat? Unfortunately, no, a straight-haired Goldendoodle puppy will likely stay shedding. Even after the puppy coat is lost. Some owners report that the adult coat of their straight-haired Goldendoodle does actually shed less than the puppy coat! This is about as hopeful as you can get, though — as the underlying coat type rarely changes for a truly straight coat Goldendoodle. A Goldendoodle with an improper coat OR is unfurnished no mustache is even less likely to change to non-shedding in any meaningful way. If you do have a shedding Goldendoodle straight coat puppy — do not despair! You can use a HEPA filter fan and high-quality pet vacuum to vastly reduce the amount of hair that is around the house. Ergonomic handle with fantastic comfort grip. Will not slip out of your hand. Makes grooming easier for both home groomers and salon groomers alike. Fluff, detangle and style with one tool. Available in three sizes to fit your breed and size of dog. White on White was a catalyst in the evolution of canine coat care. The momentum that followed has allowed Chris Christensen Systems to bring you the finest grooming products ever available in the dog show and pet care worlds. Check Price on ChrisChristensen. Frequent brushing also helps reduce the total amount of lost hair. Use a steel comb for a quick brush — and a few minutes a day of a slicker brush designed for Poodle mix coats. My wife and I love playing with our active miniature Labradoodle Max. We want all Oodle puppies to be healthy and happy, have lots of fun and be part of the family. Load More. The change can be sudden or gradual, and sometimes the texture of the coat will change completely. The fur grows in dense curls that can be tight, kinky curls, or loose barrel curls. Generally, curly coats have virtually no doggy odor and are usually very low shedding. Wavy Coat English Goldendoodles have wavy coats that are also sometimes referred to as fleece coats. This coat type is typically very low shedding, but it does need plenty of regular grooming to prevent matting. Straight Coat Goldendoodles with straight coats take mostly after the Golden retriever parent. These Doodles are the heaviest shedders, making them unsuitable for life in a home with allergy sufferers. These coat types tend to need a little less brushing than the curly or wavy coated types, and they are slightly less prone to tangling and matting. To make matters even more interesting, Goldendoodles commonly change coat colors or get a brighter coat as they age , so it really is a total lottery! Goldendoodle puppies have a fantastic coat! Brushing your puppy removes loose, dead hair that would otherwise turn into immovable mats. So, even though one of the reasons that Goldendoodles are so popular is that they are extremely low-shedding, they do shed. Regardless of what size or generation of Goldendoodle you have, all these puppies will change their coats. Often, Goldendoodles that enjoy swimming and generally get grubby so that they need regular bathing can often lose their puppy coat almost invisibly. Generally, when Goldendoodle puppies change their coats, the mature adult coat they grow is denser and stiffer than the puppy fur. The breeder should be able to give you a good idea of what you can expect during the coat transition period. That said, the process of healthy coat transition can last for as long as two years. When your puppy starts growing his adult coat, his silky, soft puppy fur is shed. You need to be alert to that process starting! All puppies are born with a single coat. You might not notice any change at all, whereas other Goldendoodle parents see a massive amount of matting appearing from out of nowhere. Where Do Mats Form? Mats generally form in areas of friction. Particular hotspots include: Under the collar. Again, this depends on their parents. But most commonly, they have wavy hair. Those with curly hair resemble their Poodle ancestry. Those with a straight look appear more like Golden Retrievers. The latter is far easier to groom. Speaking of grooming… Length After your dogs latest trip to the groomer, how long should you wait before scheduling their next visit? Mark it on your calendar, every six weeks about does the trick. Most Goldendoodles will have regrown everything in about three to four months. Both Poodles and Golden Retrievers have longer coats. While Labradoodles could have a shorter coat, this is uncommon in Goldendoodles, if even present. All in all, a Goldendoodle is a great pet for owners with allergies. While there is no such thing as a truly hypoallergenic dog, Doodle breeds shed far less than most and are quite allergy friendly. Many Goldendoodle parents may note that their puppy's coat quickly fills with fluffy clumps as a result of this. This is a definite indication that the shift has begun for your dog! Your Goldendoodle puppy's fur is thickest at three months old. It's possible that your puppy's coat has grown to its full potential and is very well-colored at this time. Your Goldendoodle could start to lose its puppy fur and develop an adult coat between the ages of 4 and 8 months. Depending on the exact kind of fur, this process may be slow and scarcely perceptible, rapid and evident, or protracted and difficult. The color and texture of their pelt can also vary. Don't get too depressed if your puppy's fur lasts past the age of 12 months; some Doodles may continue to shed puppy fur. We mentioned earlier about grooming. While most breeds you can take to the groomer at about 12 weeks, you probably want to wait until this six-month mark to shuffle them to the stylist. This will allow most of their puppy fur to be shed. When a puppy is 6 to 10 months old, the silky puppy coat often begins to shed gradually. Your Goldendoodle will continue its gradual transformation from puppy to adult coat by the age of one. Any shedding should be minimized, and if a suitable grooming routine isn't put in place at this time, you can have issues with knots. First, the adult coat becomes stiffer and more curly. Over time, you will notice that the coat is not as soft as it used to be. Most of the time, the color will usually lighten as the dog ages. They will grey just like we will. There are a handful of reasons for changes at this age or, sometimes, younger. If your dog is one that loves daytime romps, the sun could bleach its fur over time. This is natural. Diet and nutrition can affect their coats as well. A lack of vitamins could cause them to shed and matt. You might be allergic to dogs, but your dog could also be allergic to you. Or other things too. If they do have allergies this can affect the color, texture and volume of your puppy's coat. See your vet for best practices about how to assist your dog in these instances. Inherited or communicated diseases can also affect your dog's coat. Again, your trusted vet is best suited to formulate a plan of action for managing the situation. The same goes for grooming your senior pup. Older dogs need to be treated with a bit of finesse. Have that same respect for your dog. Especially those over the age of about ten years or so. If they have arthritis, for example, be aware of those areas on their body. But what happens during the time in between hair care visits? You can even take things step by step and demonstrate how easy it can be. Keep things light. Keep things fun. Shampoo and conditioner of high quality are viable options for special treatment. There are other, less expensive options as well. When they are true puppies, you want to only wash them when they start to smell. What will really help is brushing your puppy on a regular basis. Popping out the brush once a day or every other day is recommended. Brushing their hair less than once a week will almost definitely spell disaster. You can trim things up here and there as well. Where are some trouble spots that will need to be considered when grooming your pup? These might be found at the base of their tail, beneath their ears, and in the area just above their armpits. Don't forget about the back of their haunches and elbows. The best way to learn is with hands-on experience. Ready to get your Goldendoodle today? Have more questions about anything and everything Goldendoodle related? We have the answers , and for all things Doodles, stay tuned to our exciting and educational blog.

Aug 18, Share Boxers were originally bred in Germany as guard dogs in the 18th century. This medium to large-sized dog was bred as a cross between the Bullenbeisser dog now extinct and the Bulldog. The Boxers we know and love today for their silliness and energy have emerged from a Molosser-type dog that was used in hunting. It is important to note that officially there is only one type of Boxer breed that has different bloodlines. Sometimes, these bloodlines are mixed, while other times they are absolutely pure. There are no variant types or official sub-categories in the official sense. However, there are plenty of morphological differences among Boxer breeds to consider. Below are the different types of Boxer dog breeds and their differences. The 3 Types of Boxer Dogs 1. The dog is preferred for its slightly larger frame as compared to the UK and American Boxer. The bones are dense and large, which helps give the musculature a slightly more pronounced definition. The width of the thigh in this breed is slightly wider as compared to others. A feature typical to German Boxers is the length between their skull and snout. The length is exactly in the ratio of in German Boxers with a pure bloodline. The snout, in comparison to other types, is smaller than the American Boxer and wider than the UK Boxer type. United Kingdom Boxer Dog A post shared by Boxergone boxergone Defining characteristic: Considered the most elegant among all Boxers, owing to its high knuckles atop small feet This breed is also called the English Boxer or British Boxer. The UK Boxer stands out for being more lithe, sleek, and athletic as compared to other Boxer breeds. It has a slender musculature and a stylized body that allows for further agility and precise movements. English Boxers have the highest knuckles of all other variants. They are also thought to be the smallest with thinner and shorter legs. However, this does not mean that they lack strength or speed. However, it was the first one to be given official recognition in by American Kennel Club. The breed is the easiest to recognize among all other variants, thanks to the lack of wrinkles in adult dogs. Their coat is also denser, brighter, and stronger than English and German Boxers. The American Boxer stands differently from the English Boxer. This is because of the shape of its ankles, paws, and knuckles. However, it is easy to confuse American Boxers with German Boxers since both of them have the same stance. Further information: Bullenbeisser Friedrich Robert and his boxer, The Boxer is a hunting mastiff developed in Germany in the late 19th century from the now extinct Bullenbeisser , a dog of English Mastiff descent, and Bulldogs brought in from Great Britain. Its task was to seize the prey and hold it until the hunters arrived. In later years, faster dogs were favored and a smaller Bullenbeisser was bred in Brabant , in northern Belgium. The Brabanter Bullenbeisser is generally accepted as being a direct ancestor of today's Boxer. The club went on to publish the first Boxer breed standard in , a detailed document that has not been changed much since. During World War I , the Boxer was co-opted for military work, acting as a valuable messenger dog, pack carrier, attack dog , and guard dog. Taken home by returning soldiers, the dog was introduced to a wider audience and soon became a favorite as a companion, a show dog, and a guard dog. Boxer early genealogy chart Flocki, the first Boxer German citizen George Alt, a Munich resident, mated a brindle-colored female dog imported from France named Flora with a local dog of unknown ancestry, known simply as "Boxer", resulting in a fawn-and-white male, named Lechner's Box after its owner. This dog was mated with his own dam, Flora, and one of his offspring was a female called Alt's Schecken. George Alt mated Schecken with a Bulldog named Dr. Flocki was the first Boxer to enter the German Stud Book after winning the aforementioned show for St. Bernards in Munich , which was the first event to have a class specific for Boxers. Blanka von Angertor, Flocki's sister, was even more influential when mated with Piccolo von Angertor Lechner's Box grandson to produce the predominantly white particolored female dog Meta von der Passage, which, even bearing little resemblance with the modern Boxer standard early photographs depict her as too long, weak-backed, and down-faced , is considered the mother of the breed. Our great line of sires all trace directly back to this female. She was a substantially built, low to the ground, brindle and white particolor, lacking in underjaw and exceedingly lippy. As a producing female, few in any breed can match her record. She consistently whelped puppies of marvelous type and rare quality. Those of her offspring sired by Flock St. Salvator and Wotan dominate all present-day pedigrees. Combined with Wotan and Mirzl children, they made the Boxer. Breed name[ edit ] The name "Boxer" is supposedly derived from the breed's tendency to play by standing on its hind legs and " boxing " with its front paws. Brace's Pet Owner's Guide to the Boxer, this theory is the least plausible explanation. At that time, the spelling "baxer" equalled "boxer". Both the verb boxen [English "to box, to punch, to jab"] and the noun Boxer were common German words as early as the late 18th century. The term Boxl, also written Buxn or Buchsen in the Bavarian dialect, means "short leather trousers" or "underwear". The very similar-sounding term Boxerl, also from the Bavarian dialect, is an endearing term for Boxer. These dogs were the result from mixes of Bullenbeisser and other similar breeds. Bier beer probably refers to the Biergarten, the typical Munich beer garden, an open-air restaurant where people used to take their dogs along. The nickname "Deutscher Boxer" was derived from Bierboxer and Boxer could also be a corruption of the former or a contraction of the latter. This seems improbable. Any such action would likely result in a badly bitten if not broken leg. On the other hand, a German breeder of 40 years' experience states positively that the Boxer does not use his feet, except to try to extinguish a small flame such as a burning match. But a Boxer does box with his head. He will hit not bite a cat with his muzzle hard enough to knock it out and he will box a ball with his nose. Or perhaps, since the German dictionary translates Boxer as "prize-fighter", the name was bestowed in appreciation of the fighting qualities of the breed rather than its technique. Boxer is also the name of a dog owned by John Peerybingle, the main character in the best-selling book The Cricket on the Hearth by Charles Dickens , which is evidence that "Boxer" was commonly used as a dog name by the early 19th century, before the establishment of the breed by the end of that same century. A brindle Boxer with two white socks Brindle, fawn, and white Boxer puppies See also: Dog health A healthy Boxer puppy Leading health issues to which Boxers are prone include cancers , heart conditions such as aortic stenosis and arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy the so-called " Boxer cardiomyopathy " , [35] hypothyroidism , hip dysplasia , and degenerative myelopathy and epilepsy; other conditions that may be seen are gastric dilatation volvulus also known as bloat , intestinal problems, and allergies although these may be more related to diet than breed. An emerging health concern among boxers is Boxer Juvenile Kidney Disease JKD , where the kidneys do not develop normally during gestation and leads to chronic renal failure. There is strong evidence to suggest JKD is an inherited condition in boxers with research being undertaken by the University of Ohio to determine the gene mutation, as well as other work separately by the UK Boxer Breeder Council. Mortality due to infection increases significantly with increases in inbreeding. The breed is particularly predisposed to mast cell tumours, a cancer of the immune system. Because of their brachycephalic heads, they do not do well with high heat or humidity, and common sense should prevail when exercising a Boxer in these conditions. See also: Dog food Boxers need plenty of exercise, which means their diet should be high in quality calories. The main source of these calories should be lean animal protein, which include lean chicken, turkey, lamb, and fish. They sometimes appear at dog agility or dog obedience trials and flyball events. These strong and intelligent animals have also been used as service dogs, guide dogs for the blind, therapy dogs, police dogs in K9 units, and occasionally herding cattle or sheep. The versatility of Boxers was recognized early on by the military, which has used them as valuable messenger dogs, pack carriers, and attack and guard dogs in times of war. Notable Boxers[ edit ] Punch and Judy were awarded the Dickin Medal for conspicuous gallantry or devotion to duty while serving in a military conflict. How about a UK Boxer? The answer is very little. All are considered to be 1 breed: The Boxer. However, each of these 3 Boxers have very slight differences. Dogs of these countries are bred to perfect these slight variances. With German Boxers, the nose is generally smaller; however only by a very small degree. The width of the thigh is slightly wider than the other types. As you can see, the skin other than the head has no wrinkles. Most, but not all, will have a tighter coat. The American Boxer, as well as the German Boxer stands differently than the UK Boxer due to the shape of the paws, knuckles and ankles. FAQ Are there different breeds of Boxers? The answer is no; there is only 1 Boxer breed. There are even dogs with all 3 types in the bloodline. How do I know which type of Boxer I have? If you obtain your Boxer from a professional Boxer breeder they will most certainly tell you which bloodlines they are breeding. Some do focus on just one certain style and will obtain dam and sires of that bloodline.What type of Boxer conforms to dog show standards? It depends which country you are in. In America, the judges tend to base their opinions on not only the American breed standard, but how the dog compares to others most commonly seen at shows. The written breed standards for many clubs can be applied to all 3 styles of Boxers. Some will say that U. Do breeders ever mix bloodlines? Some breeders who live by the rule that a Boxer is a Boxer, will mix bloodlines. Others hold a strict standard to never mix at all and work to preserve a strong line without any other types being mixed in. Many dogs have both American and European bloodlines.And with all of the breeding that has occurred over all of the past generations, one would be hard pressed to locate a dog that does not hold a trace of 2 or even 3 of the different bloodlines somewhere, even if it is very far back in the pedigree. Which type is the best? Generally, temperament is the same across the board. There are some that will say one type has more energy than the other, or one bloodline has more aggressive tendencies, however this has nothing to do with UK vs US or anything of the sort, it only has to do with the particular dog. There is no one to judge which Boxer breed type is the best; it is all a matter of personal taste. Someone living in America may have a gorgeous German Boxer and visa-versa. You may also like: Oldest Boxer Dogs - Boxers that have lived past the expected 9 to 12 years.

Breeds The link has been copied! Labrador Retrievers are one of the most popular dog breeds in the world. As an admirer of one of these lovely furry companions, you may question how much it costs to buy and own a Labrador Retriever. We'll explore the upfront price of purchasing a puppy and the routine costs associated with pet ownership. We'll also cover various factors that can impact the cost of a Lab and provide tips on how to reduce the cost of owning one. The cost of a Lab can vary depending on several factors such as its age, color, purpose show or field , whether it's a purebred, and more. Routine Care Expenses Owning a Labrador Retriever requires some routine care expenses, which should be taken into account when considering the overall cost of having a pet. One of the essential expenses is veterinary care, which includes routine check-ups, vaccinations, and emergency medical care. Labs are prone to specific health issues, such as hip dysplasia , eye problems, and skin allergies, which may require additional medical attention and expenses. Another routine care expense for Labs is feeding. As they are a somewhat larger breed, they require a substantial amount of food to maintain their weight and energy levels. Additionally, treats, chews, and supplements can also be added to their diet, increasing the overall cost of nutrition. Proper grooming and hygiene are essential to keep a Lab healthy and comfortable. Remember that training and behavioral classes may be necessary to ensure your Lab is well-behaved and socialized, which can also be costly. These expenses should be considered when determining if a Lab is the right breed for you and your budget. How much a Labrador Retriever puppy costs depends on multiple factors, such as the breeder's reputation, the location of the pup, the bloodline, and more. Additionally, the cost may increase if the puppy comes with additional services such as health certificates, microchipping , or first vaccinations. Your pup will also need feeding, grooming, and bathing factored into their expenses, as well as beds, toys, chews, leashes, collars, harnesses, and much more. Consider the following: Buying From a Breeder vs. While adopting a Lab may be less expensive, it is essential to note that some shelters may have restrictions and requirements that need to be met before adoption. Keep in mind that the price of a Labrador based on color may vary by region and how popular that specific color is in that location. However, buyers should be cautious and avoid buying from dishonest breeders who may be selling mixed-breed dogs as purebreds. Breeders Reputation Reputable breeders who prioritize health, temperament, and breed standards usually charge more for their puppies. It's crucial to research the breeder thoroughly and ensure that they follow ethical breeding practices before making a purchase. This includes checking their breeding practices, requesting health certificates and pedigrees, and visiting their facilities in person if possible. Buyers should also be cautious of breeders who offer extremely low prices, as that might be a sign of unethical practices. Estimated Size The estimated size of an adult Labrador retriever is around about .Average Price To Buy A Lab Puppy From A Breeder The average price to buy a Lab puppy from a breeder is different from one person to the next, according to the reputation the breeder has in the community, the dog's bloodline, and their location. Again, the color of the Lab plays a significant factor as well. In addition to the cost of the puppy, there are also other expenses associated with owning a Lab. This includes routine care costs such as food, toys, grooming supplies, and veterinary visits for vaccinations and check-ups. Owners should also budget for unexpected expenses such as emergency veterinary care or unexpected illnesses. Remember that a reputable breeder may charge more for their puppies, but they are more likely to provide you with a healthy, well-socialized puppy from a good bloodline. Average Cost To Adopt A Lab Puppy Adopting a Lab puppy is generally less expensive than buying one from a breeder, but the costs can still vary widely. However, it's crucial to research adoption agencies thoroughly to ensure that they are reputable and the dogs are healthy and well-cared for before making a decision. You don't want to bring a sickly pup into your home, just to end up spending more on medical bills than you had anticipated. However, the costs don't stop there. Once you have your furry friend, ongoing expenses include food, vet bills, grooming, and more. In addition, Labs are known for their love of exploration and adventure, which means they have a penchant for getting lost. You don't want to get a new puppy with the understanding that the breed may be high maintenance, and then you lose track of your dog. The collar uses GPS and cellular technology to track your dog's location in real-time, so you can quickly locate your pet if they ever wander off. The collar also includes additional features such as activity monitoring and geofencing to alert you if your dog leaves a designated area. While the initial cost of the collar may seem high, it can save you money in the long run by preventing the loss or theft of your beloved Lab. Labrador Retriever Breed Guide Labrador Retrievers are outgoing and generally have a friendly disposition toward others. They are loyal, affectionate and make excellent family pets. They are also intelligent and easy to train, which makes them great for first-time dog owners. Due to their friendly nature, they also make excellent therapy dogs and are often used in service roles. Labrador Retrievers generally come in three colors: black, chocolate, and yellow. The coat is short, dense, and water-resistant, which makes them excellent swimmers. Labs can be medium to large dogs that weigh about 55 to 80 pounds on average, with the males usually outweighing the females by ten pounds. Typically, they're around two feet tall inches , and the males will have about a one-inch height advantage over the females. The average lifespan for a Labrador Retriever is around 12 years, although some can live up to 14 years. They are all around healthy, but like all dogs, there are specific ailments that you're more likely to encounter with a Lab, like obesity, ear infections, and hip dysplasia. As for lifetime care costs, they can vary depending on factors such as food, vet bills, and grooming expenses. There are several ways to reduce the cost of owning a Labrador Retriever. One option is to adopt a dog from a local shelter or rescue organization. Adopting a dog from a shelter is usually less expensive than buying a puppy from a breeder. Typically, dog shelters will include initial vaccinations, any spaying or neutering services needed, along with essential veterinary care up front. That helps cut down on some of the initial costs that owners usually spend when they first bring a puppy home. However, it's not uncommon that breeders will also at least include the first vaccinations for the pup upon its release to your family. Another option to reduce the cost of owning a Lab is to consider adopting an older dog instead of a puppy. Older dogs may already be trained and require less attention and socialization than a puppy, which can save on training costs and time. Moreover, older dogs may have lower veterinary bills since they may not require as many check-ups or preventative care as a puppy. Finally, another way to save money on the lifetime costs of owning a Labrador Retriever is to invest in preventative care. This includes regular exercise, a healthy diet, and regular veterinary check-ups to catch potential health issues early on. While preventive care may require an upfront investment, it can ultimately save money by avoiding expensive medical bills down the line. Final Thoughts: The Cost of Owning a Labrador Retriever Labrador Retrievers are one of the most popular breeds to own, but they can be somewhat high maintenance after you bring them into your home. However, there are ways to reduce costs, such as adopting from a shelter or rescue organization, buying an older dog instead of a puppy, and being mindful of routine care costs. Regardless of the price, it's important to protect your Labrador Retriever with a GPS-tracking dog collar like the one offered by Fi, which can provide peace of mind and ensure the safety of your Lab. Get more expert advice on pet-parenting by visiting the Off Leash blog at TryFi. TryFi's The Fi Dog Collar is a must-have for any pet parent, it's a GPS tracking collar that helps you keep tabs on your dog's location, activity, and sleep patterns, and alerts you if they escape your backyard. The link has been copied! You might also like. Since the Labrador could grow to a hefty size, its yearly upkeep still falls within the expected price range of other big dogs. Always take your puppy to regular vet checkups, even if it looks like the very picture of health. Though these things are not high on the priority list, consider them nice-to-haves once the budget allows. Besides, we all want the best for our four-legged friends, and that alone is reason enough for most of us! Boarding Kennels: This service is a lifesaver for owners who have to travel for days or weeks at a time and cannot bring their dog along with them. Professional Grooming: As we said earlier, Labrador Retrievers shed a lot, so an afternoon at the groomer will help keep your pooch looking clean and tidy. You can put off spending on these things until the budget allows. However, give some serious thought to investing in an emergency fund, as this would take a big worry off your mind in case of any unexpected trips to the vet. Though it is tempting to buy a dog from pet stores or backyard breeders because of their low puppy prices, getting Lab puppies from a reputable source is still a more responsible and ethical choice. Here is a list of responsible breeders where you can find Labrador puppies for sale: Rhumbline Retrievers — This New York-based kennel has been breeding quality Labrador Retriever puppies since , and a good number of their dogs have participated in agility, obedience, and hunting tests at the national level. Due to their commitment to only breed dogs of the highest quality, they have limited puppies for sale at a time; thus, expect a long waitlist. All their puppies are tested for genetic disorders such as elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. They raise show-quality Labs and have championship bloodline puppies as well. For a more comprehensive list of reputable Labrador Retriever breeders, take a peek at our 10 best Labrador breeders article. All their dogs are fostered and given medical care before being turned over to their new family. Based in Colorado and licensed by the Pet Animal Care Facilities, they foster and provide medical care to Labs until they can get adopted. American Lab Rescue — This organization makes use of foster homes to rehabilitate and care for their rescued dogs. For your adoption application to be approved, they will require a fenced-in yard and will also do a home visit to your place before releasing a dog. Alternatively, you can also check out our top 10 picks of Labrador Retriever Rescues and our dog adoption guide. The Labrador Retriever is popular for its great temperament and personality. Unfortunately, most people fail to expect its high energy level as well, which is why some Labs find themselves in animal shelters. That said, doing your research about the Labrador Retriever before buying or adopting a puppy is necessary to make sure that the Lab is the best dog for you. Money-Saving Tips for Labrador Retriever Owners We all want to give our dog the best life possible, and if we can do that without breaking the bank, then even better! The trick is finding the right balance on which expenses to let go of and which ones to keep. To help you achieve this, here are some money-saving tips for Labrador Retriever owners: DIY dog food and treats. Not only is this a more practical option, but this is also healthier for your dog. Practice your grooming skills. Watch a good tutorial and practice your skills on your pooch. Invest in high-quality supplies. You may want to scrimp on supplies such as food and water bowls, but investing in high-quality and durable essentials will save you more money in the long run. Training Labrador Retrievers is a fairly easy task, even for novice dog owners. A lot of great tutorials can be found on the internet, and being the intelligent dogs that they are, they will learn all their tricks in no time! Like pet insurance, regular vet visits will save you from procedures and medications that could cost thousands of dollars later. Pet quality pups are affordable and budget-friendly to most people who are looking for an intelligent and well-tempered canine companion. However, like most dogs, their lifetime cost would still require you to spend considerable money. As such, think long and hard about the commitment and financial implications of taking in a dog. These canines make great family pets, even for those looking for their first dog. So, if your budget is enough to shoulder the price and long-term costs of the Labrador Retriever, then it might just be the pooch for you! Tell us in the comment box below! My passion for animals started at a very young age as I grow up on a farm with several horses, cows, cats, chickens, and dogs on our property. Leave a Comment. The costs will be a bit higher at first while you get your dog the shots it requires and pay for the frequent visits to the vet. We also recommend getting your dog spayed or neutered unless you are a professional breeder, and it might even be required as part of your contract if you purchase from a breeder. Once your dog is an adult, it will not require as many vet visits and will only need booster shots every few years, so the average monthly costs will be much lower. Experts recommend getting all of the shots, but your dog is only legally required to get the rabies shot. We recommend purchasing a high-quality brand with real meat like chicken, turkey, or salmon listed as the first ingredient. The protein in meat will help build muscle and provide the energy your dog needs to stay healthy. High protein diets will also help your dog stay full longer, and it will be less likely to come looking for food. Foods with corn as the top ingredient are mostly empty calories that will leave your pet feeling hungry and looking for more food, potentially causing it to become obese. During the shedding seasons of spring and fall, you will likely need to increase the brushing to several times a week to help keep the fur off your furniture and floor. Professional grooming can also help with teeth brushing and nail clipping. This medication can also help prevent heartworm. Spot Pet Insurance offers customizable plans that you can adapt to your breed's specific needs. Many people forgo pet insurance, but it can be a great way to protect yourself from a huge expense while making sure your Labrador Retriever has the best healthcare possible. Accidents and serious illnesses can occur at any time, and many procedures can cost thousands of dollars which makes the price of insurance more than worth it, especially if you get it while your dog is still a puppy. It can chew up stuffed animals quickly, so they can get expensive, but there are plenty of options for a chewing dog, like the Lab. Another option is to purchase a subscription to a monthly service like the Bark Box that sends your dog new toys and activities for as long as you keep up your subscription. A full-grown dog only requires food and flea and tick medication to stay healthy, a few toys to play with, and treats here and there. Additional Costs to Factor In If you like to go on long vacations, you might need to factor in the additional costs of traveling with a dog. Many rental cars do not allow pets or will charge you extra, and the same is true for hotels. Owning a Labrador Retriever on a Budget Your Labrador Retriever will be relatively inexpensive once you get the medical things out of the way. A high-quality food may seem more expensive, but it will help keep your dog full so that it will eat less. Image Credit: Pixel-Shot, Shutterstock Saving Money on Labrador Retriever Care The best way to save money on healthcare when raising your Labrador Retriever is to keep it a healthy weight by following portion recommendations on the food you serve and by helping them get enough exercise. Obesity can lead to heart disease, diabetes, and other health issues that can shorten the lifespan of your pet. After the initial cost of the puppy , you will need to pay a few hundred dollars to get it spayed or neutered and get the shots it needs. After that, you will only need to provide food and shelter with the occasional booster shot. We hope you have enjoyed reading over this guide, and that it has helped answer your questions. If we have helped you create a budget that allows you to get one of these amazing pets, please share this guide on how much it costs to own a Labrador Retriever on social media. Featured Image Credit: scott, Pixabay Contents. How Much Does a Labrador Cost? And, this is just the upfront cost of the puppy. This includes the cost of food, veterinary bills, grooming, bedding, and so on. Labrador puppy costs depend on a few factors. Quality of the breeder Quality of the parent dogs Type of Labrador eg. For instance, puppy prices tend to be higher before Christmas, so buy a puppy in the spring, instead. Originally, black Labs were favored above other colors. Brown and yellow Labs were extremely uncommon, and were not at all desirable. Over time, this opinion changed and brown and yellow Labs became more accepted. Shooting communities still tend to prefer the black Lab, but yellow Labs are very common in other working roles, like as therapy dogs and guide dogs. On the whole, each official Labrador color will cost a similar amount. But, yellow and brown Labs may cost slightly more than black Labs, since the genes that cause their coloring are recessive and therefore are less common. Non-Standard Colors Labrador costs can be hugely increased or reduced by non standard colors or patterns. For instance, dilute shades or mismarks. Dilute coloring is recessive and highly controversial in the Labrador community. The genes that cause these shades will dilute pigmentation, turning black Labs into charcoal Labs, chocolate Labs into silver Labs, and yellow Labs into champagne Labs. Some believe this color results from cross-breeding. But, others believe the recessive genes simply remained hidden over generations, like original yellow and chocolate coloring. Dilute colors are not accepted in the official breed standard. So, many breeders will not adjust their price, and may even lower it for unexpected dilute puppies. The same is the case with mismarks. Mismarks can include white patches and spots, brindling, and even tan markings. Extensive mismarks will disqualify a Lab from show. Show type Labs are bred to fit the Labrador breed standard. They are usually slightly stockier and less active than field types. Field types are more often bred for their working ability than for any specific appearance. Labradors cost more when they are bred to show standards. Field Labs tend to be cheaper than Labradors bred for show. But, you should consider which type is best for you, rather than just going for the cheapest Labrador you can find. Field type Labs can be much more energetic and active than show types. First time owners may find the English Lab slightly easier to raise and train! Conversely, Labrador costs can be highest with field trial champion bred dogs that are likely to win awards. Labrador Costs From Breeders vs Shelters Labrador puppies from reputable breeders will cost more than dogs from a rescue center. Whilst Labs from breeders can cost thousands of dollars, Labradors from rescue centers can only be a few hundred dollars. A major difference between Labs from a breeder and Labs from a rescue center is the history of the dogs. Puppies from a breeder will stay with their mom and siblings until 8 weeks old. At 8 weeks, puppies can go to their new home. Rescue center dogs can have unknown histories, or even histories that involve abuse. Labs from rescue centers are usually older, and have often lived with other families. However, many Labs are given up for non-behavioral reasons. They can be just as wonderful pets as puppies from a breeder. And, many dogs from rescue centers will have basic training, including house training, obedience, and potentially recall. Why Are Breeders So Expensive? Reputable breeders tend to cost more than any other puppy source. Breeders have to spend a lot when breeding a litter, and all of this will lower their profit margins. Labrador breeding costs include: Health testing and certificates. Less - The Labrador Retriever is a medium to large-sized , short-coupled, powerfully-built dog with a short, dense, water-resistant coat; small, drop ears; and a short, thick otter-like tail carried level with the back or with a slight upward curve. The length of body is equal to or only slightly longer than the height at the withers, and the distance from the elbows to the ground is equal to one-half the height at the withers. Balance, outline, intelligence, temperament and movement are of overriding importance. The Labrador Retriever is a breed of moderation, thoroughly sound, and willing and able to do its work. The Labrador Retriever is a dog without exaggeration, so light, weedy dogs; long, low-stationed dogs; and cloddy, lumbering dogs are to be equally penalized. The Labrador Retriever is an enthusiastic hunter with a good nose and a soft mouth. They excel in all performance activities. Another essential characteristic of the Labrador Retriever is the short, dense, double coat that protects the dog when retrieving from water. Labrador Retrievers are noted for their excellent temperaments. This breed is friendly, outgoing and eager to please. They are extremely intelligent and easily trained to perform a variety of complex tasks. These dogs were brought to England, probably on fishing boats. Originally black in color, the first recorded yellow Labrador appeared in a litter born in .Chocolates were also recorded at about the same time, but never achieved the same level of popularity as the blacks and yellows. Originally bred to retrieve from water, the modern Labrador Retriever has proven to be one of the most versatile breeds, excelling in hunt tests and field trials, in obedience and agility events, and also as service dogs. Life Span Did You Know? The Golden Labrador is a designer dog breed that originated in the United States. They are a cross between a Golden Retriever and a Labrador Retriever. The goal was to combine these two highly popular breeds to create a dog that exhibits the best traits from both of them. A mixed dog breed can take after one parent breed more than the other or any combination of traits from the parent breeds. This can result in some variation among individual puppies. But, overall, a Golden Labrador is friendly, intelligent, energetic, and affectionate. Although this mixed breed is not recognized by the American Kennel Club, they are recognized by other notable organizations like the American Canine Hybrid Club and more. This large designer breed is characterized by their energetic personality and friendly disposition. Both of the parent breeds in this cross are open, friendly, and affectionate, so you can expect the same in your Golden Labrador puppy. They are very playful and get along fabulously with children, other dogs, and other pets. They may be alert enough to be a good watchdog, but they do not make good guard dogs. They are instinctually more interested in making new friends and getting attention than they are with anything else. They can have a slight prey drive, but most of the time, they are just curious and interested in playing and making friends. The Golden Labrador is a moderately adaptable dog breed. Their large size and energy tend to make them a better fit for larger homes with room to run. They can adapt well to apartment living as long as they are given enough exercise and mental stimulation. But, small spaces can be a challenge because they are large dogs that are so playful and energetic. Golden Labradors do well in just about any climate. As with most dog breeds, they are sensitive to heat and extreme cold. Because they love their families, thrive on attention, and get bored easily, they do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. As a mixed breed, a Golden Labrador can inherit the potential health conditions of one or both of the parent breeds. Although the Golden Labrador is a relatively healthy dog breed, there are some potential health conditions to be aware of. These include eye problems like progressive retinal atrophy and joint issues common to large dogs like patellar luxation and hip dysplasia. Like their parent breeds, the Golden Labrador can be prone to weight gain, which does put them at risk of diabetes later in life. Reputable breeders will screen their stock to ensure genetic conditions are not being passed on to puppies. Regular vet visits, proper nutrition, and sufficient exercise can help keep your dog healthy and reduce preventable diseases. Both of the parent breeds in this cross are highly intelligent and highly trainable, so the Golden Labrador should be no different. Eager to please their owners, these dogs pick up on things quickly and respond best to positive training methods focused on praise and reward. This dog breed, like both of the parent breeds, is a great fit for owners of all experience levels, including first-time dog owners. Their high energy can sometimes be a challenge, so you may want to consider puppy training and obedience classes. This designer dog breed may be called a Golden Labrador, but they can show up in many colors. A cream, yellow, or golden coat may be the most common, but a Golden Labrador can also have a black, red, or brown coat. It tends to be a dense double coat that is short or medium in length. This dog breed will shed moderately year-round with heavier shedding sessions twice a year as the seasons change. During seasonal changes, you may want to increase to daily brushing. Not only will this make your dog more comfortable, but it will also decrease the amount of loose fur that ends up around your house. In addition to coat care, you will also need to handle nail, ear, and dental care for your Golden Labrador. Floppy ears tend to trap more dirt, moisture, and debris, which makes them more prone to developing ear infections than ears that stick straight up. Unfortunately, this is often overlooked, which is why gum disease is one of the most common health issues in dogs. Beyond that, you can use vet-approved dental hygiene chews and treats and even a specially-formulated dental care diet to supplement your efforts. Getting them used to it early and keeping it a positive experience can make grooming a lot easier as your puppy grows into a big dog! Plus, it can become a bonding experience that your dog looks forward to. Golden Labradors are high-energy dogs. Daily walks, playtime, and some extra activity are generally enough for this dog to stay happy and healthy. But, they will probably tire out before you do! Their friendly nature makes the Golden Labrador a great fit for trips to the dog park. Try teaching your dog how to play frisbee. With their retriever background, it could become one of their favorite activities. You can also train your Golden Labrador for several dog sports like agility, dock diving, obedience, and more. A fully-grown Golden Labrador usually stands inches tall at the shoulder and weighs between pounds. A Golden Labrador generally lives years. Although Golden Labrador is the most popular name for this designer dog breed, they are also sometimes referred to as a Goldador or a Goldador Retriever. Featured Golden Labrador Article.

Are you starting to wonder if it's time to switch the teenage pooch to an adult food? While typically a pup should switch to adult dog food between 12 and 18 months of age, there are some things to consider. Growth and Size Puppies eat puppy food. Almost everyone knows that. The real question, though, is "why. Large-breed puppies in particular, such as your Labrador, have different nutritional needs than smaller breeds. Large-breed puppies require specific balances of minerals to ensure that their joints develop properly and in the right time frame. As such, the decision to switch your Labrador to an adult food is not one to be taken lightly. Speak with your vet concerning your Labrador's growth and keep your big, goofy, teenage Lab on a large-breed puppy food until the vet says his growth plates are beginning to close. These foods often contain bone- and joint-fortifying supplements like MSM or glucosamine. Since Labradors are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, the extra joint support in large-breed foods can help keep your growing dog on the right track, developmentwise. Labradors are prone to excess weight gain; many large-breed dog foods have fewer calories, which allows your seemingly bottomless stomach of a dog can be satisfied at the end of a meal instead of endlessly seeking more to eat. What Brand? Labradors, with their double coats, are heavy shedders. Keeping a close eye on the brand of food you feed, and on the food's ingredients list, can help keep your Labrador's coat healthy, shiny and shedding less. Look for a food, preferably grain-free, with meat listed as the first ingredient. Make sure it's not a meat byproduct or a meal. For example, the first few ingredients in a top-of-the-line food may read, "Turkey, chicken, eggs, quinoa. Start to wean your Lab off the puppy food and onto the adult food bit by bit, no more than half a cup at a time. On the first day of the switch, you might feed a cup and a half of puppy food and a half-cup of adult food. On day seven, you might feed 1-and-a-half cups of adult food and half a cup of puppy food. If your puppy starts to have digestive difficulties, such as loose stool, take the switch a little slower. More Articles. Once he has reached maturity, you can switch to adult dog food. Not all breeds reach maturity at the same age, however, so this can make it harder to know when to switch. How Long to Feed Puppy Food Puppies need a complete and balanced puppy food until they reach maturity. For dogs, adulthood depends more on breed size than their age. Because large and giant breeds take longer to mature, they need to eat puppy food longer than small- or medium-sized breeds. Medium Dog Breeds: Medium-sized dogs weigh between 21 and 50 pounds at maturity. They tend to reach maturity around 12 months of age. They need to eat puppy food longer than small- and medium-sized breeds. They can tell you when to switch to an adult dog food and help make it a successful transition. Leftovers in a bowl could signal that your puppy is getting full and needs less calories throughout the day. Continuing to feed puppy food past the point of maturity could cause him to become overweight, which can lead to other health problems. Choose a complete and balanced adult dog food formula once your puppy reaches maturity to help him maintain his ideal body condition. When to Switch Puppy to Adult Food Once you know when your puppy will reach maturity, you can decide when to switch to adult food. If your puppy will be full grown at 12 months, you can start transitioning him to an adult formula around his first birthday. How to Transition Puppy to an Adult Dog Food When you stop feeding puppy food, you must change more than just the food he eats. The number of meals and portion sizes will shift, too. Most puppies eat three meals a day , but adult dogs can eat just two meals per day. A gradual transition helps prevent stomach upset. Days 3 to 4: Serve half puppy food and half adult dog food. Days 8 to Serve only adult dog food. If your dog resists eating the adult food or experiences an upset stomach, extend the transition time as needed. Consult with your veterinarian for more help if needed. For more information and tips on puppy and dog nutrition from our experts , visit our Pet Expertise page. Related articles. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. As we all know too well, what we put in our belly has a huge impact on our health, vitality, length and quality of life. They have to strike a fine balance between getting enough nutrients to grow and avoiding an over-abundance that can lead to abnormal growth and disabling conditions. In this article you will learn precisely how to feed your puppy. What they can eat, what they should not, how many times you should feed them each day, basic information on home-made diets and the pros and cons of various commercial dog foods. The majority of Labrador owners feed their puppy kibble. Kibble is ground meal, shaped into dried biscuit-like pellets that are extremely convenient to buy, store and feed, providing everything a puppy needs in one easy to handle product. All the major brands carry a range of kibble and many are specifically formulated to suit the precise needs of puppies. For our recommendations of the best puppy food for labs, please read our article on: The Best Food for Labrador Puppies. Good breeders will supply you with all the information you need to feed your new puppy and you should follow this advice. Puppies almost always get upset tummies during a change of diet. The stress of moving to a new home is enough to deal with without them potentially having tummy upset on top. So try to avoid this. But expect your puppy to get diarrhea after such a sudden change. What Can Puppies Eat? With a bewildering choice of different puppy foods available, what to feed your puppy may not be the easiest decision to make. You Can Feed Your Puppy Kibble Kibble is ground up food, formed into pellets and dried for easy storage and convenience. It is a specially formulated, complete and balanced diet, containing everything a puppy needs to grow and be healthy. Many people believe kibble is the best way to feed a puppy, with it being so easy to buy, store and feed while containing every nutrient a puppy needs in the right proportions. Wet, Complete Puppy Foods Are An Option As the name suggests, complete wet dog food is complete and balanced, meaning nothing should be fed in combination. Everything needed is included in this one food. Complete wet foods come in individual pouches or tins with one pouch or tin containing one single serving. In the main these foods are low in nutrition, contain a high amount of cheap fillers, by-products and water and need mixing with a biscuit to give them some substance and to make them more complete. Because the food is such low quality, you have to feed a lot of it. And what goes in, must come out. This type of feeding was popular decades ago and I do remember my parents feeding our first dogs this way, but most people have moved on from this and are feeding their dogs in better ways now. Raw Food, BARF And Home-Made Diets Raw feeding is a diet that consists of mostly raw meat, edible bones and animal organs, though most practitioners also mix in small portions of fruit, veg and selected other foodstuffs. There are many people feel strongly that this is the best possible way to feed a dog. But I would caution most people that to feed this diet successfully, you need to do A LOT of research, gain a lot of knowledge and truly understand a dogs nutritional needs to make sure they get exactly what they need in the right amounts. Many people wonder if they can feed their puppy human foods, anything found in the fridge or larder. Furthermore, there are many human foods that are toxic to dogs that you should avoid at all costs. Too much of some nutrients can be bad in itself, but also prevent the absorption and use of other nutrients too. So supplementing a balanced diet is a bad thing to do. Can You Give Puppies Milk? Assuming you get your puppy at the recommended 8 weeks, they will have been fully weaned before you bring them home. Many puppies are intolerant of cows milk and drinking it leads to an upset tummy and diarrhea so you would do best to avoid giving your puppy any milk at all. One exception is for very young puppies under 6 weeks of age. When we have newborn puppies at our house we sometimes need to supplement and use Esbilac Milk Supplemen t. However, if you have a very young puppy that you think may need supplementing please first consult with your veterinarian. Are They Necessary? You will likely be feeding your puppy a commercially available complete and balanced dog food, in which case you certainly should not supplement their food. Supplementing this will mean too much of one or more things, making it unbalanced which can actually lead to harm. But an excess amount of calcium in the diet of a Lab puppy can lead to skeletal development problems. So adding a calcium supplement to an already complete diet can actually do more harm than good. There may also be times your vet advises you to do so. But if feeding raw, you should know more about nutrition than I do. This is a hard question to answer and sadly I cannot give you a definite quantity or weight to feed them each day. Puppies grow at different rates, some are more active than others and there can be large differences between metabolisms too. However… The biggest determining factor is how concentrated the nutrients and calories are in the brand of food you feed them. High quality foods are nutrient rich and give a puppy all they need from quite small amounts of food. But cheaper brands are full of low quality and nutritionally empty fillers that mean a puppy needs considerably more to get what they need. Start by feeding your puppy according to the guidelines on the label of the puppy food you buy for them. Then see how their body develops. Puppies should not be fat! But at the other end of the scale if they start to look and feel a little slim, up their portion sizes a little. The guidelines on the food you buy are just that…guidelines. You might also be interested in:. The ideal time to switch from puppy food to dog food is at the adolescence stage. In Labrador puppies, that stage is often around 12 months old. Sometimes your Lab puppy may need to switch to adult dog food a little earlier. Puppies and dogs eat different foods because puppies need more nutrition in their meals, which puppy food provides. Most living organisms' newborns often grow fast until they reach a certain age. To maintain that growth, those newborns require a more nutrition-dense diet. That diet should be rich in carbohydrates to meet the growing needs of rapidly growing babies. Your labrador puppy is no exception to that rule. On the other hand, once your Lab puppy becomes an adolescent, you need food that has less carbohydrate density to prevent giving your dog a heavy meal. The same goes for the other way around. Additionally, your puppy may experience some stomach upset and may not gain as much weight as he needs to. But you run the risk of overfeeding your dog. Your dog will be heavier, less active, and less healthy. His online resource contains Hundreds of Excellent Dog Training Videos that will take you step-by-step through the process of developing a healthy, happy well-behaved dog. This is precisely what happens to your puppy. So, the food bowl he used to devour a couple of months ago is now just an excessive amount of food. When someone eats a large meal, the blood flow to the small intestine increases. That reduces the amount of blood that goes to your brain, which makes you feel sleepy. As your puppy grows, his need for that large amount of carbohydrates reduces. So the previously regular meal is now a large meal that will make your dog feel sleepy and lazy most of the time. Additionally, this may lead to accidents happening a lot more. It should be no different for your dog. But you need to help him. The Ultimate Guide to Dog Health is the answer. This handy guide will help you recognize the symptoms of the health problems above. Get the knowledge to stay ahead of these terrible issues that can rob your lovely dog from vigor and life. When your dog is an adult and you decide to switch food brands, you should do so gradually. The same rule applies when your dog is still a puppy. Additionally, since every brand makes the food differently, you should do your best to switch to adult food of the same brand as puppy food. Your Lab puppy may not like the new food and may not eat it the first few times. Just keep introducing adult food mixed with puppy food for three days. By day three, your puppy should finish most of his meal. Step 2: Days 4—5 Step 2 is a little easier than step 1. This is when some stomach upsets may happen. Step 4: Days 8—10 In those last couple of days, your puppy should quickly eat an all-adult meal without problems. Keep in mind that those numbers are mainly for guidance. For instance, your Lap puppy may resist eating the adult dog food or have more stomach upset than he should. When that happens, contact your vet. He may recommend a more extended transitional period or a new food brand. Paul S. Paul has been creating content for the dog niche for many years. The information he shares comes his first hand experience growing up in dog lovers household and then owning multiple dog breeds of his own as an adult. Paul enjoys doing the hard research to collect, analyze and present our dogtemperament. When do you switch from puppy food to adult food? Are you a first-time, inexperienced puppy owner? Are you confused about what to feed your Labrador puppy? Do you wish to provide your beloved puppy with the best diet but are confused as to what that is? We have compiled this article for you to help you figure out the best options for your puppy. What to feed your puppy? What are the different types of food available? There is no one food type that everyone agrees to be the best and most effective for your Labrador puppies. Even experts disagree on what type of food is the absolute best for your beloved puppy. There are 4 main types of food for dogs. Each one of them has its fair share of pros and cons. Kibble or dry food Many people regard kibble as the best food for puppies. Dry food is by far the most popular feeding method due to its convenience and price. But is it any good? If you go for high-quality kibble food brands, you can be sure that the food is providing your dog with all the necessary nutrients it requires. However, if you choose to go for cheaper brands of kibble, you will not only be unsure of the quality of the food, but they will also lack the necessary nutrients that your dog requires. It is convenient, cost-effective in the long run, and comes in a wide range of flavors. However, dogs can become bored of kibble, and they will never be as excited to eat dry food as to eat actual meat. Despite criticism, this type of dog food has some benefits. This makes cleaning after your dog much easier for you. It also reduces the risk of bloat, which can be a potentially fatal condition. Dogs fed on kibble are more at risk of bloat. It makes them clean, glowing, and shiny. It reduces the risk of obesity, and your dog enjoys a slim but healthy figure. Dogs enjoy eating meat more than they enjoy eating dry food. However, there are some cons to a completely raw diet. When dogs bite down on a bone, they swallow small fragments that could form a blockage in the intestine. This blockage, in the best-case scenario, causes constipation, and in the worst-case scenario requires immediate veterinary surgery. Wet food cans and pouches A puppy might prefer wet food over kibble as it looks and tastes way more appetizing. However, as in the case of dry food, if you choose a cheap brand, it will not have the essential nutrients your puppy needs. So choose high-quality brands that will ensure the nutrition that your puppy needs. An advantage of wet food, compared to dry food, is that it contains a higher percentage of liquid, which helps hydrate the dog and make it feel fuller. Home-cooked puppy food If you are reluctant to buy mass-produced puppy food from the market, you can always prepare a homemade meal for your dog. You have to make sure that the meal consists of all the necessary nutrients required by your dog. How much should you feed your puppy? Like human babies or any baby animals, puppies also need more meals than adult dogs. A puppy will need about 3 or 4 meals a day. If you are feeding your puppy 3 meals a day, and your pup has loose stools, then take the amount of food for 3 meals, and divide it into 4 meals in a day. How do you recognize quality puppy food? There are a lot of choices to choose from when you go to buy puppy food. So how do you choose the one with the best quality? If you go for one of the well-known, popular, and widely consumed brands, the chances are that the puppy food of these brands is of high quality; hence, their popularity. So, do not be reluctant to spend some bucks, and get your beloved puppy the food it deserves. What is to be done if your puppy is not eating? Not all puppies are greedy for more and more food. It is a proven fact that puppies tend to eat more when they are eating in a group, and generally eat less when they are eating less. Hence, for the first few days that your puppy spends without its brothers and sisters, it may not eat as much and have a reduced appetite. Usually, a reduced appetite is not something to worry about, but it is best to mention it to your vet in the next checkup or if the problem continues to persist. Click here to find the best dog food for your Labrador Puppy When do you switch from puppy food to adult food? A small dog like a Chihuahua might become an adult when it is around 9 months of age. However, a larger dog breed like a Labrador will need another 4 to 6 months to become an adult. You also have to reduce the amount of food you give to your dog as it will not need as much food as an adult as it is needed as a puppy. You may also change dog food brands if you feel like it. Now that you are aware of different alternatives of puppy food that are available for you, and of some main questions regarding dogs and their food, it is time for you to decide what type of food will suit your dog the best and what brand you are going to purchase your dog food from if you are not making a homemade meal. If you want to find the best pet insurance for your labrador, click here. If you got your puppy from a good breeder of labs, my first suggestion would be to ask him or her when to make the switch. They should know what their labs do best eating. Some breeders even skip the puppy food and go to an All Life Stages formula. I got my labs from 2 different breeders, both of whom said to switch to adult food around 4 months. Others have said to make the switch after their baby teeth come out and are replaced by their adult teeth, still others have said they were told to keep their dogs on puppy food for the first year. Assuming the breeders I worked with knew what worked best for their lines, I switched mine to adult food by 5 months of age. At about 4 months, my younger pup was having some GI issues and my vet had suggested a change of food. When I said I was having trouble finding a fish-based puppy food, he said she no longer needed to be on puppy food anyway. I delayed changing that pup's food to adult until the GI problems were done. Adult foods do not need to control the calcium and phosphorus level as closely as puppy food does. I've read that labs do best with a lower calcium level and calcium to phosphorus ratio which should be in the to 1. That might be the ones who say to switch at 1 year of age. Our breeders were feeding ProPlan, which adheres to those ranges in both puppy and adult formulas but this is not to recommend ProPlan or any other specific brand. Just saying there are adult foods that meet these recommendations. How often and what time to feed I will show you the best puppy foods, whether dry, wet, or raw, and look at food safety, together with schedules, quantities and even a handy puppy diet chart. Best Puppy Food for Labs The best Labrador puppy food provides a diet that is nutritious, healthy, and tasty. So, what is the best puppy food for your Lab? Puppy kibble or dried food is the most popular option. Kibble is complete and can give a perfectly balanced diet. Puppy kibble and tinned dog meat combined is another common choice among puppy parents. Feeding your Labrador puppy on home cooked food or on a totally raw diet is also possible. Raw puppy food is growing in popularity, and there are pros and cons to raw feeding your puppy. People often feel very strongly that one way of feeding is better than another, and you can always find evidence to support your view. Dog breeders, veterinarians and even nutritionists have their own strong views. The dire consequences they list for not listening to them can have puppy owners very worried. The truth is that there is no good quality evidence showing that kibble is better for the long term health of your dog, or that raw feeding is better. There are risks and benefits to both, and the main thing is to ensure that your dog has good quality food to eat. Puppy kibble suits some better, and raw puppy food is better for others. Puppy Kibble for your Labrador Puppy food made into pellets is called kibble. An airtight plastic container or tin will do the job, although you should make sure it is food grade quality. Puppy kibble is the best way of feeding your Labrador according to most breeders and your veterinarian is most likely to support this method of feeding. Good puppy kibble will contain every nutrient your Labrador puppy needs in order to grow and remain healthy. The kibble pieces will be tasty, good for keeping teeth healthy, and free from additives that can provoke allergies or stomach problems. Labrador puppy kibble only needs to be fed next to water. Puppy kibble from a reputable manufacturer is intended to be a complete and balanced food. But some owners like to mix in canned dog food or even scraps of raw food with kibble. Your puppy is likely to get an upset stomach or to not have the right balance of nutrition when fed this way. Whether you decide to feed only with kibble or you want to mix it up, pick a good dried food manufacturer and stick with them. Feeding your Labrador puppy raw food has its benefits and drawbacks. One of the downsides is that there is a lot to learn. Here is a link to the articles you need to help you decide whether or not raw feeding is for you: Although I like the raw diet for my dogs, most puppies fed kibble go on to have long and healthy lives. Whatever puppy food you choose, the most important thing is portion control. How Much to Feed your Labrador Puppy? People often tell me how much their puppy weighs, and ask how much puppy food they should give him. Your Labrador is particularly at risk if they grow too quickly. The following diet chart is for kibble fed puppies and does not apply to raw fed pups. It gives you an idea of how much to feed your Labrador puppy Lab Puppy Feeding Chart The Lab puppy feeding chart below is only a very rough guide. The quantity of food you need for your puppy will vary depending on your puppy and on the brand of food you are feeding him. Labrador puppy food must be aimed at medium to large breed dogs. Check the pack carefully and look at the dietary charts. Ideally, you want the optimal protein content and the lowest amount of additives. Part of this always comes down to the cost. The healthiest puppy food is usually the most expensive and may not be affordable for some families. The Cost Of Puppy Food Some puppy food brands are more concentrated than and contain a higher proportion of proteins, essential oils, and other nutrients. The absence of these fillers means that you can often feed lower quantities of more costly food, making them less expensive than they first seem. You might also find that cheaper brands make your puppy poop more due to those extra fillers going straight through him. While some brands are beyond the budget of many families, it is usually good to buy a premium brand. High Quality Brands of Puppy Food Some brands of puppy food have developed a reputation for producing a high quality product and have many devoted supporters, including breeders that have fed them to generations of puppies.

Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Premium breeder of Australian Labradoodle puppies Authentic, throughly health tested, and family raised Australian Labradoodles in Virginia Beach Health Tested We extensively test our parents through Paw Prints Genetics for a variety of genetic health conditions. In addition, eye screening is completed every 18 months, and we obtain hip, elbow, and patella ratings though the OFA. Echocardiograms are also performed on our parents to ensure healthy hearts. This will ensure your puppy has the coat qualities, temperament, and longevity Australian Labradoodles are known for. Holistic Approach We employ a holistic approach to the healthcare and nutrition of our mom and dad dogs to ensure optimal health while breeding. We feed a commercially prepared raw diet, minimally vaccinate, and omit any oral chemical pesticides. We also feed a highly nutritious raw diet to puppies as they transition from mothers milk to solids. We are a small in home breeder of Australian Labradoodles. Our mission is to raise allergy friendly and highly intelligent puppies which have the healthiest parents and sweetest temperaments who will then become your lifelong companions. Apply for your labradoodle puppy today! I want to see the puppies available! Welcome to Providence Hill Australian Labradoodles! We are an in home breeder in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. The Australian Labradoodle originated down-under where a select few kennels set out to produce hypo-allergenic guide and therapy dogs. Like most labradors and poodles, Labradoodles are generally friendly, outgoing and good with children and families. Many have a strong affinity for water. Our healthy Australian Labradoodle puppies have naturally family-friendly temperaments. Our breeding adult labradoodles must pass a wide array of genetic health testing to give all of our puppies the best shot at a long healthy life see our health warranty. We strive to be one of the best labradoodle breeders on the east coast, and feel that we have well balanced labradoodles that will produce sound, loving, beautiful labradoodle puppies. Tom was awesome and super helpful with all our questions! Jenny I brought home my first fur baby Pharaoh last year in March and picked up my second one, Wise, this past Friday. Both are male, chocolate labradoodles. I love them both! And working with Tom was great! Thank you for your kindness and excellent customer service. Harris were very helpful in answering my questions especially as a first-time dog owner. The transition of bringing Koda home was smooth and our sweet Koda has been a dream!! Bevs A. Sadie is amazing. She is sweet smart and just loves to be held. We could not be happier, she is the most beautiful pup we have ever seen. We have had her for a month now and she is just about fully potty trained. She is going to a trainer and she said she's one of the smartest dogs she has seen and so stinking CUTE!!! You brought us happiness and joy into our lives. Our puppy Leopold is the most adorable boy who knows how to rock the party. We highly recommend Providence Hill. Place to be if you are looking for four-legged soul mates! She is an amazing, sweet, smart and beautiful puppy!! Our daughter Haley named her Comet for Haley's Comet. Everyone comments on how calm she is for a puppy. We could not be happier with our choice of puppy!!! Michael J.

They have been running around outside it's a lovely day here in CT! A flight attendant from Delta also spotted her and just wouldn't put her down, even taking her behind the counter to do her work! By the way, your children were so wonderful when we met.Our Standard Poodles do not live in kennels.They are a part of our families--my sisters and mine. They spend each day with our kids, ranging from toddlers to teenagers. Between my sister and I we have two males and two female Standard Poodles. They are a wonderful part of each of our families, and are incredibly well socialized with children and other dogs. In fact, "socialized" is an understatement. Each of our dogs have exceptional characteristics. Our poodles compliment each other incredibly well. Zoe is intelligent, eager to please, and loving she is the "mother hen" of our kids and Zion is very affectionate, engaging, sociable, and comes from a long line of wonderful therapy dogs. They make phenominal puppies. Ireland gives us some gorgeous colors--red and bright apricot.All of our puppies are very kid friendly, loyal, and nurturing. You probably have an idea of what tremendous dogs standard poodles are or you wouldn't be on our site. But, let me just tell you what our families love about our standards also check out the resources on our links page. Prince Zion -- jet black standard poodle stud. Look around our website and if you have any comments or questions, please feel free to contact us. We hope to see you again! Check back later for new updates to our website. There's much more to come! Cream standard poodle puppy. Finding a reputable breeder is the first step to Poodle ownership. With so many breeders around, it is challenging to know who to choose. So, how do you choose an ethical breeder? First, ask lots of questions! Find out how long they have been breeding and what type of experience they have. Ask about the type of veterinary care that the dogs receive. Find out about the diet, exercise, and grooming that they provide for the dogs. Next, ask for references. A reputable breeder will be able to provide names and contact information for people who have purchased a puppy from them. Get in touch with these owners and ask about their experience with the breeder. Lastly, visit the breeder in person. While you can get plenty of information with a phone call or email, seeing the dogs will show you how well cared for they are. Be sure to check out their living space, both indoors and out. Ask to see the parents of the puppies as well. Taking the time to investigate a breeder before committing to a purchase is the best way to ensure you get a healthy, happy Poodle. To help you with your search, we have compiled a list of Poodle breeders in Wisconsin. Table of Contents. The Potters Paws Miniature Poodles for sale in Wisconsin If you are looking for a smaller, non-shedding, family dog the Miniature Poodle may be for you! We have focused on breeding Miniature Poodles that are loyal, social and intelligent, as well conformationally correct. We breed for the larger sized Miniature Poodles, typically 13 to 15 inches and about 12 to 15 lbs. We occasionally have some that are considered Moyen sized which is over 15 inches tall. As with any purebred it is highly important to selectively breed for the best health and temperament possible. With that as our main focus we know that your family will love your new Potters Paws Miniature Poodle! AKC Miniature Poodles must be over 10 inches at the highest point of the shoulder, and 15 inches or less. If a Miniature Poodle is over 15 inches it is considered a Moyen Poodle. They work well for people who have pet dander allergies. Being that Mini- Poodles do not shed they need to be bathed, brushed and clipped regularly. They learn quickly, and can be quite clever. They bond well with families and have a strong desire to please which helps in the training process. With their joyful, and often comical personalities they are great companion dogs that will always keep you laughing. They are also friendly with other dogs and pets. Please remember the more intelligent a dog is the more they need their minds occupied. Miniature Poodles cannot be left outside in a kennel. They need to be part of the family. As with any dog you should socialize them well. A well rounded obedience class is a great benefit to both you and your dog. The more you expose your dog to outside interactions the more relaxed and confident they will be in any situation. Poodles are very good watchdogs for their size, due to their family orientation. Often barking to let you know when someone is coming, but easily trained to stop when you ask. Be aware mini Poodles can develop Small Dog Syndrome, this is where the dog is led to believe they are alpha over humans. This syndrome is caused by behavior we allow in smaller dogs that would not be allowed in larger dogs. Such as jumping on you to greet you If you are looking at owning any smaller dog please read more about this. This syndrome can cause dogs to become sensitive and nervous, thus leading them to be untrustworthy with children and possibly strangers. It can also cause many other behavior issues. This misunderstanding of dog behavior by many people has given smaller dogs a bad reputation, lets work to change that! No matter what size or breed Bleow is a good resource to undertanding small dog syndrome. Miniature Poodles adjust well to your lifestyle. They are happy to be laid back and calm indoors and ready to play when you want. Remember as with any dog they do need enough exercise and social interaction. Exercise If you are still in the training process we suggestion keeping your pup on lead if in an unfenced area. At least until you are certain that your puppy understand and reponds to the come command regularly. While out on a walk make sure the dog heels beside or behind the person holding the leash, never in front. Instinct tells them the leader leads the way, and the leader needs to be you. If you have the room it can be great fun to set up an agility course for your dog to enjoy. There are great examples on the Web and it is fairly easy but great fun! Poodles usually adore water and any chance to play in it. Since they love water they can be great dock diving dogs and are great at water retrieving. Poodles are a very versatile breed with a hunting and retrieving background. They will typically excel in any performance event you offer them. All Text and Images on this site are the sole property of The Potters Paws and are not to be copied or reproduced with out consent. Read More Our little corner of the world! See if any of our beautiful standard poodle breeder colors strike your interest! All of our pups are home-raised on our acre farm. Our adults are genetically tested and results, if requested, are available for viewing when you come to visit us. Each puppy is vet checked before leaving to ensure your family has a happy healthy puppy. You will find we set ourselves apart from the rest in many, many ways. Why settle for less in a family companion when you can acquire the best from Oak Hill Farm Standard Poodles. Our Facility Their kennel is as comfortable as our home, featuring air conditioning and heat with insulated vinyl floors and fiberglass walls. It has natural and artificial light and we even have music 24 hours a day for stimulation and relaxation. It is important for our dogs to hear human voices at all times. Our kennels are cleaned and disinfected daily with natural cleaners and our runs are cleaned daily and disinfected and treated monthly. Our dogs and puppies are bathed and groomed monthly to maintain cleanliness. We have many large fenced in areas where we let the dogs out to play. Daily Care Our Standard Poodles are fed once a day and given fresh water daily and as needed. The first week we start feeding them they are fed once a day. The second week they are fed twice a day and then the third week and on they are fed three times a day, eventually eating the food dry and whole. Pups are fully weaned from their mother by the time they are weeks old and are taught to go out of their doggie doors. By the time our puppies are 8 weeks of age, they are ready to leave Oak Hill Farm. You will find that we are advocates of natural products including vitamins, probiotics and essential oils that are anti-viral and anti-bacterial. We do everything we can to produce a healthy puppy that is mentally and physically and socially blessed. Moms, Dads, and puppies are fed NuVet vitamins and probiotics daily for good personal health and the health of their offspring. You can find more info on related poodle links here. Socialization of our Dogs Puppies that we keep or are purchased from elsewhere are kept in the nursery until they are about 4 months of age and then they are brought into our home and are crate trained, develop house manners, leash trained and learn to meet the public people that they have never met before. These experiences make a calm, loving mother or father which in turn produces an exceptional puppy. We do a series of socialization exercises that produce mentally and physically happy and healthy puppies. Do I do all of this myself? Of course not! Oak Hill is a family-owned Standard Poodle Breeder Kennel and as such everyone that works here has great love and affection for our dogs. My granddaughter, MacKenzie, works for me full-time and is wonderful with the dogs. She not only cares for them physically, catching any changes in their personalities mentally or physically but trains them interaction with discipline and love. I have many grandchildren that play with the adults and puppies much to their delight. So your puppies have experienced adults and children on a daily basis. There are NO bad days when you come home to a dogs love. We provide dog chews, appropriate toys, in different areas at Oak Hill to play in, with different play partners. How do we choose our Moms and Dads? Not every dog can be an Oak Hill standard poodle mom or standard poodle dad. We require they have the temperament to meet the public and handle being a breeding mom and dad at the same time. If they do not have that type of temperament then they are spayed and neutered and are placed in an appropriate home to be loved. Pedigrees are studied from the top to the bottom for coloring, genetic stability, size, health and therefore ensuring the improvement of the breed. This is the ONLY reason to breed! We encourage farm visits to meet our wonderful moms, dads, and puppies. If moms are pregnant or still nursing because of biosecurity we reserve the right not to show them more than 10 miles away from home a whole new set of viruses and bacteria are carried on your person and puppies do not have immunity to those new viruses and bacteria. I love to see the faces of people when they meet our dogs for the first time! From a week before they are due they are at my side day and all night long. We do not allow the moms to deliver their own puppies, we are there to help them deliver their puppies to eliminate trauma for the mother and for the puppies. We are with the puppies and mom day and night for a week encouraging mom when puppies become too much, just like human moms. Dog moms need reassurance and help as well. Mom and puppies are kept in a confined area that is safe no other dogs are allowed in this area and kept at a specific temperature. Mom and puppy vitals are checked on a regular basis to ensure their health. After 2 weeks mom and puppies are moved to the nursery and given more space to move about and develop their muscle structure. Once the puppies start food they are placed on sheets of non-printed newspapers with shredded paper on top to ensure cleanliness, which is also changed daily.

This, combined with their sweet nature, elegant looks, and tiny size makes them a great option as family pets. However, they can live between 12 and 14 years — this makes them a commitment! Some good signs include a list of health tests that can be cross-referenced with the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals OFA , willingness to show documentation of all test results, and membership in dog clubs American Kennel Club, United Kennel Club, or Canadian Kennel Club. If you decide to purchase a puppy from a pet store, make sure to check their reviews on Google, Yelp, other directories, and forums. Our list originally included 26 breeders in Florida, but we removed 4 because of bad customer reviews and even several fraud allegations — do everything you can to ensure you are not scammed. When talking to a breeder, do not be afraid to ask questions — check if they test their dogs and keep them current on vaccinations and other treatments. As you may have noticed, many of the breeders on our list require you to fill out an application or questionnaire. Breeders that only care about your ability to pay the full price should be avoided! Remember that not all breeders have available puppies at all times and that it is normal to be placed on a waiting list. Check how many litters they have each year as the American Kennel Club AKC considers 7 or more litters a year to be a high volume breeding — breeders with lots of puppies might not properly raise and socialize each animal. All poodles that are up to 10 inches high at the shoulder are toy poodles — if they are even smaller than that, they are still toy poodles. If visiting in person, check the environment the puppies are raised in — make sure that they are kept in clean areas, there are toys dogs can play with, they have enough room to exercise, there is fresh water available, and that the puppies are clean and well-groomed. After getting a puppy, have a veterinarian inspect it in the first 48 hours. Remember to check with the breeder that the sire and the dam have been tested and found free of specific hereditary health problems, as this increases your chance of getting a healthy puppy. As with any other purchase, before buying a toy poodle, make sure to do a lot of research, do not buy from the first farm you visit, and take each of these points and many others into consideration when choosing your next pet. Summary And there you have it! Before buying the animal, make sure to call and see if the farm currently has puppies available for sale, check the animal in person, and have a veterinarian inspect your animal as soon as you get it. Stay safe from scammers and always request a video call verification before paying for anything. Poodles can be great pets as they are friendly, easy to maintain, cute, smart, and entertaining animals. Remember to take care of your new pet regularly to ensure it lives a long and happy life. Post navigation. Easiest Dog to Take Care of: Top 10 Breeds for a Happy Home Do you ever dream about having a furry best friend who loves to play fetch, gives the warmest cuddles, and greets you with the happiest tail wags every time you come home? A friend who is not just any dog, but the easiest dog to take care of? We know, it sounds like a dream come true, right? But we also understand that bringing a new puppy home is a big step. It's like adding a new member to your family, a little brother or sister.Top 30 Smartest Dog Breeds In The World If you're a dog lover, you've probably heard the age-old debate: which dog breeds are the smartest? While all dogs have their own unique intelligence and personality, some breeds have proven to be consistently brilliant over time. In this guide, we'll explore the top 30 smartest dog breeds ranked, from problem-solving whizzes to trainable and intuitive pups. We've done our research to provide you with an updated and informative.These pooches are joyful, lively, eager to please dogs. They are adventurous, kind, family-oriented pups who love hiking, swimming, canine games, sports and any, and all, family activities. These puppies are merry and bouncy little marshmallows. They are cuddly and sweet pups who love running around, playing, making friends and are very enthusiastic learners. The breed is divided into 3 recognized categories: Toy Poodle; Mini; Standard. Although they differ in size, one thing is for sure: they are glamorous companion pets. Questions about Poodle puppies for sale in Orlando FL? We have answers. Give me an overview of Poodle puppies for sale in Orlando FL. Poodle puppies range in price depending on the experience of the breeder or breeding company. Other factors that influence the cost of poodles include the pedigree and coat type or color. If you are looking to find a poodle within a certain budget, you can simply set your preferences on Uptown Puppies to reflect the price range that works for you. Do your breeders arrange travel for Orlando Poodles out of state? Yes, the majority of breeders and breeding companies on our database offer puppy transportation as part of the package. If you match with a puppy on the other side of the country, you can simply request to have it delivered to the closest major airport near you. Depending on your preferences, you might even match with a poodle puppy right around your corner! How do you screen Miniature Poodle breeders in Orlando? Uptown Puppies upholds the highest standards when it comes to experience and ethical practices. All of the breeders and breeding companies on our database have been thoroughly vetted to ensure proper healthcare, living conditions, and breeding practices. Once a breeder or company has been approved, they are then required to sign the Breeder Pledge. Why is Uptown Puppies different from other miniature Poodle breeders Orlando? By going through Uptown Puppies, you are guaranteed peace of mind when you match with the poodle of your dreams. What is a puppy mill like for miniature Poodle Orlando? Puppy mills are notorious for their unethical breeding practices, unkind treatment of puppies, improper living conditions and inadequate healthcare. Puppies raised in a puppy mill are often fraught with behavioral conditions that can last a lifetime, and typically have a number of health problems too. Are there any miniature Poodle puppies Orlando for sale now? Why not check the current availabilities right now, by quickly choosing your preferences to search our database?! What kind of dogs are mini Poodle puppies Orlando? Poodles are super cute and intelligent dogs, whose easily trainable natures make them a top choice for circuses and guide dogs alike. Poodles are cuddly, affectionate and playful little dogs that make great pets for the whole family. Poodles will keep you constantly entertained with their imaginative antics and fun-loving temperaments. How do I know I can trust you with miniature Poodle puppies in Orlando? Our organization is passionate about linking ethical breeders and breeding companies with loving homes around the USA. Feel free to take an in-depth look at our reviews and puppy alumni for proof of who we are and what we do!

french bulldog puppies $600 - All breeds of Labrador Retrievers are known for being kind and gentle — and this trait runs especially strong with the chocolate-colored sweeties. While these dogs are very friendly to strangers, they have even more affection to give to their beloved families. Your Chocolate Lab puppy or adult will be happiest spending time with their favorite people. If you have young children, a lab is a great fit, as this breed is usually quite tolerant of the horseplay of small children who are still learning how to interact with pets. Just like many people, Chocolate Labs enjoy both downtime — especially if it involves being pampered by their family — and active high-energy fun. We recommend daily exercise, which can include anything from fetch, to tag, or even frisbee games. The average Chocolate Lab lifespan is between 9 and 11 years. The most common Chocolate Lab health problem is hip dysplasia, which occurs more commonly in older and overweight dogs. This is just one of the reasons to make exercise a common part of your time with a Chocolate Lab puppy or fully grown adult. Another problem that occurs in overweight labs is joint and movement issues. The other most common Chocolate Lab health problems are: Progressive Retinal Atrophy Cataracts Elbow Dysplasia As is the case with any dog, when you bring home a Chocolate Labrador, make sure that you have a good vet to handle routing vaccinations and check-ups as well as emergency health problems. Learn more about the Keystone Puppies Health Guarantee! Chocolate Lab Coat Care In general, Chocolate Lab coat care is easy compared to many other dog breeds which require weekly or daily work. Labrador Retrievers all have double coats, which includes an under layer of short hairs and a slightly longer top layer. This coat is useful for repelling water and keeping them cool in warmer temperatures — and warm in cooler ones. Their coat is also noted to be slightly dry and oily. Chocolate Lab coat care is fairly minimal and considered low maintenance. The coat should be brushed with a firm bristle brush 2 — 3 times per month to minimize shedding. In addition to that, baths are needed fairly infrequently. What is more crucial is ensuring that their toenails are well cared for throughout the year. Meet Chocolate Lab Puppies for Sale. It quickly became clear that this new dog, at the time called the St. Then, in the 19th century, visiting Englishmen took note of these incredible dogs, brought them home to England, and soon perfected and standardized the breed—which had now been dubbed the Labrador Retriever. When they began as the St. While this is still true today, the recessive colors of yellow and chocolate have become more and more coveted by those seeking Labs as pets. Thanks to years of breeding efforts, those recessive colors are not as difficult to find as they once were. Chocolate Labrador Retriever Puppies for Sale Chocolate Labs are a favorite among those looking to add a member of the breed to their family. Coat shades can range from a warm, light brown to a deeper chocolate color. Both parents must carry and pass on the recessive chocolate color gene in order for a puppy to be born with this coat. Just like their black and yellow counterparts, chocolate Labrador Retrievers are known as doting and capable dogs. You can put them to work as hunting or service dogs, but they make excellent cuddle buddies as well. Their beautiful coats and breed stature make them great show dogs too. The chocolate lab puppies we breed for sale at Hidden Pond Labradors come with their first round of shots, one-year written health guarantee, and a veterinarian health certificate. We are dedicated to breeding our puppies for premier health and pedigree, as well as raising them in our home so their personalities and happiness can blossom. Experience the love, joy, and comfort this amazing breed has to offer with a chocolate Labrador Retriever puppy of your own from Hidden Pond Labradors. Give us a call at or message us online to inquire about our available and upcoming Lab puppies! Life Span Did You Know? Labrador Retrievers are one of the most popular dog breeds. The Chocolate Labrador Retriever is not a distinct dog breed from other Labs, but it is a separate coat color variation that is specifically bred for. Similar to the other standard coat colors of Labrador Retrievers, Chocolate Labs are energetic dogs that get along well in a family setting. As a Retriever, they also make great hunting dogs and have also been known to fill other working dog roles including service dogs, guide dogs, search-and-rescue dogs, and more. They are even one of the common dog breeds employed in K-9 units. A point of interest is that all modern Chocolate Labrador Retrievers can be traced to three specific Black Labradors that lived during the s. Chocolate Labs are industrious little pups. They were bred for retrieval and will often sniff about for something to get into. They are also one of the most affectionate dog breeds and absolutely love being with their favorite humans. Properly socialized and well-trained, Labs are one of the kid-friendly dog breeds. They get along well with children, other dogs, and other pets. They are famously even-tempered and playful. This makes them fantastic dogs for a growing family, as they tend to be gentle and patient with little ones. They can have a high prey drive. They usually do well with small pets within the family that they have been raised with or socialized around, but likely will still have the urge to chase other animals while out and about. They also tend to be open and friendly with strangers. After all, strangers are just more people to give them attention and play with them. Chocolate Labrador Retrievers may be high-energy dogs, but they are also highly adaptable. They will thrive in homes with fenced yards where they can run freely. They can adapt well to apartment living as well as long as they get plenty of daily exercise, attention, and mental stimulation. Their natural urge to dig and bark when they are bored or agitated can be quelled with a little training and exercise. Although they can handle some alone time, Labs love to be with their families and thrive on attention from them, so they do not like to spend long periods of time alone. Chocolate Labs also have a water-resistant double coat that makes them well-suited for most habitable climates. As with most dogs, they are sensitive to heat. Although they can handle some cold and will likely love to play in the snow, they are not a snow dog breed and may need to bundle up while out on walks in areas with harsher winters. Potential health concerns to be aware of in a Chocolate Labrador Retriever can include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia , progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts, hereditary myopathy, and heart disease. There is also a condition with a genetic link called exercise-induced collapse EIC , which can occur in young adult Labradors. Carriers of this can be identified by DNA tests and it is advised that breeders test for this and avoid practices that would produce the disease. Good breeding practices make a big difference in the health of puppies and reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. Make sure you ask about the health and genetic history of both parents and about any health tests or clearances that have been done. As a large, deep-chested dog breed, Labrador Retrievers are at a higher risk for bloat. Bloat in dogs can be dangerous and can quickly become fatal if the stomach flips gastric torsion. Chocolate Labrador Retrievers are incredible companions and are also one of the best dog breeds for first-time owners. Their energy can make them a handful at times, but their intelligence, adaptability, patience with people, and eagerness to please make them easy to train. Labs are one of the smartest dog breeds , so they pick up on things easily. As long as training is consistent and focused on positive reward and praise, a Chocolate Lab will do their best to respond as expected and will often exceed expectations. Chocolate Labs have a short, water-resistant coat that will shed year-round. Brushing a few times a week, daily brushing during seasonal shedding, and the occasional bath are all that are needed to keep a Lab coat healthy and looking great. They may need baths more often if they are avid swimmers, go on a lot of outdoor adventures, and get dirty a lot. Floppy ears tend to trap dirt, moisture, and debris. Proper dental care for dogs is imperative to help prevent painful dental diseases like gum disease or tooth decay later in life. You can also supplement your dental care efforts with vet-approved dental hygiene chews. Labrador Retrievers are one of the most active dog breeds and need a lot of daily activity to be happy and healthy. Daily walks plus playtime, time to run, and other activities are usually enough, but your Chocolate Labrador will likely be up for more activity if you are. One of the facts about Labrador Retrievers is that they have an extended puppyhood and tend to maintain that puppy-like energy and maturity until they are years old. Swimming can be a great lower-impact activity and Labrador Retrievers are one of the dog breeds that tend to love water. Between that, their water-resistant coat, and webbed toes, you may have trouble getting your Chocolate Lab out of the water. Fully-grown Chocolate Labrador Retrievers usually stand inches tall and weigh pounds. Chocolate Labs generally live for years on average. Fourteen years later, the American Kennel Club did the same in .Featured Chocolate Labrador Retriever Article.


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french bulldog puppies $600 - January 20, 0 Comments WorldAnimalFoundation. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn More Labrador Retriever is a quite famous breed, topping the list of great family dogs due to their friendly and social personality. Now, what colors come to your mind when you think of the Labradors? Black, yellow, and chocolate. Silver Labrador Retriever is a beautiful color variation of traditional Labradors; because of the presence of a dilute gene. Their distinct coat color has caught the attention of many; however, not without some controversy. About the Breed Silver Labrador Retrievers are one of the rarest shades of labradors. They are a hyperactive breed with a compelling sporting nature. They respond well to training, enjoy exploring nature with you, love playing water sports, and are fond of the fetch game, making them perfect for active families. These beautiful dogs are well-known for befriending every creature they see without any degree of communication. They love being the center of attention and thrive on social interaction. A little clingy at times, but they deserve all that for their service just existing. Their agreeable personality and intelligence make them one of the most charming breeds. However, according to the breed standard set by Labrador Retriever Club, true labradors are yellow, black, and chocolate in color. Many breeders believe that the other colors are due to cross-breeding Labradors with Weimaraners. They were created in Newfoundland and were first introduced by the European to Britain settlers via the ships trading between Canada and Poole. Labs were initially bred for duck retrieving, assisting in fishing adventures, and as a hunting dog. But with time, their popularity grew more as household pets, and to this date, especially in the western world. They first started appearing, according to some sources, in , while others believe it was in the s. Now, it is clear that their distinct coat colors are due to the presence of the recessive dilute gene pair that has recently appeared in the Labrador gene pool. The source of that dilute gene is what makes their exact origin vague. This is why the profile of Silver Labs remains controversial for the most part. Silver Labrador Facts Silver Labradors have blue eyes as puppies. They are more prone to developing skin problems such as Color Dilution Alopecia than other Labradors. They are outgoing and social. They are intelligent and highly trainable Silver Labrador Appearance Just look at Silver Labrador slaying in this picture, like he was born to model. Silver Labs undoubtedly possess the most distinct silverish gray color that leaves an impact on the observer. Their eyes are a beautiful shade of yellow, on which a relatively small black pupil looks striking. They have long floppy ears that rest flat on the sides. Their nose, which is always in search of something to eat or sniffing butts , tends to be brown in color. These rare gray labradors have this indescribable charm that keeps winning people over. Owners tend to be drawn to their wide skulls and muscular build. The average height range for almost all grown Silver Labs is between .WeightThe male Silver Lab tends to have a slightly bulkier build in contrast to the female Lab. On average, the weight of a fully-grown Silver Labrador falls between 55 to 80 pounds. The weight range is 45 to 70 pounds in the case of female Labs. CoatSilver Lab has a double coat to protect them against harsh cold weather. Theirinner coatis denser and thicker as compared to their outer coat, which is thinand short. Their coat is overall smooth and shiny and feels euphoric to pet. Yellow and black are the most common coat shades in Labrador Retrievers, and silver and chocolate are the least common. Silver Lab Puppies A Silver Labrador puppy is one of the most aesthetically pleasing sights to the eyes in the world. The sparkly blue eyes and the smoky grey shade make a striking contrast. As time progresses, they tend to darken. Their eyes turn yellow after the Silver pups cross the age of 6 to 8 months. Silver Labrador Temperament and Personality Talking about Silver Lab temperament, just like other Labrador Retrievers, they too have friendly, affectionate, caring personalities. They are a very intelligent breed that makes the best companion to their human family. This high-spirited breed matures physically but remains child-like at heart, lifting the mood around the house by being jolly, goofy, jumpy, and adored by absolutely everyone. The Silver Labrador retriever has an easy-going personality, which means they enjoy every activity with you. They just want to feel your touch, no matter what you do. It is because of their attachment to their owners, which is why they are prone to exhibiting signs of separation anxiety when left alone on their own for too long. Moreover, it is a social breed that thrives on attention and being around people. These sweet creatures are the best friends of kids. Silver Labs are patient and gentle toward children; they can be their playmates for hours without getting tired. One of the best qualities of These dogs is they get along really well with other dogs and pets. On the contrary, they get excited at the sight of another human, hang out with them and try to impress them with how cool they are they actually are. They also tend to chewupon objects due to anxiety. The Silver Lab is an active breed, just like the black and yellow labs. In order to keep them away from destructive behaviors, they need to stay stimulated mentally and physically. They can be a little prone to nipping, so they do require a lot of your attention. Plus, if you enjoy outdoor adventures like hiking, then Silver Lab will prove to be an extraordinary companion to you. Due to being double-coated, they shed a fair amount of hair, especially the Silver Labrador, because of skin problems. Grooming Requirements Brushing As we mentioned above, labs shed quite a bit. And by this, we mean you will be able to collect an adequate amount of hair from all over the house, especially during peak season. Using coconut oil at least once a month can keep their coat neat, shiny, and soft. Gently massage the oil for about five minutes and then clean it with a towel. Bathing Bathing your Labrador Retriever once a month is adequate. Use lukewarm water and mild shampoo; it will keep their skin maintained. However, if you start noticing scratching of nails against the floor while running, walking, or jumping around, trim their nails immediately. Ear Cleaning Their adorable floppy ears need to be checked and cleaned frequently to prevent any potential infection. Always include ear cleaning in their grooming session. Health Complications in Silver Labrador Every breed is likely to face minor or major health complications. And we have listed all the possible health conditions your Labrador Breed could suffer from. When getting a Silver Labrador, always look for a reputable breeder. Life Expectancy Silver Labrador dogs typically have a lifespan between 10 to 14 years. It can vary from dog to dog based on health issues, environment, and other factors. It occurs due to the presence of a recessive gene. In this condition, your dog suffers from skin problems, including hair loss or thinning in the form of patches, itchiness, scaliness, or flaky skin. Vets give treatments to tackle secondary skin infections. Avoid using brushes with harsh bristles. The deficiency of type II muscle fibers causes muscle weakness, resulting in symptoms like stunted growth, trouble swallowing, stiff arched back, shrunken muscles, and low tolerance to exercise. They progressively get worse and are the most prominent in 5 months old puppy. Sadly, most puppies with CNM are subjected to euthanization due to their inability to function normally in life. No dog owner should ever have to go through this painful experience. This developmental issue in both joints causes difficulty or friction in climbing stairs, jumping, running, and even walking. Exercise Induced Collapse Labradors and their unending love for playing and exercise is not something hidden; their energy drive is high. EIC refers to the recessive autosomal inherited trait. Your Labrador Retriever, despite feeling weak, will still try to be active. Then after five to ten minutes, they collapse. Extreme exercise sessions are to be avoided in dogs with this condition. This results in excessive discharge from ears, inflammation, itching, foul odor, and head shaking. Otitis Externais one of the most common ear infections in Silver Labradors, characterized by ear canal inflammation. Ear infections are unpleasant and painful and cause discomfort for your dogs. Consult a local veterinarian right away if you notice any of the above symptoms. Over Eating Labrador Retrievers are quite popular for being foodies. Some scientists associate it with a genetic mutation. Sometimes, overeating might also indicate an underlying serious health issue like hypothyroidism. Silver Labrador Diet and Nutrition Your high-energy Labrador Retriever needs a high-quality, nutritious, and protein-rich diet to function healthily. The amount of dog food you feed them may vary a little with their size and weight. For example, your Silver Lab of 50 pounds will need about 2 and a half cups of good quality dog food daily. The calorie requirement for an pound Silver Labrador is a little higher; they will need about 3 and a half cups of dog food to fulfill their 1, calorie requirement each day. Consider getting dog food that has adequate calcium for better joint development. And remember, it is always best to divide the meals into 3 to 4 intervals for better digestion. These greedy creatures tend to unleash their inner ever-hungry beast at the sight of food, which causes bloating. In order to keep them physically and mentally stimulated, 60 minutes of exercise every day is essential. And if your Lab is super active, make it 1. Labs love playing fetch, running, going on fast-paced walking, and being goofy. Thus, their exercise session can include any activity; just make sure they get enough exercise every day! Dedicate one hour of your time daily to your dog, and give them all your attention and love. Apart from playing and exercising, you can keep them busy by getting them interactive and stimulating toys. Those toys also help them in providing comfort when you leave them alone for a while. They are a highly intelligent breed and can be easily trained. They are a welcome addition to most families. Positive reinforcements work well with them; their love for food makes it easier to lure them into doing literally anything you want. All you need is a favorite treat, toy, or any complimentary food, and boom; your Lab becomes the most obedient boy in the world. As puppies, they are easier to control and manage, while the adult Labs are larger in size and can be a little stubborn. Conclusion Altogether, Silver Labrador dogs have all lovable characteristics, just like the traditional Labrador. They are outgoing, energetic, sweet, intelligent, and loyal furry friends. Their friendliness towards kids, strangers and other pets makes them great dogs for families. You might face a little difficulty finding reputable silver labrador breeders when getting a Silver Labrador. Follow your heart and go for it! Related Guide:. As one of the most energetic breeds, your Silver Lab puppy will always be down for exercise, play, swimming or any other outdoor activity. Playful and excitable, be prepared to remove any knick-knacks from coffee tables or end tables — this breed is notorious for knocking these over with an almost constantly wagging tail! Widely considered the sweetest tempered dog breed, your Silver Lab puppy will light up every time you walk in the room — greeting you with kisses and affection when you come home after a long day at work. Highly intelligent, these dogs can easily be trained to respond to a variety of commands — and their alert nature makes them natural guard dogs. As one of the most lovable dog breeds, your Silver Lab puppy is sure to get along with everyone — from other dogs to small children and the elderly — making the breed a perfect fit for almost anyone who has the stamina to keep up with it! Many of these conditions affect dogs in later life, though some can occur during adolescents and early adulthood. To learn more about our commitment to ethical breeding practices , read about the Keystone Puppies Health Guarantee! This hunting breed has a water-resistant or water-repellent coat that is slightly dry and oily. Unlike many short-haired breeds, Labs are outdoor dogs. They are usually able to keep warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Silver Labrador Retrievers have short, straight coats that shed seasonally. They have a double coat — with thick, dense hair — which helps keep them warm during winter months. Their heavy coats also offer additional insulation when swimming — a favorite pastime of Labradors, Silver Labs included. With a low-maintenance coat, the Silver Labrador Retriever only needs brushed once or twice a week. Meet Silver Lab Puppies for Sale. At Happy Lab Kennels, we specialize in healthy, happy silver Labrador puppies, a variation of a chocolate lab with a gene mutation that creates their distinctive gray coat. Explore more about silver Labrador puppies for sale in NC and learn about the other great Labrador puppies we offer, including black, yellow and chocolate. The reason for this record is simple. Labs are great dogs. They have a wonderful temperament and are filled with Love to share. They seem to have one goal in mind, making Life long friends and memories. Labs are the perfect example of unconditional Love. While they do thrive on Love and attention, they require little maintenance. No long hair and curls to worry about and shedding is minimal. At Happy Lab Kennels, we focus on producing dogs that are healthy, friendly, gentle and full of love! While our dogs are mainly loving companions, they do come from hunting stock. With proper training, they would make a great hunting partner. About Happy Lab Kennels Our love for dogs has been growing for over 30 years We both grew up with a family dog, and knew we would always have a dog or two when we were older. Well, our love for dogs have been growing for over 30 years, with never having just one. Our dogs are a big part of our family. We have them spend time with us indoors, as well as, outdoors. We have them sleep inside when the weather is cold and to take a break on those very hot days. In our dog journeys, we have taken our dogs to field trials and have been active members of a K-9 Search and Rescue Team. What is A Silver Labrador? Loving companions, with the outgoing, friendly personalities Silver Labrador Puppies for Sale NC Silver labs were first created by a breeder in the early 80s and were officially recognized as a subset of the chocolate lab breed by the AKC in .While some think the unusual color comes from outside the breed, these dogs are verified by the AKC as percent Labrador retriever. Male labs grow to an average of .Our silver labrador puppies are bred as loving companions, with the outgoing, friendly personalities that have long made labs one of the most popular family dogs. These rare purebred, pedigreed pups are registered with the American Kennel Club. The Silver Labradors are registered as chocolates. Like other lab variations, silver labradors need lots of exercise. Get ready to play endless games of catch and take long walks around your neighborhood, where your pet is sure to make friends with other dogs and humans alike. These dogs respond well to training and easily adapt to new environments. They also tend to be great with children, although younger labs can be quite boisterous and may be excitable around those younger than 5. Our Other Labrador Retriever Colors Silver, chocolate, yellow, and black Labradors available for sale Black Labrador Puppies Black labs are sometimes considered the original Labrador puppies, brought to Newfoundland in the s. Because black is the dominant color gene for these dogs, they are more common than yellow, silver and chocolate labs. We offer an impressive selection of purebred chocolate labrador puppies for sale. This chocolate color comes from a gene variation on the classic black lab. Their golden hue occurs when both parents carry the gene for yellow fur rather than the dominant gene for black. Our love for dogs have been growing for over 30 years, with never having just one. Labrador Litters. How the dilute gene works Labrador coat color is controlled by a set of genes. You can read about the way B genes and E genes influence coat color in this article on Labrador color inheritance. However, the silver color is controlled by a different gene, the D gene. The D gene acts as a type of switch. Some would like to see silver labradors banned In simple terms, genes come in pairs. Big D produces full strength coat color. Little d produces a dilute color. This means that a Labrador needs two copies of the dilute gene in order to have dilute fur. Only the third combination would produce a silver coat. Unless little d is paired with another little d, it will have no effect. In some breeds of dog, all individuals have two little d genes. Weimaraners, for example. And the recent appearance of the double little d gene in chocolate Labradors is what has enabled the silver Lab to appear on the scene. Where do silver Labs come from? Reports of silver Labradors seem to have first appeared in the United States in the s. Culo Silver Labs was one of the early kennels to produce this new silver color. You may be interested to read this report of an interview with the owner Dean Crist giving his account of the history of the silver Lab. Exactly how this new color came to be is a question that many people are asking, and arguing about. People want to know where silver Labradors came from and how they were created. In particular, they want to know how the double dd gene got into the purebred Labrador. How did the dilute gene get into Labradors? There are a number of options that can explain the appearance of a new gene in a purebred dog mixed breeding spontaneous mutation hidden genes The first and most obvious explanation is that at some point, an outcross occurred, between a Labrador and a breed of dog that carries the dilute gene. A Weimaraner for example 1 Mixed breeding Many people believe that the first silver Labs were crossbreeds. Not only is this theory plausible, there are clear motives for dog breeders to create a new color variation in an existing breed. I will let you be the judge, as there is no evidence at this time, one way or the other. However, it is interesting to note that Silver Labradors can be traced back to two breeders. An update to her original article, however, also notes that she previously claimed that Weimaraners were also bred in those same kennels, but found out that that fact was in doubt. Those in favor of the Weimaraner outcross theory often claim silvers have a houndy look about them. To be fair, this is true of many field-bred Labradors of any color. And most silver Labradors today look pretty much the same as any other Labrador Retriever — apart from the fact that they are silver. The cross-breeding theory has been a very popular one. But recently it has lost some credibility due to genetic testing of silver Labs which has failed to show a link to Weimaraners. This is another way that a rare or unusual characteristic can appear in a family of dogs that were previously unaffected by it. Partly because the other two explanations are both so plausible. For a mutation to be identical to a gene that already exists for an unusual coat color in another breed would be something of a coincidence. Many people feel that the spontaneous appearance of this dd dilution gene in the Labrador Retriever gene pool is, to say the least, unlikely. However, it cannot be entirely ruled out. This explanation for the appearance of the silver Labrador in the s is perhaps the most valid alternative to the cross breeding theory. We know that some genes are dominant over others. And can mask or hide them. We call the masked or hidden genes recessive. Many diseases are caused by recessive genes and only appear when the unfortunate individual inherits two copies Genes carrying rare diseases can remain hidden for decades, only to appear when closely related dogs are mated together. This happens more frequently when gene pools are small, as they are in our pedigree dog populations. Colors can be dominant or recessive too The B color gene that determines whether or not a Lab is basically black or brown, and favors black dogs. Brown is recessive and a Lab needs two copies of the little b brown gene to have a brown coat. Brown labradors only became common when breeders deliberately set about mating them to one another. Some people argue that the rare dilute gene has also been present in Labradors all along, and that it only appeared, as rare diseases sometimes do, when two closely related dogs were bred. The first Labradors were not registered by the AKC until .Before then there would have been regular outcrossing with other similar breeds. Including the Chesapeake Bay Retriever, a breed that does have the dilute gene. So it is entirely plausible that the little d gene passed from Chesapeakes into one or two Labs before the Labrador pedigree registers were closed and remained hidden in the breed only to reappear in the s when the demand for Chocolates was beginning to rise. Silver Lab temperament and training Whatever the origins of the silver Lab, the silver Labradors we see today are very much Labrador in both temperament and conformation. Training a silver Lab puppy is a huge amount of fun. It takes a little time and patience as Labs can be rather bitey when small and rather bouncy as they grow into teenagers. Silver Lab Poppy makes friends easily thanks to lots of positive experiences meeting all kinds of people. Photo credit — Alison Hanks. Life Span Did You Know? One of the facts about Labrador Retrievers is that they come in many colors. Silver Labrador Retrievers, or Silver Labs, are relatively new compared to the other Lab coat colors. Contrary to their Yellow, Chocolate, and Black Lab cousins, which have recorded sightings from and before, Silver Labs have only cropped up since .There was some heated debate over their authenticity, as many breeders believed the silver tint appeared from outside the breed. A diluting factor in coat color dominance traits is responsible for the silver hue — something that is also present in Charcoal and Champagne Labs as well. At any rate, Silver Labrador Retrievers are regal, loyal, and friendly Labradors that have a lot of energy and a lot of love to give! Silver Labs are curious and playful dogs. Their curiosity will often get the better of them and they may wander off in search of adventure if they are off-leash. Labrador Retrievers are known for their gentle, friendly dispositions and good natures. Well-socialized Labs tend to get along with children, other dogs, and even other pets and strangers. Because of this they make the ideal family dog and are one of the kid-friendly dog breeds. Despite being one of the most active dog breeds , Silver Labrador Retrievers are highly adaptable. They prefer bigger spaces to stretch their legs and explore. As one of the sturdy dog breeds for outdoor adventures , they will often take an outside adventure over an inside one any day. But, they will also just be happy to be spending time with you. They do well in most climates, but are sensitive to heat and extreme cold. Silver Labs are one of the most affectionate dog breeds. They are happiest when they are spending time with their favorite humans, so they do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. Potential health concerns to be aware of in a Silver Labrador Retriever can include elbow dysplasia , hip dysplasia, hereditary myopathy, heart disease, cataracts, and progressive retinal atrophy. A condition called exercise-induced collapse EIC has a genetic link and can occur in young adult Labradors. Good breeding practices and the health of the parents make a big difference in the health of Silver Lab puppies. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. Make sure you ask about the health and genetic history of both parents. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done. As a large, deep-chested dog breed, the Silver Labrador Retriever is at a higher risk for bloat. Silver Labs are one of the smartest dog breeds. They pick up on things quickly and are eager to please. Despite their energy and getting bored easily, they are still a great fit for dog owners of any experience level. Labrador Retrievers are considered one of the best dog breeds for first-time owners. Silver Labrador Retrievers have short, water-resistant fur in two layers. Because of this dense double coat that protects them from the cold, and being one of the dog breeds that tend to love water , they may try to go for a swim regardless of the season. They shed year-round and more heavily twice a year when seasons change. Plus, your Lab will love spending the time with you. Trimming their nails once or twice monthly keeps them from growing too long. Regularly checking ears and cleaning them as needed can help prevent ear infections. Proper dental care for dogs , like daily brushing and cleanings at the vet when needed, is important to prevent the tartar buildup that causes painful dental diseases later in life. Silver Labrador Retrievers need a lot of daily activity to be happy and healthy. Daily walks plus playtime, time to run, and other activities are usually enough for this dog. Although they are high-energy dogs, Silver Labs will tend to mellow out a little bit as they get older. Labrador Retrievers tend to have an extended puppyhood and maintain that puppy-like energy until they are around years old. Swimming is a great low-impact activity. Once your Lab puppy is cleared for more intense activity, you can try a lot of different activities with them. In addition to being one of the dog breeds that make the best service dogs , Labs are also athletic and versatile dogs that tend to be a good fit for a wide range of activities. Fully-grown Silver Labrador Retrievers usually stand inches tall and weigh pounds. Silver Labs generally live for years on average. Labrador Retrievers are one of the most popular dog breeds used as guide dogs, therapy dogs, and search and rescue dogs. They are also commonly found working as police or military dogs. They are even one of the best dog breeds for farms! Featured Silver Labrador Retriever Article. November 22, There is no denying that Labradors have long been one of the most popular dog breeds. In this guide, we are going to reveal everything you need to know about Silver Lab puppies. Just like traditional Labradors, these dogs are adored for their outgoing and friendly personalities. They are lovable, sociable, loyal, and energetic. The only real difference is their unique grayish-blue color, which is adorable, to say the least. For the price of or to apply for one of our silver labs contact us at the bottom of this page here. You may be wondering how we have ended up with Silver Labs, and why they are the perfect family companion. Another feature of a dilute dog is the color of the eyes and the nose. The dilute gene is something that you will find in a lot of different dog breeds. Nevertheless, it has only appeared in Labrador Retrievers quite recently. The dilute gene and coat color The American Kennel Club recognizes three different Labrador colors: chocolate, black, and yellow. You will notice that three colors are missing from the list: champagne, charcoal, and of course, silver. Just like silver is considered a diluted version of chocolate, champagne is a diluted version of yellow, and charcoal is a diluted version of black. The way the dilute gene works A set of genes controls the coat color a Labrador has. When it comes to the silver color, it is the D gene that is at play here, acting as a type of switch. This means that a Labrador is going to require two copies of the dilute gene to have dilute fur. This means that a silver coat can only be produced with the final combination. Unless one little d is paired with another little d, it is not going to have any impact. There are some dog breeds whereby all of the individuals will have two little d genes, with Weimaraners being a prime example. Where do we get Silver Labs from? In the United States, reports of Silver Labradors were first seen from around the s. One of the earliest kennels to produce Labs in this new silver color was Culo Silver Labs. Our Silver Labrador Romeo Precisely how this new color came to be is a question that a lot of people debate, with a number of different opinions on the subject. How did Labradors end up with the dilute gene? There are a number of different options that can explain the appearance of a new gene in a purebred dog. This includes the following: Hidden genes Spontaneous mutation Mixed breeding The first and most obvious explanation is that there was a cross between a Labrador and a breed of dog that carries the dilute gene at some point. The capacity of a rare gene to stay hidden for an extended time period is a phenomenon that the majority of scientists are aware of. The explanation for the appearance of the Silver Labrador in the s is arguably the most valid alternative to the theory of cross-breeding. We know that some genes are more dominant than others, and can hide or mask them. These are known as recessive genes. A lot of diseases happen as a consequence of recessive genes, and they only appear when the unfortunate individual inherits two copies. Rare diseases that are carried by genes can actually remain hidden for years and years and years, only to appear when dogs that are closely related end up mating together. This is something that happens more regularly when the gene pools are small, as is the case in pedigree dog populations. Colors can be recessive or dominant as well The B color gene is one that determines whether or not a Labrador is brown or black, with black dogs being favored. Brown is a recessive color, and a Labrador is going to require two copies of the little b brown gene in order to end up with a coat that is brown in color. Brown Labs only became popular when breeders intentionally set about mating them to each other. Some people believe that the rare dilute gene has been present in Labs all along and that it only appeared when two dogs that were closely related were bred — as some rare diseases end up doing. It was not until that the AKC registered the first Labs. This includes the Chesapeake Bay Retriever, which is a breed that does have the dilute gene. Spontaneous mutation Another theory to consider is spontaneous mutation. It is not uncommon for genes to mutate. This is another way that an unusual or rare characteristic can appear in a family of dogs that were not affected by it previously. This is a theory that is not overly popular for the appearance of the dilute gene in the Silver Lab. The reason for this partly comes down to the fact that hidden genes are such a plausible explanation. For a mutation to be identical to a gene that exists already for unusual coat color in a different breed would be a coincidence. A lot of people feel that the spontaneous appearance of the dd dilution gene in the Silver Labrador Retriever gene pool is, to say the least, unlikely. However, this is not something that we can rule out. Mixed breeding A lot of people believe that the first Silver Labrador were, in fact, crossbreeds. This is a theory that is plausible, and there are evident motivates for dog breeders wanting to create a new color variation of an existing breed. Motives can include the allure of creating something new and the financial gain, although they may not have realized that Silver Labradors would be so popular. A lot of people that believe mixed breeding is at play here believe that Labradors were mixed with Weimaraners, creating a cross. However, it is worth pointing out that this theory has lost a bit of credibility as of late because of the genetic testing of Silver Labrador, which has not shown any connection to Weimaraners. The appearance of a Silver Lab Of course, the stunning silver coat is the first thing that people tend to notice about a Silver Labrador. This smooth, double coat appears almost like it is velvet, and it tends to be a faded brown or a slate grey shade. Another one of the defining features is their straight otter tail, which enables the dog to move through the water safely. They are built for both water and land, and they have long, muscular legs, which are made to suit swimming and running. Colors The Silver Labrador can come in a number of different shades. Typically, it is a bluish-grey or slate, yet, faded brown is another possibility. The coat is incredibly smooth, and when you stroke a Silver Labrador, it feels a lot like plush velvet! Size Once a Silver Labrador has fully grown, the girls are going to be between 21 and 23 inches tall, and the boys are going to stand between 22 and 24 inches tall. The females are between 55 and 70 pounds while the males are between 65 and 80 pounds. Silver Labrador longevity and health Silver Labradors suffer from the same health problems that other purebred Labs can experience, including over-eating and a predisposition to joint issues. Two studies that have been carried out record the lifespan for a Labrador at between 11 and 12 years of age, and Labs also have a higher cancer rate when compared with other breeds, i. On the balance, though, Labradors are a breed that is well-constructed and healthy, free from some of the different disabilities that plague a lot of other purebred dogs. However, this is a possible medical issue linked with the coat color dilution gene that you need to be aware of. Color dilution alopecia The color dilution gene — the dd gene that we have been referring to that causes the beautiful silvery coat — is sometimes linked with coat issues. Particularly, it may be connected to a type of hair loss. It is not typically a condition that is life-threatening, but it also is not curable either. It can result in progressive hair loss in young dogs and could cause a recurrent infection in the hair follicles. Coat dilution does not always result in skin issues. Not all dogs that have the dd gene are going to have the faulty alopecia variant. And, you will find that the majority of Silver Labradors do not have alopecia. However, it is important to be aware of the fact that this can be an issue. To date we have not seen it in our bloodline. In a lot of respects, therefore, the health of a Silver Labrador is a lot like any other type of purebred Lab. Silver Lab training and temperament No matter the origin of the Silver Labrador, the Silver Labs we see today are very much Labrador in both conformation and temperament. Training a Silver Lab puppy can be a great deal of fun. Of course, it will take a little bit of patience and time, as Labs can be a bit nippy when they are small, and rather bouncy when they grow into their teens. So, you are going to need to make sure you have a little bit of time every day for training. As long as you are able to handle the high energy that your Silver Lab has, you should not have too much trouble. Aside from the need for mental stimulation and high activity level, the requirements that a Silver Labrador has are very basic, even kids can learn to care for one. Grooming, training, and feeding do not need to go far beyond the needs of other dogs to be happy and healthy. It is not going to take too long for your friendly Silver Labrador to fit right in. Health considerations Chocolate and Silver Labradors are more likely to suffer from skin diseases and ear infections when compared with other fur colors. This dirty water can remain in their ears, which can result in an infection. There are a number of different symptoms that can arise, including crust and itching around the ear, and darkening and redness of the ear canal. Of course, your vet will be able to advise you. With Silver Labradors, you also need to be on the lookout for painful skin lesions that are known as a hot spot. These sorts of lesions happen when a dog picks or licks a spot of the skin that is injured. Sunburn, insect bites, and regular injuries can all form hot spots. For problems like this, anti-inflammatory medication tends to clear up the issue, yet you may need to place a cone on your dog to prevent him or her from picking at it. Nutrition Another important factor to consider when it comes to Silver Labs is that their nutritional requirements are different at different points within their lives. Once your dog has grown fully, it is going to require between and 1, calories each day. In terms of what you feed them, any premium quality kibble is going to be suitable. Never feed raw pork or beef to a dog. Healthy fats are next on the list. The last thing should be carbs. It is important to make sure that all of the ingredients are derived from natural sources instead of artificial fillers. Expected growth for your Silver Lab It is important to know about the growth stages for your Silver Labrador. Your puppy should weigh between 10 and 22 pounds when they are seven to 12 weeks old. When your dog is between 12 weeks and six months, it should be around 40 pounds, which is half of its adult weight. Between six and nine months of age, your puppy should be around three-quarters of his or her way onto the adult size. Puppies when they are this age tend to weigh between 50 and 65 pounds. Finally, your dog is going to be their full weight once they reach one year of age. This is between 55 and 80 pounds. Grooming Despite the fact that a Silver Labrador has short fur, they are not deemed a breed with low shed. If you do bring a Silver Lab into your home, you should expect to see a few of their silver hairs on the carpet and the couch. The dog will shed throughout the year moderately, and you will need to brush it at least once per week. Throughout the spring months, your Silver Labrador will drop a lot more hair than usual. The same goes for the fall, as they prepare for their seasonal coat. If your dog is active, you are generally not going to need to cut its nails. Just be sure to check their nails every fortnight. Silver Labrador exercise The Silver Labrador is a breed that has a lot of energy and will spend most of the day on its feet. They will want to jump and run for most of their waking hours. This is why it is critical to make sure they have a minimum of one full hour of physical activity each day. A game of fetch in the pool with your Silver Labrador can be heaps of fun. They can also enjoy games of chase, and you can even play tag with your fluffy friend. We would rank their activity level as a four out of five, and your Silver Labrador will need to have at least 60 minutes of activity on a daily basis. Some helpful tips on buying Silver Labs If you are thinking about buying a Silver Lab, we have a number of different tips and snippets of information that can assist you with your purchase: Make sure that your property has sufficient space to accommodate a Silver Labrador, as this is a breed that is very active. If you do not have your own garden, you are going to need to take your dog to the park for at least an hour per day so that they can let out their energy. Even it means paying a little bit more, it is important to be sure that you receive the Canadian Kennel Club CKC certification for the puppy. You want to be certain that your puppy is what you expect, and that they have been cared for properly as a youngster. A Silver Labrador can be more costly when compared with other common colors, so it is imperative that you budget effectively. There is often a waiting list that you will have to get onto and wait for your puppy. Established breeders have a greater demand for their dogs because of the quality of puppy they breed. Final words on Silver Labs So there you have it: everything that you need to know about Silver Labradors and the characteristics associated with this breed of dog. We hope that this guide has helped you to get a better understanding of Silver Labs, and why they make such good pets. If you are looking for a friendly, lovable, and unique dog to bring into your family, a Silver Labrador Retriever is well worth considering. In the end, the color of coat of any dog should not make a difference unless you plan to show it. Remember, a silver lab is a chocolate lab with only 1 more copy of the dilute gene. How could this make them unsuitable as a pet? So, our suggestion is as it always has been. Love your dogs not based on a superficial quality such as color of coat, love them because they love you unconditionally and will serve you until their final breath. FAQ about Silver Labs We are going to finish by answering some of the most common questions we receive about Silver Labradors, so you can get a better understanding of this breed. Are Silver Labradors rare? In some countries, Silver Labs are rare, as this is deemed a relatively new color variation. This is partly to do with the fact that registering silver puppies is not widely permitted. Although these sorts of dogs are not considered rare, Silver Labs are more unusual when compared with the likes of Brown, Yellow, or Black Labradors. How big do Silver Labradors get? The recommended breed typical height for a labrador is up to 23 inches and a half for females and 24 inches and a half for males. Nevertheless, individuals can vary a couple of inches to either side of this. With regard to body weight, the variations can be even more diverse, and a lot of this is going to depend on which of the two groups the Silver Lab falls into, i. English or American. Female Labs tend to reach about 60lbs in weight. Male Labs will often reach approximately 70lbs in weight. However, there can be a difference of around 20lbs to either side of that. American Labrador Breds, which are used for retrieving and hunting, tend to be taller and slimmer, and so they are often lighter than the chunkier English type, which you would see in a show ring. Do Silver Labs make good family dogs? Yes, Silver Labs are known as excellent family dogs. Ideally, a Silver Labrador Retriever is going to be suitable to an outdoor-loving, active family, with children over the age of five years old. As Labradors can be bouncy dogs when they are young, a Silver Lab puppy is not always the best choice if you have toddlers in your household or anyone who is unsteady on their feet. However, a calmer, older Lab can be ideal if you have a household with younger children. Labradors, no matter their color, are incredibly sociable. They are happy when they are in a family environment whereby there are people at home for at least some of the day, if not most of it. How much do Silver Labs cost? You may be wondering how much it will cost for you to add an adorable Silver Labrador to your family. We always suggest to find the best quality puppy you can find, not the cheapest. An investment into the health of a well bred silver pup is something that will follow. For more on what a quality Lab puppy looks like visit this page. The rarity of this breed of Labrador has pushed the price up. If you were to go for a classic Black Labrador or a Yellow Lab, you would not need to pay as much. Of course, it is all about finding the perfect companion for your family.